Policy Snapshot
August 4, 2025
CMS has officially ended the use of Focused Infection Control Surveys (FICS) as part of routine surveys, according to revised guidance in memo QSO-25-23-ALL, issued on July 30, 2025.
FICS were introduced during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency to ensure facilities followed infection prevention protocols. Moving forward, focused infection control surveys are no longer part of the standard survey process. COVID-19 or infection control concerns should be conducted through complaint investigations outside the long-term care survey process (LTCSP).
