Long-term care nurses who follow the path of becoming nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) can advance their careers and skill levels through experience and gained knowledge over time. At every stage of professional development, NACs can take steps to boost their knowledge and access AAPACN resources for success. Part three of …
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 …
Are you considering advancing your career and looking to gain knowledge to be successful in your next role? Or are you already in the position you love but looking to improve your knowledge for additional success? The Learning Timeline for AAPACN Education and Resources outlines AAPACN’s education programs and additional …
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: Can the physician certification be met through a detailed order versus a separate certification form? Answer from Jessie McGill RN, BSN, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT: CMS does not mandate a specific form or format, but to meet the requirements, the certification must have all the required information. This is found …
Question: We have a resident that had a qualifying hospital stay (QHS), then went to a long-term acute care hospital (LTACH) for more than 30 days. Can the resident still utilize their Medicare benefits in our skilled nursing facility (SNF) or not, since the transfer from acute hospital to SNF …
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. …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated memo regarding “Contingency Plans – State Survey & Certification Activities in the Event of Federal Government Shutdown,” QSO-26-01-ALL Revised, on Oct. 31, 2025. CMS had previously clarified that, “during a lapse in appropriation, it is not legal for CMS …
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 …
