COE-NF for Behavioral Health Resources: Mental Health Awareness Training Plan, Schizophrenia, and Substance Use Recovery

The following resources are now available: Mental Health Awareness Training Plan Schizophrenia in Nursing Facilities: Validating Diagnosis and Planning for Appropriate Care Schizophrenia Fact Sheet 4 Ways Nursing Homes Can Promote Substance Use Recovery See All Resources

Targeted Prevention: Stopping Urinary Infections in Their Tracks

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) and catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) remain significant concerns in long-term care settings. They contribute to increased morbidity, extended hospital stays, higher healthcare costs, and reduced quality of life for residents. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that 75% of UTIs in hospitalized patients …

Catheter Care Competency

Competent catheter care is crucial for preventing infections and ensuring resident safety. Facilities can use AAPACN’s Catheter Care Competency tool as a standardized guide to evaluate and verify that staff are properly trained and consistently applying best practices when providing care for residents with urinary catheters. This competency can also …

CMS Transmittal: Finalized Appendix PP Updates

Note: Unlike the draft, this transmittal includes Only the updated sections of Appendix PP. Please be aware that there are at least some changes from the draft manual. Transmittal # R229SOMA Issue Date 2025-04-25 Subject Revisions to State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix PP Implementation Date 2025-04-28 CR # N/A Publication …

PALTmed Measles Statement With Implications for SNFs and NFs

Implications for Long-Term and Post-Acute Care Facilities While the majority of long-term care and post-acute residents—given their age—are presumed to be immune to measles, staff and pediatric care settings remain at risk,” says PALTmed. The organization therefore recommends best practices to protect staff and residents. Find them here: https://paltmed.org/news-media/paltmed-measles-statement

20 “Choosing Wisely” Recommendations From PALTmed

“1. Don’t insert percutaneous feeding tubes in individuals with advanced dementia. Instead, offer oral assisted feedings: Strong evidence exists that artificial nutrition does not prolong life or improve quality of life in patients with advanced dementia. Substantial functional decline and recurrent or progressive medical illnesses may indicate that a patient who …

Pain Relief Without Pills: A Guide to Non-Pharmacological Interventions

Pain management is an essential component of nursing care. Non-pharmacological pain management interventions can effectively complement or reduce the need for medication. This tool will review non-pharmacological interventions by type, providing mechanism of action and examples for use. It will also include a comprehensive audit component to track intervention utilization, …

Calming the Agitation to Aggression Pipeline: Non-pharmacological Behavior Management

Using non-pharmacological approaches, not psychotropic medications (i.e., antipsychotic, antidepressant, anti-anxiety, and hypnotic dugs), as the first line of treatment for behavior management is not a new concept for nursing homes, says Amy Lee, RN, BSN, MSN, CRRN, QCP, president and CEO of Coretactics Healthcare Consulting in Rexford, NY. “However, the …

Rethinking Pain Management: Non-pharmacological Solutions for a Holistic Approach

Pain management is an essential piece of the care provided in long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) settings. Many residents experience acute or chronic pain due to a variety of conditions, such as postsurgical recovery, arthritis, and neuropathy. Pain traditionally was managed with pharmacological interventions, including narcotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. …