The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is introducing a more streamlined review process for higher-performing nursing homes as well as an easier way for consumers to discover them when searching the CMS website. Released today, the Quality, Safety, & Oversight (QSO) Memo outlines this risk-based survey (RBS) process that strategically …
The SNF Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on the compare tool on Medicare.gov and the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the October 2026 refresh. Provider Preview Reports for the October 2026 refresh include: Providers have until August 14, 2026, to …
In this LTC DON Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, director of education and certification strategy for AAPACN, discuss how to have a conversation about weekly wound rounds as part of a …
Podcast (ltc_don_chat): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 11:40 — 7.2MB) | Embed
Memo # QSO-26-12-NH Posting Date 2026-07-14 Fiscal Year 2026 Memorandum Summary • The Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system will transition into the Internet Quality Improvement & Evaluation System (iQIES) on August 17, 2026. • Beginning August 17, 2026, all PBJ staffing data must be submitted through iQIES. Reporting requirements and quarterly deadlines will not …
Overview This job aid answers questions on how to manage your HARP ID and iQIES user role and gives you a checklist on how to start working in iQIES. • You must have a HARP ID to access iQIES. • All users must have a role in iQIES. iQIES Manage …
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 …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. How to Address ‘I Can’t’ or ‘I Won’t’ When Staff Seem Resistant to Change Change is a constant in nursing home settings, says Alice Bonner, PhD, RN, FAAN, senior advisor for Aging at the Institute for Healthcare Improvement …
This ZIP file contains resources for surveyors conducting initial surveys under the Long-term Care Survey Process (LTCSP). It is a one-stop shop containing a multitude of reference materials that are provided to the surveyors going into facilities, including, for example, a document detailing their principles of documentation, a document showing …
The director of nursing services (DNS) and leadership team must identify, document, and manage incidents that may require internal review or external reporting. Use AAPACN’s Reportable Incident Tool to ensure timely response, regulatory compliance, and thorough investigation while supporting resident safety and quality of care. This AAPACN resource is copyright …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Almost every director of nursing services (DNS) has experienced it. A staff member reports an unusual bruise. A resident falls without injury. A medication error is discovered during a chart audit. A family member alleges neglect. Within minutes, …
