
In an effort to assist members with survey compliance, we are reminding providers that the CMS State Operations Manual Appendix PP - Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities requires personnel to provide basic life support, including CPR, to a resident requiring such emergency care prior to the arrival of emergency medical personnel and subject to related physician orders and the resident’s advance directives (F678 §483.24(a)(3)). Nursing facilities must ensure that properly trained personnel (and certified in CPR for Healthcare Providers) are available immediately (24 hours per day). Staff must have a current CPR certification for Healthcare Providers from a program that includes hands-on training, either in person or through a live virtual class. Online courses are allowed only if the certification clearly shows that hands-on skills were demonstrated and verified. We have seen that surveyors are paying close attention to these requirements.