CMS updated the Skilled Nursing Facility Data Validation Process: Frequently Asked Questions in August 2026. Several changes clarify how SNFs will be notified, how protected information must be handled, and when facilities can expect validation results. Key updates include: This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may download …
In the FY 2027 SNF PPS Final Rule, CMS reinforced an important expectation for MDS coding: “CMS requires that all MDS 3.0 items are coded according to the CMS item definitions, coding instructions, coding tips, and response options in the manual. State or other payer requirements do not replace, modify, …
On July 28, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated the Universal Infection Prevention and Control training. This on-demand training is now a 5-hour course,organized into two modules (13 lessons total) that incorporate interactive knowledge checks, practical activities, and real-world examples to help you apply these concepts …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released QSO-26-12-NH, Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) Transition to iQIES, announcing that the PBJ system will transition to the Internet Quality Improvement & Evaluation System (iQIES) on Aug. 17, 2026. Beginning on that date, providers and vendors must submit all PBJ staffing data …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases the Five-Star Provider Preview Report before updated ratings are posted publicly on Care Compare. As a best practice, facilities should assign a team member to review the report as soon as it becomes available in the iQIES Provider Preview Reports folder. …
The Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system will move into iQIES on Aug. 17, 2026. Moving PBJ into iQIES is part of ongoing work to modernize systems and improve security. Starting Aug. 17, facilities must submit all PBJ staffing data in iQIES. Reporting requirements and quarterly deadlines will not change. Visit the QIES Technical Support Office webpage for more information. This AAPACN …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated its Skilled Nursing Facility 3-Day Rule Billing MLN booklet. While the basic qualifying stay requirements remain the same, the revised guidance includes an important update for facilities participating in certain Medicare payment models, such as Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) and …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a one-page resource to help providers determine when an OBRA Discharge assessment is required under the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual. The fact sheet outlines key discharge criteria, including hospital admissions, observation stays greater than 24 hours, and discharges to …
The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) updated its Clinical Guidance for C. diff Infection Prevention in Acute Care Facilities on May 13, 2026. The guidance emphasizes rapid isolation and contact precautions for residents with suspected or confirmed C. diff infection (CDI), including the use of dedicated equipment and …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) previously announced in March that the updated Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), Form CMS-R-131, was now available, but extended implementation to no later than May 12, 2026. While providers could continue using the previous version through May 11, 2026, facilities should …
