The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) previously announced in March that the updated Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), Form CMS-R-131, was now available, but extended implementation to no later than May 12, 2026. While providers could continue using the previous version through May 11, 2026, facilities should …
The AAPACN ICD-10-CM Coding Decision Tool: Obesity and BMI Reporting helps long-term care staff accurately determine when BMI and obesity-related ICD-10-CM codes can be reported while ensuring compliance with provider documentation requirements. This tool guides users through coding decisions, clarifies the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) non-therapy ancillary (NTA) point impacts, …
In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, CRC, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, sr. curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, share clarifications from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the Long-Stay Antipsychotic measure. Additional Resources:
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Question: I need clarification regarding the CAA notes: I was understanding that anything that triggers we would address in the care plan. Do we have to address every single CAA note even if it does not trigger? Answer from Jennifer LaBay RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, CRC: Not every item that triggers …
Question: During our annual survey, I was questioned about coding methenamine as an antibiotic on the MDS. I had coded it based on information received from AAPACN and references discussed in this forum. The surveyor appreciated the reference but disagreed, stating that the medication is an anti-infective rather than an …
Question: Is a signed diagnosis list enough to support coding diagnoses in section I, or does the physician need to document the diagnosis as active in their notes? Answer from Jennifer LaBay RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, CRC: Just having a diagnosis list signed by a physician is not quite enough. There …
New Nursing Home Administrator Certification aims to strengthen leadership, operations and quality outcomes in long-term care DENVER, Co., May 14, 2026 — The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN®) today announced the launch of its Nursing Home Administrator Certification (NHA-CT), a first-of-its-kind program designed specifically to support nursing home …
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, give listeners an inside look at AAPACN’s brand new certification program, the Nursing Home …
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Orientation for a new nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) is a very complex and long process. It is important to establish a realistic schedule that will allow for effective learning but will not be overwhelming. AAPACN’s new 10-Week NAC Orientation Guide will help pace the orientation process and set the foundation …
Dobson DaVanzo analysis links AAPACN certification to higher CMS Star Ratings, stronger staffing, and improved financial outcomes DENVER, Co., May 12, 2026 — The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN®) today released new research conducted by Dobson DaVanzo & Associates showing that skilled nursing facilities employing AAPACN-certified nurses deliver …
