CMS Issues Revisions to Surveyor Guidance on F329

In 2006, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the Psychosocial Outcome Severity Guide in Appendix P of the SOM. The guide provided instructions, definitions, and criteria to help surveyors determine the correct levels of negative psychosocial outcomes that developed, continued, or worsened because of a facility’s noncompliance.

In evaluating the findings from the Dementia Focused Survey Pilot conducted in 2014 and 2015, one area that CMS identified, was the difficulty that surveyors experienced in connecting deficient practices and psychosocial harm. While in some instances, surveyors currently cite instances of psychosocial harm, CMS believes these revisions outlined in S&C 16-15 will help guide surveyors to identify psychosocial harm or potential harm especially involving F329. The revisions also support activities or actions to improve resident safety and increase quality and reliability of care for better outcomes.

CMS states that other F-Tags {14 additional F-Tags including Dignity (F241), Self-Determination (F242), Activities (F248) and Social Services (F250)} may be potential F-Tags for Additional Investigation based on concerns identified when non-compliance exists for Unnecessary Drugs (F329). 

Contact: Elliott Frost, efrost@leadingageny.org, 518-867-8832