CMS Removes Focused Infection Control Surveys from Routine LTC Oversight
(Aug. 4, 2025) On July 30th, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released memorandum QSO-25-23-ALL, announcing the removal of Focused Infection Control (FIC) surveys from the standard long-term care (LTC) survey process. These specialized surveys were originally introduced during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) to strengthen infection prevention protocols across LTC facilities.
Although the PHE officially ended in May 2023, CMS continued FIC surveys on a reduced scale. With the latest guidance, CMS confirms that infection control issues – including those related to COVID-19 – will now be addressed through the complaint survey process rather than as part of routine oversight.
This change reflects a broader transition back to traditional survey methods while preserving the ability to investigate infection control concerns through targeted complaint-driven reviews.
Contact: Carrie Mosley, cmosley@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8383 ext. 147