Facility Assessment Provisions Under New CMS Rule
The new facility assessment provisions at 42 CFR § 483.71 outline rules for compliance with the Minimum Staffing Rule. The key points are:
- Compliance timeline: Facilities have two years from the date of publication of the Minimum Staffing Rule to comply with the 3.48 HPRD (hours per resident day) and 24/7 onsite RN requirements.
- Specific staffing requirements: Facilities have three years from the date of publication to comply with the more specific 0.55 RN HPRD and 2.45 NA HPRD requirements.
It is essential for facilities to understand these timelines and requirements to ensure compliance with the new regulations.
The Minimum Staffing Rule for long-term care facilities has been finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The rule requires a minimum of 3.48 hours of direct nursing care per resident day, with at least 0.55 hours provided by a registered nurse (RN) and 2.45 hours provided by a certified nursing assistant (CNA). Additionally, facilities must have an RN on site 24/7.
Facilities will have two years to comply with the 3.48 HPRD and 24/7 onsite RN requirements, and three years to comply with the more specific 0.55 RN HPRD and 2.45 NA HPRD requirements.
The rule also requires facilities to submit staffing data electronically through the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system. Facilities that fail to meet the minimum staffing requirements may be subject to enforcement actions, including civil monetary penalties.
The Minimum Staffing Rule aims to improve the quality of care in long-term care facilities and ensure that residents receive adequate attention and support from qualified staff.