This letter explains the requirements for physicians to visit nursing home and healthcare facility residents, and the roles and responsibilities of non-physician practitioners (NPPs). Facilities must ensure that the resident is seen by a physician at least once every 30 days for the first 90 days after admission, and at least once every 60 days thereafter. A physician visit is considered timely if it occurs not later than 10 days after the date the visit was required. In SNFs, the initial comprehensive visit must be conducted within the first 30 days after admission, and then at 30 day intervals up until 90 days after the admission date. After the initial visit, visits must be conducted at least once every 60 days thereafter. In NFs, medically necessary visits may be performed and signed by the NPP. NPPs may provide admission orders if a physician has personally approved in writing a recommendation for admission to the facility prior to the resident’s admission. Facilities must also follow state laws regarding physician delegation of tasks and NPPs performing required visits. Nursing homes and healthcare facilities must ensure that physicians visit residents at the required intervals and follow all applicable state laws.

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