PointClickCare: Navigating CMS Survey Changes in 2025

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced significant updates to long-term care (LTC) surveyor guidance for 2025. These changes are set to impact compliance, making it essential for healthcare facilities to prepare accordingly. With PointClickCare leading the way in regulatory support and digital solutions, facilities can navigate these updates effectively and maintain high standards of care.

Understanding the New CMS Compliance Landscape

CMS’s revised surveyor guidance focuses on refining how compliance is measured, increasing the stakes for LTC providers. While the regulatory framework remains unchanged, enforcement will now include penalties based on per-day and per-instance violations. Initially scheduled for February 24, 2025, the enforcement date has been extended to March 24, 2025. This brief extension offers facilities a crucial opportunity to adapt and ensure compliance.

By leveraging PointClickCare’s advanced tools, such as its psychotropic medication dashboard and MDS data validations, healthcare providers can proactively manage these compliance changes and minimize potential penalties.

Key Compliance Challenges in the New Survey Process

Three major areas present critical challenges under the updated survey guidance:

1. Chemical Restraints and Psychotropic Medications

CMS has heightened its focus on schizophrenia diagnoses due to widespread documentation gaps. Facilities must provide comprehensive documentation and secure resident consent for every change in psychotropic medication. This increased scrutiny demands that facilities enhance their medication management protocols, ensuring detailed records and consistent patient engagement.

How PointClickCare Helps:

• Psychotropic medication dashboard for better tracking and compliance

• Automated alerts to ensure proper documentation and consent collection

2. Accuracy of MDS Assessments

Errors in Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments can result in severe consequences, including referrals to the Office of Inspector General (OIG) and state board reporting. Accurate, timely assessments are more critical than ever, requiring improved validation processes and staff training.

How PointClickCare Helps:

• MDS data validation tools to minimize errors

• Enhanced reporting features for tracking assessment accuracy

  
  

3. Infection Prevention and Control

The introduction of Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) places greater emphasis on infection control measures. Facilities must ensure proper staff training and continuous monitoring to minimize the risks associated with multi-drug-resistant organisms (MDROs).

How PointClickCare Helps:

• Infection Prevention and Control module with updated EBP alerting and tracking

• Customizable compliance tools to improve infection management

How PointClickCare Supports Facilities

PointClickCare continues to develop innovative solutions to help healthcare providers navigate regulatory changes with ease. By integrating real-time compliance tracking, automated alerts, and data validation tools, PointClickCare ensures that facilities are well-prepared for upcoming CMS requirements.

Final Thoughts

While these CMS survey changes may seem overwhelming, they present an opportunity to strengthen compliance efforts and enhance patient care. With robust documentation, staff training, and the right digital tools, facilities can confidently meet the new regulatory standards.

PointClickCare remains committed to supporting healthcare providers in delivering high-quality, compliant care. By adopting proactive strategies and utilizing PointClickCare’s advanced solutions, LTC facilities can stay ahead of these regulatory updates and continue providing the best possible care for residents.