Introduction

7203.1 - Introduction (Rev. 244; Issued: 06-26-26; Effective: 06-26-26; Implementation: 06-26-26) This protocol is established pursuant to §1819(g)(2)(C) and §1919(g)(2)(C) of the Act to provide guidance to surveyors conducting surveys of long-term care facilities participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The protocol consists of survey procedures, worksheets, and interpretive guidelines. It serves to explain and clarify the requirements for long-term care facilities and all surveyors measuring facility compliance with Federal requirements are required to use it. The purpose of this protocol is to provide suggestions, interpretations, checklists, and other tools for use both in preparation for the survey and when performing the survey onsite. See the LTCSP Procedure Guide for additional instructions to surveyors for conducting the LTCSP. The interpretive guidelines merely define or explain the relevant statutes and regulations and do not impose any additional costs or place other burdens on any health care facility. (See Chapter 2, of this manual.)