09/11/2025

CMS Revises Nursing Home Care Compare Ratings

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued updated guidance that changes how Nursing Home Care Compare calculates health inspection ratings. In a September 10, 2025 memo (QSO-25-20-NH REVISED), CMS announced that it will remove the oldest of the three survey cycles used in the Health Inspection rating, ensuring that star ratings reflect more recent performance. This adjustment is expected to make the Five-Star Quality Rating System more responsive to current survey outcomes.

The memo also outlines upcoming changes to how CMS reports chain-level performance and quality measures. Beginning January 28, 2026, CMS will move to a claims- and MDS-based methodology for the long-stay antipsychotic measure, a shift that is projected to increase reported rates of antipsychotic use. Facilities should prepare for how these changes could influence their star ratings and consumer perception. CMS also confirmed that COVID-19 vaccination measures will remain available but will not appear on the primary Care Compare profile page.

For Ohio nursing homes, these updates mean that public-facing ratings may shift in the coming months, which could affect how residents, families, and referral partners view provider performance. LeadingAge Ohio will continue to monitor the implications of these changes and provide members with strategies to respond.