CMS targets staffing in updated ROP

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services appears to be weighing changes to its nursing home room capacity standards, based on recommendations included in updated guidance released Wednesday.

The issue was among several key topics addressed in a memo issued Wednesday for nursing home surveyors that updates guidance related to Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Requirements of Participation.

CMS added new requirements for surveyors to incorporate the use of Payroll Based Journal staffing data for more thorough investigations into provider compliance with staffing requirements. The update comes just months after PBJ reporting expanded and as the agency works to establish new minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes.