Urinary incontinence, catheters, and urinary tract infections: an overview of CMS tag F 315

Abstract

The majority of nursing home residents experience some type of urinary incontinence. Other bladder-related disorders (eg, urinary retention and urinary tract infection) also are common in long-term care facilities. Efforts to manage urological conditions such as the use of indwelling catheters and absorbent products, perineal hygiene and care, toileting, and bladder rehabilitation are areas of concern and have become the subject of revised regulations. The intent of recent changes to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services surveyor guidance for incontinence and urinary catheters is to ensure that: 1) incontinent residents are identified, assessed, and provided appropriate treatment, 2) indwelling catheters are not used without medical justification and removed as soon as clinically warranted, and 3) residents receive appropriate care to prevent urinary tract infections. Nursing homes must implement policies, procedures, and programs to help restore bladder function and continence in order to improve quality-of-life for nursing home residents.