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 …
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 …
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 …
The January 2026 refresh of the SNF QRP is now available on the compare tool on Medicare.gov and Provider Data Catalog (PDC). The January refresh includes: Please visit the compare tool on Medicare.gov and PDC to view the updated quality data. For questions about SNF …
The updated Five-Star rating preview reports for nursing homes are available in iQIES effective February 2, 2026. Nursing Home Care Compare will update with the January Five-Star data on or around February 5, 2026. Important …
SNF QRP The submission deadline for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) is approaching. Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment data and data submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) …
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 …
Revisions to the State Operations Manual (SOM) Chapters 5 and 7 Memo # QSO-26-03-NH Posting Date 2026-01-30 Fiscal Year 2026 Memorandum Summary CMS is releasing the following guidance in Chapter 5 of the SOM: • Revisions to Immediate …
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 …
January 2026 Updates Weekly RP Summary – Data Collection Forms and Instructions LTCF Resident Person-Level – Data Collection Forms and Instructions LTCF Resident Optional Person Level Reporting for Long Term Care Residents (Form 57.216) [PDF …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 v4.7 (posted 12/22/2025)
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: December 1, 2025 Released: January …
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 …
Overview What is the SNF Validation Program? The SNF Validation Program is an audit-driven initiative aimed at evaluating the accuracy of quality measure data elements derived from the Minimum Data Set (MDS), which are used …
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, …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the official Long-Stay Nursing Home – Falls with Major Injury Respecification: Technical Specification Report for the Falls with Major Injury (FMI) measure. This report incorporates …
The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual Version (V)18.0 is now available along with associated files. Additionally, the updated .zip file titled MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual v18.0 Effective 1-1-2026 and …
Interim final rule with comment period. SUMMARY: This interim final rule with comment period repeals provisions of the final rule titled “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the official Technical Specification Report for the Falls with Major Injury (FMI) measure. This report incorporates feedback received during the cross-setting Technical Expert Panel (TEP) …
With so many Quality Measures originating from three different payment initiative programs, it’s a lot to keep track of. AAPACN’s At-a-Glance QM, QRP, and VBP tool organizes all of the measures for you. This tool has been …
AHRQ’s new Toolkit for Improving Skin Care and MDRO Prevention in Long-Term Care strengthens infection prevention in nursing homes, addressing the unique needs of residents and the care environment they live in. The toolkit outlines four evidence-based …
Nearly All Skilled Nursing Services Provided by Pinnacle Multicare Nursing and Rehabilitation Center Did Not Meet Medicare Payment Requirements Issued on 11/14/2025 | Posted on 11/18/2025 | Report number: A-02-22-01017 Report Materials Why OIG Did This Audit What OIG Found What …
This communication pertains to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2028 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program performance standards for the Number of Hospitalizations per 1,000 Long Stay Resident Days (Long Stay Hospitalization) measure which …
This document shows how to upload assessments, create and manage assessments, complete change requests, and review Final Validation Reports (FVR) in iQIES. Nov 18, 2025 CMS iQIES Assessment Management for Assessment Submitter v2.2 From https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals
On November 14, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the 2026 premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts for the Medicare Part A and Part B programs, and the 2026 Medicare Part D …
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 Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released a new Toolkit for Improving Skin Care and MDRO Prevention in Long-Term Care, which outlines four evidence-based strategies to reduce infection risks and maintain skin integrity among long-term care …
In skilled nursing facilities across the country, quality care is not just a standard—it is a promise to residents and families who place their trust in dedicated caregivers. At Genesis Healthcare, that promise is being …
In long-term and post-acute care, communication is everything. Most days, conversations with residents, families, and staff flow smoothly. But every so often, a chat takes a sharp turn, voices rise, tempers flare, or emotions spill …
Hospital readmissions remain one of the most persistent challenges for long-term post-acute care (LTPAC) facilities. National data shows that roughly 13% to 14% of all hospitalized patients are readmitted within 30 days (Burke et al., …
The Action Plan: Preventing Hospital Readmissions tool helps the director of nursing services (DNS) and interdisciplinary team (IDT) identify priority areas, set measurable goals, and assign accountability for reducing hospital readmissions. This fillable PDF worksheet …
F656, Comprehensive Care Plans, is one of the most commonly cited F-tags during survey in nursing homes; however, with intentional processes in place, these citations are largely preventable. A proactive approach to care planning ensures …
Are you considering advancing your career and looking to gain knowledge to be successful in your next role? Or are you already in the position you love but looking to improve your knowledge for additional …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is increasing quality of care for Medicare beneficiaries while significantly reducing unnecessary spending and promoting payment accuracy. The calendar year (CY) 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) final rule advances primary …
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 …
The beginning of a new school year has a particular energy—fresh notebooks, sharpened pencils, and a renewed focus on learning the essentials. In the long-term and post-acute care (LTPAC) world, we can take a cue …
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 …
Empower the whole team with this quick-reference guide designed to build confidence and readiness for the survey process. Survey 101: What Every Staff Member Should Know provides all team members—from nursing to housekeeping—with a clear, …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final version of the RAI User’s Manual, version 1.20.1, which went into effect Oct. 1, 2025. CMS made several changes, including a new definition for …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) ultimately chose not to implement MDS section R (Health-Related Social Needs) on Oct. 1, 2025. Each skilled nursing facility (SNF) will have to make an individual decision …
Memo # QSO-25-26-NH Posting Date 2025-09-29 Fiscal Year 2025 Memorandum Summary CMS is committed to reinvesting civil money penalty (CMP) funds in projects thatsupport nursing home residents and protect or improve their quality of care and life.Therefore, we …
The NIOSH Personal Protective Equipment and Respirator Approval Program web pages have been updated and moved. These pages provide information about NIOSH Approved® respirators, including how to identify approved products, types of respiratory protection, tips …
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
This release was updated to support FY2026 ICD-10 codes which are used with MDS assessments with a target date on or after October 1, 2025. As part of this release, 487 clinical category mappings were added, …
AAPACN Resources to Help Prepare for Oct. 1, 2025, MDS Changes The Long Term-Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) 3.0 User’s Manual version 1.20.1 from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) goes into …
Members: $25 | Non-members: $50Continuing Education: 1 CE hourRecording Date: Oct. 16, 2025Duration: 60 minutesSpeaker: Lauren Stenson, MSN, RN, CNDLTC, QCP, DNS-CT Extensive readmissions have a wide impact, including clinical and quality of life consequences, financial and regulatory implications, …
Members: $25 | Non-members: $50Continuing Education: 1.25 CE hoursRecording Date: Sept. 18, 2025 Duration: 75 minutesSpeaker: Jessie McGill, RN, BSN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA Big changes are coming to the MDS this October—and SNF teams need to be ready. Join AAPACN …
What does it take to be a successful DNS? AAPACN’s Body of Knowledge for the Role of Director of Nursing Services in Long-Term Care identifies, defines, and measures the core competencies required of DNSs practicing …
The Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) Measure Calculations and Reporting User’s Manual v7.0 and accompanying files are now available. These materials serve as an update to the specifications used to calculate quality measures that …
Issued on 09/15/2025 | Posted on 09/18/2025 | Report number: OEI-05-24-00180 Report Materials Why OIG Did This Review What OIG Found Nursing homes failed to report 43 percent of falls with major injury and hospitalization among Medicare-enrolled residents, as required, in …
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 PDPM At-a-Glance tool breaks down the complex methodology of each component used in the Patient-Driven Payment Model—physical therapy (PT), occupational therapy (OT), speech-language pathology (SLP), non-therapy ancillaries (NTA), and nursing. This tool provides key …
SNF QRP Data Collection and Final Submission Deadlines The SNF QRP Data Collection and Final Submission Deadlines have been updated to provide the data collection time frames and final submission deadlines for the FY 2028 …
SNF QRP Data Elements Used for Reporting Assessment-Based QMs and Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements Affecting FY 2027 APU Determination and Data Collection and Final Submission Deadlines for FY 2027 posted The Skilled Nursing Facility …
This file can be used by NACs to determine how ICD-10-CM codes entered on the MDS “map” to PDPM payment components. https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/prospective-payment-systems/skilled-nursing-facility-snf/patient-driven-model
An update to the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document is now available. This document has been updated to reflect the finalized policies for the SNF QRP in …
Memo # Admin Info-25-11-ALL Posting Date 2025-09-12 Fiscal Year 2025 Summary Memorandum Summary The Quality, Safety & Oversight Group (QSOG) and Survey & Operations Group (SOG) remain dedicated to ensuring the health and safety of …
Summary What is already known about this topic? Influenza vaccination protects against influenza and its potential complications. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices makes influenza vaccination recommendations for each influenza season. What is added by …
QSO-25-20-NH REVISED 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 …
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 …
Nurse leaders who want to improve behavioral health management often get stuck in the “I don’t know where to start” or “I don’t know what that should look like” phase, points out Jacob Berelowitz, LNHA, …
Facility policies serve as the backbone of consistent, safe, and compliant operations. Nursing homes rely on well-developed policies to guide staff, protect residents, and maintain compliance of care delivery that must follow state and federal …
Respiratory illness season is rapidly approaching once again, posing significant health concerns for vulnerable residents. The director of nursing services (DNS) must ensure facility staff can identify, manage, and help prevent these infections. Whether it’s …
Respiratory illnesses remain one of the most significant health concerns for residents. Early recognition, prompt intervention, and strong infection control practices are important to maintain residents’ well-being. The Caring for Residents with Respiratory Illness in-service …
Information on how surveyors currently manage the nursing home survey process: CMS iQIES S&C User Manual: Manage a Survey LTC Facilities v1.2 (Posted 09/03/2025) From https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) convened a Technical Expert Panel (TEP) on May 12 and 14, 2025, to obtain input on potential cross-setting updates to the Falls with Major Injury (FMI) measure. …
From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/value-based-purchasing From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/value-based-purchasing/confidential-feedback-reporting-review-and-corrections From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/nursing-home-improvement/value-based-purchasing/scoring-methodology-payment-adjustment
CDC announces new ICD-10-CM codes effective October 1, 2025. The October 1, 2025 diagnosis code update files are now available. Use these files for discharges occurring from October 1, 2025 – September 30, 2026, and for …
