CMS has issued a new S&C memo regarding their new proposed rule to implement requirements regarding the submission of staffing data based on payroll and other verifiable and auditable data. Specifically, long-term care facilities would be required to submit to CMS direct care staffing information including: the category of work for each individual that performs direct care (including, but not limited to, whether the individual is a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, licensed vocational nurse, certified nursing assistant, therapist, or other type of medical personnel specified by CMS); resident and census data; and information on staff turnover and tenure. Long-term care facilities would also be required to specify whether the individual is an employee of the facility, or engaged by the facility under contract or through an agency. Staffing data would be submitted to CMS no less frequently than quarterly.
The proposed rule “FY 2016 SNF PPS for Staffing Data Collection in Long-Term Care Facilities” was published on April 20, 2015. The document can be found at www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2015-04-20/pdf/2015-08944.pdf.
The public has until 5 p.m. on June 19, 2015 to comment on the proposed regulatory document.
Contact: Questions regarding this memorandum should be addressed to NHStaffing@cms.hhs.gov.
Please see the complete memo attached or visit www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/Policy-and-Memos-to-States-and-Regions-Items/Survey-and-Cert-Letter-15-37.html?DLPage=4&DLEntries=10&DLSort=3&DLSortDir=descending.