2026 STAT: Survey Tips and Tactics – Unnecessary Medications

On-Demand Webinar

Discover how nursing homes are being cited with their annual surveys. The Long-Term Care Survey Process and regulatory language will be reviewed. Each month will delve into a specific survey topic. Common citation examples will be given with interactive discussion from members sharing their survey experiences, best practices, and lessons learned.  Obtain useful tips and tactics for the monthly highlighted topic. Resources and other reference material will be shared.

Unnecessary medications remain a significant area of nursing home survey scrutiny, with surveyors evaluating whether each resident’s medication regimen is clinically indicated, appropriately monitored, and supported by adequate documentation. Under F757, facilities must ensure residents’ medication regimens are free from unnecessary drugs and that psychotropic medications are used only when clinically appropriate and in accordance with CMS requirements. Survey concerns may arise when medications lack a documented indication, remain in use despite changes in the resident’s condition, are not adequately monitored for effectiveness or adverse consequences, or when required dose reduction and behavioral intervention requirements are not met.

This session will review CMS requirements related to unnecessary medications, including clinical indications, monitoring for effectiveness and adverse consequences, duration of use, gradual dose reductions, behavioral interventions, and PRN psychotropic medications. The webinar will also discuss common survey findings and how surveyors evaluate medication use through record review, observation, interviews, and review of the interdisciplinary team’s medication management processes. Practical strategies will be discussed to strengthen medication review systems, interdisciplinary oversight, documentation, and ongoing evaluation of whether medications remain necessary and appropriate for each resident.

Continuing Education Information

Learners have 10 days from live webinar date to complete course, including obtaining education certificate.