AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

2009 NH "Dear Administrator" Letters

May 7, 2009

ADSA: NH #2009-006   
REVISED GUIDANCE FOR F-TAGS ON QUALITY OF LIFE AND ENVIRONMENT

Dear Nursing Facility/Home Administrator:

The purpose of this letter is to let you know the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an advance copy of guidance revisions for a number of F-tags on Quality of Life and Environment.  The changes will become effective June 17, 2009.

Here are highlights of the guidance:

• The regulatory language of several F tags has not changed but there has been significant modification to the interpretative guidelines.
•  F-tag 255 was deleted and the text and guidance were moved to F-tag 461 which also addresses closets.
• There is a changed 'Note in the Guidance' for F-tag 371 on Sanitary Conditions to clarify that the food procurement regulations are not intended to diminish the right of residents to accept food from visitors.

You may access the Survey and Certification letter and attachments issued by CMS at http://www.cms.hhs.gov/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/downloads/SCLetter09_31.pdf. 

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Service