CMS Adds New Five-Star Staffing Measures
In July, CMS updated the Five-Star Ratings on Care Compare to include staff turnover measures. Six Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) staffing measures now determine Five-Star Staffing ratings.
Hours per Resident Day Measures (HPRD)
- Total nursing (RN, LPN/LVN, CNA/aide) HPRD
- RN nursing HPRD
- Total nursing (RN, LPN/LVN, CNA/aide) HPRD on the weekend *New*
Turnover Measures
- Total nursing turnover *New*
- RN Turnover *New*
- Administrator Turnover *New*
Impact on Staffing and Overall Five-Star Ratings
Staffing star ratings are determined by points earned for performance on each of the six measures. The scoring thresholds and method are outlined by CMS in the Five-Star Technical Manual. The latest Your Top-Line (2022-Q3), released on August 2 on LTC Trend Tracker goes through how a center’s scoring on each measure leads to its new staffing rating.
Nationwide, 32 percent (4,824) of skilled nursing center had a lower staffing rating with this latest release and changes. The overall rating for 25 percent (3,780) of centers also decreased. A portion of the decrease in overall ratings can be attributed to a methodological change made by CMS in how the overall rating is calculated. Under the new method, only centers with 5 stars in staffing can add a star to their overall rating. Previously, 4-star staffing facilities could add an overall star.
To see the impact of these changes by state, region, or county, check out this AHCA/NCAL research report and follow the steps in this help guide to run the SNF Staffing Measures report on LTC Trend Tracker.
