Criteria for compliance: Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services pain management at F-Tag 309.

OBJECTIVE

Outline the key points and list the criteria for compliance with the new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) pain management at F-Tag 309.

DATA SOURCES

Live symposium presentation based on clinical practice and research and current clinical guidelines.

CONCLUSIONS

In March 2009, CMS implemented revised guidelines for long-term care surveyors at F-Tag 309, Quality of Care, including a new general investigative protocol and pain-management guidance. While the regulations have remained the same, the way surveyors interpret pain management has changed. By understanding the criteria surveyors will use to determine F-Tag 309 deficiencies, consultant pharmacists can educate other interdisciplinary team members to improve pain management practices in long-term care.