Question: Please clarify when resident interviews need to be completed for the MDS? Answer from Scott Heichel RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, QCP, ICC, IPCO: All resident interviews, including the Customary Routine/Activities, BIMS, PHQ-2 to 9, and Pain, must be completed in the 7-day look-back window of the MDS. Any non-interview …
Question: Do I need to complete discharge assessments for an emergency evacuation? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: You may not be required to complete the discharge MDS in this situation. Here is a link to the all-cause waiver information: https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/Emergency/Downloads/Provider-Survey-and-Certification-Frequently-Asked-Questions.pdf. Review the SNF information and watch …
Question: What are the correct dates for flu season and pneumonia vaccines for MDS purposes to count if present during that time? Answer from Jennifer LaBay RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC: The influenza vaccine question O0250 is asking if the vaccine was delivered in your facility during the current flu …
From MLN Connects eNews: CMS will relaunch the Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER) in the coming months for all Medicare facility types, including hospitals, post-acute care providers, and specialty facilities. PEPPER is a free tool that helps you review your Medicare billing data so you can identify …
Transmittal # R242SOMA Issue Date 2026-05-29 Subject Revisions to the State Operations Manual (SOM) Chapter 9 Exhibits. I. SUMMARY OF CHANGES: CMS is revising Chapter 9 of the SOM to remove many model letters or links to exhibits no longer used for program operation. For Forms used for program operation, the download area …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the “Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines” guidance several times since requiring COVID-19 vaccinations to be coded on the MDS as of October 2024. Facility teams can track these changes by using AAPACN’s COVID-19 Vaccine “Up to Date” Guidance …
Starting Oct. 1, 2024, additional supporting documentation is required to capture a diagnosis of sepsis at I2100, Septicemia on the MDS. Nurse assessment coordinators can use the AAPACN Sepsis: Nurse Documentation Training Aid to provide guidance to nurses on assessment and documentation needs when a resident is diagnosed with sepsis. …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Artificial intelligence (AI) is swiftly transforming the healthcare industry, and home health care and hospice agencies are just starting to see how this technology can improve operations. “The benefits are huge,” says Holly Chaffee, MSN, BSN, RN, principal …
AAPACN’s Laboratory Test Tool for Home Health provides useful knowledge to nurses regarding the most widely ordered laboratory tests. Areas of knowledge include components of each test, reasons the physician may order the laboratory test, if the patient needs to be fasting for the test, and items that should be …
DENVER, CO, May 22, 2026 — The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN®) proudly announces that Board member Danielle Pierotti, PhD, RN, has been appointed to the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) for a three-year term. Dr. Pierotti was nominated for this prestigious position by AAPACN and recommended by …
