Updated QAAF Forms

The forms used to calculate and report provider QAAF have been updated and are available on the IME website, located here. Providers should use the updated forms to submit their assessment beginning for quarters ended September 30, 2019.

NF and SNF providers should use Form 470-4836, Nursing Facility Quality Assurance Assessment Calculation Worksheet. The form and instructions have been updated to better capture day information and to reflect the new assessment amounts effective July 1, 2019. See informational letter (IL) 2008, for changes to the assessments.

If you have any questions, please contact Sally Oudekerk at [email protected], or 515- 256-4643.

Summary of CMS Proposal to Amend, Delay Portions of the RoPs

On July 16, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule that would ease some regulatory burdens for nursing facilities and delay implementation of certain Phase 3 requirements.

According to CMS, the proposed rule will “allow LTC facility providers to devote more of their time and resources to their residents – instead of unnecessary paperwork – by eliminating obsolete or excessively burdensome regulations.” Most notably, CMS is proposing to change certain requirements relating to Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) and Compliance and Ethics Programs that are scheduled to take effect this November and to delay implementation of those requirements until 2020. Many other significant proposed changes are noted in key Regulatory Sections, such as Admission, Discharge, and Transfer Rights, and Pharmacy Services.

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