CMS will no longer require the use of the focused infection control (FIC) survey and tool on a national basis, with officials expecting surveyors to assess infection control and prevention through the standard survey process going forward. The move was announced in a revised memorandum to surveyors on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022, effective immediately.
“Based on stakeholder feedback and survey activity, we believe acute and continuing care ACC facilities have incorporated COVID-19 management strategies into their infrastructure and operations, and there is no longer a need to continue the required use of the special FIC survey and tool on a national basis,” according to the updated memo (QSO-21-08-NLTC). “Surveyors will continue to evaluate infection prevention and control elements related to COVID-19 through the existing survey process, while incorporating lessons learned about infection control oversight during the PHE.”
Surveyors may continue to use the targeted FIC survey on a case-by-case basis, if warranted, CMS notes.
“While the contents of the FIC survey tool are generally still applicable, if facilities wish to continue use of the tool as a template for their own self-assessment we encourage them to carefully review the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines as there have been changes to the recommendations since the original tool and update were released,” CMS notes.