Abstract
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) play a key role in setting national policy and enforcement strategies in the long-term care arena. The methodologies utilized by CMS to ensure quality care continue to evolve, as does the industry. This article provides a brief history of the role of CMS in long-term care and reviews the quality improvement strategies currently in place. Finally, this article explores the move toward models of collaboration, transparency, consumer empowerment, and defining and rewarding performance. (Author/publisher)