CDC NHSN Long-term Care Facility Component (LTCF): Updated Resources

LTCF Overview New! 2023 Overview of HAI Reporting in LTCFs YouTube Link [Video – 41 min] Slideset [PDF – 3 MB] LTCF Annual Survey New! 2023 LTCF Component Annual Facility Survey Review [PDF – 2 MB] From https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/training/ltc/index.html LTCF Manual & FAQs From https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/ltc/index.html

iQIES Resources Site

iQIES is the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System, which is the system that the MDS submissions system is being transferred to. The QIES Technical Support Office maintains a website with iQIES reference materials, including an onboarding guide and other training materials. Most recent update: iQIES Reports Training Materials Jan …

Action Required: Register ASAP for an iQIES Account for Early 2023 MDS Submissions

As previously announced, CMS is preparing to release the Internet-facing, cloud-based system, referred to as the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) for Minimum Data Set (MDS) submission, in early 2023. Although the MDS submission functionality will not be available immediately, we strongly encourage users to request access to …

Decision Support Software: How to Get the Benefits and Limit the Risks

Accuracy, efficiency, consistency—these are all work process gains that nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) can reap from decision support software, such as MDS “scrubbers” and automated care plan interventions, and they can help lead to improved reimbursement and higher quality of care. “The benefits are clear for some assessment components,” says …

MDS Validation Utility Tool (VUT) v3.6.1 – Effective 10/1/2022

An updated MDS Validation Utility Tool (VUT) v3.6.1 is now available.  This release supports the valid FY2023 ICD codes for I0020B as well as the remapping of GG Discharge items when a dash is used from Warning Edit -3897 to Warning Edit -3908 (Issues 18 and 19 in Errata 3.00.8).  For …

CASPER Reporting User’s Guide for MDS Providers UPDATED (5/22)

The CASPER Reporting User’s Guide for MDS Providers provides information and instructions pertaining to the CASPER Reporting application. This system enables users to connect electronically to the National Reporting Database. This guide is intended for use as a reference and learning tool for accessing CASPER Reports. Section 13 was updated …

CISA: Implement Cybersecurity Measures Now to Protect Against Potential Critical Threats (1/22)

This CISA Insights is intended to ensure that senior leaders at every organization in the United States are aware of critical cyber risks and take urgent, near-term steps to reduce the likelihood and impact of a potentially damaging compromise. All organizations, regardless of sector or size, should immediately implement the …

New Technology in Identifying Wound Infections Helping to Deprescribe Antibiotics with Martha Kelso

In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, vice president of education and certification strategy for AAPACN and Martha Kelso, RN, LNC, HBOT, CEO of Wound Care Plus, a mobile wound care provider, discuss new technology to help identify wound infections and the impact this has on …

Is Telehealth Viable for Mental Health Needs Post-Pandemic?

Mental and behavioral healthcare is one of many resident care needs that transitioned to telehealth (i.e., telephone or video visits) in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, via the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other agencies, heavily promoted the …

Emergency Preparedness: Healthcare Cybersecurity Readiness and Response (2/21)

As part of our nation’s critical infrastructure, healthcare facilities large and small must be proactive and move quickly to protect themselves from cyberattacks that could directly impact the health and safety of patients and the community at large. According to medical health experts experienced in cybersecurity preparedness, cyberattacks are identified …