CMS has released updates to the State Operations Manual that impact complaint procedures and nursing home survey and enforcement processes. The updates are said to be consistent with existing policies previously released through QSO memos and represent no new changes to current policies.

Effective for the NHSN reporting period that began on Dec. 29, 2025, individuals aged 65 years and older are considered “up to date” with COVID vaccination if they have received two doses of the 2025-2026 vaccine or at least one dose in the past six months. Individuals under the age of 65 are considered up to date if they have received one dose of the 2025-2026 vaccine.

Proposes allowing LPNs to join RNs in completing initial assessments for utilization of PCS and CDPAS.

Telehealth flexibilities and Hospital-at-Home provisions are extended.

Updates include new recommendations for State Survey Agencies to consider the prevalence of falls when selecting a nursing home from the SFF candidate list and clarification that standard health inspections will be completed in SFFs at least once every six months (no less than twice annually), while Life Safety Code and Emergency Preparedness surveys will be conducted at least annually. In addition, selection for the SFF candidate list will now be based on the past two standard health inspections rather than the past three standard surveys.

DFS is providing reminders and resources on Part 500 Cybersecurity Regulation compliance and has issued an Industry Letter in response to phishing emails that falsely appear to come from its personnel.