Providers could be headed for more challenging experiences with surveyors.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently pledged to make state survey agencies more accountable. Changes don’t figure to make things easier on caregivers.
CMS announced several updates to the State Performance Standards System (SPSS), hoping to “protect and improve” nursing home resident safety.
Some aspects of the proposal “appear to ensure greater accuracy and timeliness,” allowed Ruth Katz, Leading-Age’s senior vice president of policy, after the late-October unveiling.
But she also had concerns that the initiative might result in “an even more punitive approach to surveys.”
“Timely and accurate surveys are in everyone’s best interest,” Katz said. “This memo, though, seems to suggest that CMS and survey agencies aren’t sure of their ability to accurately assess abuse. So, we want to be sure that the terms of this memo will lead to the quality of care we all want.”
Changes to the system include: increased monitoring and system flexibility; additional state performance indicators, which will be reviewed quarterly; additional oversight on the handling of Immediate Jeopardy situations; and increased SSA access to CMS data.
CMS’ move is part of its ongoing five-part plan to strengthen oversight in nursing homes.
“By holding inspectors accountable for conducting timely and consistent inspections, we’re holding nursing homes accountable for providing safe, high-quality care — helping ensure safe nursing home environments,” Administrator Seema Verma said.
From the December 2019 Issue of McKnight's Long-Term Care News
