CMS Issues Changes to COVID-19 Survey Activities and Increases Oversight in Nursing Homes

November 23, 2021

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has issued Quality Safety & Oversight Memo QSO-22-02-ALL (PDF).

The memo includes the following key updates:

  • CMS is announcing steps to assist State Survey Agencies in addressing the backlog of complaint and recertification surveys. These steps include:
    • Revising the criteria for conducting COVID-19 Focused Infection Control (FIC) Surveys;
    • Guidance for resuming recertification surveys; and
    • Temporary guidance and minor flexibilities related to complaint investigations.
  • CMS is increasing oversight in nursing homes to allow a more focused review of quality-of-life and quality-of-care concerns.

Read the details.