CMS to take Active Role in Ensuring Adequate RN Staffing in Nursing Facilities

In Quality, Safety and Oversight (QSO) Group Memorandum QSO 19-02-NH, dated November 30, 2018 (the “November Memorandum”), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) stated that it would begin providing CMS Regional Offices and State Survey Agencies (SSAs) with a list of nursing facilities for which data submitted as part of the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) reporting system indicated potential nurse staffing issues, particularly on the weekends.

Previously, the State Operations Manual required states to conduct at least ten percent (10%) of standard health surveys during such times.