Implementing the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Patient Safety Structure Measure - FREE No CME Option-Patient Safety Structural Measure

Video Transcription

Video Summary

The session focused on implementing the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Patient Safety Structural Measure (PSSM), a new attestation-based measure requiring hospitals to demonstrate a culture and structure prioritizing patient safety through five domains: leadership commitment, strategic planning and policy, safety culture and learning systems, accountability and transparency, and patient and family engagement. The measure affects acute hospitals’ and certain cancer hospitals’ payment updates starting with 2025 data, with reporting due in spring 2026 via the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). Critical Access Hospitals may participate voluntarily.<br /><br />Kathy Collins, an experienced nurse and quality consultant, explained each domain’s elements in detail, emphasizing the requirement for hospitals to meet all specific elements in each domain to earn credit. The session highlighted best practices such as active board engagement, strategic safety goals including zero preventable harm, conducting safety culture surveys, using high-reliability practices, ensuring confidential safety event reporting, and fostering patient-family advisory councils.<br /><br />Participants discussed challenges and shared strategies for board education and patient safety reporting. A follow-up webinar series focusing on each domain in detail was announced. Resources and contacts for technical assistance were provided. The session concluded with encouragement to prioritize patient safety efforts as fundamental for quality care and regulatory compliance.

Keywords

Patient Safety Structural Measure

PSSM framework

leadership domain

healthcare safety culture

senior leadership accountability

governing boards

patient safety programs

C-suite engagement

continuous improvement

CMS Patient Safety Structural Measure

PSSM

patient safety culture

hospital leadership commitment

strategic safety planning

safety culture surveys

accountability and transparency

patient and family engagement

National Healthcare Safety Network