TIP: CMS Released QSO Memo Impacting Five-Star

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memo that will have a significant impact on the health inspection star rating and how the long-star antipsychotic measure is calculated, among other changes:  Health Inspection Star Rating:  Long-Stay Antipsychotic Measure Methodology:  Other changes:  For more details, see the memo: …

Janine Finck-Boyle Joins AAPACN Executive Team

June 24, 2025 – The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN®) announced yesterday the addition of Janine Finck-Boyle as the Senior Vice President, Engagement, to the organization’s executive leadership team. In this expanded role, Finck-Boyle will lead efforts to support AAPACN members and stakeholders through highlighting the value of …

CMS QSO Memo: Release of CMS-2567: Statement of Deficiencies and Plan of Correction

Release of CMS-2567: Statement of Deficiencies and Plan of Correction Memo # QSO-25-19-All Fiscal Year 2025 Memorandum Summary • CMS is committed to the transparency of quality of care findings, so that patients, residents, and their families can make informed health care decisions. • The official Form CMS-2567: Statement of …

CMS QSO Memo: Update to Nursing Home Compare

Memo # QSO-25-20-NH Posting Date 2025-06-18 Fiscal Year 2025 Memorandum Summary • Post Performance Data for Nursing Home Chains – “Chains” refers to groups of Medicare-certified nursing homes that are connected through common owners, and operators (also called “affiliated entities”). CMS will begin posting aggregated performance information for these nursing homes on …

CDC Project Firstline Measles Resources

CDC’s Project Firstline and the American Medical Association (AMA) recently hosted a webinar to share important measles updates and help providers and clinics stay prepared for measles. The recording is now available to watch and share. The webinar featured a panel of CDC experts covering current trends in measles epidemiology, clinical recognition of measles, the importance …

Leading the Shift: Psychotropic Stewardship in Nursing Practice

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 Lauren Stenson, MSN, RN, CNDLTC, QCP, DNS-CT, curriculum development specialist with AAPACN, discuss how the director of nursing services (DNS) can advocate for resident-centered care by navigating Appendix PP updates, reducing …

Caring for Residents with Sensory Impairments In-Service Education for Nursing Assistants

Vision and hearing loss, as well as diminished taste, touch, or smell, can significantly impact residents’ ability to communicate, navigate their environment, and engage in daily activities. By implementing individualized care plans, utilizing assistive devices, and fostering an inclusive atmosphere, certified nursing assistants can enhance residents’ quality of life and …

Know the Rules, Win the Fight: Inside SNF Medicare Appeals

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 Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, curriculum development specialist with AAPACN, discuss the Medicare appeals process in skilled nursing facilities. Additional Resources:

Outbreak Management in Long-Term Care – June 26, 2025

Members and Non-members: FreeContinuing Education: 1 CE hourRecording Date: June 26, 2025 Duration: 60 minutesSpeakers: Joan N. Hebden, MS, RN, CIC, FAPIC, FSHEA, and Marko Predic, MS, CIC, FAPIC Outbreaks may represent a single case of a disease (e.g., legionella) or an increase in the occurrence of a particular illness above what is expected …

AAPACN CEO Highlights Growth and Opportunities

The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) CEO and President, Tracey Moorhead, took the stage at the AAPACN 2025 Conference in Louisville, Kentucky, to deliver the annual CEO address to a packed room of dedicated post-acute care professionals. In her opening remarks, Moorhead welcomed attendees to the city of …