In response to released guidance for Requirements of Participation (RoP) Phase 3 and updates for Phase 2, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) is providing focused information to help skilled nursing facilities remain in compliance and avoid any failed practice. We give special thanks to the AHCA Survey and Regulatory staff for compiling and distributing this information. Elena Madrid, WHCA's Executive Vice President for Regulatory Affairs, co-chairs the AHCA Survey and Regulatory Committee and is a member of AHCA's Quality Cabinet.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made changes to the §483.60-Food and Nutrition Services guidance. Changes include the following:  

• F801-Qualified Dietary Staff. Regulation was updated to reflect additional qualifications that count toward meeting this requirement.
• F812-Food Procurement, Store/Prepare/Serve-Sanitary. Revisions to the separation of food distribution and food service, clarification of the definition for food distribution and food service, details on staff hair restraint use and details on staff glove use.

Detailed information can be found in the Appendix PP-State Operations Manual. Be sure to order a copy of The Long-Term Care Survey, Phase 3 Guide. If you have any questions, please email me or call me at (800) 562-6170, extension 105.