CMS Revises Infection Control Survey Guidance; Expires Two Other Memos
What’s happening: On July 30, 2025, CMS issued a revised version of QSO-25-23-ALL and marked as expired two other QSO memos.
- Per QSO-25-23-ALL, focused infection control surveys will no longer be part of the standard survey process. Any COVID-19 or infection control concerns should be conducted through complaint investigations outside of the LTCSP process.
The two memos marked as expired effective July 30, 2025 are:
- QSO-23-10-NH: Strengthened Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control Deficiencies and Quality Improvement Activities in Nursing Homes. More information on the requirements regarding F880 and F887 can be found in Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual, F880 (42 CFR 483.80(a)(1) and 483.80(a)(2)(i) and 80(g)(1)(viii)-(ix).
- QSO-19-07-NH: Enhanced Oversight and Enforcement of Non-Improving Late Adopters: Refer to QSO 25-14-NH for the revised the Long-Term Care Surveyor Guidance, State Operations Manual, Appendix PP, integrating guidance on unnecessary psychotropics into the chemical restraints regulation (F605), streamlining regulatory structures, and emphasizing and strengthening the requirement.
