An assessor does not need perfect eyesight to see that vision plays a significant role in the quality of life of residents in long-term care. Accurately evaluating vision, and how it is coded at B1000, helps all staff understand how visual impairments may impact the resident’s daily life, mood, and …
Written by Brenda Schumacher, Staff Writer, AAPACN When a resident discharges before the Admission assessment is complete, nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) must make decisions that directly affect compliance, survey readiness, and resident care planning. Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, explains that the first …
In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss recent changes to section GG in the RAI User’s Manual.
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Question: What is the look-back period for K0100? The RAI User’s Manual does not mention the look-back period or if this can include days during the hospital stay? Answer from Jennifer LaBay RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC: When a look-back period is not specifically mentioned, the look-back is 7 days. …
AAPACN offers two great tools to assist nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) in scheduling OBRA assessments. Be prepared for 2026 with these two tools that are free to members: This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may download or print one copy for use within their facility only. AAPACN …
Do you have an organized approach to collect MDS data during the 7- and 14-day look-back periods? AAPACN’s MDS Data Collection for the NAC tool provides an organized approach to gathering supporting data from the medical record, medication administration record, treatment record, and more. This tool can save you time …
MDS section L (Oral/Dental Status) is one of the most frequently undervalued areas of the MDS, says Eleisha Wilkes, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, QCP, a senior consultant with Proactive LTC Consulting in Evansville, IN. “Generally, it is perceived as a minor section because it doesn’t directly affect payment in …
The nursing component of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) may appear straightforward: calculate a section GG Nursing Function Score and assign the resident to one of six nursing categories. But accuracy relies on a detailed understanding of coding rules, observation periods, and documentation requirements that determine both compliance and reimbursement …
Question: Is a Pure Wick catheter coded as an external catheter? Answer from Scott Heichel RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, QCP, ICC, IPCO: Yes, this would meet the definition of an external catheter in the RAI User’s Manual. EXTERNAL CATHETERDevice attached to the shaft of the penis like a condom, …
Question: When assessing a fall with an injury to the head, such as a laceration, bruise, or hematoma, would this automatically be considered a major injury? Answer from Jessie McGill RN, BSN, RAC-MTA, RAC-CTA and Scott Heichel RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, QCP, ICC, IPCO: The RAI User’s Manual definition for …
