F-Tag Library On-Demand Series-F695 Respiratory/Tracheostomy Care and Suctioning

Video Transcription

Video Summary

This presentation reviews CMS regulation F695 concerning respiratory tracheostomy care and suctioning in nursing facilities. Facilities must ensure residents needing respiratory care receive treatment consistent with professional standards, individualized care plans, and their preferences. Key regulatory requirements include facility assessment of capability to provide specialized respiratory services; development of comprehensive respiratory care policies covering oxygen therapy, aerosol treatments, mechanical ventilation, tracheostomy care, emergency procedures, and infection control; and employing trained, competent staff authorized to perform respiratory interventions according to state laws.<br /><br />Documentation must detail respiratory assessments, treatment responses, vital signs, and notify practitioners of significant changes. Specific care plans should address positioning, nutrition, communication, skin integrity, and potential respiratory complications. Facilities must identify and correct deficiencies promptly, conducting root cause analyses to implement systemic changes beyond education—such as competency verification and policy updates. Monitoring plans with defined frequency and methods ensure sustained compliance. Leadership is encouraged to use CMS respiratory care critical element pathways for audits and conduct mock drills to evaluate emergency preparedness. Staff education is essential across respiratory assessments, equipment use, emergency care, infection control, and documentation. Additional resources are offered by APACN to support facilities in meeting regulatory standards and ensuring safe, effective respiratory care.

Keywords

CMS regulation F695

respiratory tracheostomy care

nursing facilities

respiratory care policies

staff competency

documentation requirements

emergency preparedness