Changes to the SFF selection process now include fall data considerations, with facilities having five business days to respond, alongside revised enforcement and survey protocols.
The Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program has been revised as of January 28, 2026, according to a memo from the Safety & Oversight Group (QSOG), with the goal of improving nursing home care.
Specifically, the SFF selection criteria has been updated to center on fall rates within nursing homes. According to the memo, “State Agencies may consider facility falls data when selecting new SFFs.” New SFFs will now have five business days to respond to their State Agency when notified of selection.
The enforcement category has also been revised. Standard health, complaint, LSC, and EP surveys will be administered by State Agencies as needed, but no less than the minimum amounts set by the memo. Surveys must be unpredictable, according to the updates.
