Description

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) believes that a well-designed and well-maintained Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program can significantly enhance a hospital’s ability to provide high-quality and safe care to its patients and reduce the incidence of medical errors and adverse events throughout the hospital. 
 
In March 2023, CMS issued new interpretive guidelines on assessing a hospital’s QAPI program. This program will discuss the revised CMS hospital QAPI standards and the new applicable interpretive guidelines. There will be a discussion on CMS expectations for hospital leadership and the governing body with respect to oversight and execution of the QAPI.  

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the conclusion of this session, participants should be able to:

• Discuss that the governing body and hospital leadership are responsible for the QAPI program, its implementation, and completion.   
• Recall key requirements for a QAPI program that will be reviewed and assessed during a survey. 
• Recite areas that surveyors assess.  
• Explain that CMS surveyors will review policies in place and look for proof of implementation of such policies and procedures. 

TARGET AUDIENCE:
Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nursing Officer, Compliance Officer, Emergency Department Personnel, Joint Commission Coordinator, Medical Records, Quality Improvement personnel, Risk Manager, Legal Counsel.