Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. In the Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) and Consolidated Billing Proposed Rule for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, officially published …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. In September 2025, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) rang the alarm bell on MDS coding inaccuracies involving falls with major injury, and …
In this LTC DON Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, director of education and certification strategy for …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Psychotropic medication use continues to be one of the most heavily scrutinized areas in long-term care, for good reason. At this juncture, clinical …
This tool is designed to help facilities ensure the safe, appropriate, and compliant use of psychotropic medications. It guides staff through a structured review of each resident’s medication, including diagnosis support, informed consent, behavior documentation, …
The deadline to submit healthcare personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination data in the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system is May 18, 2026. This reporting is required for the …
Written by Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, Chief Nursing Officer, AAPACN Lessons from My Backyard: Thrive. Evolve. Lead. As the Chief Nursing Officer at AAPACN, I spend much of my time thinking …
The deadline to submit healthcare personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination data in the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) system is May 18, 2026. This reporting is required for the …
The role of a director of nursing services (DNS) in long-term care is both complex and impactful. By the time you reach the proficient stage—typically after two or more years in the role—you’ve moved beyond …
Overview What is the Data Validation Process? The Data Validation Process evaluates the accuracy of quality measure data elements derived from the Minimum Data Set (MDS), which are used in the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) …
Current Submission RequirementsAs of April 1, 2026, fileSpecVersion 4.10.0 is REQUIRED for all Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) file submissions. Old versions (2.00.0, 2.00.3, and 4.00.0) are no longer accepted. Any files submitted using these versions …
The AAPACN Podcasts—LTC DON Chat and LTC NAC Chat—offer tips, strategies, updates, advice, and breaking news on the most important topics in long-term and post-acute care. Regular hosts and AAPACN staff members provide their own …
The SNF Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on the compare tool on Medicare.gov and the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the July 2026 …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a Web-Based Training that provides the latest information about the respecification of the Falls with Major Injury (FMI) Quality Measure (QM) for the Post-Acute Care …
CMS created the Five-Star Quality Rating System to help consumers, their families, and caregivers compare nursing homes more easily. The Nursing Home Compare Web site features a quality rating system that gives each nursing home …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. In the Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) and Consolidated Billing Proposed Rule for Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, officially published …
Clarification regarding Nurse Aide Training Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) and Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Program (CEP) requirements and allowable flexibilities Memo # QSO-26-08-NH Posting Date 2026-04-08 Fiscal Year 2026 Memorandum Summary Clarification of NATCEP Requirements and allowable flexibilities: …
From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/prospective-payment-systems/skilled-nursing-facility-snf/list-federal-regulations/cms-1843-p DRAFT SNF QRP New and Modified Items with a Proposed Effective Date of October 1, 2031: FY27_Proposed_Rule_SNF_All_Payer_draft_mockups_MDS__508.pdf (PDF) From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/snf-quality-reporting-program/measures-and-technical-information Draft MDS re: proposed removal of MDS item O0350 on Oct. 1, 2027: CMS-10387 from https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/legislation/paperworkreductionactof1995/pra-listing-items/cms-10387
In this LTC NAC Chat podcast episode, Sarah Becker, RN, Director of Clinical Reimbursement for Proactive LTC Consulting, and Christine Twombly, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, CQP, CRC, break down the updated CMS guidance on Falls with …
In this LTC DON Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, director of education and certification strategy for …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. The role of leadership can’t be turned on and off at the end of a shift. For the director of nursing services (DNS), …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Article contributed by AAPACN Solution Provider Limitlessli By Mary-Beth Newell, RN, BSN, MS, SVP of Clinical Reimbursement at Limitlessli In skilled nursing facilities, …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. As the clinical leader of the largest operational department in a skilled nursing facility, the director of nursing services (DNS), in tandem with …
More than 15,000 nursing professionals working in long-term care take AAPACN education online courses each year. One of the common questions AAPACN receives from new students is, “How can I access my Learner Dashboard?” The …
The director of nursing services should review ancillary billing monthly to ensure that all billed services and supplies are clinically appropriate, documented accurately, and supported by skilled nursing care. The DNS can use this Ancillary …
The Quality Improvement Organizations (QIO) has developed a Severe Weather Preparedness Guide to help healthcare facilities prepare for and respond to severe weather events, including tornadoes, flooding, severe thunderstorms, hail, and late-season winter storms. This …
Memo # QSO-26-03-NH REVISED Posting Date 2026-04-03 Fiscal Year 2026 Downloads AAPACN note: Some of the key revisions in red from the memo are excerpted below. There are a number of significant changes to the chapters themselves, including …
Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Quality Reporting Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2027 Filed on: 04/02/2026 at 5:15 pm Scheduled Pub. Date: 04/07/2026 PDF 114 Pages (397 …
The HCP Flu Vaccination Module, which is part of the HCP component in NHSN, is used to input required NHSN data for the SNF QRP. This site provides access to the HCP Vaccination Module: Influenza …
From the Introduction: “This toolkit aims to [provide] an overview of fundamental ethical principles and decision-making frameworks tailored to PALTC settings. Designed for nursing home medical directors and other members of the interdisciplinary care team, …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is publishing an errata change table document to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual v18.0, related to the clarification of details for …
Medicare Claims Quality Measures Quality measures that are based on Medicare claims data. Each row contains a specific quality measure for a specific nursing home and includes the risk-adjusted score. Last Modified: March 1, 2026 Released: March …
A discharge planning tool to help educate residents and/or representatives about ongoing health and medication needs and follow-up care post-discharge. Nursing Facility Discharge Planning Tool
Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries: Quick Reference Guide Prevention Recommendations The International Guideline Fourth edition Updated 25 February 2026 https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6479484083027f25a6246fcb/t/699ba2b43f12157598b99c71/1771807412881/QRG-abridged-25Feb2026.pdf or https://www.internationalguideline.com/the-international-guideline
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), on behalf of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is making our shareholders aware of the “Adoption of Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments …
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the control number for the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN) (CMS-R-131). CMS is notifying the industry through our website, and the Medicare Learning Network and …
Report Materials Why OIG Did This Review What OIG Found OIG’s comprehensive review of 40 nursing home inspections completed by CMS found instances of nursing homes inappropriately diagnosing residents with schizophrenia. Specifically, our review of …
From the CDC: Developed by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), this CDC-funded course is a compilation of short modules built specifically for frontline nursing home staff (CNAs, LPNs, RNs, and bedside staff). …
This user manual provides information for CMS, Providers, Vendors, Accrediting Organizations, Contractors, and State Agencies to effectively perform Reports functions and the processes necessary to request, view, download, and save reports in iQIES. From https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals
In the Water-related Healthcare Outbreak Response Tool, you will find key considerations for investigating an outbreak and identifying possible exposures, coordinating with essential partners, and implementing targeted interventions to stop transmission. This tool is hospital-focused but …
Free access 2026 ACC/AHA/AACVPR/ABC/ACPM/ADA/AGS/APhA/ASPC/NLA/PCNA Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Joint Committee on Clinical Practice Guidelines This guideline retires and replaces the 2018 Guideline on the …
Project Firstline recognizes that environmental services (EVS) workers are vital members of the healthcare team and are crucial in maintaining a clean and safe healthcare environment. Because EVS workers are the first line of defense …
From Moving Forward: Nursing homes continue to face real challenges building leadership capacity and sustaining meaningful Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) work amid staffing shortages, leadership turnover, and competing demands. The Moving Forward Michigan …
New ASN Kidney Health Guidance on Conservative Management in People with Kidney Failure and Executive Summary now available. Press release Newswise — Washington, DC (March 18, 2026) —The American Society of Nephrology (ASN) today released its latest Kidney Health …
Overview This job aid provides the steps involved to onboard the Provider Security Official (PSO) Role in iQIES. ● For detailed information on onboarding, refer to iQIES Onboarding Guide. ● For detailed information about user …
Every month, AAPACN experts design tools that help our members perform their jobs with more ease, breaking down processes, synthesizing information, and aiding in ways to track required data. To help directors of nursing services …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Successful leadership in long-term and post-acute care is not defined solely by metrics or regulatory results. It is also measured by what residents …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. While the director of nursing services (DNS) and other nurse leaders should keep residents at the heart of every decision, data should provide …
This inspiring in-service reminds certified nursing assistants (CNAs) why their role is so vital to resident safety, dignity, and quality of life. Rather than focusing on tasks or regulations, the session encourages CNAs to reconnect …
The March 2026 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now available to download via the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). …
In this LTC DON Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Lauren Stenson, MSN, RN, CNDLTC, QCP, DNS-CT, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN, discuss how …
CDC’s Project Firstline released a new resource to support teaching faculty in bringing infection control concepts into the classroom. The new toolkit includes adaptable educational resources, including a journal club with discussion guides and learning …
Emergency Preparedness for Every Emergency Effective Health Care Provider Emergency Planning Sound, timely planning provides the foundation for effective emergency management. The response to an emergency can impact an entire community and can involve numerous medical …
Nursing home residents are at risk of developing infections that can lead to sepsis, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate attention to prevent severe morbidity and mortality. The Sepsis Prevention Assessment Tool (SPAT) for …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. By: Kristine Martinez BSN, RN, RAC-CT, RAC-CTA, QCP, DNS-CT and Lavatus Donaldson LPN, BPS-HIM, RAC-CT, MBA, QCP With the multiple regulatory bodies that …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. The director of nursing services (DNS) faces two key behavioral health issues that have unfolded simultaneously: Residents with behavioral health concerns are increasingly …
CMS hosted an PBJ Technical informational Call for Software Vendors and Developers on Thursday, February 26, 2026. Please see the attached minutes. Downloads PBJ Tech Call Minutes 02/26/2026 https://qtso.cms.gov/news-and-updates/pbj-technical-information-call-minutes-qas-february-26-2026
The NEW FileSpecVersion 4.10.0 was originally scheduled to be effective on March 22, 2026. The NEW effective date is April 1, 2026. If you submit files using fileSpecVersion 4.10.0 before April 1st, the file will …
This job aid outlines the user roles and privileges in iQIES. All users must have a role in iQIES. iQIES User Roles Matrix Job Aid v5.0 (posted 03/03/2026) From https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals
Revisions to State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix R Implementation Date 2026-02-27 CR # N/A Publication # 100-07 Transmittal Year 2026 Downloads Appendix R: Resident Assessment Instrument for Long-Term Care Facilities – Deleted (see Appendix PP …
February 2026 Updates Person-Level – Data Collection Forms and Instructions LTCF Healthcare Personnel Optional Person Level Reporting for Healthcare Personnel (Form 57.217) [PDF – 270 KB]– February 2026 Person-Level – CSV Data Import LTCF Healthcare Personnel …
Medicare Advantage Plan Appeals in Skilled Nursing Facilities Date presented: January 21, 2026 In this webinar, Acentra Health provices a look at a recent focus study on how Medicare Advantage plans use NOMNCs in SNFs. During …
Press release Nationwide study finds lower risk of death and rehospitalization among older adults treated with trazodone after hospital admission. A large U.S. study suggests that older adults hospitalized with delirium may experience better outcomes …
Site description: This site includes accessible, concise, and clinically relevant educational reports and podcasts on Geriatric topics. Geriatric Fast Facts (GFFs) are designed to provide concise, practical, evidence-based summaries of key health care issues important …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. In today’s regulatory environment, accurate and timely nursing home documentation is more than dutifully recounting what occurred to a resident on a given …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Change Management: How to Implement and Sustain Positive Change A Greek philosopher once pointed out that “change is the only constant in life.” …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Wounds are a significant clinical, regulatory, and financial concern in nursing homes. One of the most effective strategies to improve wound care is …
In this LTC DON Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Lauren Stenson, MSN, RN, CNDLTC, QCP, DNS-CT, curriculum development specialist for AAPACN discuss how …
Interdisciplinary wound rounds evaluate the effectiveness, appropriateness, and compliance of wound management. This Wound Rounds Template supports interdisciplinary review, ensures treatments are consistent with physician orders, facility policy, and current standards of practice. It also …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has provided a new definition for what “Up to Date” means regarding the COVID-19 vaccination. Effective for the reporting period that began on Dec. 29, 2025, the …
This ZIP file contains resources for surveyors conducting initial surveys under the Long-term Care Survey Process (LTCSP). It is a one-stop shop containing a multitude of reference materials that are provided to the surveyors going …
Members: $25 | Non-members: $50Continuing Education: 1 CE hourRecording Date: Jan. 29, 2026Duration: 60 minutesSpeaker: Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA It’s resolution season, and this year we’re resolving to make the long-stay antipsychotic quality measure (QM) make sense! The 2026 re-specifications …
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 …
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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
The Monthly DNS/Medical Director Meeting Template is a practical tool designed to support structured, action-oriented collaboration between the director of nursing services (DNS) and the medical director. This template helps guide focused monthly discussions by …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. One of your nurses struggles with timely, accurate documentation, but you dread talking with her about the situation. She is a valuable team …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. In today’s skilled nursing facility (SNF) landscape, the director of nursing services (DNS) is critical not only in overseeing resident care but also …
In the LTC DON Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, director of education and certification for AAPACN, and …
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 …
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 …
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. …
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 …
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
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 …
In this LTC DON Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, director of education and certification strategy for …
The SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment/Analysis, and Recommendation/Request) tool is a standardized, structured communication framework that has been consistently promoted by such quality-focused organizations as the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the Institute for Healthcare …
Respiratory viruses carry the potential for serious illness and can lead to hospitalization. Vaccination is an integral part of a proactive infection control program that combats these viruses. Nurse leaders can use this toolkit to …
Effective communication is essential for safe person-centered care. But even the most dedicated caregivers can face significant challenges when language barriers arise. As resident demographics shift and the post-acute care workforce has grown more diverse, …
In the cadence of long-term care, few diagnoses demand as much coordination, patience, and understanding as Parkinson’s disease (PD). This progressive neurological disorder affects every aspect of a resident’s life, from movement and mobility to …
Caring for residents with Parkinson’s disease requires insight, empathy, and teamwork. The Caring for Residents with Parkinson’s Disease in-service provides CNAs and care staff with practical strategies for recognizing symptoms, supporting safe mobility, improving communication, …
