SNF Calendar: Key Dates for 2026 QM, VBP, QRP, and PBJ

The SNF Calendar: Key Dates for 2026 QM, VBP, QRP, and PBJ, provides a quick reference highlighting key 2026 deadlines and milestones for skilled nursing facilities. This tool includes quality measures (QMs), Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program, Quality Reporting Program (QRP), and Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) submissions, Care Compare Refreshes, CMS rule …

AAPACN 2026 Conference Highlight – Express Pass to Precision: Tackling Tricky ICD-10-CM Scenarios in Long-Term Care

In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss some of the highlights of LaBay’s AAPACN conference session, “Express Pass to Precision: Tackling Tricky ICD-10-CM …

Q&A: Am I able to code “yes” in item J1400, Prognosis, when the documentation supporting “life expectancy less than six months” is signed by nurse practitioners or physician assistants, or is a physician signature required?

Question: Am I able to code “yes” in item J1400, Prognosis, when the documentation supporting “life expectancy less than six months” is signed by nurse practitioners or physician assistants, or is a physician signature required? Answer from Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MTA, RAC-CTA: Yes, if allowable by state laws, on …

Q&A: Can I set a 5-Day PPS assessment on a non-billable day such as a skip day? The resident was sent to the hospital, did not return prior to midnight, and was not admitted.

Question: Can I set a 5-Day PPS assessment on a non-billable day such as a skip day? The resident was sent to the hospital, did not return prior to midnight, and was not admitted. Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: No, the ARD for the 5-Day cannot …

Q&A: What specialized training is needed to capture respiratory therapy provided by nurses?  

Question: What specialized training is needed to capture respiratory therapy provided by nurses?   Answer from Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC:The Glossary of the RAI User’s Manual (Appendix A-22) states this: Respiratory Therapy Services that are provided by a qualified professional (respiratory therapists, respiratory nurse). Respiratory therapy services …

ICD-10-CM Coding Spotlight Series – Part 1: Coding with Heart: Navigating ICD-10-CM Cardiac Coding in Long-Term Care

Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. February’s designation as American Heart Month offers an important opportunity to reflect on the role of cardiovascular health in long-term care (LTC). Cardiac conditions such as heart disease, hypertension (HTN), and heart failure are among the most frequently …

Care Planning MDROs: What the NAC Needs to Know

Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. A strong infection prevention and control plan should serve as the foundation of the comprehensive care plan for any resident with a multidrug-resistant organism (MDRO), says Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, RAC-CT, CPC, director of education …

How to Improve Respect for the NAC Role

In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, senior curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss the self-perception of those working as the role of the nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) and how …

Q&A: The SNF QRP Data Validation Audit notification letter requested Admission and Discharge assessments. What assessments should be submitted?

Question: The Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) Data Validation Audit notification letter requested Admission and Discharge assessments. What assessments should be submitted? Answer from Jessie McGill RN, BSN, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT: On the notification letter, there are instructions for the “MDS Assessment Type is Admission” or a “Discharge.” …