Summary of Updates to Chapters 5 and 7 of the State Operations Manual

On January 30, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued QSO-26-03-NH, which updates Chapters 5 & 7 of the State Operations Manual (SOM). The SOM governs how state survey agencies must enforce federal nursing home laws and regulations. Chapter 5 of the SOM addresses Complaint Procedures, while Chapter 7 covers the Survey and Enforcement Process for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Facilities. Consumer Voice has created a summary of these SOM changes, which are to take effect on March 30, 2026.

Read the Update Summary.