Q&A: For section GG, the nurse aides use a mechanical lift transfer with two-person assist for transfers four times, but physical therapy transfers with one person and maximal assist once. Part of the dependent definition is “helper does all the effort” – but this was not true for all transfers—would this be dependent or maximal assistance?

MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC / Q&A

Question: For section GG, the nurse aides use a mechanical lift transfer with two-person assist for transfers four times, but physical therapy transfers with one person and maximal assist once. Part of the dependent definition is “helper does all the effort” – but this was not true for all transfers—would …

Documentation Template: Isolation for Active Infectious Disease

MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC / Tool

The strict coding criteria for O0110M1, Isolation or quarantine for active infectious disease, requires precise documentation to support the MDS. AAPACN’s new Documentation Template: Isolation for Active Infectious Disease tool can help nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) educate nurses on the key areas of required documentation for residents in isolation. Want …

TIP: CMS Released Final RAI User’s Manual for Oct. 1, 2025

MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC / Tip

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the final version of the RAI User’s Manual, version 1.20.1, which goes into effect Oct. 1, 2025. While the draft version has been available for several months, CMS made several additional changes, including a new definition for falls and major injury, …

Patient Health Questionnaire Completion Determination

MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC / Tool

Effective Oct. 1, 2023, the full Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-9 will only be completed if the resident responds to the gateway PHQ-2 questions in a certain way. The Patient Health Questionnaire Completion Determination chart clarifies when to stop the PHQ after the PHQ-2, how to code the Total Severity Score, …

Oct. 1, 2025: MDS Changes At-a-Glance

MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC / Tool

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released unexpected changes in the final RAI User’s Manual, version 1.20.1, which goes into effect Oct. 1, 2025. The AAPACN MDS Changes At-a-Glance tool provides a high-level overview and key takeaways from the changes.  This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual …

PDPM HIPPS Code At-a-Glance

Billing and Reimbursement / NAC / Tool

The Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) 5-Character HIPPS code can be difficult to decipher. The PDPM HIPPS Code At-a-Glance tool will help nurse assessment coordinators quickly identify the key elements impacting Medicare reimbursement.  This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may download or print one copy for use within …

Home Health – Caring for Patients Who Have Had a Stroke – In-Service Education for Home Health Aides

Home Health

Stroke is a leading cause of disability and death in adults in the United States. Therefore, it is a common problem seen among patients receiving home care. Patients who have had a stroke typically have some weakness and difficulty caring for themselves. Use the Caring for Patients Who Have Had …

MDS Data Specifications V3.10.2 (FINAL) for Oct. 1, 2025

MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC / Post-Acute Care News / Technology and IT

The MDS Data Specifications V3.10.2 (FINAL) are now available for download. This version reflects changes finalized in the FY 2026 SNF PPS final rule (90 FR 37310). Note that there are some minor changes since DRAFT 3 (below) was posted, including a new edit -4096.  Please reference the Item Change and Edit Change …

A New Way to Validate Your NAC Knowledge

MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC / Podcast

In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, 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, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss a new way for NACs to test their knowledge – the NAC Competency Evaluation. Additional Resources:

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Q&A: I miscalculated the ARD window for a 5-Day and scheduled the 5-Day/PPS Discharge on day 9 of the Medicare stay. What do I need to do?

MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC / Q&A

Question: I miscalculated the ARD window for a 5-Day and scheduled the 5-Day/PPS Discharge on day 9 of the Medicare stay. What do I need to do? Answer from Jeff Taylor:Leave everything as it is and bill one day default for the late assessment. Since the 5-Day is one day …