New Survey process preparation materials, aka Long-term Care Survey Pathways, updated in August 2018.

CMS updated these Long-term care survey process (LTCSP) FAQs on Aug. 3, 2018.  Topics covered: 

A. 483.10 Resident Rights; B. 483.12 Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation; C. 483.15 Admission, Transfer, and Discharge; D. 483.20 Resident Assessments; E. 483.21 Comprehensive Resident Centered Care Plans; F. 483.24 Quality of Life; G. 483.25 Quality of Care; H. 483.30 Physician Services; I. 483.35 Nursing Services; J. 483.40 Behavioral Health Services; K. 483.45 Pharmacy Services; L. 483.50 Laboratory, Radiology, and Other Diagnostic Services; M. 483.55 Dental Services; N. 483.60 Food and Nutrition Services; O. 483.65 Specialized Rehabilitative Services; P. 483.70 Administration, F838 Facility Assessment; Q. 483.75 Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI); R. 483.80 Infection Control; S. 483.85 Compliance and Ethics Program; T. 483.90 Physical Environment; U. 483.95 Training Requirements; V. LTC Survey Process Training; W. LTC survey Process; and Z. General Questions.

 The purpose of a revisit is to determine:

• · If the facility has corrected identified substantial noncompliance and is now in substantial compliance; or
• · If immediate jeopardy (IJ) has been removed based upon the implementation of an accepted, written removal plan (for IJs not removed onsite during the original survey)

Provider Matrix used in the Long-term Care Survey Process

The LTCSP Procedure Guide provides instruction on the procedural and software steps necessary for completing the Long-term Care Survey Process. Surveyors use the Procedure Guide for all standard surveys of SNFs and NFs, whether freestanding, distinct parts, or dually participating. The LTCSP steps are organized into seven parts: 1) offsite preparation; 2) facility entrance; 3) initial pool process; 4) sample selection; 5) investigation; 6) ongoing and other survey activities; and 7) potential citations. Below is a broad overview of the key onsite parts of the LTCSP (parts 3 – 7).