Long Term Care Survey (Published August 2024)

Important Update

The August 2024 edition of The Long Term Care Survey Manual remains the most current version offered by AHCA and is applicable for regulatory surveys through February 23, 2025.

On November 18, 2024, CMS released an advanced copy of updated guidance. AHCA is assessing this new guidance, and we expect additional changes from CMS before a new version of the LTC Survey manual can be updated. For more information, please register for the new AHCA webinar, Preparing for Upcoming CMS Guidance Changes: Key Updates and Action Items for Compliance, which provides important information about updated surveyor guidance recently released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). 

For additional details, please visit the CMS website.

Product Description

The August 2024 edition of the Long Term Care Survey Manual is vital for long term care facilities to stay compliant.

In July 2024, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued crucial updated guidance for Long Term Care (LTC) facilities, with provisions becoming effective on August 8, 2024. Adhering to these updates is critical for facilities to maintain compliance and ensure the highest standards of care.

Updated Sections

·       Revised Federal Regulatory Groups for Long Term Care - a new two-page F-Tag list highlighting regulatory changes in red.

·       Updated Appendix PP Guidance for Surveyors for Long Term Facilities

·       A new section with important links and QR codes for frequently updated requirements, guides, and procedures.

Summary of Changes

The manual reflects key revisions under the "Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting" final rule, which introduces changes to Facility Assessment. These revised requirements have been moved to 42 CFR 483.71. Existing regulations at 42 CFR 483.70(f) through (q) have been redesignated as paragraphs (e) through (p), respectively. CMS issued revised guidance for State Survey Agencies and long-term care facilities (LTC) on the revised requirements.