A well-run care conference or care plan meeting can help the interdisciplinary team (IDT) improve the resident’s quality of care and quality of life by establishing a more resident-centered, individualized, culturally competent, and trauma-informed care plan, says Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, IPCO, QCP, ICC, director of reimbursement and …
The nurse assessment coordinator (NAC) brings a unique understanding of facility operations and resident needs that can reap critical benefits for the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program, says Lauren Stenson, MSN, RN, CNDLTC, QCP, DNS-CT, an AAPACN curriculum development specialist. “You keep track of the documentation that is …
The revised surveyor guidance in Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual that goes into effect on April 28, 2025, does not include any updates to F-tag 838 (Facility Assessment), says Robin Hillier, CPA, STNA, LNHA, RAC-MT, president of RLH Consulting in Westerville, OH. “Revised F838 guidance already went into …
Pain management is an essential piece of the care provided in long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) settings. Many residents experience acute or chronic pain due to a variety of conditions, such as postsurgical recovery, arthritis, and neuropathy. Pain traditionally was managed with pharmacological interventions, including narcotics and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. …
In long-term care (LTC) facilities, many residents need care for chronic and acute respiratory problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tracheostomy, and post-COVID complications. LTC nurses need to know how to manage these complex conditions. In many situations, the care meets the criteria of respiratory therapy per …
In long-term care, the Minimum Data Set (MDS) ensures appropriate care planning, accurate reimbursement, and quality measurement while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations. However, MDS coding may pose some ethical challenges. Completing the MDS accurately and according to the Long-term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual …
An effective Infection Prevention and Control Program (IPCP) goes beyond compliance with policies and ideally reflects a cultural shift toward personal responsibility. The nurse leader has a key role in helping healthcare professionals recognize their part in preventing infections and understanding how their actions directly impact resident safety. The goal …
Quality Measure (QM) reporting on pressure ulcers is a significant metric used by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to help ensure that nursing homes provide high-quality care to vulnerable residents. Those residents with impaired mobility, chronic health issues, and complex comorbidities have a higher risk of developing …
For skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), diagnosis selection and accurate ICD-10-CM coding are essential for both quality resident care and compliance with regulations. For therapists providing skilled rehabilitation services, the ability to choose the correct diagnosis code is not only crucial for resident outcomes but also ensures proper reimbursement and avoids …
Some nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) may believe that having a care conference (aka care plan meeting) with the resident and/or their responsible party or family member is a regulatory requirement. “However, no regulations actually use the term care conference,” says Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, IPCO, QCP, ICC, director …
