The role of a director of nursing services (DNS) in long-term care is both complex and impactful. By the time you reach the proficient stage—typically after two or more years in the role—you’ve moved beyond learning the basics and are now focused on refining systems, improving outcomes, and leading with …
Overview What is the Data Validation Process? The Data Validation Process evaluates the accuracy of quality measure data elements derived from the Minimum Data Set (MDS), which are used in the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) and Quality Reporting Programs (QRP) for assessing quality of care and measuring …
Current Submission RequirementsAs of April 1, 2026, fileSpecVersion 4.10.0 is REQUIRED for all Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) file submissions. Old versions (2.00.0, 2.00.3, and 4.00.0) are no longer accepted. Any files submitted using these versions will be rejected. You must use fileSpecVersion 4.10.0 for all submissions. Daily Hours LimitVersion 4.10.0 …
New data highlights the critical role of organizational culture and leadership in shaping workforce outcomes DENVER, Co., April 27, 2026 — The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN®), in collaboration with Long Term Care 100 (LTC 100), today released new survey findings showing that decisions to stay in or …
The AAPACN Podcasts—LTC DON Chat and LTC NAC Chat—offer tips, strategies, updates, advice, and breaking news on the most important topics in long-term and post-acute care. Regular hosts and AAPACN staff members provide their own best practices and insights, as well as a breakdown of updates and regulations. They also …
Members: $25 | Non-members: $50Continuing Education: This webinar is not eligible for CEsRecording Date: April 23, 2026Duration: 60 minutesSpeakers: Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, and Lauren Stenson, MSN, DNP(c), RN, CNDLTC, QCP, DNS-CT View the recorded AAPACN Nurse Experts panel discussion, featuring …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a Web-Based Training that provides the latest information about the respecification of the Falls with Major Injury (FMI) Quality Measure (QM) for the Post-Acute Care (PAC) Settings. The training provides an overview of the legacy and respecified FMI Measure, discusses …
CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers, their families, and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily. The Nursing Home Compare Web site features a quality rating system that gives each nursing home a rating of between 1 and 5 stars. Nursing homes with 5 stars are considered …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the fiscal year (FY) 2027 SNF PPS Proposed Rule. Stakeholders have until June 1, 2026, to submit comments on the proposals. The following is a high-level overview of the proposed changes. CMS proposed to: Additional details can be found on …
This quick reference tool helps interdisciplinary team members accurately distinguish between traumatic and pathological fractures for ICD-10-CM and MDS coding. It provides side-by-side guidance on coding rules, 7th character use, section I diagnosis coding (including I8000), and MDS item J1900C (falls with major injury). Use this tool to improve coding …
