At first glance, the methodology of the non-therapy ancillary (NTA) component of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) seems simple: code qualifying items on the MDS to achieve points. Yet while the purpose of the NTA component is simple—to capture high expense medications and supplies—its calculation is more complex. Under PDPM, …
The Skilled Nursing Facility Healthcare-Associated Infections (SNF HAI) Requiring Hospitalization measure is one of two new quality measures (QMs) that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) adopted into the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) effective with the fiscal year (FY) 2023 program year via the …
An effective in-service program not only ensures competency and meets regulatory requirements, but also incorporates many learning styles and fosters the enjoyment of learning. Given the resources that a facility must dedicate to its in-service education program, it’s important that nurse leaders review their program regularly. Ask the following questions: …
Lead certified nursing assistant (CNA) programs can create positive change in nursing homes. While program goals often vary from facility to facility, lead CNA programs may improve resident quality of life and quality of care, increase CNA communication and teamwork, give CNAs a path for professional growth and reduce CNA …
“No one even looks at the care area assessments (CAAs) once they’re done, so why spend so much time on them?” It’s a conundrum that nurse assessment coordinators (NAC) and interdisciplinary team (IDT) members often echo. However, it is also a misconception. Not only do surveyors review the CAAs—as evidenced …
Effective with the fiscal year (FY) 2023 Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP), SNFs must fulfill two separate but equal reporting requirements to avoid a 2 percent reduction in their annual payment update (APU) for the associated fiscal year, a spokesperson with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid …
With the introduction of the vaccine mandate for nursing home employees, many organizational leaders fear staff, especially certified nursing assistants (CNAs), will quit rather than get the vaccine. This week, several industry experts have voiced concerns about the potential for a mass exit of CNAs, questioning how facilities can continue …
Since the public health emergency began, both the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and directors of nursing services (DNSs) have been focused on infection control and prevention—and rightfully so. Yet while crisis-oriented actions were the top priorities, other important clinical areas may have been deferred or set aside. …
Editor’s note: This is the final article in a three-part series on elopement prevention and response in nursing homes. The first article looked at risk assessment and care planning, and the second article addressed staff training, as well as policy and procedure development. Effective risk management of elopements requires that …
Yesterday, President Biden announced that nursing homes must vaccinate their staff or lose Medicare and Medicaid funding. The exact guidance and compliance requirements are expected in September. Although this mandate is an effort to help keep people safe from COVID-19, some providers report concern that staff will leave to go …
