This letter from CMS provides definitions, guidance, and staging for pressure ulcers/injuries (PU/PIs). It outlines that nursing homes and other healthcare facilities must provide care and services consistent with professional standards of practice to prevent and promote the healing of pressure ulcers. The letter also provides definitions of avoidable/unavoidable, colonized/infected, debridement, eschar/slough, exudate, friction/shearing, granulation tissue, tunnel/sinus tract/undermining, and guidance staging. It also states that regardless of the staging system or wound definitions used by the facility, the facility must complete the MDS utilizing the staging guidelines found in the RAI Manual. This letter will impact nursing homes and healthcare facilities by requiring them to take action to prevent, treat, and promote the healing of pressure ulcers. They must also use the definitions and guidance provided in the letter, and complete the MDS using the staging guidelines found in the RAI Manual.

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