CMS posted a revision to memo QSO-20-31-All that updated the criteria a facility may meet that could trigger a focused infection control survey. This is important in light of the 5-Star user’s Guide posted today which is addressed below. Among the changes, CMS added, “criteria requiring states to conduct focused infection control surveys due to the increased availability of resources for the testing of residents and staff and factors related to the quality of care.” These new criteria are considered, “other factors that may place residents’ health and safety at risk.

• Multiple weeks with new COVID-19 cases;
• Low staffing;
• Selection as a Special Focus Facility per Section 1819(f)(8)(B) of the Social Security Act;
• Concerns related to conducting outbreak testing per CMS requirements; or
• Allegations or complaints which pose a risk for harm or Immediate Jeopardy to the health or safety of residents which are related to certain areas, such as abuse or quality of care (e.g., pressure ulcers, weight loss, depression, decline in functioning).

For the CMS QSO-20-31-all click here:

//www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-31-all-revised.pdf