The Looming Crisis in Skilled Nursing Facilities: Are You Prepared for F627 and F628?

The Stark Reality

Let's face it: the upcoming regulatory changes present a significant challenge for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) as they prepare to adapt to these new standards. The statistics are alarming - citations related to transfers and discharges have skyrocketed by 79% between 2019 and 2023. With the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) expanding its ability to penalize providers, the stakes have never been higher.

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What's Changing?

F627 and F628 are not minor tweaks; they represent a fundamental shift in how SNFs must operate:

1. F627 (Inappropriate Transfers and Discharges) targets non-compliant practices, prohibiting discharges without assuring safe care up to 31 days after discharge and ensuring that if home health is ordered, the start of care is initiated on time.
2. F628 (Transfer and Discharge Process) demands comprehensive discharge planning, documentation, and resident involvement.

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The Hidden Dangers

Many SNF leaders might think they have time to adapt, but the reality is far more urgent. Consider these scenarios:

• A patient refuses home health services post-discharge. Without a robust system to address this situation, the facility risks compromising the patient's continuity of care and potentially violating F627 and F628 requirements.
• Home health delays the start of care. SNFs need a reliable process to track and follow up on home health initiation. Failure to do so could result in gaps in care and potential readmissions, leading to citations under the new regulations.
• A patient needs readmission to your facility or another SNF. Without a clear process for managing readmissions and ensuring proper care coordination with the previous or new facility, SNFs risk non-compliance and compromised patient care.
• You need to find an alternative home health provider quickly. SNFs must have a system to rapidly identify and engage alternative providers, ensuring seamless transitions and avoiding care disruptions that could lead to citations.

If you hesitate in any of these scenarios, your facility is at risk.

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The Cost of Inaction

The consequences of failing to prepare are dire:

• Potential harm to residents due to improper transitions
• Increased risk of citations and penalties
• Financial losses from inefficient processes and potential readmissions
• Damage to your facility's reputation

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A Call to Action

The time to act is now. SNFs need robust systems in place to:

1. Track all transfers and discharges meticulously
2. Monitor critical outcomes like readmissions and patient satisfaction
3. Analyze trends in home health referrals and patient refusals
4. Identify areas for process improvement in real-time

These aren't just good-to-have features; they're essential for survival in the post-F627 and F628 world.

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The Solution You Need

Imagine having a comprehensive system that:

• Automates compliance tracking
• Provides real-time alerts for potential issues
• Offers data-driven insights for continuous improvement
• Streamlines care coordination between your facility and home health providers

Such a solution exists, and forward-thinking SNFs are already implementing it to stay ahead of the curve.

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Take the Next Step

As industry leaders, it's our responsibility to ensure we're providing the best possible care while navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape. F627 and F628 are just the beginning. The facilities that thrive will be those that adapt quickly and efficiently. Don't let your facility be caught unprepared. Innovative software can help you comply with F627 and F628 and excel in this new era of resident-centered care. Your residents, staff, and bottom line will thank you.

The future of skilled nursing is here. Are you ready to lead the way? Contact us today.

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