CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services)
Full Definition
CMS is the most powerful regulatory body in U.S. healthcare. It certifies providers (including SNFs and home health agencies) for participation in Medicare and Medicaid, sets the quality and safety standards that providers must meet, and conducts or oversees inspections through state survey agencies.
CMS publishes the Nursing Home Compare (now Care Compare) website, which allows families to review quality ratings, staffing levels, and inspection results for every Medicare and Medicaid-certified SNF in the country. The Five-Star Quality Rating System — published on Care Compare — rates SNFs on staffing, health inspections, and quality measures.
CMS also administers the BFCC-QIO program (Livanta in Texas) for Medicare patient appeals, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), and numerous quality improvement initiatives affecting post-acute and long-term care.
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