Survey-Ready, Every Day: A Playbook for SNF Administrators & DONs
Insights from: Lisa Thomson, BA, LNHA, HSE, CIMT, Chief Operating Officer, Pathway Health There’s nothing better than the quiet confidence a team feels when surveyors arrive. That confidence isn’t accidental—it’s built through clear habits, simple tools, and steady coaching. From my seat as a leader, survey readiness is less about “gearing up” and more about...
Admission, Transfer, Discharge changes Effective April 28, 2025 (F Tag impacted: F 620 – Admission Agreement)
Today, we’re exploring important updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will significantly impact nursing home operations. CMS has issued revisions to the Long-Term Care (LTC) surveyor guidance, detailed in memorandum QSO-25-14-NH, effective April 28, 2025. Among these updates, the changes to admission, transfer, and discharge processes are particularly noteworthy. Let’s...
Understanding the QSO-25-24-NH Update: Enhancing Professional Standards and Medical Director Responsibilities
Impacted F Tags: F641 Accuracy of Assessments, F658 Services Provided Meet Professional Standards, F841 Responsibilities of Medical Director, F642 Coordination/Certification of Assessment as REMOVEDToday, we delve into the latest update from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that significantly impacts nursing home operations. The QSO-25-24-NH memorandum introduces important instructions for investigating adherence to...
Understanding the CMS Updates to QAPI/QAA Improvement Activities: Incorporating Health Equity Concerns
Today, we explore the recent updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that significantly impact Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) and Quality Assessment and Assurance (QAA) activities in nursing homes. The latest CMS memos have incorporated health equity concerns into QAPI program priorities, aiming to ensure that all residents receive equitable...
Impacted F-tags: F605 Right to Be Free from Chemical Restraints, F757 Drug Regimen is Free from Unnecessary Drugs, F841 Responsibilities of Medical Director, F758 Free from Unnecessary and Psychotropic Medications / PRN Use (was removed)
Today, we’re discussing important updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will significantly impact nursing home operations. CMS has issued revisions to the Long-Term Care (LTC) surveyor guidance, detailed in memorandum QSO-25-14-NH, effective April 28, 2025. Among these updates, the changes related to chemical restraints and unnecessary psychotropic medication are particularly...
Admission, Transfer, Discharge Changes Effective April 28, 2025. F 620 – Admission Agreement
Today, we’re exploring important updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that will significantly impact nursing home operations. CMS has issued revisions to the Long-Term Care (LTC) surveyor guidance, detailed in memorandum QSO-25-14-NH, effective April 28, 2025 [1] [2]. Among these updates, the changes to admission, transfer, and discharge processes are particularly...
Changes to Accuracy/Coordination/Certification of Assessments in CMS’s Latest Revisions (QSO-25-14-NH)
Impacted F Tags: F641 Accuracy of Assessments, F658 Services Provided Meet Professional Standards, F 841 Responsibilities of Medical Director, F 642 Coordination/Certification of Assessment (REMOVED)Today, we’re diving into some impactful updates from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) that are set to transform the landscape of nursing home care. CMS has rolled out...
PATHTalks: Preparing for the Appendix PP Changes Effective 4/28/2025
The upcoming round of updates to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) State Operations Manual includes significant revisions such as Updated QSO, Effective Date, Advanced Copy, F-Tag consolidation, Updates to IG, Updates to Critical Element Pathways, and Survey Tool Updates. For long-term care leaders and team members, preparedness is key to ensure the successful...
Register Now: Webinar on Upcoming Regulatory Changes on Chemical Restraints and Psychotropic Medications
Join Pathway Health experts for a timely and insightful discussion on the upcoming regulatory changes on chemical restraints and psychotropic medications, which will be part of the April 28, 2025, Appendix PP changes.About the Session:The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated regulations and guidance concerning the unnecessary use of psychotropic medications (F758)...
Register for a Complimentary Webinar on Updated Appendix PP Changes Effective 3/24/2025
Join Pathway Health for our latest Leadership Series Session, “What Leaders Need to Know and Prepare: Updated Appendix PP Changes Effective 3/24/2025,” for an insightful discussion on the upcoming regulatory changes that will take effect in March.About the Session:Join our panel discussion reviewing the upcoming Appendix PP changes, which go into effect on March 24,...