CMS Updates State Operations Manual Guidance to Surveyors

CMS issued Transmittal #127, which is a revision to Appendix PP, Guidance to Surveyors, of the State Operations Manual (SOM). The information is not new, but represents revised guidance that was contained in a number of previously issued CMS S&C letters. While many of the F-Tags contain only minor revisions, particular note should be taken of revisions to F-309. The revisions in this F-Tag are substantial and address issues related to behavior and the care of residents with dementia including cause identification of the behavior and care planning, and the development of individualized approaches to address the behavior.  Following a recently completed pilot project, CMS indicated that it intends to conduct a number of dementia focused surveys that will look at how facilities train staff and care for residents with dementia. It is likely that this guidance in F-309 and the scope and severity determinations contained in the F-Tag will be relied on extensively.

Contact: Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8832