AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

2005 NH "Dear Administrator" Letters

December 30, 2005

ADSA: NH #2005-040
Changes in Federal Guidance - Medical Director

Dear Nursing Facility/Home Administrator:

On November 14, 2005, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memo regarding F-501, Medical Director. These changes were effective November 18, 2005.

The regulatory language remains unchanged, and most of the language from the advance guidance remains unchanged. There are some minor differences in the Deficiency Categorization within the Investigational Protocol.

There has been no change to the federal requirements for Medical Directors. However, the changes in the guidance should assist you, your staff and your Medical Director in understanding the CMS expectations. Nursing home surveyors will be using the updated guidance, protocol, and the compliance and severity guidance effective immediately.

The CMS website is the best source for accessing the most current information available:
http://www.cms.hhs.gov/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/PMSR/list.asp#TopOfPage

Thank you for your continued commitment to the nursing home residents in the state of Washington.

Sincerely,

Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services