Navigating the 2025 CMS Updates: Key Changes for Long-Term Care Facilities

 This article is Part 4 in a 4-part series to explain the CMS changes for LTC facilities and actionable steps for compliance. Read Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. This article focuses on CPR, compliance with physical environmental standards, and training and resources.

CMS regularly updates guidance to address emerging trends in deficiency citations across the nation, focusing on enhancing resident health, safety, and quality of care. The following information is intended to help State Survey Agencies (SAs), long-term care facilities, and the public better understand how compliance will be evaluated and provides an overview of the changes and recommendations for how to best ensure compliance.

Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)

CPR certification requirements have been updated to align with nationally recognized standards.

Action Steps

1. Ensure Staff Compliance with Updated CPR Requirements

• Review Staff CPR Certifications: Audit CPR certifications for expiration dates, compliance with updated standards.
• Implement a Tracking System: Maintain a CPR certification log to monitor renewal deadlines and training completions.

2. Update Facility Policies and Procedures

• Revise CPR Policy: Update facility policies to reflect CMS’s revised certification requirements.
• Clarify Staff Requirements: Ensure the policy specifies which staff members must maintain active CPR certification (e.g., nurses, CNAs, emergency response teams).

3. Provide Accessible Training, Certification, and Emergency Response Expectations

• Schedule Regular CPR Training/Certifications Sessions: Partner with certified training providers to conduct on-site or online courses for staff.
• Offer Recertification Opportunities: Provide timely reminders and scheduling support for staff needing renewal.
• Ensure Readiness of Emergency Equipment: Regularly check and maintain AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) and ensure staff know their locations.
• Conduct Mock Code Drills: Implement routine CPR response drills to ensure staff can act quickly and effectively during emergencies.

4. Prepare for Survey Inspections – Mock Survey

• Perform mock surveys with an emphasis on CPR certifications and training.
• Implement corrective actions and re-educate staff based on findings.

Compliance with Physical Environment Standards

The revised physical environment standards allow newly constructed facilities to comply with room and bathroom requirements without extensive renovations.

Action Steps

1. Review and Assess Facility Compliance

• Evaluate Existing Room and Bathroom Layouts: Determine if current spaces meet the updated requirements.
• Identify Areas Eligible for Exemptions: Confirm which newly constructed areas can comply without requiring extensive renovations.
• Revise Policies to Reflect New Standards: Ensure facility design, maintenance, and construction policies align with CMS’s revised guidance.

2. Educate Leadership and Maintenance Staff

• Train Facility Managers and Staff: Ensure that leadership, maintenance teams, and construction planners understand the updated requirements.
• Provide Guidance on Survey Readiness: Educate staff on how to demonstrate compliance to surveyors using facility plans and documentation.

Training and Resources for Nursing Homes 

CMS has made guidance training for nursing home surveyors and providers publicly available on the Quality, Safety, and Education Portal (QSEP) at Nursing homes can access educational materials on the updated guidance, revised Critical Element Pathways, and survey process software through this portal. Additionally, CMS is launching a comprehensive training program for surveyors and long-term care providers. This program, accessible via QSEP, will offer detailed explanations of the revisions to the survey guidelines.

Conclusion

The revised CMS guidance highlights the vital role of compliance in ensuring residents’ well-being. Facilities should proactively align with the updated standards by reviewing and refining policies, educating staff, and actively involving residents and families. Focusing on key areas such as medication management, infection control, resident rights, and health equity helps nursing homes deliver exceptional care, enhance residents’ quality of life, and achieve regulatory compliance. By making use of CMS educational resources, driving continuous improvement through a robust QAPI process, and maintaining survey readiness, facilities can effectively adapt to these changes and position themselves for continuous readiness and future successful surveys.

We would love to partner with you to promote resident quality of care and facility compliance. We offer a variety of tailored services to ensure you get the support you need. Schedule a free discovery call with us to explore how we can help your organization thrive by emailing us at PAC@constellationqh.org.