QIOs Directed To Work With SFFs In 9th Scope Of Work

VHCA (8/22/2008)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS') Survey & Certification Group issued a memo to State Survey Agency Directors regarding direction given to the Quality Improvement Organizations (QIOs) for the 9th Scope of Work, which began on August 1, 2008. CMS has directed the QIOs to provide technical assistance to a Special Focus Facility (SFF) nursing home in each state for each of the next three years of the QIOs' contract. As of August 20th, CMS is reporting that three Virginia nursing facilities are included on the SFF list.  Of the three, two are classified in the list as facilities that have shown improvement.

The memo encourages State Survey Agencies to identify SFFs most in need and most appropriate for technical assistance from the QIOs; CMS asks that the state agencies share their recommendations with the state's QIO by August 22, 2008. Each QIO will be responsible for recruiting and working with one SFF per state. If the SFF declines QIO assistance, which is permissible, the QIO will be expected to offer technical assistance to another SFF until an offer is accepted.