PASRR Process Update

As of July 1, 2026, all “Change in Condition” (aka Resident Review) applications will follow the same process for submission as a “Change in Status”.

The Department of Mental Health (DMH) will no longer accept “Change in Condition” submissions directly. All requests must be submitted through the DHSS COMRU website (https://health.mo.gov/seniors/nursinghomes/) using the Level I/Level of Care online application. The option for submitting this application will be “Change in Status (MDS) / Change in Condition”. For questions regarding this change or when to submit a “Change in Condition”, please email DMHNotifications@dmh.mo.gov.

Regulation Update Notice

19 CSR 30-86.042 Administrative, Personnel, and Resident Care Requirements for New and Existing Residential Care Facilities

The proposed rule for 19 CSR 30-86.042 Administrative, Personnel, and Resident Care Requirements for New and Existing Residential Care Facilities was published in the Code of State Regulations on June 30, 2026, and becomes effective July 30, 2026. The official new rule can be found on the Office of the Secretary of State’s website at https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/19csr/19c30-86.pdf.

The original proposed amendment was published on March 2, 2026, Volume 51, Number 5 (MoReg 353-354) in the Missouri Register at https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/AdRules/moreg/2026/v51n5March1/v51n5.pdf.

COMRU Application Links

The online application link (Level 1 form/Level of Care) for applications submitted from 07-17-2023 to 06-30-2025 (purple link) will no longer be available when the new and improved Health.Mo.Gov webpage launches in July. Skilled Nursing Facilities will want to ensure they have printed/saved a copy of the processed Level 1 form/Level of Care form and Level 2 screening (if applicable) for resident records as these are required per federal regulation and may be requested during the state survey process.

COMRU website: https://health.mo.gov/seniors/nursinghomes/pasrr.php.

Please contact COMRU via email (COMRU@health.mo.gov) with any questions.

Email Scam Alert

We have been notified of a scam email circulating, which is impersonating the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The email claims to provide an important update and includes a link to what it describes as a secure message.

Please be extra cautious and do not click on any links or provide any personal information if you receive an email with a subject line similar to “Your License Suspension from Missouri Board of Nursing Home Administrators” from an unfamiliar sender. The email may appear legitimate, but it is a fraudulent attempt to deceive recipients and potentially gain unauthorized access to sensitive information.

Our cybersecurity team has been notified, and we are taking the necessary steps to address this issue. In the meantime, if you come across such an email, please delete it.

Support World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) June 15

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is commemorated every June 15th to provide an opportunity for communities to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of older adults. WEAAD reminds us that elder abuse has implications for all of us. It is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and communities to learn how to identify, address, and prevent elder abuse so we can all do our part to support everyone as they age.

This year, the theme for WEAAD is Building Strong Support for Elders. Take action today to prevent and address elder abuse and neglect by:

  • Engaging Older People.
  • Empower Communities.
  • Speak Out!
  • Involve Youth.

For more information on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, please visit the DHSS website at Health.Mo.Gov/weaad.

Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs – Emergency Kits

Please see the information below on how the Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs address LTCs with Emergency Kits (E-kits).

MO 19 CSR 30-1.052:

(1) Long-term care facilities (LTCFs) and their suppliers shall maintain written records of transfers of controlled substances from the supplier to the LTCF emergency kit.

(2) The records shall include the date of transfer; the name of each controlled substance, the strength, dosage form and quantity; the name, address and controlled substance registration number of the supplier and the name, address and controlled substance registration number of the LTCF.

Note: LTCF cannot use federal DEA forms 222 to document transfer of controlled substance because DEA does not register LTCFs. BNDD transfer form should be used, including for Sched II substances. Transfer forms can be found on the BNDD website, www.health.mo.gov/BNDD, under Applications & Forms.

(3) No physician’s order or prescription shall be used for initial stocking or replacement of controlled substances in the emergency kit. Controlled substances contained in the kit shall be obtained from a pharmacy, hospital or practitioner who holds a controlled substances registration.

(4) The administration and medical staff of the LTCF, in conjunction with the primary supplier, shall designate in written protocols and procedures who may have access to the emergency kit, who may administer controlled substances from the emergency kit and under what circumstances and a list of the controlled substances it intends to maintain in the emergency kit. These protocols and procedures shall be subject to review and approval by the Department of Health. Only those individuals designated in the LTCF’s written policies and procedures shall have access to or administer controlled substances from the emergency kit.

It is the responsibility of the facility to establish proper protocols as to which staff members and under what circumstance they may access controlled substances contained in the E-Kit.

(5) Each administration of controlled substances from the emergency kit shall be based upon a practitioner’s order and shall be recorded in an administration record separate from the patient’s medical record. This administration record shall include: the date, patient’s name, drug name, drug strength, dosage, ordering practitioner’s name and name of the person administering the controlled substance.

Some things to note:

  • BNDD will only issue a controlled substance registration to a LTCF that is licensed for skilled nursing. A facility that is assisted living only is not eligible for an Emergency Kit (E-kit) registration.
  • Patient private medications (including controlled substance) do not fall under BNDD’s purview. We consider a resident living in an assisted living facility as being at their home. Their medications are considered their personal property. This would be the same as having a visitor come into your home and steal medication from the medicine cabinet. This is a theft that would be reported to the local law enforcement agency.
  • The controlled substances in the emergency kit are considered to be LTCF “floor stock” and may be administered only upon the order of a practitioner. A record of transfer, such as an invoice or other record, must be made to document all transfers from the supplier to the LTCF. A prescription cannot be used as the record for initial stocking or replacement.
  • Patient personal medications should not be stored with E-kit medications. Doing so impedes the ability to limit which staff can access facility owned controlled substances inside the E-Kit.

Save the Date: 2026 Annual Provider Meetings

Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Section for Long-Term Care Regulation, these meetings will take place across all seven regions in Missouri. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and get the latest and long-term care news and updates.

See the 2026 SLCR Annual Provider Meetings -Save the Date flyer for details. Stay tuned to our weekly LTC Information Update email for more details including registration, specific times and agendas for each meeting.

 

New State Automation Coordinator

As we bid farewell to Danette Beeson, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for her dedication and service. We wish her all the best in her well-deserved retirement!

We are excited to announce that Brandye Freeland-Riggert will be joining us as our new State Automation Coordinator. Brandye comes to us from the Division of Community and Public Health, where she worked as a Public Health Environmental Officer in the Healthcare Associated Infections/Antimicrobial Resistance Program. She holds a master’s degree in biology and is a Licensed Practical Nurse with experience in Long Term Care and the MDS.

Brandye’s first day will be Monday, June 1st. She will assume Danette’s current phone number and can be reached at (573) 522-8421 or by email at Brandye.Freeland-Riggert@health.mo.gov. Please reach out to Brandye with any electronic submission or technical support questions related to the MDS.

Please join us in welcoming Brandye to the team!

World Cup in Missouri – 2026

This is an exciting period for both our state and Kansas City! Kansas City has been chosen as one of the host cities for six matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, taking place from June 16 to July 11. As a major national and international event, it could draw more than 650,000 visitors to the KC metro area. We encourage everyone, particularly those in Kansas City, to start planning ahead. Even on non-match days, there might be a surge of people participating in World Cup-related activities. Things to keep in mind:

  • The event will occur during summer; expect consistently hot weather throughout this timeframe. Utility outages may take longer to resolve due to logistical challenges.
  • If the power goes out, cooling centers could fill up quickly due to high demand.
  • Traffic will increase, making city navigation slower for both staff and individuals—this congestion could happen even on days without matches.
  • Emergency vehicles will be stationed at events which could delay ambulance transfers that aren’t urgent.
  • With extra people using cellular networks in and around the city (including live streaming matches), connection issues may arise.
  • Hotel prices across Kansas City are expected to rise during the event.

All facilities – not only those in the Kansas City area – are advised to review their emergency preparedness plans before the event to ensure:

  • Reliable water supply strategies,
  • Alternative communication methods,
  • Plans addressing internet slowdowns or outages, especially concerning electronic medical records,
  • Procedures for evacuation due to loss of cooling, and
  • Comprehensive evacuation plans for both temporary and extended periods:
    • Identify safe locations outside the city for residents.
    • Confirm if any existing Memo of Understanding (MOU) is valid, especially if other facilities have changed ownership or administrators.
    • Plan how residents would reach alternative accommodations.
    • Determine if staff can work at these alternate sites.
    • Prepare for disruptions in deliveries; increased traffic and population may cause delays and shortages of commonly ordered items.
  • Anticipate delays for staff and services, especially on heavy traffic days.
  • Ensure generators have enough fuel to sustain long utility outages.
  • Make sure all staff, including night and weekend shifts, are trained and aware of emergency protocols if phone, email, or text communications fail.

Please review the DHSS Health Advisory for more information.

If you have an emergency in the Kansas City area after business hours, please contact (816) 719-0089. Please see the after-hours emergency contact numbers outside the Kansas City area.

To report all other abuse/neglect incidents, please visit the Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline or call (800) 392-0210.

Regulation Update Notice

19 CSR 30-86.047 Administrative, Personnel, and Resident Care Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities

The proposed rule for 19 CSR 30-86.047 Administrative, Personnel, and Resident Care Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities was published in the Code of State Regulations on April 30, 2026, and becomes effective May 30, 2026. The official new rule can be found on the Office of the Secretary of State’s website at: https://www.sos.mo.gov/cmsimages/adrules/csr/current/19csr/19c30-86.pdf.

The original proposed amendment was published on December 1, 2025 Volume 50, Number 23 in the Missouri Register at: https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/AdRules/moreg/2025/v50n23Dec1/v50n23.pdf.

SLCR Regional Manager Update

Amy Rehard, Regulatory Compliance Manager in the Section for Long-Term Care Regulation, Region 5 office retired April 1, 2026, after 25+ years of dedicated state service. Amy truly made a difference for so many long-term care residents and providers throughout her career. SLCR is pleased to announce Shanna Ferguson has promoted to the Regional Manager role. Shanna has over 24 years of regulatory experience as a surveyor, life-safety code specialist, and supervisor. Congratulations, Shanna!

Regulation Update Notice

  • 19 CSR 30-82.060 Hiring Restrictions – Good Cause Waiver

The proposed rule for 19 CSR 30-82.060 Hiring Restrictions – Good Cause Waiver was published in the Code of State Regulations on March 31, 2026, and becomes effective April 30, 2026. The official new rule can be found on the Office of the Secretary of State’s website at: https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/AdRules/csr/current/19csr/19c30-82.pdf.

Please note, the DHSS Family Care Safety Registry is responsible for the Good Cause Waiver Program and initiated revisions to this regulation set. The proposed amendment was originally published in the Missouri Register on October 1, 2025, Volume 50, Number 19 (Pages 1313-1402).

 

  • 19 CSR 30-86.047 Administrative, Personnel, and Resident Care Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities

The Final Order Amendment for 19 CSR 30-86.047 Administrative, Personnel, and Resident Care Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities was published in the MO Register on April 1, 2026, volume 51, Number 7 (Pages 437-496). Comments were received. The final order can be found on the Office of the Secretary of State’s website at: https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/AdRules/moreg/2026/v51n7April1/v51n7.pdf.

The original proposed amendment was published in the December 1, 2025, Volume 50, Number 23 of the Missouri Register.

Please note, the SLCR will send a follow-up notification once the official rule is published and the effective date.

CNA Test Statistics and Free Resources from the Health Education Unit

Did you know?

Missouri state regulations 19 CSR 30-84.010 for Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) testing require an 80% pass rate for the knowledge test and 100% of the key steps from the skills portion of the test to become certified.

  • In the past 12 months, the average pass rate for nurse aides taking the knowledge test (for the first time) has been 63.45%.
    • Students score lower in infection control, personal care and basic nursing skills.
    • The most missed vocabulary words are dizziness, physical needs, and afebrile.
  • In the past 12 months, the average pass rate for nurse aides taking the skills test (for the first time) has been 76.3%.
    • Students scored lower in skills for perineal care for a male resident, handwashing, mouth care for a comatose resident, and positioning residents in bed on their side.

Approved instructors and training programs have access to these reports in TMU to utilize in their training programs. If you need assistance to access these reports, please contact Headmaster D&S Diversified Technologies at missouri@hdmaster.com or 888-401-0465.

Looking for resources to further support nurse aide students prepare for the test?

  • Missouri’s candidate handbook, mock skills, knowledge and skill test instructions are available on the Headmaster website D&S – Missouri Nurse Aide.
  • Also available, a FREE ten-question practice test and “Question of the Day” available on the D&S Headmaster homepage. Although the questions are not taken directly from the exam, they provide helpful insight into the format and expectations for the test.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE: Proposed Rulemaking Comment Period – 19 CSR 30-86.042 Administrative, Personnel, and Resident Care Requirements for New and Existing Residential Care Facilities.  

The Department of Health and Senior Services, Section for Long Term Care Regulation is soliciting public comments on the proposed rulemaking for 19 CSR 30-86.042 Administrative, Personnel, and Resident Care Requirements for New and Existing Residential Care Facilities. The proposed rule is published in the March 2, 2026 Volume 51, Number 5 of the Missouri Register at https://www.sos.mo.gov/CMSImages/AdRules/moreg/2026/v51n5March1/v51n5.pdf.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND NOTICE TO SUBMIT COMMENTS: Anyone may file a statement in support of or in opposition to this proposed amendment with Carmen Grover-Slattery, Regulation Unit Manager, Section for Long-Term Care Regulation, PO Box 570, Jefferson City, MO 65102-0570 or at RegulationUnit@health.mo.gov. To be considered, comments must be received within thirty (30) days after publication of this notice in the Missouri Register. A public hearing is scheduled for April 2, 2026, from 1-4 p.m., in the Truman Conference Room located at 920 Wildwood Drive, Jefferson City, MO.

Certified Nurse Aide Testing Reminders

Federal regulations (F728) require skilled nursing facilities to ensure individuals working in the facility as a nurse aide are competent to provide nursing and nursing related services and to have successfully completed the training and passed the competency evaluation program (are certified as a nurse aide) within 4 months of hire. There are no extensions or waivers permitted beyond this time frame. Practices such as terminating a nurse aide and rehiring them to “restart the clock” are NOT permitted.

A facility must not use any individual working in the facility as a nurse aide who is unable to achieve the certification within the four-month time. Individuals can perform other functions in the facility for which they are trained and competent to perform, however they are not permitted to continue working in the role of a nurse aide until they have successfully completed their certification.

Skilled nursing facilities may not charge nurse aides for the costs associated with nurse aide training and testing, including up to three examination attempts. Skilled nursing facilities may be eligible for reimbursement of these expenses. Additionally, nurse aides who received training outside a nursing facility, but are employed by a SNF within one year, may be reimbursed for costs associated with their certification. A CNA Training Reimbursement webinar was presented by MO HealthNet that explains the process.

If you have questions or need assistance, please contact the Health Education Unit at CNARegistry@health.mo.gov or 573-526-5686.

DHSS Health Update on Emerging Candida auris Infection Cases in Missouri Health Care Facilities

The Missouri Department of Health & Senior Services (DHSS) continues detecting an increased number of cases of Candida auris (C. auris) within health care facilities across the state of Missouri. DHSS first identified locally acquired C. auris infection in October 2023. Please see the full Health Update for details.

Winter Weather

Snow and ice are a mainstay of Missouri winter weather. Because of the variety of weather conditions as well as other events, facilities must have an emergency preparedness plan and be ready to act in an emergency to ensure they are to adequately prepared to meet the needs of patients, clients, residents, and participants during disasters and emergency situations.

If your facility experiences a loss of a necessary service (electricity, water, gas, phone, etc.), contact SLCR via the Regional Office emergency phone line and keep them informed of their status. If, for some reason, the facility cannot contact SLCR staff through the regional office phone number, you should contact the hotline. The emergency protocol is located here: Emergency Protocol Handout.

When you call, be prepared to answer to the following:

Facility name

  • Census, including staff assessment of current needs of the residents and monitoring of the ill.
  • Contact person and emergency contact number that is not the facility main line.
  • Has the facility called the fire department and central monitoring company if phones, alarm systems are down?
  • Generator: Y/N
    • If yes, what equipment does the generator serve (fire alarm, HVAC systems)?
    • If yes, amount of fuel onsite and/or system for delivery? How long will fuel last?
    • If no, what is fire watch plan?
    • If no, how will the facility ensure resident needs are met, including maintenance of room temperatures in a safe manner?
      • Obtain generator- is the home set up to receive generator power once delivered? Estimated time for delivery? Estimated time when generator power will be established.
      • Evacuation- Where is facility relocating to, distance from facility, transportation to get there, staffing, sufficient supplies/medications, how will the facility ensure resident needs are met, including maintenance of room temperatures in a safe manner (does the location have a functional emergency generator?) If relocating to a SNF – will the home be over capacity? Is there sufficient beds/space in the receiving facility to house the extra residents?
    • Documentation may be requested, including:
      • If evacuated, a list of residents and were they went
      • Room temperature logs
      • Fire watch documentation

Here are a few things to consider in examining your emergency preparedness plan, specifically as it relates to snow, ice, and power outages.

  • If there is a loss of the primary power, how will the facility ensure adequate temperatures of the facility will be maintained during the emergency situation?
  • Is the plan feasible?
    • Plan for the worst. Most events do not occur on a sunny Tuesday afternoon and the plan should account for things such as poor weather, road conditions, weekends/holidays, evenings, staff ability to travel to work, and other obstacles that may cause issue during the actual emergency.
  • Are staff knowledgeable of the plan and have access to what is needed in order to implement the plan?
    • Phone numbers, contact persons, contracts.
  • Do staff know what to do during an emergency and know who is in charge? If the administrator is not onsite, who is in charge and does that person know all their duties?
    • This may be the DON, but it may also be a charge nurse (or another designated onsite staff) if the event happens in the “middle of the night”. Depending on when the administrator or someone higher up on the order of succession can arrive at the facility, that person (i.e. night charge nurse) may be in charge for an extended amount of time.
  • Is the plan detailed enough?
    • Is there a detailed plan that describes when the residents will evacuate during an emergency? If loss of power, does the plan instruct the staff to start the evacuation prior to the point when the facility is below appropriate air temperatures and to maximize their safety during travel? What is the distance to the emergency evacuation site? What types of roads do they have to traverse, such as “side roads”, bridges, or interstates; all of these roads can have their challenges. Does the facility have more than one contracted emergency site?
      • Is it likely that emergency events will also impact the surrounding areas? It is also possible that the evacuation site may be so far away, residents may not be able to get there when road conditions are less than optimal. Does the contracted site meet all the criteria to allow the residents to shelter in place at that location?
    • Is there a contract for transportation and will that transportation be able to get the residents to and from their current location to the contracted emergency location in a snow/ice storm? If the services have other contracted uses, such as school buses, will they be available at 3:00 P.M. on a school day or can they get drivers at 3:00 A.M. on a Wednesday?
  • Does the facility have a generator?
    • Is there enough fuel, a contract to get more fuel, and a list of what it does and does not operate?
      • Facilities (and the staff in charge) need to know in advance, what their generator will operate. At a minimum, this listing must include whether it runs: Life safety equipment (such as E-lights and fire alarm system(s)), magnetic door locks/door alarms (where applicable for safety), HVAC systems, cooking systems, what outlets residents and staff will be able to be use, and computer equipment/Wi-Fi (if electronic medical records (EMR) are utilized).
      • This list needs to be detailed so staff will know specifically what items will and will not work during a power outage. Many generators will run every second or third ceiling light for emergency lighting, but not all lights in the facility will work during a power outage. This needs to be listed so all staff will know that information.
    • If a facility does not have a generator, what are the plans when it may not be easily able to evacuate due to poor road conditions or other factors that may prohibit a smooth transition from a facility to another location?
      • If the facility plans to have a generator delivered during a loss of power, does the facility have a contract with the generator company to deliver one to them? This contract should include the size of the generator that the facility will need in order to ensure the safety and care needs of the residents are met during the emergency.
        • The building will need to be wired and ready to accept the generator in advance. The facility will not be able to install a generator during the emergency event unless the wiring for the generator has already been completed.
      • Facilities must maintain at least their fire safety equipment (E-lights, fire alarm, sprinkler system, range hood (if any cooking occurs), food, water, heating and cooling, and sewage disposal to shelter in place.
        • There must be a plan of how this will be achieved, emergency supplies, the detailed list of what the generator will run, and any contracts that will be needed during the emergency to ensure these services can continue during the emergency event.
          • Sometimes trucks will not be able to run regular schedules and it may take several days before the facility can get their first delivery after an emergency starts; depending on the extent and severity of the disaster.
        • A power outage may be as simple as a blip, may last for hours, or may last for days – depending on the extent of the power grid damage and when the crews can access the problem(s).
          • The facility needs a plan of when, how, and where they will evacuate if they cannot provide at least the components of the previous bullet point.

During a disaster is the least ideal time to learn an emergency plan will not work or to search for a contracted service. All contracted services including, but not limited to, transportation, fuel needs, evacuation location, food, and water needs to be in the emergency plan. The emergency preparedness team needs to consider and plan all services and contract prior to an actual emergency. During an emergency, it may be very difficult or impossible to get a contracted service due to volume of request, road conditions, and/or other factors.

Thank you for preparing in advance and keeping us informed!

Applications for Use of Civil Money Penalty Funds

The State of Missouri is currently accepting applications for use of federal Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Funds. CMPs are imposed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) when long term care facilities are in violation of CMS conditions of participation. Missouri receives a portion of the collected funds to be used to support projects that improve the overall quality of life and/or care of nursing home residents. CMP fund grants are only available for quality improvement initiatives that are outside the scope of normal facility operations and cannot be used to fund goods or services that the applicant already offers or is required to provide by state or federal law or regulation. Because CMPs are only imposed on facilities that are in violation of CMS conditions of participation, applications must benefit nursing home residents residing in these facilities. CMPs cannot be used for state licensed only facilities.

CMP Funds Can Be Used For:

  • Resident or Family Councils
  • Consumer Information
  • Training to Improve Quality of Care
  • Activities to Improve Quality of Life
  • Mental and Behavioral Health
  • Workforce Enhancement
  • Technology Projects

How to Apply:

  • Review the CMP Reinvestment Program (CMPRP) information located on the CMS CMPRP Website, CMPRP Application Resources folder, including the CMPRP Application Handbook, which includes for creating and submitting applications as well as what type of projects are allowable, and the funding available to nursing homes. The application and budget spreadsheet are also included in this folder.
  • Complete the application and budget spreadsheet and submit to slcrcmp@health.mo.gov.
  • Applications must be received by April 1, 2026, to be considered for funding in state fiscal year 2027 (July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027).

Questions regarding the application process may be sent to slcrcmp@health.mo.gov.