Articles
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Have a Plan for When You Must Write a Plan of Correction
Nobody is perfectly perfect. Nearly all organizations surveyed for accreditation are cited for deficiencies. To get back on the right track, the organization must develop an effective Plan of Correction (POC) for each deficiency and promptly submit it for approval before a final accreditation status can be determined. It’s a process.

CMS Publishes Final Rule Updating CLIA Regulations
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published final rule CMS-3326-F to update Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA) regulations. Topics include the CLIA fee and alternative sanctions, along with histocompatibility and personnel requirements.

Updated Standards for Hospice, Renal Dialysis
Standards for ACHC community-based accreditation programs have been released for 2024 and are now available to download from your customer portal. While most standards are unchanged, updates were made to standards for two programs — Hospice and Renal Dialysis Accreditation.

Personnel Background Checks Enhance Safety
Clients and patients depend on you to deliver excellent services in a secure environment. Performing background checks on personnel validates your commitment to providing safe, quality care.

Preparation Key to Effectively Handling Emergencies
ACHC Standards and Medicare Conditions for Coverage (CfCs) require organizations to develop an emergency preparedness plan.

Unraveling the Mysteries of Informed Consent
Patients or their representatives have the right to participate in the development of the patients’ plans of care. This includes providing informed consent for medical and surgical interventions and other aspects of their care

CMS Changing CLIA Proficiency Testing Regulations
Staff and administrators of some clinical laboratories will have rules changes to keep up with in the months ahead as Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) proficiency testing regulations take effect.

Reviewing the Most Common Home Care Deficiency
Home care agencies are often cited during an accreditation survey for care and services not being delivered in accordance with the client’s/patient’s plan of care, according to the latest The Surveyor newsletter published by Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC).

Perform Lab Tests? CLIA Rules Must Be Followed
Healthcare providers that perform laboratory tests must meet CLIA requirements established by CMS. Learn more in the blog.

Effective Date Set for Revised ABN Form
The revised Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), Form CMS-R-131, is now available to download from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Affected organizations must start using the updated ABN form by June 30, 2023.