This letter from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) outlines the requirements for nursing homes and other healthcare facilities to provide or obtain laboratory services only when ordered by a physician, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist in accordance with State law, including scope of practice laws. In addition, facilities must promptly notify the ordering provider of laboratory results that fall outside of clinical reference ranges. Facilities must develop policies and procedures for this notification in consultation with the medical director and follow current standards of practice. If test results are not acted upon in a timely manner, surveyors may investigate for possible deficient practices. Nursing homes and healthcare facilities must ensure they are following these requirements to avoid potential citations.

Summaries are generataed using AI. Check important information.