SMQT Nursing and Physician Services 2

Question 1

Under 42 CFR §483.30, what is the minimum requirement for physician visits to nursing facility residents following the initial visit?

Accepted Answer

Every 30 days for the first 90 days, then every 60 days

Answer

CMS requires physicians to visit residents at least every 30 days for the first 90 days after admission, then at least every 60 days thereafter.

Question 2

A surveyor finds that a resident's physician order was carried out by a nurse practitioner without any supervising physician oversight documented. Under which condition would this be a deficiency?

Accepted Answer

When the state does not authorize NPs to practice independently in SNFs

Answer

NP scope of practice in SNFs is governed by state law; if state law requires physician supervision and documentation is absent, a deficiency exists.

Question 3

Which of the following best describes a 'physician extender' in the context of nursing facility regulations?

Accepted Answer

A nurse practitioner or physician assistant acting within their licensed scope

Answer

CMS uses the term 'physician extender' to refer to nurse practitioners and physician assistants who may perform certain physician functions when permitted by state law.

Question 4

During a survey, you observe that telephone orders are routinely signed by the ordering physician more than 48 hours after being written. This is a deficiency under which regulatory area?

Accepted Answer

Physician orders and timely authentication requirements

Answer

CMS and most state regulations require verbal and telephone physician orders to be authenticated (countersigned) within 48 hours to ensure accuracy and accountability.

Question 5

A long-term care facility has no physician available on-site and no formal written agreement with an on-call physician. A surveyor would cite this as a deficiency under which standard?

Accepted Answer

24-hour availability of physician services

Answer

SNFs must ensure physician services are available 24 hours a day through an on-call arrangement to meet emergency needs of residents.

SMQT - Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test Practice Test

SMQT - Surveyor Minimum Qualifications Test Practice Test

SMQT Nursing and Physician Services 2