LeadingAge met with CMS on May 1 for the monthly associations call. Many questions were asked related to how the recently released minimum staffing standards rule would be regulated and enforced by CMS. CMS declined to comment then, stating that more information would be available in forthcoming interpretive guidance. CMS was unable to provide a timeline for release of this guidance, despite implementation of Facility Assessment provisions expected in August 2024.
When asked how often Facility Assessments should be updated, particularly regarding changes in resident population, CMS pointed out that this requirement is not new, and providers should continue to follow processes and existing guidance. CMS did clarify that the requirement for a 24/7 Registered Nurse (RN) refers to a round-the-clock RN presence, rather than 24 payroll hours of RN staffing. LeadingAge will continue to watch for the release of interpretive guidance and provide updates to members accordingly.
