After persistent LeadingAge advocacy with CMS leadership and staff at all levels on the need for changes in the Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) scoring, we are pleased to see that CMS released a revised memo S&C:17-15-LSC today that extends the time-limited waivers that were granted in response to the 2012 Life Safety Code adopted by CMS in 2016 that put some nursing home members out of compliance with FSES codes. The extension of these waivers gives providers until November 1, 2023 to correct deficiencies related to this scenario.

Unfortunately, the bureaucratic problem hasn’t been solved; but at least today, CMS extended the waivers for an additional two years.  This gives CMS time to resolve the problem and eases the burden on providers affected by it.  LeadingAge National will review and summarize the memo and analyze implications for nursing home providers; watch for an article tomorrow.

Questions?

Contact:

Laura Hofmann, MSN, RN – Director of Clinical and Nursing Facility Regulatory Services
c: 425-231-4804