Although the initiative is targeted at health care providers generally, nursing homes are urged to ensure that they are following regulatory requirements and best practices. LeadingAge National has made available resources for members.

Late submissions will result in Medicare reimbursement reductions.

CMS reaffirmed that while the agency establishes federal standards for nurse aide training and competency evaluation, states retain authority to approve, deny, or disallow NATCEPs and CEPs.

CMS has issued an updated Five-Star Technical Users’ Guide with revisions to the Long-Stay Antipsychotic Medication measure calculation, in response to the discovery that not all residents with a history of schizophrenia were excluded.

If finalized, SNFs would no longer be required to report staff COVID‑19 vaccination status through NHSN, and the COVID‑19 vaccination item would be removed from the MDS beginning in FY 2027.

Clarifications supplement updates previously made to the State Operations Manual earlier this year.

The release is in response to the clarification made to the Long-Stay Antipsychotic measure in Chapter 1, Section 6.

Nursing homes should ensure data accuracy and timely submission by reviewing staffing records, confirming vaccination documentation, and coordinating with infection prevention and quality teams well in advance of the May 15^th deadline.