Volume XXX, Number 3,
March 2015

Surveyor guideline from CMS on CPR certification

CMS issued a revised S&C 14-01-NF that includes information on CPR certification and Appendix PP draft guidance revisions at F155. The revisions included:

  • Revisions to Guidance to clarify a facility’s obligation to provide CPR.
  • CPR Certification – Staff must maintain current CPR certification for healthcare providers through CPR training that includes hands-on practice and in-person skills assessment. Online-only certification is not acceptable

The guidance states that “CPR certification that includes an online knowledge component, yet still requires an in-person demonstration and skills assessment to obtain certification or recertification, is acceptable.”   Nursing facilities can contact local EMS, Fire Department, Acute Care Partners, Ambulance Companies, American Heart Association, or American Red Cross to locate an instructor with AED knowledge to complete the staff skills validation.  The trainer completing the skills validation must be a certified CPR instructor. 

Reminder: DADS will be implementing AED requirements that there be at least one person on each shift that is CPR certified and everybody on the shift must know the CPR certified person(s) on their shift.

The new guidance to surveyors can be found by CLICKING HERE. 

THCA has requested information from DADS on how this new requirement will be implemented and will keep you informed.

To assist you in complying with DADS requirement to notify EMS providers of the AED placement in your building, THCA has included in this edition of Notes, a notification template for your use.

(CLICK HERE for word .doc version of template)

(CLICK HERE for .pdf version of template)

Also, in light of the new surveyor guidelines for Automatic External Defibrillators (AEDs) and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification, now is an ideal time to review procedures and checklists addressing CPR and associated emergencies.  A list of issues and items to consider is listed below.

  • Do you have a system in place to readily identify code status (Full Code, or Do Not Resuscitate (DNR)) on all of your patients and residents?
  • Is it quickly accessible to all staff in the event of an emergency?
  • Is your emergency cart accessible and do all of your staff know where it is located?
  • Is the emergency cart checked regularly to ensure all contents are intact and all equipment is set up and ready for immediate use?
  • If there are electrically powered items such as suction machines on the cart, is there adequate cord length to reach an electrical receptacle from a remote location (e.g., middle of dining room)?
  • Is there an ambu bag on top of cart?
  • Is there a backboard on the cart?
  • Consider performing “mock (practice)” codes to review proper procedures and techniques and enhance the confidence of your staff.
  • Do you have additional supplies to handle multiple codes until you order and receive more supplies?
  • If you had a code during loss of power do you have a long enough cord to reach a red plug?

Remember, as your population changes and post-acute services continue to grow, so does the general expectation that emergency services are readily available.  Advance preparation is key to quality service and improved outcomes.

President’s Report

Legislative Update

State News

Federal News

THCA Membership Contribution

Announcements & Recognitions

THCAPAC

Region News

Education

If you have suggestions for education sessions or questions about THCA education, please contact Sue Wilson at the THCA office swilson@txhca.org.

Calendar