Memo to Quad A CMS Accredited Facilities, Initial Applicants and CMS Surveyors:
Effective March 4, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has implemented the suspension of Medicare re-surveys. Most Quad A Medicare re-surveys that have been scheduled, but not initiated, are being cancelled. Any provider that has been cited for previous Infection Control deficiencies may still be required to complete the re-survey process. Once CMS lifts the survey ban, Quad A will be in touch with affected providers to complete the re-survey process. Providers will not incur any additional charges. However, facilities due for re-survey will still be expected to pay normal survey fees and submit renewal documents within given time frames. Surveys will be scheduled once the suspension is lifted. The Accreditation and Medicare Deemed Status for all CMS providers will remain in effect during this time unless otherwise indicated. CMS is allowing initial applications for new providers to be surveyed as normal.
Surveyors:
CMS has created an additional worksheet to be completed during the survey process should a potential or confirmed case of COVID-19 be identified. This worksheet will be included with the survey materials. Please make contact immediately with our office and return the worksheet to the Quad A office along with all survey materials should a potential case of COVID-19 be identified.
Please refer to this CMS link for further information.
CMS has issued guidance for healthcare facilities regarding COVID-19. View the full CMS memo – Guidance for Infection Control and Prevention Concerning Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19): FAQs and Considerations for Patient Triage, Placement and Hospital Discharge.
Update March 6, 2020.