15-31: Focused Dementia Care Survey Pilot (NH – 3/27/15)
Attached to this memo is a final report that outlines the basis for the Focused Dementia Care Survey Pilot, the process utilized, conclusions gathered based upon post-pilot data analysis, as well as next steps for the future. The CMS plans to expand upon the work of the focused survey pilot and has invited States to conduct such surveys in FY2015 on a voluntary basis. The expansion project will involve a more intensive, targeted effort to improve surveyor effectiveness in citing poor dementia care and the overutilization of antipsychotic medications, and broaden the opportunities for quality improvement among providers. Deficient practices noted during the surveys will result in relevant citations. In the event that additional care concerns are identified during on-site reviews, those concerns will be investigated during the survey or will be referred to the SA as a complaint for further review. The memo is attached here and one attachment is attached here.
15-34: Grant Award: Reinvestment of Federal Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds to Benefit Nursing Home Residents (NH – 4/3/15)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) invited proposals for a grant opportunity to utilize Federal CMP Funds for the support and further expansion of the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes. The Eden Alternative, Inc. was deemed to be the most eligible applicant and has been awarded a grant, in the amount of $293,129.00, for their project entitled, “Creating a Culture of Person-Directed Dementia Care.” The memo is attached here.
15-35: Implementation of Section 6106 of the Affordable Care Act – Collection of Staffing Data for Long Term Care Facilities (NH – 4/10/15)
In this memorandum, CMS notified States of the posting of technical specifications and related information for the electronic submission of staffing information based on payroll data. This information is posted at: www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Staffing-Data-Submission-PBJ.html. The memo is here.