By Lisa Chubb, MSN, RN—EZ5Star Clinical Consulting
For skilled nursing facilities, a CMS 5-Star Rating isn’t just a badge of honor—it’s a critical factor in building trust with residents, families, hospitals, and referral partners.
But many leaders find the system confusing, frustrating, or out of reach.
The truth is: you don’t need to guess your way to 5 stars. With the right support, strategy, and structure, your facility can earn—and keep—a rating that reflects the care you provide.
At EZ5Star, we break the process down into manageable, measurable steps that drive real change.
What the CMS 5-Star System Measures
The overall star rating is made up of three core components:
Health Inspections – Based on results from the last three standard surveys and complaint investigations Staffing – Hours of care provided by RNs and all nursing staff, adjusted for resident acuity Quality Measures (QMs) – Clinical outcomes such as falls, pressure ulcers, antipsychotic use, hospital readmissions, and more
Each domain is rated 1 to 5 stars, with your overall rating weighted primarily on survey performance.
Why It Matters
Hospitals and discharge planners use star ratings to determine referrals Families and residents use them when choosing care Managed care and value-based payors consider them in contracting decisions State and federal agencies monitor them for regulatory risk
A high rating translates to reputation, census, and reimbursement advantage.
EZ5Star’s Roadmap to 5 Stars
We’ve helped facilities across the country move from 1- or 2-star ratings to 4 and 5 stars—sustainably. Here’s how we do it:
1. 5-Star Data Analysis & Gap Assessment
We break down your rating by each domain and compare against state and national benchmarks to identify priority areas.
2. Survey Readiness & Mock Inspections
We simulate real survey conditions, identify potential deficiencies, and build corrective action plans.
3. Staffing Review & Strategy
We evaluate your PBJ reporting accuracy and staffing patterns and offer recommendations to improve both quantity and quality of care delivery.
4. Quality Measure Improvement Plan
We analyze each QM, review care processes, and train staff on targeted interventions—especially for high-impact measures like falls, UTIs, and rehospitalizations.
5. Accountability Coaching for Leaders
We support your leadership team in goal-setting, performance reviews, and culture change to ensure lasting impact—not quick fixes.
Real Impact, Real Results
Facilities that work with EZ5Star often see:
CMS 5-Star improvements within 12 months Stronger staff retention and engagement Higher satisfaction from residents and families Improved survey outcomes and audit resilience
Don’t Chase Stars—Build a 5-Star Culture
You don’t need gimmicks to improve your CMS rating. You need a focused strategy, expert support, and leaders who are willing to lead differently.
EZ5Star can help you chart the path—and walk it with you.
Let’s talk about what’s holding your rating back—and how to fix it.
EZ5Star 