EXPIRED: Resuming Hospital Survey Activities Following 30-day Restrictions

Memo Expiration Information:
Expiration Date: May 1, 2023
Expiration Information: Refer to QSO-25-23-ALL: Guidance for the Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

CMS is lifting the previously extended 30-day survey suspension for hospitals. Survey activity will resume in accordance with Non-Long Term Care guidance issued in QSO-20-35-All.
• Non-Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) Hospital Complaints received during the survey suspension period beginning January 20, 2021, must be investigated within 45 days of date of this memo
• Hospital Plans of Correction (POCs) will be required for deficiencies cited on surveys performed on or after January 20, 2021.
• Desk Reviews are permitted of all open surveys cited at any level of noncompliance, except for unremoved IJ findings, which require an onsite revisit.
• Onsite Revisits are authorized and should resume as appropriate.
• Open Enforcement Cases that are not IJ will have at least 60 and up to 90 days to demonstrate compliance with any outstanding deficiencies.