F-Tags of the Week
We’re breaking down the Requirements of Participation Phase 2 updates and Phase 3 new guidance.
  • Today we’re focusing on F600, F604, F607, F608, F609, and the Psychosocial Outcome Severity Guide addressing abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
  • Look for additional updates each week through October.
§483.12-Freedom from Abuse,
Neglect, and Exploitation
What you need to know: CMS made changes to the guidance for §483.12 Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation and updated the Psychosocial Outcome Severity Guide.
  • There are now 9 tags related to freedom from abuse, neglect, and exploitation.
 

F600-Abuse/Neglect
  • Removes language regarding sexual abuse
  • Includes additional guidance on neglect.

 
F604-Physical Restraints
  • Clarifies when bed rails meet the definition of a physical restraint.

 
F607-Abuse Policies
  • Includes guidance for coordination with QAPI and provisions from the former F608.

 
F608-Reporting of Suspected Crimes
  • This guidance was deleted and added to F607 and F609.


F609-Reporting Alleged Violations
  • Revises definitions and guidance for the timing of reports.
  • Adds language for what facilities must report and provisions from the former F608.
 
Note also, technical changes were made to the following:
  • F602-Free from Misappropriation/Exploitation 
  • F603-Free from Involuntary Seclusion 
  • F605-Right to be Free from Chemical Restraints 
  • F606-Not Employee Staff with Adverse Actions

 
The Psychosocial Outcome Severity Guide was also updated.
  • Surveyors use it to determine the severity of the psychosocial outcome resulting from noncompliance and to assist them in applying the reasonable person concept.

 
Action for facilities:
  • Review the Interpretive Guidance for each tag.
  • Review the Abuse Critical Element Pathway and Neglect Critical Element Pathway
  • Note the changes to definitions and timeframes and incorporate into policies and procedures and any other relevant materials.
  • Update staff training on abuse consistent with new regulations and new interpretive guidance.
  • Make sure staff training on reporting the suspicion of a crime/1150B includes the updated information.
  • Update required notices for reporting the suspicion of a crime/1150B.
  • Use CMS templates for initial report (Exhibit 358) and the follow-up investigation report (Exhibit 359).

 
Want more info?