Recalculating: CMS Updates, Ohio Rules, and the Data That Drives You
Amanda Smith
Regulatory & Survey Expert | Seasoned Healthcare Leader | Speaker | Curriculum Developer | Published Children's Book Author | Life-long Learner | Opinions are mine | HSE/CEAL/CEHCH/LNHA/LMT/LPTA/QCP/WCC/RAC-CTA/IPCO/APC
Beyond the Fine Print
Federal & Ohio LTC Regulatory Update Issue Date: July 31, 2025
Regulatory Climate: Skilled Nursing Still in the Hot Seat
Senior housing and skilled nursing share many headwinds—labor costs, debt financing, tech adoption—but skilled nursing facilities remain under tighter regulatory pressure. Providers should expect continued oversight even as efficiency efforts expand.
📖 Full article: https://seniorshousingbusiness.com/skilled-nursing-operators-navigate-array-of-challenges/
CMS Clarifies SLP Licensing Rule
CMS revised its definition of “licensed” for speech-language pathologists. The prior exclusion of provisional licensees is rolled back—states can now determine license validity, and billing/staffing may continue per state rules.
Infection Control Surveys Removed from LTCSP
CMS has officially removed focused infection control surveys from the routine Long-Term Care Survey Process (LTCSP). Future investigations will occur only through complaint surveys or targeted reviews.
CMS Five-Star Data Refresh: June Cycle Now Live
The June 2025 Five-Star data was released on July 30. Key changes include:
Only the two most recent standard surveys now count toward your health inspection rating
COVID-19 vaccination data removed from Care Compare profiles
Chain-level performance metrics are now published
Providers may see rating changes even with no new surveys, due to recalibration of cut points
🔗 CMS file (modified July 1, 2025): https://data.cms.gov/provider-data/dataset/4pq5-n9py
🔗 State-level cut points: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/five-star-state-level-cut-point-tables-june-2025.pdf
🔗 Beyond The Fine Print - formatted Ohio-specific data summary: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1v0eB2MYkHk7Q_ZAFihrHAdv4IjRlZN4T0kBPYrbX_ds/edit?usp=sharing
National Health Data Program Launches
HHS, alongside 60+ tech companies, launched a new initiative to let individuals share personal health data across platforms. Focus areas:
Diabetes and weight tracking
Conversational AI
App-based tools for meds, check-ins, and care navigation
📖 Full article: https://apnews.com/article/trump-ai-rfk-jr-health-tech-fa73703bd1fd557c787ef0b590e151f1
Ohio Updates: Monitoring in Progress
No new guidance issued this week. I'm tracking:
New licensure rules (effective July 17): https://codes.ohio.gov/ohio-administrative-code/chapter-3701-17
Recoupment reconsideration timelines: https://analytics.das.ohio.gov/t/ODMPUB/views/NFOverpaymentDuplicates/Home?%3Aembed=y&%3AisGuestRedirectFromVizportal=y
August expected updates on quality metrics and staffing transparency
Questions about the July Five-Star update or recent CMS shifts?
Amanda Smith | Director of Regulatory Compliance, Aspire Regional Partners
📧 asmith@aspirerp.com | 📞 614-288-0613