05/29/2025

You Asked... We Answered...

You Asked: Can a nurse practitioner meet the nursing home physician visit requirement?

We Answered: While nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants (collectively known as non-physician practitioners (NPPs)) can conduct many of the required visits, the initial comprehensive physician visit must be completed by a physician within the first 30 days after admission. Under F-tag 712 (§483.30(c)), physician visits are required at least every 30 days for the first 90 days and every 60 days thereafter, with a visit considered timely if completed within 10 days of the due date. After the physician’s initial visit, the NPP may perform every other required visit and any other medically necessary visits as long as they are working under the physician’s direction and within their scope of practice.