AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

2006 NH "Dear Administrator" Letters

November 30, 2006

ADSA: NH #2006-031
ADSA: NH #2006-031 CHANGES TO UNNCESSARY MEDICATIONS AND PHARMACY SERVICES

Dear Nursing Facility/Home Administrator:

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has revised guidance for long-term care surveyors regarding Unnecessary Drugs, Pharmacy Services, Drug Regimen Review, and Labeling and Storage of Drugs and Biologicals. The regulatory language remains unchanged; however, one F tag number now combines several of the previous Pharmacy Services F tags.

In addition, there are changes to certain surveyor tasks such as the Medication Pass and Pharmacy Services tasks. Nursing home surveyors will begin implementing the changes on December 18, 2006.

You may access the survey and certification guidance (S&C 06-29) issued by CMS online here.

This link will also provide you a copy of training materials produced by CMS. Residential Care Services (RCS) plans to use those materials to provide surveyor training on the implementation of the revisions to tasks and protocols.

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

Sincerely,
Joyce Pashley Stockwell, Director
Residential Care Services