CMS Revises SFF Selection Focus: Falls Data Takes Center Stage
CMS announced an update to the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program, with a targeted shift in how facilities are selected and monitored.
What’s Changed
- Greater Emphasis on Resident Falls
CMS is revising the SFF selection focus to emphasize a facility’s prevalence of resident falls. In addition to traditional health inspection scores, State Survey Agencies (SAs) may now consider facility-level falls data when selecting new SFFs. When comparing facilities with similar compliance histories, CMS recommends selecting the facility with the higher prevalence of falls. This change builds on findings from the Office of Inspector General, which highlighted both the seriousness of resident falls and the need for stronger fall prevention and reporting practices in nursing homes.
- Falls Data Source
SAs will reference falls information from the monthly SFF candidate list. Facilities can view their own falls data in iQIES, using the MDS 3.0 Facility-Level Quality Measure (QM) Report under the Quality Measure report category.
- Strengthened Oversight
Oversight of SFF facilities will be further strengthened by reducing survey predictability. In addition, Life Safety Code (LSC) and Emergency Preparedness (EP) surveys will continue to be conducted at least annually, or more frequently as determined by the State or CMS.
These updates build upon CMS’s October 2022 SFF program changes, which reduced program duration, expanded participation, escalated enforcement actions (including termination for persistent noncompliance), implemented three-year post-graduation monitoring, and incorporated staffing data into facility selection.
Falls prevention and accurate falls data reporting are now even more critical. Facilities should closely monitor their falls metrics, ensure documentation accuracy, and proactively address fall risks to reduce regulatory exposure under the revised SFF selection process.
Next Steps:
- Contact Proactive for comprehensive falls program risk assessment, expert program enhancement support, and customized training solutions
- Schedule your 2026 mock survey
- Access falls training and resources as a member of the Proactive Solutions Center and access same day Proactive Consultant virtual support
- Check out on-demand education on falls program related topics Falls & Accidents Immediate Jeopardy Risk and Survey Smart: F689-Free of Accident Hazards
Source: revised QSO memo
Written By:
Shelly Maffia, MSN, MBA, RN, LNHA, QCP, CHC, CPC, CLNC
Director of Regulatory Services
Proactive LTC Consulting
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