NCCAP Position Statement-Please read!

A position statement which outlines suggested changes to the Federal rule for skilled nursing facilities has been sent to CMS from the NCCAP office.  You may read the entire statement on the NCCAP web site.

Here is the website to make comment-  Please refer to CMS-3260-P

CLICK ON THIS TO MAKE COMMENT!
THE DEADLINE IS SEPTEMBER 14, I am writing my comment now!

NCCAP has suggested specific additions to F-249 which outlines recommended credentials for a qualified professional.
These suggestions are additions and not mandates or exclusions. 
NCCAP is advocating for the 7,100 NCCAP certified individuals world wide. 

The following information  was sent in a previous email regarding the proposed revisions:

     The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has  published its proposed revisions to the current regulations  for nursing homes participating in the Medicare and/or Medicaid programs. This proposed rule is available to view at the Federal Register website. Activity professionals, state/local activity associations along with other healthcare professionals,  will be able to submit formal comments on the rule from now until September 14th, 2015 through the Federal Register site. 

     CMS first announced  in 2012 that it would be revising the Requirements of Participation for nursing homes in the future.  NCCAP and other agencies as well as other interested parties submitted recommendations to the agency on ways the current rules could be updated and strengthened.

 For your convenience – here is the section discussing the qualifications of the activity professional:

”We received stakeholder input on the requirements for the director of a facility activities program and considered, but did not modify the requirements for the director of the activities program. However, we are soliciting comments on the current requirements to determine if they remain appropriate and, if not, what the evidence is for changing the current requirements for this position and what stakeholders would recommend as minimum requirements for this position.”

     The Requirements of Participation set critical standards for the quality of life and quality of care for nursing home residents. It is imperative that CMS receive feedback from NCCAP certified activity professionals like yourselves on the proposed revisions to ensure that any changes to the existing regulations would benefit and strengthen the profession.

ADDRESSES: In commenting, please refer to file code CMS-3260-P.

You may submit comments

1. Electronically.
     ~You may submit electronic comments on this regulation to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the "Submit a comment" instructions.

2. By regular mail.
     ~You may mail written comments to the following address ONLY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-3260-P, P.O. Box 8010, Baltimore, MD 21244. Please allow sufficient time for mailed comments to be received before the close of the comment period.

 3. By express or overnight mail.
     ~You may send written comments to the following address ONLY: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services, Attention: CMS-3260-P, Mail Stop C4-26-05, 7500 Security Boulevard, Baltimore, MD 21244-1850.