This F-Tag requires nursing facilities (SNFs and NFs) to ensure that any services not provided by in-house qualified professionals are obtained through formal written arrangements with outside resources, in compliance with Medicare/Medicaid requirements under section 1861(w) of the Social Security Act. The facility retains responsibility for ensuring that contracted outside services meet applicable professional standards and are delivered in a timely manner. Timeliness is defined as completion and communication of results within timeframes set by facility policy, medical orders, or professional standards of practice.
View official sourceF840 (Rev. 225; Issued: 08-08-24; Effective: 08-08-24; Implementation: 08-08-24) §483.70(f) Use of outside resources. §483.70(f)(1) If the facility does not employ a qualified professional person to furnish a specific service to be provided by the facility, the facility must have that service furnished to residents by a person or agency outside the facility under an arrangement described in section 1861(w) of the Act or (with respect to services furnished to NF residents and dental services furnished to SNF residents) an agreement described in paragraph (g)(2) of this section. §483.70(f)(2) Arrangements as described in section 1861(w) of the Act or agreements pertaining to services furnished by outside resources must specify in writing that the facility assumes responsibility for— (i) Obtaining services that meet professional standards and principles that apply to professionals providing services in such a facility; and (ii) The timeliness of the services. DEFINITIONS §483.70(f) “Timeliness” means that services are completed and results are provided within the timeframe(s) specified in accordance with facility policies and procedures, the medical orders, or professional standards of practice; and that facility staff notifies the resident’s physician, dentist, physician assistant, nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist as directed in the medical order.