Q&A: Does anyone have an ‘International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative’ policy?

Question: Does anyone have an ‘International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative’ policy? Answer: The IDDSI framework has many resources and guidance on how to implement the framework. https://iddsi.org/framework/  Consider convening a meeting with the dietitian, ST, dietary manager, and the rep from your food service company to discuss use and implementation. …

Sexual Expression/Intimacy Requires a Person-Centered Approach

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) makes clear that nursing homes should have a sexual expression/intimacy program that supports sexually intimate relationships when possible. Specifically, F607 (Develop/Implement Abuse/Neglect, etc. Policies) in Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual states:   The facility must have and implement written policies and procedures to prevent …

Q&A: Are we responsible for dental appointments (toothache) on our Medicare Part A residents or does the dentist bill the family?

Question: Are we responsible for dental appointments (toothache) on our Medicare Part A residents or does the dentist bill the family? Answer: Dental coverage is not part of the Medicare Part A program, so the cost is also not the facility’s responsibility. In other words, there is no dental money …

Care Conferences: A Critical Step to Person-Centered Care

By Emily Royalty-Bachelor Care conferences: maybe you’re familiar with them. Maybe you even attend them on a regular basis. But are you confident that your care conferences are meeting their intended purposes and making good use of everyone’s time? Here are some important details you need to know about hosting your …

Comprehensive Person-Centered Care Plan Audit Tool and Care Planning Cheat Sheet

The care plan should reflect a resident’s goals for health and wellness, and what the clinical team is doing to help the resident achieve those goals. AAPACN’s §483.21 Comprehensive Person-Centered Care Planning Cheat Sheet provides the DNS with an overview of the required components of the care plan, including the …

Staying Alert for Acute Conditions – Nursing Assistant In-service Education

Participants will learn to describe reasons nursing home residents are at risk for acute conditions, list symptoms and changes in vital signs, physical function, mental function, and body condition that could indicate acute conditions, identify ways to report a change in resident condition to the nurse, and discuss the CNA’s …

CMS Podcast Targets Nursing Homes in Multi-Part Series (8/19)

New Episode of CMS: Beyond The Policy is Available:   Episode 5: Nursing Home Strategy Part 1 – Strengthening Oversight The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) posted the 5th episode of the CMS: Beyond the Policy podcast which focuses on the first of the CMS’s 5-pronged strategy on strengthening …