Q&A: A resident was skilled under Medicare Part A and exhausted benefits. We completed a Significant Change in Status Assessment to capture the improvement before the end of the stay. Should I have completed an IPA or something else with the significant change MDS?

Billing and Reimbursement / NAC / Q&A

Question: A resident was skilled under Medicare Part A and exhausted benefits. We completed a Significant Change in Status Assessment to capture the improvement before the end of the stay. Should I have completed an IPA or something else with the significant change MDS? Answer from Jessie McGill RN, BSN, …

Q&A: If the stay is only 15 days, how do I calculate the 30-day weight loss for section K?

MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC / Q&A

Question: If the stay is only 15 days, how do I calculate the 30-day weight loss for section K?  Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: You use the weight that is closest to 30 days before the date the current weight was measured-—the weight coded on the …

Q&A: What ARD is used for a Death in Facility record if the resident expires before midnight, but the mortuary did not pick up until after midnight?  

MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC / Q&A

Question: What ARD is used for a Death in Facility record if the resident expires before midnight, but the mortuary did not pick up until after midnight?   Answer from Jeff Taylor: The actual time/date of death.   The death certificate should specify both when death was pronounced and either the …

What to Expect at the AAPACN 2026 Conference: Highlights, What’s New, Can’t-Miss Sessions, and More

NAC / Podcast

In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, AAPACN staff, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer, Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist, and Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, curriculum development specialist, share some of the highlights for the AAPACN 2026 …

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Back to PDPM Basics – Part 5: The NTA Component

Article / Billing and Reimbursement / MDS 3.0 and the RAI Process / NAC

The Non-Therapy Ancillary (NTA) component of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) accounts for the medical complexity and resource-intensive services provided to residents in nursing facilities. This component is calculated using a combination of clinical diagnoses, active conditions, and specialized treatments or services documented in the Minimum Data Set (MDS) and, …

2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles

Billing and Reimbursement / DNS / NAC / Post-Acute Care News

On November 14, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2026 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2026 Medicare Part D income-related monthly adjustment amounts.  Medicare Part A Premium and Deductible Medicare Part A covers inpatient …

Interview About QCP Certification Integration with Jennifer Pyne at Genesis Healthcare

Administrator / Blog / DNS / IDT member / NAC / QAPI and Quality Initiatives

In skilled nursing facilities across the country, quality care is not just a standard—it is a promise to residents and families who place their trust in dedicated caregivers. At Genesis Healthcare, that promise is being strengthened through intentional investment in nursing excellence. As AAPACN celebrates the 10-year anniversary of the …

How to Advance Your Career as a Nurse Assessment Coordinator (NAC) – Part Three: Proficient Level

Blog / Leadership and Management / NAC

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 …

Learning Timeline for AAPACN Education and Resources

DNS / Leadership and Management / NAC / Tool

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 …