CMS Proposes Nutrition-Focused Quality Measures for Skilled Nursing Facilities
In the proposed FY 2026 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) rule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is considering the introduction of a quality measure focused on nutritional health within skilled nursing care. This development highlights the increasing recognition of nutrition as an integral component of therapy and overall resident health in SNFs. Nutrition, alongside physical activity and sleep, is being evaluated as a critical factor impacting patient outcomes and preventable care in these settings.
Nutritional health is closely linked to rehabilitation disciplines such as physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), and speech-language pathology (SLP). Each therapy domain plays a vital role in supporting the nutritional status of residents. PTs address strength, mobility, and endurance that facilitate residents' ability to participate in meals and social dining. OTs focus on fine motor skills and adaptations necessary for self-feeding, ensuring independence and dignity. SLPs manage swallowing disorders through assessments, diet modifications, and caregiver training to reduce risks like aspiration.
Beyond clinical interventions, therapeutic activities like gardening are being utilized in some SNFs as functional care modalities that support both physical and social aspects of rehabilitation. Gardening promotes ambulation, balance, fine motor skills, and communication among residents, while also offering fresh produce that can be incorporated into meal planning. This holistic approach enhances resident engagement and underscores the intersection between nutrition and therapeutic goals.
CMS's request for stakeholder feedback on nutrition-related quality measures reflects a broader regulatory focus on comprehensive care that addresses the multifaceted needs of SNF residents. Implementing standardized nutrition metrics aligns with current initiatives to improve quality outcomes and aligns care plans across interdisciplinary teams. It also advances an understanding that nutritional health influences rehabilitation success and overall functional status.
In summary, integrating nutritional health within quality assessment frameworks offers a path toward improved care coordination and resident well-being in skilled nursing facilities. This emphasis encourages SNFs to adopt interdisciplinary strategies that encompass therapy services and nutritional support, fostering environments conducive to healing and functional recovery.