State Operations Manual Appendix PP - Guidance to Surveyors for Long-Term Care Facilities

Overview

• Provides guidance to surveyors for long-term care facilities.
• Contains updates and revisions as specified in the document.
• Key areas include resident rights, abuse prevention, care planning, and staff requirements.

Key Sections

Definitions

• Abuse: Willful infliction of injury or deprivation leading to harm.
• Adverse event: Unanticipated event causing or risking injury or death.
• Common area: Shared spaces for residents and visitors.
• Composite distinct part: A facility part consisting of non-contiguous components.
• Distinct part: Physically distinguishable part of a facility meeting statutory requirements.

Resident Rights (F550 - F551)

• Dignity and Respect: Residents have the right to a dignified existence and self-determination.
• Exercise of Rights: Facilities must support and not interfere with residents' rights.

Planning and Implementing Care (F552 - F554)

• Care Participation: Residents have the right to participate in their care planning.
• Self-Administration: Right to self-administer medications if assessed as appropriate.

Choice and Visitation Rights (F555 - F565)

• Physician Choice: Residents can choose their attending physician.
• Visitation and Social Interaction: Rights to receive visitors and participate in resident groups.

Financial Affairs and Services (F567 - F570)

• Manage Financial Affairs: Residents have the right to manage personal funds.
• Financial Protections: Facilities must safeguard residents' financial interests.

Safety and Environmental Conditions (F583 - F585)

• Privacy and Confidentiality: Rights to privacy in personal and medical matters.
• Safe Environment: Facilities must ensure a safe, homelike environment.

Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation (F600 - F607)

• Freedom from Abuse: Residents have the right to be free from various forms of abuse.
• Facility Responsibilities: Facilities must prevent, identify, and report abuse and neglect.

Reporting and Investigation (F609 - F610)

• Reporting Obligations: Facilities must report suspicions and findings of abuse.
• Investigation Requirements: Thorough investigations of allegations are mandatory.

Procedures and Compliance

• Surveyors must observe, interview, and review records to ensure compliance.
• Facilities are expected to follow detailed protocols for care and resident rights.
• Noncompliance may result in citations and required corrective actions.

Conclusion

• The manual outlines comprehensive requirements for protecting residents' rights and ensuring quality care.
• Surveyors play a critical role in monitoring and enforcing these standards.