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Ask Proactive – What are the most common reasons for the citing of F761 – Storage of Drugs and Biologicals?
Q: What are the most common reasons for the citing of F761 – Storage of Drugs and Biologicals? A: In Appendix PP the regulatory guidance for F761 is as follows: §483.45(g) Labeling of Drugs and Biologicals Drugs and biologicals used in the facility must be...
Documentation To Support Transfer or Discharge for F622 & F623 Compliance
Documentation To Support Transfer or Discharge for F622 & F623 Compliance The decision to transfer or discharge a resident from the nursing facility is not to be taken lightly. Recent updates to Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual are a reminder to...
Home Health News: EMR Set-up Negatively Impacting Your HHA’s Cashflow?
EMR Set-up Negatively Impacting Your HHA’s Cashflow? A properly implemented EMR system significantly streamlines and improves home health billing. By automating data capture, reducing manual input, and enhancing data accuracy, an effective EMR promotes fewer...
Home Health News: Home Health Infection Control Program Essentials
Home Health Infection Control Program Essentials As part of the home health conditions of participation home health agencies must have a robust infection control program aimed at preventing and controlling infections and communicable diseases. § 484.70...
Fresh Take on Medical Director Oversight in LTC: F841 Compliance & Schizophrenia Diagnosis Standards
Fresh Take on Medical Director Oversight in LTC: F841 Compliance & Schizophrenia Diagnosis Standards Recent updates to the Appendix PP guidance for F841, along with heightened focus on accurate schizophrenia diagnoses, place renewed emphasis on the medical...
Ask Proactive – What are the necessary components of a hospice services agreement?
Q: What are the necessary components of a hospice services agreement? A: The following provisions are required: Ensuring that the hospice services meet professional standards and principles that apply to individuals providing services in the facility, and to...
Is Your SNF’s Behavioral Health Program Hitting the Mark?
Is Your SNF’s Behavioral Health Program Hitting the Mark? When it comes to running a great behavioral health program in your facility, there’s a lot to keep track of, including resident needs, staff training, documentation, compliance… the list goes on. That’s...
Ask Proactive – What are the necessary components of a hospice services agreement?
Q: What are the necessary components of a hospice services agreement? A: The following provisions are required: Ensuring that the hospice services meet professional standards and principles that apply to individuals providing services in the facility, and to...
Home Health News: Preliminary April 2025 Interim Performance Reports (IPRs) are Available on iQIES
Preliminary April 2025 Interim Performance Reports (IPRs) are Available on iQIES The Preliminary April 2025 IPRs for the expanded HHVBP Model have been published on the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). The quarterly IPRs provide home...
Ask Proactive – Is the nursing home required to have Compliance and Ethics Program meetings with a certain frequency?
Q: Is the nursing home required to have Compliance and Ethics Program meetings with a certain frequency? A: While there is no requirement related to a specific meeting frequency at 483.85, the General Compliance Program Guidance states that “The Compliance...
LTC Smoking/Vaping Safety 101
LTC Smoking/Vaping Safety 101 As the use of tobacco and vaping products continues to evolve, nursing homes must address the unique challenges these habits pose to resident safety, health outcomes, and regulatory compliance. Whether accommodating individuals who...
Ask Proactive – Q: What are some scenarios in which an IDR (Informal Dispute Resolution) might be requested?
Q: What are some scenarios in which an IDR (Informal Dispute Resolution) might be requested? A: The IDR process gives nursing facilities one informal opportunity to dispute cited deficiencies after any survey of Federal requirements for participation. The...
Fixing Broken Facilities – Case Studies in QAPI
Fixing Broken Facilities – Case Studies in QAPI Strong Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs lead long term care facilities to positive outcomes. QAPI also helps to foster an engaged culture due to its emphasis on improving systems to affect...
Safeguarding Residents: F880 Infection Prevention and Control
Safeguarding Residents: F880 Infection Prevention and Control F880 Infection prevention and control is the most frequently cited deficiency for surveys conducted during FY2025, with over 3,000 violations according to Casper data. When assessing compliance with...
Ask Proactive – Q: Are wounds not otherwise classified on the MDS supposed to be coded at M1040D. Open lesion(s) other than ulcers, rashes, cuts?
Q: Are wounds not otherwise classified on the MDS supposed to be coded at M1040D. Open lesion(s) other than ulcers, rashes, cuts? A: Accurate coding of skin conditions on the MDS must begin with determining the underlying cause (etiology) of the skin issue....