- THCA

Volume XXX, Number 6
June 2015

Traditional vs QIS Findings and Issues

On May 22, 2015 CMS issued an S&C Memo including a review of the nursing home survey and a summary of traditional and Quality Indicator Survey (QIS) findings and issues. Click here to view a pdf of the letter and findings.

The document indicates that:

CMS intends to incorporate complaint investigations into the QIS system this year.

CMS is continuing to evaluate the traditional survey and the QIS processes to identify the strengths and weaknesses of each.

CMS identifies the challenges faced by Regional Offices and Central Office in order to maintain two separate training programs for each process and needing staff fluent in both processes.

CMS will continue to “engage in further exploration, research and dialogue with all stakeholders and subject matter experts to answer questions and develop options for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the survey process.”

Nursing Home Survey Evaluation: For the past 10 years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the States have used two standard survey processes that assess the quality of care and quality of life for nursing home residents. Enclosed is a review of both the traditional survey and QIS processes.

Survey Efficiency and Effectiveness: The CMS is continuing to make improvements to QIS to address the challenges, concerns and feedback they have received to optimize the effectiveness and efficiency of survey process.