CMS to Audit for Drug Overdoses

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 04/04/2024 16:12:58
• In: Quality/Regulatory

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) maintains a flexible work planning process, adjusting priorities throughout the year to address emerging issues with available resources.  This month the OPIG has identified drug overdoses as an area of focus. 
 
The United States is grappling with an epidemic of drug abuse and overdose deaths. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 1 million Americans lost their lives to overdose between 1999 and 2021, with 80,000 of these deaths occurring in 2021 alone. Individuals who have experienced at least one overdose face an increased likelihood of subsequent occurrences. Beyond fatalities, there are numerous nonfatal overdoses, each imposing its own emotional and economic burdens.   

CMS audits will determine whether selected nursing facilities complied with quality-of-care requirements and reported, investigated, and implemented corrective actions for potential illegal drug usage and significant pain medication errors involving opioid overdoses.

Click here for more information.
 
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org