As part of the Requirements of Participation (RoP) Phase 3, nursing centers must have a Compliance and Ethics Program that meets specified requirements. Starting November 28, 2019, CMS and state survey agencies will be authorized to issue survey deficiencies under federal Ftag F895 to centers that do not have an effective compliance program.

In a random audit conducted by AHCA of LTC Surveys throughout the United States there were several common areas being cited under F812 (Food safety requirements for food procurement, storage, preparation, distribution and service in accordance with professional standards.) A series of three videos has been developed to provide an overview of these areas along with “Best Practice” resources to assist providers in regulatory compliance and overall safe food practices.

AHCA’s recommends a slow deliberate pace as trainees move through both the coder and non-coder versions. To aid with placing the ICD-10 content on perspective, we recommend watching the following pre-recorded webinars: PDPM Basics; and Walk-Through of CMS’ ICD-10 Mapping Tool

It is critical to address and mitigate adverse events and potential adverse events. An action plan, otherwise known as a mitigation plan, is a necessary response to adverse events and potential adverse events. For many such events, it is important to respond and start the mitigation process immediately. These tools were initially developed by members of AHCA’s Survey/Regulatory Committee and adapted for assisted living communities to assist providers in addressing adverse events and potential adverse events, documenting and tracking the steps they have taken, and identifying best practices for ongoing improvement. Communities may use different titles or terms than the action plans, such as Director of Health Services instead of Director of Nursing, or service plan instead of care plan. Please adapt the plans to reflect your AL community. Use of these tools does not guarantee regulatory compliance nor mitigate potential liability. Providers should adapt their tools, policies, and processes as needed to ensure compliance with current federal and state requirements and use both professional judgement and the advice of legal counsel in determining whether or how to share these mitigation tools.

It is critical for nursing centers and assisted living communities to address and mitigate adverse events and potential adverse events. An action plan, otherwise known as a mitigation plan, is a necessary response to adverse events and potential adverse events. For many such events, it is important to respond and start the mitigation process immediately. These tools were developed by members of AHCA’s Survey/Regulatory Committee. Use of these tools does not guarantee regulatory compliance; nursing centers should adapt as needed to ensure compliance with current federal and state requirements. They are not intended as legal advice and should not be used or relied upon as legal advice.