06/05/2025
QIO 13th Scope of Work: Key F-Tags and Quality Focus for FY 2026
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced its FY 2026 performance budget, outlining the expanded Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) program through the 13th Scope of Work (SoW). Under the 13th SoW, the QIO program is broadening its focus from infection control alone to include several quality-of-care deficiencies that have the potential to cause more than minimal harm. The F-tags specifically targeted under this initiative include:
Resident Assessment and Care Planning:
- F660: Comprehensive Care Plans
- F661: Discharge Planning
Quality of Life and Care:
- F697: Pain Management
- F698: Dialysis Care
- F741: Sufficient and Competent Staff
- F743: Sufficient and Competent Staff for Behavioral Health
Nursing and Physician Services:
- F710: Resident Needs for Nursing, Physician, and Specialized Rehab Services
Pharmacy Services:
Administration:
- F867: QAPI Program Implementation
Infection Control:
- F880: Infection Prevention and Control
- F883: COVID-19 Vaccination of Facility Staff
For FY 2026, CMS aims to reduce the percentage of nursing homes with these cited deficiencies (at severity level D or higher) from a projected baseline of 56% in FY 2025 to 50.4% by January 2027. This means that survey deficiencies in these areas will be a particular focus for QIN-QIO technical assistance and ongoing survey oversight.
In practice, this approach will include an initial period where QIN-QIOs assess existing quality improvement efforts across states and facilities. Following this phase, nursing homes may see more targeted technical assistance aligned with these F-tags, depending on regional findings.
CMS has framed these efforts as part of a larger strategy to improve resident safety, quality of life, and care coordination across the long-term care sector. LeadingAge Ohio is supporting its membership through the Survey Collaborative, monthly Survey Tips and Tactics calls, and weekly newsletter survey tips. Sign up for upcoming offerings on the Learning Center.
