We examine how the federal shutdown disrupts nursing home oversight, why CMS triaged surveys to emergencies, and the risks created by fewer inspectors and furloughed staff. We share steps facilities can take to protect residents, drawing lesson...

We examine how CMS F841 and new OIG oversight raise expectations for nursing home medical directors, demanding visible engagement, better policies, and data-informed leadership. We share field lessons on antipsychotics, facility assessment, and...

Accurate MDS completion has become a regulatory lightning rod as the OIG and CMS intensify their scrutiny of long-term care documentation. This shift isn't merely procedural—it signals a comprehensive effort to identify potential fraud and ensu...

OIG 2023-2024 Compliance Guidance for Long Term Care Facilities is summarized to highlight importance of a compliance committee and the responsibility to assist the chief compliance officer to develop a robust facility risk assessment. From tha...

In this episode, I will discuss the OIG November 2023 Compliance Officer Roles and Responsibilities guidance. The compliance officer has a responsibility to develop policies and procedures, conduct risk assessments, provide education and traini...

In this podcast episode, the host discusses the 2023 and 2024 updates to OIG's compliance program guidance (CPGs). These updates include a move to publishing the CPGs on the OIG website and the addition of a section on quality and patient safet...

 Skilled nursing facilities are facing changes in CMS survey guidance regarding unnecessary use of psychotropic medications. CMS is closely monitoring the use of these medications, which can be considered chemical restraints, and is asking...

SummaryThe CMS has released updated guidance on the long-term care survey process, focusing on accuracy of the MDS, medical director responsibilities, psychotropic medications and chemical restraints. In addition, the CMS issued clarific...