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 …
In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, answer some follow-up questions from the recent AAPACN webinar, “Ready or Not: Oct. 1, 2025 MDS Changes,” hosted …
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated guidance for the COVID-19 vaccine administration and the adult immunization schedule. The CDC’s Adult Immunization Schedule webpage was updated Oct. 7, 2025, which changed the color coding of the COVID-19 vaccination for all adult age groups to blue. This indicates …
The AAPACN Resident Interview Toolkit helps nursing home staff conduct effective resident interviews as part of the MDS 3.0 assessment process. It provides clear guidance and resources for the entire interdisciplinary team—nurses, dietary managers, social services, activities, and others—to ask residents about their mood, memory, daily routines, and care preferences. …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final version of the RAI User’s Manual, version 1.20.1, which went into effect Oct. 1, 2025. CMS made several changes, including a new definition for a fall, injury (except major), and major injury, which are as follows: This AAPACN resource is …
Respiratory therapy, coded at O0390D and O0400D, must meet definitions and complex instructions per the Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual (RAI User’s Manual). AAPACN’s Respiratory Therapy MDS Coding Checklist tool delineates the requirements to validate that all required aspects have been met before coding the Minimum Data Set …
Question: How do you code walking if the resident only walks with therapy staff? Answer from Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MTA, RAC-CTA: If the resident only walked with therapy, then the assessment for usual performance is based on the resident’s usual performance …
Question: With the new definition of fall with major injury, would a bump on the head or a laceration be a head injury? With the new definition of fall with major injury, would a bump on the head or a laceration be a head injury? Answer from Jennifer LaBay, RN, …
Question: I am confused by the new section GG guidance for when the activity “is being/will be” routinely performed. What does “will” mean? Answer from Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MTA, RAC-CTA: The term “will” in this coding tip is likely referring to …
