Revised Medical Director Tag Implemented
November 18th
Effective November 18, 2005, CMS implemented the revised Interpretative Guidelines in the State Operations Manual,
Appendix PP for the medical director Tag. CMS had published an advanced
copy of the regulations in June to allow state survey agencies and
providers time to complete training on the new guidance.
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.
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AMDA has been holding training sessions on the new Tag throughout the year. For a copy of the new Tag, go to www.amda.com/federalaffairs/ftag.
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