- THCA

Volume XXX, Number 8
August 2015

Proposed Changes to SNF/NF Medicare and Medicaid Requirements

CMS issued a proposed rule change for the SNF/NF Medicare and Medicaid Requirements for Participation on Monday July 13th 2015. The rule is very large in scope and contains both new requirements and some requirements that have already been issued by CMS via Survey & Certification memoranda. The formatted version of the NPRM proposing changes to the SNF Requirements for Participation is available in the Federal Register, with a deadline for comments submission of 5:00 pm on September 14, 2015.

On August 11, CMS is hosting a call for providers and stakeholders during which they will briefly walk through the many changes in the proposed rule.

The agenda for the call is:

Highlights of the proposed rule
Overarching themes of the proposed rule
Methods for reviewing and commenting on the proposed rule.

According to the announcement, a question and answer session will follow the presentation. Registration is required. CLICK HERE for additional information.

Section Reference of the Proposed Rule

Resident rights (§483.10)
Facility responsibilities (§483.11)
Freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation (§483.12)
Transitions of care (§483.15)
Resident assessments (§483.20)
Comprehensive resident-centered care plans (§483.21)
Quality of care and quality of life (§483.25)
Physician services (§483.30)
Nursing services (§483.35)
Behavioral health services (§483.40)
Pharmacy services (§483.45)
Laboratory, radiology, and other diagnostic services (§483.50)
Dental services (§483.55)
Food and nutrition services (§483.60)
Specialized rehabilitative services (§483.65)
Administration (§483.70)
Quality assurance and performance improvement (§483.75)
Infection control (§483.80)
Compliance and ethics program (§483.85)
Physical environment (§483.90)
Training requirements (§483.95)

Some of the proposed changes/requirements that stand out:

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs;
Baseline care plan for each resident within 48 hours of admission;
Compliance and ethics programs;
Discharge planning;
Facility assessment which aims to determine what resources are necessary to care for its residents competently during both day-to-day operations and emergencies; and
A more comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control Program including an Infection Prevention and Control Officer.
Comments on the use of arbitration agreements

All members are strongly encouraged to submit comments, given the impact these changes will have on nursing facilities. We need as many members to submit comments as possible to show the importance and concerns raised by CMS.

President’s Report

President’s Report

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Legislative Update

THCA to Recognize Legislative Champions

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Commitment to Care

Quarter 2 Commitment to Care Survey

August – C to C Quality Topic of the Month

THCA 2015 Awards & Scholarship Tool Kit

Maximize Free Resources to Improve Clinical Quality

Member Alert – ICD 10 is coming October 1st 2015

If you have any questions about the THCA C to C Initiative or would like to share your facilities successes please contact me at gbwilliams@txhca.org or call (512) 458-1257.

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State News

2013 NF Medicaid Cost Report Analysis

Starting August 1, All Medicaid Occupancy Reports Must Be Submitted Online

Dual-Eligibles Demonstration to Begin on August 1 for SNFs in Select Counties

Dual Demonstration Provider Information

Managed Care Training

Improper Principal Hospice Diagnosis Code No Longer Accepted by the LTC Online Portal When Submitting Form 3071

TMHP Schedules System Maintenance

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National News

Proposed Changes to SNF/NF Medicare and Medicaid Requirements

Medicare Care Choices Model

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Announcements & Recognitions

THCA’s 65th Annual
Convention and Trade Show

Attendee registration open, register now for early bird pricing

THCA 65-01

Official Convention Sponsor

2015 Texas Health Care Association Awards Program

Exhibitors Signed Up for Trade Show

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AHCA/NCAL 66th Annual
Convention & Expo
October 4-7, 2015
San Antonio, Texas
www.AHCAconvention.org

Our Great State of Texas is the host state for the AHCA/NCAL Annual Convention & Expo, October 4-7, 2015! Experience the National Conference right here in our home state!