Leading with Learning: How National Health Care Associates Strengthens Teams and Transforms Care with AAPACN Organizational Membership

In a complex care environment where workforce development and regulatory demands are constantly evolving, National Health Care Associates is setting a new standard. With a sharp focus on equipping staff at every level with the knowledge, tools, and confidence to lead, they’ve turned AAPACN Organizational Membership into more than a …

FY 2026 SNF VBP Program Fact Sheet and Incentive Payment Multiplier Calculation Infographic

FY 2026 SNF VBP Program Fact Sheet (PDF) From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/value-based-purchasing (also updated with FY 2026 information) SNF VBP Program: FY 2026 Incentive Payment Multiplier Calculation Infographic (PDF). From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/value-based-purchasing/scoring-methodology-payment-adjustment

QSEP Training: Essential Survey Information for CMS-Certified Providers

Essential Survey Information for CMS-Certified Providers Training Description This informational toolkit provides tips on the survey process and common requests you may receive during it, which is intended to help you navigate the process effectively. Key topics include: This is not mandatory but recommended for providers. Essential Conversations Training for …

iQIES Nursing Homes – Surveys Workbook for Surveyors

This workbook simulates the survey functions in iQIES and may provide a bare-bones (i.e., basic) walkthrough of how surveyors will approach survey using iQIES. To access, go to https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals Then go to the section titled iQIES Training Environment Access Instructions for State Agencies and CMS Locations Then you can download the …

Honoring the AAPACN 2025 Award Winners

Each year, AAPACN honors individuals and organizations who embody the vision and values of AAPACN—integrity, innovation, inspiration, and influence. They are leaders who inspire their teams, elevate standards of care, and make a lasting impact on residents, families, and colleagues alike. AAPACN was honored to celebrate the remarkable achievements of …

US Department of Labor 2024 Injury, Illness Data, Including SNFs/NFs

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration has released 2024 workplace injury and illness data collected from its Injury Tracking Application. Under federal recordkeeping rules, employers are required to electronically submit injury and illness data to OSHA. The data comes from 370,000 reports submitted on OSHA Form 300A Summary …

OIG to Audit SNF Use of Medicare Part D drugs in a Part A stay

Medicare Part A prospective payments to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) cover most services, including drugs and biologicals, furnished by a SNF for use in the facility for the care and treatment of enrollees. Accordingly, Medicare Part D drug plans should not pay for prescription drugs related to posthospital SNF care, …

2026 Medicare Advantage Proposed Rule

Contract Year 2026 Policy and Technical Changes to the Medicare Advantage Program, Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit Program, Medicare Cost Plan Program, and Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (CMS-4208-F) Direct link: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2025-06008/medicare-and-medicaid-programs-contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-to-the-medicare Fact sheet from https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/contract-year-2026-policy-and-technical-changes-medicare-advantage-program-medicare-prescription-final The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule on April 4, …

What to Expect at the AAPACN 2025 Conference in Louisville, KY

The AAPACN 2025 Conference will be hosted in Louisville, Kentucky, on April 22 – 25. Attendees will immerse themselves in information and best practices with peers who share their passion for post-acute care and can also embrace an opportunity that extends beyond the education to make connections and friendships in …