| The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on March 23, 2020 the preliminary results of a recent inspection of the Life Care Center nursing home in Kirkland, Washington the epicenter of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak in that state. The inspection, which the Agency conducted with the Washington Department of Social & Health Services, has helped inform CMSs national strategy for keeping patients safe in nursing homes and other healthcare facilities. In keeping with the Trump Administrations aggressive moves to combat further spread of COVID-19, CMS is also utilizing flexibilities allowed by President Trumps Emergency Declaration to announce an enhanced, focused inspection process, informed in part by the Agencys experiences on the ground in Kirkland, and close coordination and input from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This focused inspection process will be provided to all inspectors and facilities, and used on a national scale. Critically, this focused inspection process includes a self-assessment tool for providers to employ. You can find a copy of the press release here: - https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-announces-findings-kirkland-nursing-home-and-new-targeted-plan-healthcare-facility-inspections Please note that links to the guidance can be found in the press release. You can find a copy of the fact sheet here: - https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/kirkland-washington-update-and-survey-prioritization-fact-sheet And Talking Points- CMS Administrator Seema Vermas Remarks as Prepared for Delivery: Updates on Healthcare Facility Inspections in light of COVID-19 https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/cms-administrator-seema-vermas-remarks-prepared-delivery-updates-healthcare-facility-inspections This guidance, and earlier CMS actions in response to the COVID-19 virus, are part of the ongoing White House Task Force efforts. To keep up with the important work the Task Force is doing in response to COVID-19 click herewww.coronavirus.gov.For information specific to CMS, please visit theCurrent Emergencies Website. | 