The Quality Improvement Organizations has released a free Facility Assessment Tool. This assessment was updated this month to be compliant with new regulations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The template is organized into three parts: Resident profile, services and care offered, and facility resources needed. This …
Discharge planning is an important and necessary process to ensure residents have all the resources, equipment, and support they need for success when they return home. This in-service education will enable licensed nurses to understand the components of the discharge process and develop a solid discharge plan, helping residents to make …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes provides a comprehensive approach that includes infection prevention, testing, vaccination, and treatment. This toolkit includes guidance and recommendations and resources that nursing leadership can use to fight respiratory infections. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN …
In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Dr. Devin Jopp, EdD, chief executive officer for the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), discuss the role of the infection preventionist in long-term care and how this respiratory season …
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In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss the top five changes coming to the RAI User’s Manual this October and how they will impact nurse assessment coordinators (NACs). …
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Question: Can an End of PPS be done since a resident is not leaving the facility but just changing payor sources? Answer from Jeff Taylor: Yes, it’s required for any discharge from Medicare Part A (except for death in facility). This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may …
Question: A resident was placed in strict isolation and a COVID-19 test was completed due to complaints of a sore throat and cough. The test was negative, but the resident remains in isolation in room due to ongoing symptoms. Can isolation be coded on the MDS in this situation? Answer …
Question: If the registered dietitian writes that the resident is at risk for malnutrition, but the physician doesn’t review and sign that he agrees until after the ARD, should risk for malnutrition be coded on the MDS? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: The physician must document …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the Hyperlink Update Supplement file to address external webpage changes. This file also addresses replacement links and replacement pages for the affected RAI User’s Manual v1.19.1 pages. This update includes a replacement link to the Centers for Disease Control and …
With the help of contractors, CMS revised the SNF ABN, Form CMS-10055, and the form instructions. The SNF ABN form and instructions are located in the download section and are available for immediate use, but will be mandatory for use on 10/31/2024. Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) must issue a notice …
