Nursing homes/healthcare facilities must provide immediate access to the resident by the resident's physician, representative, and various state and federal officials and organizations. This includes state and federal surveyors, who cannot be prohibited from talking to residents, family members, and resident representatives. If facility staff attempt to interfere with the survey process, surveyors should consult with the CMS Regional Office. This new letter requires nursing homes/healthcare facilities to ensure that surveyors are given immediate access to the resident in order to ensure compliance with requirements.

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