FY 2026 SNF QRP FAQs

An update to the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document is now available. This document has been updated to reflect the finalized policies for the SNF QRP in Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 and includes other useful resources available to providers. From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/snf-quality-reporting-program/faqs

CMS Fiscal Year Mission & Priorities Document (MPD) – Transition to Web-Based Updates

Memo # Admin Info-25-11-ALL Posting Date 2025-09-12 Fiscal Year 2025 Summary Memorandum Summary The Quality, Safety & Oversight Group (QSOG) and Survey & Operations Group (SOG) remain dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of all Americans. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 MPD reflects this dedication, along with our ongoing …

2025–26 Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza With Vaccines — ACIP Recommendations

Summary What is already known about this topic? Influenza vaccination protects against influenza and its potential complications. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices makes influenza vaccination recommendations for each influenza season. What is added by this report? Information for the 2025–26 influenza season includes the updated vaccine composition, approval of …

Are Your Facility’s Policies and Procedures Up To Date?

In this LTC DON Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, director of education and certification strategy for AAPACN, discuss the importance of policy and procedure review in nursing homes, as well as …

Caring for Residents with Respiratory Illness – Nursing In-Service Education

Respiratory illnesses remain one of the most significant health concerns for residents. Early recognition, prompt intervention, and strong infection control practices are important to maintain residents’ well-being. The Caring for Residents with Respiratory Illness in-service will assist with training licensed nurses to be able to identify, manage, and help prevent …

New AAPACN Education Program Spotlight: PDPM Documentation Essentials for the IDT

In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, and Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, curriculum development specialist with AAPACN, discuss AAPACN’s latest education program, PDPM Documentation Essentials for the IDT. Additional Resources:

Q&A: If an open area is found on day four after admission, is that still present on admission (7-day look-back period)? The definition of “present on admission” is “as close to admission as possible.”

Question: If an open area is found on day four after admission, is that still present on admission (7-day look-back period)? The definition of “present on admission” is “as close to admission as possible.” Answer from Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, QCP, ICC, IPCO: I do not think this would …

Q&A: A long-term resident went out to the hospital and returned on a skilled stay using his Managed Care plan. He has both a 5-Day and Annual scheduled for the same day, but at separate times. Do both of these get coded as “the first assessment” in A0310E?

Question: A long-term resident went out to the hospital and returned on a skilled stay using his Managed Care plan. He has both a 5-Day and Annual scheduled for the same day, but at separate times. Do both of these get coded as “the first assessment” in A0310E? Answer from …