| CMS Releases Revised Guidance for Federal Monitoring Surveys | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CMS-Releases-Revised-Guidance-for-Federal-Monitoring-Surveys-.aspx | CMS Releases Revised Guidance for Federal Monitoring Surveys | | | | | 1/21/2025 5:00:00 AM | | <span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">On January 17, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a revised </span><a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/admin-info-25-06-nh.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Admin Memo: 25-06-NH</span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink"> </span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">related to guidance for Federal Monitoring Surveys (FMS). According to the memo, FMS are performed each fiscal year to validate the State Survey Agency’s performance. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 FMS memo, CMS notes FMS will only consist of Resource and Support Surveys (FSS) and Health Comparatives. CMS will not conduct any Focused Concern Surveys (FCS) in FY 2025. In addition, CMS reports RSS will be conducted throughout the year. Previously, they were conducted in the first six months of the year. </span><span data-ccp-props="{}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">CMS also notes that a Health Comparative survey may now follow a standard or complaint survey. Previously they only followed standard surveys. These surveys should be conducted within 60 calendar days of the State Agency’s survey exit.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">CMS did add a type of Emergency Preparedness (EP) and Life Safety Code (LSC) FMS. Previously there were four types, and now there are five. The types of EP/LSC FMS include the following:</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><ol role="list" start="1"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">An EP/LSC Resource and Support Survey</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="2"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">An EP/LSC Comparative</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="3"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">An EP/LSC Revisit Resource and Support Survey</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="4"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">An EP/LSC Revisit Comparative</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><ol role="list" start="5"><li data-leveltext="%1." data-listid="1" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":0,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769242":[65533,0],"469777803":"left","469777804":"%1.","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">NEW: An EP/LSC Desk Audit</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></li></ol></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">CMS Reports that the new type of survey, the EP/LSC Desk Audit, is a desk review conducted by a Federal Surveyor after the State Agency has conducted the facility’s recertification survey. The purpose is to monitor the State Agency’s performance.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">Please send any questions to </span><a href="mailto:regulatory@ahca.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">regulatory@ahca.org</span></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">.</span><span data-ccp-props="{}"> </span></div> | CMS released a revised Admin Memo: 25-06-NH related to guidance for Federal Monitoring Surveys | |
| Public Health Emergency Waivers for Providers Impacted by California Wildfires | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Public-Health-Emergency-Waivers-for-Providers-Impacted-by-California-Wildfires-.aspx | Public Health Emergency Waivers for Providers Impacted by California Wildfires | | | | | 1/15/2025 5:00:00 AM | | <span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary has used Public Health Service Act authorities to </span><a href="https://aspr.hhs.gov/legal/PHE/Pages/CA-Wildfires-Jan2025.aspx" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">declare</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> a public health emergency (PHE) as a result of the consequences of wildfires and straight-line winds on the State of California on January 10. This declaration gives the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) the ability to issue regulatory flexibilities and waivers under Sections 1135 and 1812(f) of the Social Security Act to support providers and beneficiaries in the State of California. These flexibilities and waivers are effective retrospectively since January 7, 2025 and are listed in the CMS </span><a href="https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/what-we-do/emergency-response/current-emergencies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="font-size:11pt;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Current Emergencies</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;"> webpage. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"><br></span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Key </span><a href="https://edit.cms.gov/files/document/2025-southern-ca-wildfires-waiver-list-01-12-25.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">blanket </span><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">waivers</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> impacting AHCA/NCAL members and their residents in the impacted areas that do not require an individual waiver request by the provider include:</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"><br></span></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Reporting Minimum Data Set (MDS)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Waive Pre-Admission Screening and Annual Resident Review (PASARR)</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">3-Day Prior Hospitalization</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Physician Visits in Skilled Nursing Facilities/Nursing Facilities</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Physical Environment</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><ul role="list"><li data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="2" data-list-defn-props="{"335552541":1,"335559685":720,"335559991":360,"469769226":"Symbol","469769242":[8226],"469777803":"left","469777804":"","469777815":"hybridMultilevel"}" aria-setsize="-1" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1" role="listitem"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Staffing Flexibilities for ID/DD residences</span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></li></ul></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">If a provider needs flexibilities not listed on the blanket waivers document, the CMS </span><a href="https://www.cms.gov/about-cms/what-we-do/emergency-response/current-emergencies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><span data-ccp-charstyle="Hyperlink">Current Emergencies</span></span></a><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> webpage provides links to guide providers on how to apply.</span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">The waivers are effective for 90 days unless the HHS Secretary declares an extension of the local PHE. </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":240,"335559739":240,"335559740":240}"> </span></div> | The U.S. Department of HHS Secretary has used Public Health Service Act authorities to declare a public health emergency as a result of the consequences of wildfires and straight-line winds on the State of California on Jan 10. | |
| Disaster Response and Recovery – Collaborating Through Mutual Aid Plans | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Disaster-Response-and-Recovery-–-Collaborating-Through-Mutual-Aid-Plans-.aspx | Disaster Response and Recovery – Collaborating Through Mutual Aid Plans | | | | | 12/30/2024 5:00:00 AM | | <p></p><div>Long Term Care Mutual Aid Plans (MAP) are collaborative networks of providers that maintain voluntary agreements to support each other before, during, and after a disaster. These formalized partnerships can provide a facility needing assistance with various resources such as supplies, equipment, personnel, pharmaceuticals, transportation, or even evacuation destinations when a disaster overwhelms their community or exceeds the capability of their own internal emergency preparedness program. </div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">While MAPs are primarily made up of long </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">term care providers, they often include other collaborative partners, including various health care organizations, governmental organizations, and community groups.</span><span style="font-size:11pt;"> After natural catastrophes, such as hurricanes, MAPs can provide critical support, helping affected facilities to recover, reopen, and provide e</span><span style="font-size:11pt;">ssential care to their residents. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">The key to an effective MAP is establishing the partnership before disaster strikes. MAP groups can start small. In many cases, corporate entities are structured as a MAP, where facilities under the same ownership are positioned to support each other. However, more robust plans will include facilities from different entities. </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">Participants are typically linked by geography (e.g., a town, county or region), sometimes expanding to statewide or cross-state groups. </span><span style="font-size:11pt;">MAP plans, and the associated agreements to support each other work best when documented and formally agreed to by the participants. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">A natural path to develop a MAP is through an established Health Care Coalition. <a href="https://asprtracie.hhs.gov/hcc-resources" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">Health Care Coalitions</a> are increasingly tasked to include all levels of the health care continuum of care. A long term care subset of these coalition members can work to address disaster support, often serving as the incipient phase of MAP development. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">MAP agreements should clearly define roles, responsibilities, and expectations, including protocols for resource sharing, reimbursement, and liability. Comprehensive Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) should be developed and signed by all participating facilities. It is important that MAPs partner with local emergency management agencies and public health officials to ensure alignment with their disaster response plans and protocols. Effective MAPs will conduct regular training and exercises. Exercises are key to educating, testing, and ensuring the MAP’s effectiveness. Exercises should include, but not be limited to, scenarios that focus on both shelter in place and evacuation. </span></div><div><br></div><div><span style="font-size:11pt;">Collaborating with other providers through a MAP is an effective resource to complement your organization’s emergency preparedness program. Partnerships such as MAPs can mitigate the impact of a disaster, ensure continuity of operations, and support rapid recovery. Some AHCA/NCAL members participate in well-organized MAPs in various regions of the country. For more information on MAPs, email <a href="mailto:emergencyprep@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" target="_blank">emergencyprep@ahca.org</a> or reach out to your state affiliate.</span></div><p></p> | Long Term Care Mutual Aid Plans are collaborative networks of providers that maintain voluntary agreements to support each other before, during, and after a disaster. | |
| ACL Webinar on Addressing the Needs of Older Adults and People with Disabilities During Extreme Winter Weather | https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/ACL-Webinar-on-Addressing-the-Needs-of-Older-Adults-and-People-with-Disabilities-During-Extreme-Winter-Weather.aspx | ACL Webinar on Addressing the Needs of Older Adults and People with Disabilities During Extreme Winter Weather | | | | | 11/19/2024 5:00:00 AM | | <p><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US" style="font-size:11pt;">Join the Administration for Community Living (ACL) for a webinar on the significant impact of extreme winter weather on older adults and people with disabilities, and the need for inclusive preparedness, response, and recovery measures. The webinar will take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. ET.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}" style="font-size:11pt;"> </span></p><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">During this webinar, attendees will hear from an expert panel, including representatives from the disability and aging networks at the national, state, and regional levels. The discussion will highlight the importance of accessible resources, evacuation planning, and strategies to ensure that critical services are available and inclusive before, during, and after extreme winter events.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"></span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US">Extreme winter weather disproportionately impacts older adults and individuals with disabilities due to factors related to health, mobility, and access to resources. Chronic health conditions such as diabetes or thyroid problems, which affect the heart or blood flow, can impair the body’s ability to stay warm. Additionally, medications for common conditions may have the same effect.</span><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"> </span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"><br></span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color:#555555;background-color:#ffffff;"><strong>Register for the webinar </strong></span><a href="https://hhsgov.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_4tT4dPA7RO2TgFybA4A1mg#/registration" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener" data-feathr-click-track="true" data-feathr-link-aids="60b7cbf17788425491b2d083" style="background-color:#ffffff;"><span data-contrast="none" lang="EN-US"><strong>here</strong></span></a><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color:#555555;background-color:#ffffff;"><strong>.</strong></span><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US" style="color:#555555;background-color:#ffffff;"> </span><span data-ccp-props="{"201341983":0,"335559740":240}" style="color:#555555;background-color:#ffffff;"> </span><br></span></div><div><span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335557856":16777215,"335559738":0,"335559739":0,"335559740":240}"><span data-contrast="auto" lang="EN-US">A Q&A session will follow the panelists' presentations.</span> </span></div> | Join the ACL for a webinar on the significant impact of extreme winter weather on older adults and people with disabilities | |