Fiscal Year (FY) 2014 Post Sequester Adjustment for Special Focus Facility (SFF) Nursing Homes

• Revised total SFF Slots: Effective April 2014, we have adjusted the number of designated slots and candidates so States can resume selecting and replacing nursing homes for SFF designation.
• Adjustment to Number of Slots: Pursuant to the FY2013 budget sequestration, we reduced the number of SFF slots. We are now re-building the program by a gradual increase in the number of SFF slots from its reduced base. Later, we will also introduce additional methods to address persistently poor quality in nursing homes.
• Phase in period: States may have the option to start selecting SFFs immediately or phase in the total to meet the required number by July 2014.
• Continuation of Program Changes: As outlined previously the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Regions and States will continue with the Programmatic and Operational Adjustment by conducting the 18 month “last chance” onsite survey and reviewing the progress of all facilities that have been on the SFF list for more than 12 months.