CMS to take a closer look at dementia care practices

While there has been significant reduction (15.1 percent) in the use of antipsychotic medications in nursing homes, other issues in dementia care will be scrutinized later this year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is developing a new pilot program that will entail on-site surveys of dementia care in skilled nursing facilities, including a review of resident- and organizational-level processes. The purpose of the project is to determine ways to enhance dementia care in nursing homes.

A second on-site survey under CMS development will focus on Minimum Data Set (MDS) coding practices. It also will evaluate assessments and care planning for nursing home residents.

CMS will provide training for representatives from participating state survey agencies via webinar. Other surveyor tools are being developed, and CMS will provide them to the project participants.

Sandra Hoban

Sandra Hoban was on I Advance Senior Care / Long-Term Living’s editorial staff for 17 years. She is one of the country’s longest-serving senior care journalists. Before joining Long-Term Living, she was a member of the promotions department at Advanstar Communications. In addition to her editorial experience, Sandi has served past roles in print and broadcast advertising as a traffic and talent coordinator.