Q:
How long does CMS’ Abuse Icon remain on Care Compare?
A:
Criteria that identify a facility of non-compliance related to abuse, and placement of the Abuse Icon on Care Compare includes:
- Harm-level abuse citation in the most recent survey cycle: Facilities cited for abuse where residents were found to be harmed (Scope/Severity of G or higher) on:
- the most recent standard survey, or
- on a complaint or focused infection control survey within the past 12 months.
- Repeat abuse citations: Facilities cited for abuse where residents were found to be potentially harmed (Scope/Severity of D or higher) on:
- the most recent standard survey or
- on a complaint or focused infection control survey within the past 12 months, and
- on the previous (i.e., second most recent) standard survey or
- on a complaint survey in the prior 12 months (i.e., from 13 to 24 months ago).
- Harm-level abuse citation in the most recent survey cycle: Facilities cited for abuse where residents were found to be harmed (Scope/Severity of G or higher) on:
The abuse icon (and the cap on the health inspection rating) will be removed as of the first monthly website refresh following when a nursing home no longer meets the abuse icon criteria.
In simple terms, if the citation was issued during a standard survey, the abuse icon will be removed after the next standard survey if criteria for removal is met. If the citation was issued during a complaint or infection control survey, it will be removed after 12 months of no further abuse citations.
The abuse icon was implemented prior to the COVID pandemic. Unfortunately for some of the facilities that were cited for abuse prior to the pandemic, they have not had another standard survey.
Top 5 States with Overdue Surveys (greater than 48 months):
- Kentucky 55.5%
- Maryland 51.1%
- Idaho 47.5%
- Alabama 23.6%
- Tennessee 15.6%
Join Proactive March 12, 2024 for the session Immediate Jeopardy Risk: Abuse & Neglect which will focus on real-life examples of abuse related IJ citations and actionable solutions to prevent similar deficiencies in your facility
Resources:
Angie Hamer, RN, RAC-CT
Clinical Consultant
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