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 …

How to Build Trust With Physicians and Develop a Collaborative Partnership

DNS / Leadership and Management / Podcast

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 directors of nursing services can use communication to build physician trust, as …

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TIP: AHRQ Launches New MDRO Toolkit

Clinical Care Solutions / DNS / Tip

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released a new Toolkit for Improving Skin Care and MDRO Prevention in Long-Term Care, which outlines four evidence-based strategies to reduce infection risks and maintain skin integrity among long-term care residents. The toolkit strategies include keeping skin clean and safe, reducing MDRO transmission, using antibiotics …

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 …

Turning Difficult Conversations into Chances for Collaboration

Article / DNS / IDT member / Leadership and Management

In long-term and post-acute care, communication is everything. Most days, conversations with residents, families, and staff flow smoothly. But every so often, a chat takes a sharp turn, voices rise, tempers flare, or emotions spill over. These moments can be stressful, yet they are also an opportunity to build trust …

Preventing Hospital Readmissions: How Effective Nurse Leaders Can Turn the Tide

Article / Clinical Care Solutions / DNS / Leadership and Management

Hospital readmissions remain one of the most persistent challenges for long-term post-acute care (LTPAC) facilities. National data shows that roughly 13% to 14% of all hospitalized patients are readmitted within 30 days (Burke et al., 2022). But the rate among nursing home residents can climb significantly to 20% to 25% …

Action Plan: Preventing Hospital Readmissions

Clinical Care Solutions / DNS / Tool

The Action Plan: Preventing Hospital Readmissions tool helps the director of nursing services (DNS) and interdisciplinary team (IDT) identify priority areas, set measurable goals, and assign accountability for reducing hospital readmissions. This fillable PDF worksheet transforms evidence-based strategies into practical next steps, empowering teams to track progress, strengthen communication, and …

7 Tips for Avoiding F656 Care Plan Citations and Building a Culture of Proactive Care Planning

Article / DNS / Survey and Regulatory Compliance

F656, Comprehensive Care Plans, is one of the most commonly cited F-tags during survey in nursing homes; however, with intentional processes in place, these citations are largely preventable. A proactive approach to care planning ensures that each resident’s plan is accurate, up to date, and reflective of their individual needs …