The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) began selecting a limited number of states to implement the new Quality Indicator Survey (QIS) process.The QIS was designed to achieve several objectives. These include:

Improve consistency and accuracy of quality of care and quality of life problem identification by using a more structured process; Enable timely and effective feedback on survey processes for surveyors and managers; Systematically review requirements and objectively investigate all triggered regulatory areas within current survey resources; Provide tools for continuous improvement; Enhance documentation by organizing survey findings through automation; and Focus survey resources on facilities (and areas within facilities) with the largest number of quality concerns.

Once a State is selected by CMS to implement the QIS, the time frame for achieving statewide QIS implementation can range from one to three years. The rate at which implementation occurs is dependent upon the number of surveyors needing QIS training and other issues as determined by the State.

Jen Pettis, RN, WCC, RAC-MT, Program Development Manager and Regional Consultant for Harmony Healthcare is pleased to present the Quality Indicator Survey Preparedness Program. This is an educational program designed for all levels of facility leadership. During this full-day program, the speaker will discuss the components of the two-staged process used by surveyors to systematically conduct the nursing home survey and the process by which it is conducted. Additionally, quality assessment and assurance (QAA) will be discussed along with strategies for using the QIS tools and information in the facility's QAA program. During this program, the attendees will learn strategies for enhancing resident quality of care and life while maintaining survey compliance. We are currently seeking facilities to host this program. Contact us at 800-530-4413 x21 and ask for Sue Pellegrini.