SNF QRP/SNF VBP: CMS Video Offers MDS Data Validation Process Overview

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

 AHRQ Toolkit for Improving Skin Care and MDRO Prevention in LTC Includes Tabletop Game

From AHRQ: A new tabletop game turns infection prevention training into a collaborative, story-driven escape room. When players notice a change in a resident’s skin, they work together to interact with environmental services staff, a physician, an infection preventionist, and a resident while revisiting core topics such as skin assessment, …

PBJ fatal edit -4019: Errata V4.00.2/ PBJ Data Submission Specifications

PBJ updated the fatal edit -4019 in data specification versions 2.00.0, 2.00.3, and 4.00.0. Previously, optional hire and termination dates could not exceed December 31, 2025. This restriction has been extended to December 31, 2050.  Additional information and examples can be found on the QTSO Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) Vendors …

Consolidated Billing HCPCS Code List Update: 2026 Part A MAC Update

ADD – EFFECTIVE 01/01/2026 Major Category I. B. – Cardiac Catheterization Major Category III. A. – Chemotherapy Major Category III. C. -Radioisotopes and their Administration TERMINATE – EFFECTIVE 01/01/2026 Major Category III. A. – Chemotherapy Major Category III. D. – Customized Prosthetic Devices Downloads From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding-billing/skilled-nursing-facility-snf-consolidated-billing/2026-part-mac-update

FY 2026 ICD-10-CM Code Updates Effective April 1, 2026

These files include updates for FY 2026. Use these codes for discharges occurring from April 1, 2026 – September 30, 2026, and for patient encounters occurring from April 1, 2026– September 30, 2026.  https://www.cms.gov/medicare/coding-billing/icd-10-codes

Physician Certification Tracker

The AAPACN Physician Certification Tracker tool helps nurse assessment coordinators track physician certification due dates by calculating required timeframes based on user-entered data and displaying upcoming and overdue certifications to support compliance. The accuracy of the tool depends on the accuracy of the information entered, so timely and precise data …

How to Advance Your Career as a Director of Nursing Services (DNS) – Part Two: Competent Level

The career path of a director of nursing services (DNS) is both challenging and rewarding. Long-term care nurses who choose to take on the DNS role can have success with the right resources. Part two of this DNS Career Advancement blog series will focus on tips for competent DNSs and …

SNF ABN: When to Use This Medicare Beneficiary Notice and Why

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 with AAPACN discuss when and why the SNF Advanced Beneficiary Notice should be used.

F641: The Importance of Accurate MDS Coding

F641, Accuracy of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), remains one of the most frequently cited F-Tags during surveys, for good reason. The MDS is a critical foundation of resident assessment, care planning, reimbursement, and quality measurement. When the assessment is inaccurate, everything that flows from it is at risk. The …

SNF Validation Audit Checklist

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) initiated data validation audits to evaluate the accuracy of quality measure data elements used in the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) and the Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program. The SNF Validation Audit Checklist guides SNFs through the data validation audit …