Commentary by Diane A. Smith

Continence specialists in long-term care are frequently consulted about the implementation of the F tag regulations. The preceding article clearly describes the new regulations and offers guidance in implementing these changes. WOC nurses should pay particular attention to the more stringent criteria governing the use of urethral and suprapubic catheters. In many instances, removal will be necessary to comply with the regulations.

As the WOC nurse or continence specialist guides long-term care facilities in implementing these changes, the assessment of incontinence is an essential component of compliance. If properly implemented, the assessment and treatment plan individualizes care and improves the majority of residents currently managed by incontinence briefs alone. This shift will occur gradually, but emphasis will now shift to treatment plans that are not optional and incontinence that can no longer be ignored. Already in the Philadelphia area 6 homes have been cited for noncompliance with the new F tag. This represents an opportunity for WOCN specialists to influence the changes needed to improve care giving for long-term care patients. This article presents the essential information WOCN specialists need to be informed about these changes.