CMS is suspending non-emergency inspections of healthcare facilities to concentrate on preventing the spread of Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19). Specifically, CMS announced that, effective immediately and, until further notice, State Survey Agencies and Accrediting Organizations will focus their facility inspections exclusively on issues related to infection control and other serious health and safety threats. CMS also prepared guidance documents for infection control and prevention in hospitals and nursing homes. Read these memos from the CMS Center for Clinical Standards and Quality/ Quality, Safety & Oversight Group:
- Ref: QSO-20-12-All: Suspension of Survey Activities
- Ref: QSO-20-13-Hospitals: Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): FAQs and Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement and Hospital Discharge
- Ref: QSO-20-14-NH: Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in nursing homes.