MDS 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual v18.0 Effective Jan. 1, 2026 and Associated Files

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual Version (V)18.0 is now available along with associated files. Additionally, the updated .zip file titled MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual v18.0 Effective 1-1-2026 and Associated User Manual Files.zip includes a complete set of six files: From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/quality-measures

TIP: Overview of Changes with November Care Compare Refresh

The expected October Care Compare refresh was delayed during the government shutdown, but it was finally refreshed on Nov. 30, 2025. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) outlined key updates also included with this refresh: Note: The Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary claims-based measure is based on data from Quarter …

Quality Measure IQ Series: Need for Help with ADLs Has Increased

In long-term care, maintaining a resident’s functional independence is both a clinical and regulatory priority. The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Quality Measure (QM), “Percent of Residents Whose Need for Help with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) Has Increased” reflects one of the most essential goals in skilled nursing: to …

AHRQ Dec. 17 Webcast Introducing SOPS Nursing Home Survey V2.0

Date: Wednesday, December 17, 2025 Time: 1-2 PM ET https://cma.ahrq.gov/cma/welcome.jsp This one-hour webcast will introduce Version 2.0 of the Surveys on Patient Safety Culture® (SOPS®) Nursing Home Survey, highlighting key improvements–including a shortened and more focused survey–and results from a pilot test with 27 nursing homes. Speakers from AMI Expeditionary Healthcare will describe their …

Falls With Major Injury (FMI) NHQI Technical Specification Report

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the official Technical Specification Report for the Falls with Major Injury (FMI) measure. This report incorporates feedback received during the cross-setting Technical Expert Panel (TEP) held on May 12 and 14, 2025. The report provides an overview of the measure, …

At-a-Glance QM, QRP, and VBP Tool

With so many Quality Measures originating from three different payment initiative programs, it’s a lot to keep track of. AAPACN’s At-a-Glance QM, QRP, and VBP tool organizes all of the measures for you. This tool has been updated with the MDS 3.0 Quality Measures User’s Manual Version 17.0 (January 2025), the Five-Star …

SNF Provider Preview Reports – Now Available

November 19, 2025 Because of the lapse in federal appropriations, scheduled data refreshes and other routine updates were temporarily paused. With the resumption of government operations on November 13, these updates are now being released. SNF Provider Preview Reports – Now Available The SNF Provider Preview Reports have been updated …

TIP: CMS Audits and Surveys Expected to Ramp Up

With the federal government now reopened after the 43-day shutdown, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to move quickly from the contingency plans outlined in the QSO-26-01-ALL REVISED memo and back to routine survey and oversight activity, including the validation audits. The data validation audits were expected …

Interview About QCP Certification Integration with Jennifer Pyne at Genesis Healthcare

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 …

Q&A: Is there a specific table that shows which items if dashed will count against us for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP)?

Question: Is there a specific table that shows which items if dashed will count against us for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP)? Answer from Carol Maher, RN, GERO-BC, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, CPC: Yes, CMS releases a document for each fiscal year (FY). The current document, Skilled Nursing …