Nursing Home News 2026Mar26

Life Safety Code Update

State fire marshal provided an update regarding fire extinguishing system checks for kitchen exhaust hoods. This is a requirement for ALL facilities that must comply with Life Safety Code. Nebraska was made aware during an FMS survey that not all Nebraska surveyors may be monitoring for this. Each facility must look at their system and document on each of these items on a monthly basis. You can review the Kitchen Fire-Extinguishing System Quick Checklist Here. Information about oxygen signage can be found HERE.

OIG Releases Reports on Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a two-part series of reports on March 19 investigating antipsychotic usage in nursing homes. The first report focused on antipsychotic prescribing and the second report focused on providers’ assignment of schizophrenia diagnoses to justify the use of antipsychotic medications. The reports evaluated 40 nursing home inspections and resulted in recommendations from OIG that CMS increase oversight on nursing home practices involving antipsychotics, such as ensuring greater involvement from medical directors and pharmacists, and take steps to further reduce inappropriate prescribing and diagnosing practices. These recommendations are consistent with actions taken by CMS such as schizophrenia audits and increased scrutiny on the role and responsibilities of the medical director related to antipsychotic usage. LeadingAge members can refer back to this tip sheet for a refresher on antipsychotics-related compliance.

Nursing Home Network, March 31

The Nursing Home Network will meet next Tuesday, March 31 at 2 p.m. ET. We will review nursing home policy updates from the past month and discuss various questions posed by network members. The Nursing Home Network is open to all LeadingAge members and you can register for these calls here.

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap