There has been some recent confusion regarding hot water temperatures in federally certified nursing facilities. CMS released an initial draft of the critical element pathway (CEP) for Accidents that showed shower temperatures should be at 100 degrees; however, that specificity was removed from the final draft of the CEP that went into effect in April 2025. CMS does not require specific water temperatures for showers. Facilities may allow for resident preference as long as temperatures are maintained at safe levels to prevent burns and within the state regulation (19 CSR 30-85.012(97)) parameters of 105 degrees and 120 degrees.
Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services 