CMS Surveyor Guidance for Medical Director Tag

On November 18, 2005, CMS implemented revised Interpretative Guidelines in the State Operations Manual, Appendix PP for the medical director Tag along with training materials for state surveyors. For 30 years, Medicare regulations have required medical directors in skilled nursing facilities. In 1987, The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act extended that requirement to nursing facilities. The functions of a medical director, codified in Title 42 483.75(i)(2), are to implement resident care policies and coordinate medical care in the facility.

For 30 years, Medicare regulations have required medical directors in skilled nursing facilities. In 1987, The Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act extended that requirement to nursing facilities. The functions of a medical director, codified in Title 42 483.75(i)(2), are to implement resident care policies and coordinate medical care in the facility. It is very important to understand that The regulation has not changed, but there is additional guidance in the State Operations Manual, and, The guidance is a reflection of already existing and long-standing AMDA policy: the role and responsibilities of the medical director. Then, continue with this text: CMS' has published the revised Interpretative Guidelines on its webpage. You can follow the link to Medicare > Survey & Certification - General Information > Policy & Memos to States and Regions or download the information from the link: www.cms.hhs.gov/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/downloads/SCLetter06-05.zip.

News

AMDA Applauds Release of Revised Guidance on Medical Director's Role in Nursing Facilities -- June 16, 2005

Articles

Medical Director Requirements for Nursing Facilities - Advance Issuance of Revised Survey Guidance June 22, 2005. This article is provided courtesy of the American Health Care Association and Janet Myder. We thank them for their contribution.

New CMS Medical Director F-Tag: A Long-Awaited Clarification (Caring for the Ages, June 2005. p. 10-11)

Continuing Education (CME)

Web-based Test on Medical Director F-Tag (F501) Content

Tools and Resources

Successful Media Relations for Medical Directors

Ask an F-Tag-related Question

Bibliography: Medical Direction in Long Term Care

The Role and Responsibilities of the Medical Director in the Nursing Home

Role of the Attending Physician in the Nursing Home

Products & Publications

Synopsis of Federal Regulations in the Nursing Facility (revised 2010)

Model Medical Director Agreement and Supplemental Materials: Medical Director of a Nursing Facility (revised 2009)

Tool Kit for Managing Attending Physicians (published 2000)