Federal Policy
CMS Launches Risk-Based Survey Process for Higher-Performing Nursing Homes September 8
CMS announced nationwide implementation of a Risk-Based Survey process for qualifying nursing homes starting September 8, 2026, per QSO-26-14-NH. The RBS allows State Survey Agencies to use fewer resources surveying higher-performing facilities and redirect them toward lower-performing providers. Qualifying facilities must meet specific performance thresholds to be eligible for the streamlined survey approach. This changes how survey resources are allocated across skilled nursing facilities participating in Medicare and Medicaid.
Why it mattersMedicaid managed care organizations with long-term care or dual-eligible populations should monitor whether their contracted SNFs qualify for RBS, as survey intensity affects facility quality oversight and member safety.