The Quality Ecosystem: How Quality Programs Thrive or Fail Together – May 7, 2026

Members: $25 | Non-members: $50Continuing Education: 1 CE hourRecording Date: May 7, 2026Duration: 60 minutesSpeakers: Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA Quality measures, Five-Star ratings, the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP), SNF Value-Based Purchasing Program (SNF VBP), and data validation are interconnected—not siloed. Collectively, they create an ecosystem where success or failure is shared …

Celebrating Yourself on NAC Day

In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, Jessie McGill, senior curriculum development specialist, and Jennifer LaBay, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss celebrating yourself on NAC Day, raising awareness of the NAC role, and supporting wellness and self-care. Additional Resources: Free Member Tools: …

TIP: Final Influenza Vaccination Reporting Deadline Approaching

The deadline to submit healthcare personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination data in the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system is May 18, 2026. This reporting is required for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) and covers the period Oct.1, 2025, through …

Q&A: If a resident returns on day 30 after discharge (return anticipated), is it a readmission or new admission?

Question: If a resident was discharged return anticipated and comes back on day 30, would this be considered a readmission or a new admission? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: If the resident comes back on day 30, she would be a readmission not a new admission. …

Q&A: When resuming Medicare Part A within the 30-day transfer rule, which GG observation period should be used on a Significant Change in Status (SCSA) combined with a 5-Day?

Question: When resuming Medicare Part A within the 30-day transfer rule, which GG observation period should be used on a Significant Change in Status (SCSA) combined with a 5-Day? Answer from Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC: The GG observation period is the first three days of the Medicare …

Q&A: Does “at risk for malnutrition” qualify for coding if it is only documented by a dietitian and not by a physician?

Question: Does “at risk for malnutrition” qualify for coding if it is only documented by a dietitian and not by a physician? Answer from Jeff Taylor: The steps for assessment and coding instructions for I5600 require provider documentation during the 60-day observation period. You need a provider (physician, nurse practitioner …

Declutter Your Coding: Spring Cleaning Tips for ICD-10-CM Success in LTC – April 30, 2026

Members: $25 | Non-members: $50Continuing Education: 1 CE hourRecording Date: April 30, 2026Duration: 60 minutesSpeakers: Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC Accurate ICD-10-CM coding in long-term care (LTC) is essential for care planning, quality reporting, and reimbursement. However, outdated habits, documentation gaps, and misunderstood guidelines can clutter the coding process and lead to ongoing challenges. This …

How to Advance Your Career as a Director of Nursing Services (DNS) – Part Three: Proficient Level

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 …

SNF QRP and SNF VBP MDS Data Validation Program FAQs Updated

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 …

AAPACN and LTC 100 Release New Survey Findings on What’s Driving Nurse Retention and Turnover in Long-Term Care

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 …