Senior care facilities are increasingly concerned about the Special Focus Facility (SFF) designation from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). The AssuredPartners Senior Living team notes a rise in clients worried about SFF status amid tightening regulations. CMS's SFF program targets nursing homes with serious quality issues, leading to more frequent surveys and potential fines or even termination from Medicare and Medicaid programs.
Facilities on the SFF candidate list face challenges like reduced census, financing difficulties, and staff retention problems. These lists are updated monthly and reviewed by various stakeholders, impacting facilities' operational and financial health.
AssuredPartners recommends several strategies to mitigate these risks. Facilities should regularly review their CMS survey scores and compare them with state-specific candidate lists. External help for mock surveys and reviewing Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs can be beneficial. Supporting frontline teams through communication and recognition programs is crucial to prevent burnout and turnover.
Effective communication plans with families, staff, and referral partners can help manage any negative media coverage if issues arise. Financial resilience through strong cash reserves and disciplined expense management is also essential for facilities on the SFF list.
Graduating from the SFF list requires two clean surveys without serious deficiencies. Continuous readiness using CMS's survey tools for staff training is advised. Facilities investing in leadership development and system improvements often recover better, turning negative experiences into positive transformations.
AssuredPartners offers support beyond insurance, including risk consulting, claims management, and strategies to handle reputational challenges. A proactive approach can prevent crises before they escalate.