TIP: SNF QRP Validation Audits and Resources

On Jan. 12, 2026, the first wave of Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) validation audits notifications arrived in the iQIES MDS 3.0 Provider Preview Reports folder for some facilities. While 1,500 randomly selected facilities will receive this audit, not all were included in this first wave. For …

CMS: Impact of Combined Assessments on SNF APU for SNF QRP

Impact of Combined Assessments on SNF APU: How Medicare 5-Day and PPS Discharge Combined Assessments Affect Your Facility’s APU Calculation The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a one-page resource for SNF providers that illustrates how Medicare 5-Day and PPS Discharge combined assessments can impact the APU …

NHSN LTCF MDRO & CDI Module Resources

Multidrug-Resistant Organism & Clostridioides difficile (MDRO/CDI) Infection Event Reporting Module Using Laboratory-identified Event Methodology January 2026 updates Data Collection Forms & Instructions All Data Collection Forms are Print-only MDRO/CDI Events See more at https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/ltc/cdiff-mrsa/index.html

Survey Readiness: Critical Element Pathways, Observations, Reviews, and Policy Calendar Tool

Surveyors use critical element pathways (CEPs) to work through the steps of their investigation and to determine compliance with several federal regulations. In addition to CEPs, other tools including observational guides are also used to direct the surveyors’ review of the facility. These same tools are available for facility leaders …

Infection Prevention Course at NETEC Updated

Infection Prevention Learning Journey Description The Infection Prevention Learning Journey introduces learners to concepts found in the Hierarchy of Controls that will enhance infection prevention and control knowledge and skills. Learning modules in the course will cover three levels of the Hierarchy of Controls: engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment …

QTSO: **Action Required** A PBJ System Update Occurred in December

The PBJ system has been updated to accept optional hire and termination dates up to 12/31/2050.  CMS helpdesk is starting to get tickets regarding this update, so we are following up with clarifications.  Please ensure that your systems are updated so that your submissions are not impacted. The full memo is …

TIP: CMS Has New Resource Available on Data Validation Process for the SNF Assessment-Based Measures

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a recorded presentation that describes the new data validation process. This training will support skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in understanding the purpose and structure of the data validation process including the notification and submission process, required activities for selected SNFs, …

Strengthening Quality Through the Director of Nursing Services/Medical Director Partnership

Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. In long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC), few leadership relationships have as much influence on clinical outcomes, regulatory compliance, and organizational culture as the partnership between the director of nursing services (DNS) and the medical director. When these roles …