Start your AAPACN 2026 Conference experience now—download the free AAPACN Conference app! It’s your one-stop hub for everything you need, from selecting sessions to accessing handouts. Plan ahead by selecting the sessions that matter most to you. Preselecting sessions also helps AAPACN ensure there are enough seats for all who …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. As National Kidney Month arrives in March, so does an important reminder: our kidneys work quietly every day, filtering waste, balancing fluids, and supporting overall health. Now is the perfect time for facility coders in long-term care (LTC) …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. The watchword that increasingly defines federal (and some state) programs that drive nursing home operations and payment is connectedness, says Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, IPCO, QCP, ICC, director of reimbursement and education for Pathway Health in …
February 2026 Updates Person-Level – Data Collection Forms and Instructions LTCF Healthcare Personnel Optional Person Level Reporting for Healthcare Personnel (Form 57.217) [PDF – 270 KB]– February 2026 Person-Level – CSV Data Import LTCF Healthcare Personnel January 2026 Updates Weekly RP Summary – Data Collection Forms and Instructions LTCF Resident Person-Level …
The phrase “budget development time” often elicits moans and groans. During this process, leadership usually asks the nurse leader if he or she has any requests of items to include in the budget. Often, the nurse leader makes a list of wants and needs, hoping to receive them in the …
Home health nursing has become one of the most dynamic and rewarding roles in healthcare today. As the demand for patient-centered, community-based care continues to grow, home health nurses are being increasingly recognized for their vital contributions to patient outcomes, more efficient healthcare, and improved quality of life. Beyond its …
There are times when a home health agency needs new items or process changes are needed to enhance resident care or improve staff workload. Often, these are high-cost solutions that require approval from the governing body, executive staff, or board members. The nurse leader must provide a rationale to justify …
The January 2026 Care Compare refresh was originally scheduled for Jan. 28, 2026, but was delayed due to an issue with one of the data sets until Feb. 5, 2026. This refresh also brought updated Five-Star Provider Reports, even though the date and time stamp on the reports did not …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. All signs point to one universal truth for the nurse assessment coordinator (NAC): MDS accuracy is paramount, says Joel VanEaton, BSN, RN, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, RAC-CT, executive vice president of post-acute care regulatory affairs and education for Broad …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) are often tasked with navigating the complex process of following the Minimum Data Set (MDS) instructions precisely while still ensuring they reflect the resident’s true clinical picture. In many situations, the answer is not …
