Traditional Survey Changes Go Into Effect Tomorrow

As of December 1, a number of revisions to the traditional survey process will go into effect. The changes, which were first announced on September 27, include the following:

• Revisions to Appendix P of the State Operations Manual (including changes to MDS 3.0, new Quality Measures Reports and updates to CMS forms 672, 802, 802S and 802P)
•  Revisions to Chapter 9 of the State Operations Manual
• New Quality Measures Reports for use in the traditional survey process

Registered users of The Perfect Survey, ProMed’s exclusive online survey preparation tool, have access to all of the newly updated forms as well as additional information on the adjustments to the survey process. We will also address these changes during this month’s complimentary Perfect Survey webinar, which is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. on December 13. To learn more about The Perfect Survey and register for the webinar, click here.

To read the complete memo from CMS regarding the traditional survey changes, click here.  

Keeping Residents Safe and Cool in a Heat Wave

The heat this week has really been something, hasn't it? The storms today here in Chicagoland have cooled things down a bit, but the forecasters have warned us that the heat wave isn't over. That said, we wanted to share a few tips that appeared on our exclusive survey preparation site, Compliance Solutions: For the Perfect Survey Every Day (http://www.theperfectsurvey.com/).

Preventing Heat-Related Illnesses
By taking early preventive measures, facilities can avoid heat-related emergencies later.

Make sure your building is summer-ready

• Make sure that the temperature in your facility is safe and comfortable.
• Keep residents indoors in the air conditioning during heat waves.
• Close blinds or curtains to keep direct sunlight from entering rooms.
• Turn off unneeded lights (they emit heat).
• Use extra circulating fans to keep to keep air moving within your facility. Avoid using fans directed at individuals when the ambient temperature exceeds 100° F.

Be ready for anything

• Many states issue Hot Weather Bulletins. Monitor the television or radio for important local heat-related announcements and be sure to follow your state's protocols during warm weather.
• Review your facility's emergency disaster plan. It should include:
• Up-to-date emergency telephone numbers
• Contingency plans in case the facility's air-conditioning system goes out
• An evacuation plan in case residents need to be moved to a "cooling center
• Be aware of the outdoor heat index (a measurement of what the hot weather "feels like") and take appropriate precautions.
• Remember that exposure to full sunshine can increase the heat index by up to 15 degrees.

Keep residents hydrated

• Consider establishing a hydration station in the facility, where water and other fluids are always available to residents and staff.
• Encourage residents to drink plenty of fluids. Water and fruit or vegetable juices are best.
• Offer residents extra fluids at regular intervals.
• Popsicles or freeze-pops are another alternative to fluids.
• If the resident has a fluid restriction, ask the physician for specific orders during hot weather.
• Avoid caffeine or sodas because these cause a person to lose more body fluid.

If you would like to learn more about the information available at http://www.theperfectsurvey.com/, contact your ProMed territory manager or give us a call at (800) 648-5190. Stay cool out there!