F-Tag and Survey Preparedness: A PATHTalks Episode
State and federal regulatory stipulations, such as those from the Requirements of Participation (ROP), provide long-term care facilities with a path to learn, thrive and improve. These different rules and regulations are in place not only to promote resident safety, quality of care, accountability and more but also they promote continual facility improvement and contribute to the financial stability of these organizations.
Regulatory compliance is essential for maintaining certification, receiving government funding, and building trust with residents and their families.
Currently, the regulatory process is in full swing across the country, and some states are significantly behind in their annual certification surveys as well as complaint survey investigations. Also, many providers are seeing an increase in specific citations.
Based on current data, the following list includes the top F-Tags cited across the country:
- F884 – Reporting to National Health Safety Network
- F689 – Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices
- F880 – Infection Prevention & Control
- F812 – Food Procurement, Store/Prepare/Serve Sanitary
- F684 – Quality of Care
- F656 – Develop/Implement Comprehensive Care Plan
- F677 – ADL Care Provided for Dependent Residents
- F761 – Label/Store Drugs and Biologicals
- F609 – Reporting of Alleged Violations
- F686 – Treatment/Svcs to Prevent/Heal Pressure Ulcer
Preparation is Key
Survey preparedness is vitally important, and staff should be knowledgeable and organized to ensure survey success.
The reality is that long-term care facilities should be survey-ready every day. But how do you accomplish this? Keep reading for leadership considerations.
Leadership Considerations for F-Tag and Survey Preparedness
- Use the tools available – Be proactive by using the CMS Critical Element Pathways. These tools are used by surveyors to conduct systematic investigations during the survey process. They outline in detail what a surveyor will look at when investigating triggered issues and include questions surveyors will pose to residents and staff. Access them here.
- Practice, practice, practice – Conduct mock surveys to assess the level of knowledge of your team, the quality of your facility and any updates or training that need to take place. Mock surveys are an excellent tool to help nursing homes detect issues prior to the survey.
- Go into the field – Get out on the floor to observe and perform frequent rounds. Watch food service in the dining room, walk through the kitchen, monitor call lights, observe a medication pass, treatment, or transfer, etc. Talk to staff and ask questions about abuse, QAPI, compliance, etc., that surveyors will ask. Being present on the floor is an effective way of identifying potential issues and aids in creating a culture of compliance.
- Take action – Tackle any issues you have identified quickly via your QAPI program.
Helpful Resources
Tune In! New PATHTalks Episode
Regulatory compliance is an essential aspect of long-term care, and as professionals in the field, it is our responsibility to be aware of changes needed in our facilities in order to provide residents the best care and team members the best place to thrive. Tune into our latest episode for more insights on F-Tags and survey preparedness. Pathway Health’s Director of Regulatory and Reimbursement Services, Robin Davis, will share her insights.