PBJ Policy Manual FAQs Updated
CMS has updated its Payroll-Based Journal Frequently Asked Questions. PBJ Policy Manual FAQ 06.30.2025 (PDF) From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/staffing-data-submission
Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) Policy Manual V2.7
This manual provides general background and information about the submission requirements, such as sample submission screens, submission deadlines, and definitions of job categories. Note: Changes from the previous version of this policy manual are identified in red/italics. PBJ Policy Manual Final – V2.7 – 06.30.2025 (PDF) From https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Staffing-Data-Submission-PBJ
From the CATs to the QMs: Key Impacts of MDS Section N
MDS section N (Medications)—in particular item N0415 (High-Risk Drug Classes: Use and Indication)— plays a key role in a nursing home’s ability to provide comprehensive, resident-centered care via the care area triggers (CATs) and the care area assessments (CAAs) in the care planning process. N0415 also may affect a facility’s …
TIP: CMS Released QSO Memo Impacting Five-Star
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memo that will have a significant impact on the health inspection star rating and how the long-star antipsychotic measure is calculated, among other changes: Health Inspection Star Rating: Long-Stay Antipsychotic Measure Methodology: Other changes: For more details, see the memo: …
Ethics in Medicare Part A Coverage in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Navigating Medicare Part A coverage in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is a matter of regulatory compliance. But it’s also a daily ethical test for facility staff and administrators. In many ways it depends on the honor system, and those responsible for billing and care case management must understand and apply …
CMS QSO Memo: Release of CMS-2567: Statement of Deficiencies and Plan of Correction
Release of CMS-2567: Statement of Deficiencies and Plan of Correction Memo # QSO-25-19-All Fiscal Year 2025 Memorandum Summary • CMS is committed to the transparency of quality of care findings, so that patients, residents, and their families can make informed health care decisions. • The official Form CMS-2567: Statement of …
CMS QSO Memo: Update to Nursing Home Compare
Memo # QSO-25-20-NH Posting Date 2025-06-18 Fiscal Year 2025 Memorandum Summary • Post Performance Data for Nursing Home Chains – “Chains” refers to groups of Medicare-certified nursing homes that are connected through common owners, and operators (also called “affiliated entities”). CMS will begin posting aggregated performance information for these nursing homes on …
AHRQ Revised Surveys on Patient Safety Culture (SOPS) Nursing Home Survey Version 2.0
AHRQ has released an updated Surveys on Patient Safety Culture (SOPS) Nursing Home Survey Version 2.0. This revised survey is designed to help nursing homes assess staff perceptions of resident safety culture in their organizations. The survey was developed using a comprehensive process, including feedback from nursing home staff and technical experts, …
OIG to Monitor Nursing Homes’ Engagement of Medical Directors
Medical directors at nursing homes are responsible for implementing resident care policies, coordinating medical care, and participating in quality assessment and assurance activities. Nursing homes are required to report hours worked by medical directors to CMS’s Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ). The reported hours have raised concerns about nursing homes’ employment and …
CDC Project Firstline Measles Resources
CDC’s Project Firstline and the American Medical Association (AMA) recently hosted a webinar to share important measles updates and help providers and clinics stay prepared for measles. The recording is now available to watch and share. The webinar featured a panel of CDC experts covering current trends in measles epidemiology, clinical recognition of measles, the importance …