The Pulse

June marks Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month—a time to focus on proactive brain health and the evolving care strategies for those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. At SpecialtyRx, we’re taking this opportunity to share practical ways facilities can support residents, educate staff and families, and stay informed on current treatment options.

As we start off 2025, it is important to review any changes that will take place with regards to CMS surveys and other regulatory updates. The CMS has updated the survey guidance and revised the State Operations Manual that will be effective as of February 24, 2025. Surveyors will begin using the new guidance for all surveys as of the above effective date. The goal is to streamline the survey process and eliminate overlapping citations. The following are some of the guidances that have been revised. Your team should review and ensure that changes in your processes have been made to maintain compliance with new standards.

Final Rule CMS 3442-Final The minimum staffing standards final ruling was confirmed on April 22, 2024, thereby holding nursing homes accountable for staffing to provide safe and quality care for residents living in such facilities. This final rule has new comprehensive minimum nurse staffing requirements with the goal to reduce risks to residents, reduce medication errors, and improve on quality care. The ruling and implementation is outlined below: