The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has released new recommendations for healthcare workers regarding working with conjunctivitis, commonly known as pinkeye. New recommendations state, “For healthcare personnel with suspected or confirmed infectious conjunctivitis, including epidemic keratoconjunctivitis, exclude from work for the duration of their symptoms.” Read more information, …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a second update to the SNF QRP Measure Calculations and Reporting User’s Manual Version 8.0, effective Oct. 1, 2026, including changes to the Falls with Major Injury (FMI) measure. The respecified FMI measure is a hybrid measure that uses MDS …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the final Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual v1.20.11, effective Oct. 1, 2026. However, the MDS 3.0 item sets have not changed for Oct. 1, 2026. Facilities should continue using the current MDS forms while updating policies, …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers a web-based training on the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Annual Payment Update (APU). The training provides an overview of the SNF QRP and its life cycle, including data collection and submission timelines, reporting requirements, data completion thresholds, …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers a web-based training on the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Annual Payment Update (APU). The training provides an overview of the SNF QRP and its life cycle, including data collection and submission timelines, reporting requirements, data completion thresholds, …
CMS updated the Skilled Nursing Facility Data Validation Process: Frequently Asked Questions in August 2026. Several changes clarify how SNFs will be notified, how protected information must be handled, and when facilities can expect validation results. Key updates include: This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may download …
In the FY 2027 SNF PPS Final Rule, CMS reinforced an important expectation for MDS coding: “CMS requires that all MDS 3.0 items are coded according to the CMS item definitions, coding instructions, coding tips, and response options in the manual. State or other payer requirements do not replace, modify, …
On July 28, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated the Universal Infection Prevention and Control training. This on-demand training is now a 5-hour course,organized into two modules (13 lessons total) that incorporate interactive knowledge checks, practical activities, and real-world examples to help you apply these concepts …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released QSO-26-12-NH, Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) Transition to iQIES, announcing that the PBJ system will transition to the Internet Quality Improvement & Evaluation System (iQIES) on Aug. 17, 2026. Beginning on that date, providers and vendors must submit all PBJ staffing data …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases the Five-Star Provider Preview Report before updated ratings are posted publicly on Care Compare. As a best practice, facilities should assign a team member to review the report as soon as it becomes available in the iQIES Provider Preview Reports folder. …
