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Post-Acute Care News

Post-Acute Care News

The Post-Acute Care News page is where you’ll find the latest alerts and information from the post-acute care field, including notices from CMS, the CDC, and other post-acute care stakeholders. Then find deeper analyses from AAPACN’s team of nurse experts in articles, webinars, and podcasts.

  • FY 2027 SNF PPS Final Rule and Associated Files
    Key links are listed first. Fact sheet is below. Medicare Program: Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Quality Reporting Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2027: From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/prospective-payment-systems/skilled-nursing-facility-snf/list-federal-regulations/cms-1843-f FINAL SNF …
  • CMS Nursing Home Data Sets Updated
    NHQI/Five-Star Refresh The July refresh includes: SNF QRP Refresh The July refresh includes: Medicare Claims Quality Measures Quality measures that are based on Medicare claims data. Each row contains a specific quality measure for a …
  • QSEP Training Course Universal Infection Prevention and Control updated 7/28/2026
    Important Information – This training is for educational purposes only and isn’t a substitute for official guidance. Refer to CMS laws and regulations, the State Operations Manual (SOM), and CMS guidance memos for official policy and …
  • KFF: A Closer Look at Deficiencies in Nursing Homes
    Available from the Kaiser Family Foundation:
  • Reminders for Employee Linking in PBJ
    From CMS’s iQIES: For additional assistance email the iQIES Service Center at [email protected] or contact the iQIES Service Center at (800) 339-9313, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM ET. You may also request assistance via secure chat …
  • Update to I0020B ICD-10 Codes Database for FY 2027
    The Microsoft Access database containing the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 codes allowed for item I0020B has been updated to reflect the codes that will be active as of October 1, 2026 (FY2027). The ZIP …
  • CMS QSO Memo: Protecting the Voting Rights and Autonomy of Vulnerable Residents in LTC Facilities
    Memo # QSSAM-26-04-NH Posting Date 2026-07-20 Fiscal Year 2026 Downloads From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-safety-standards/quality-safety-oversight-general-information/quality-safety-special-alerts/protecting-voting-rights-autonomy-vulnerable-residents-long-term-care-ltc-facilities RESCINDED: Compliance with Residents’ Rights Requirement related to Nursing Home Residents’ Right to Vote Memo #QSO-21-02-NH RESCINDED Posting Date 2026-07-20 Fiscal Year 2026 RESCINDED: Compliance with Residents’ Rights …
  • CMS Will Take New Risk-Based Survey Approach Effective Sept. 8, 2026
    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is introducing a more streamlined review process for higher-performing nursing homes as well as an easier way for consumers to discover them when searching the CMS website. …
  • SNF QRP Provider Preview Reports Available
    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 October 2026 …
  • CMS QSO Memo: PBJ Transition to iQIES Effective Aug. 17, 2026
    Memo # QSO-26-12-NH Posting Date 2026-07-14 Fiscal Year 2026 Memorandum Summary • The Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system will transition into the Internet Quality Improvement & Evaluation System (iQIES) on August 17, 2026. • Beginning August 17, 2026, all …
  • iQIES Manage User Information and Quick Start Checklist Job Aid v3.0
    Overview This job aid answers questions on how to manage your HARP ID and iQIES user role and gives you a checklist on how to start working in iQIES. • You must have a HARP …
  • LTCSP Survey Resources: Surveyor Tools Updated
    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 …
  • CY 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing transformational reforms to Medicare’s physician payment and value-based care programs that would expand accountable care, modernize physician payment, reduce administrative burden, and help shift the …
  • CMS iQIES Reports User Manual Update
    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
  • Five-Star Technical User’s Guide Plus Claims-Based Measures Appendix (Updated)
    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 …
  • CDC Health Alert Network: Cyclosporiasis Cases in Multiple U.S. States
    Domestically Acquired Cyclosporiasis Cases in Multiple U.S. States, 2026 https://www.cdc.gov/han/php/notices/han00531.html
  • REMINDER: Sept. 1 – 18: Submit Data for AHRQ Surveys on Patient Safety Culture Nursing Home Survey
    Data submission for AHRQ’s Surveys on Patient Safety Culture® (SOPS®) Nursing Home Survey Database will open Sept. 1-18. Nursing homes that have administered the SOPS Nursing Home Survey (Version 2.0 or Version 1.0) between Nov. 1, …
  • OIG: NY Nursing Home Background Check Compliance
    New York Should Improve Its Oversight of Nursing Homes’ Compliance With Background Check Requirements Issued on 07/01/2026 | Posted on 07/06/2026 | Report number: A-02-24-01012 Report Materials Why OIG Did This Audit What OIG Found New York did not ensure that …
  • SNFs Must Accurately Report Related Party Costs
    From MLN Connects eNews In a report, the Office of Inspector General found that some skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) didn’t comply with Medicare requirements for reporting related party costs. These SNFs failed to report related parties …
  • What to Expect: PBJ Data Submission and Reporting in iQIES
    On August 17, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will launch the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) functionality for Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) data submission and reports. Here’s what you need to …
  • iQIES Assessment Management: Assessment Submitter Manual
    This document shows how to upload assessments, create and manage assessments, complete change requests, review Final Validation Reports (FVR), and use the Validation Utility Tool (VUT) in iQIES. Jun 24, 2026 From https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals
  • OIG to do Nationwide Analysis of Antipsychotic Drug Use in Nursing Homes
    Announced on 06/29/2026 | Last Modified on 06/29/2026 | Project Number: OEI-02-23-00202 Status Active Agency Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services OBJECTIVE The overuse of antipsychotic drugs presents a risk to nursing home residents, particularly those with dementia.  These drugs …
  • State Operations Manual Update: Chapter 7
    Transmittal # R244SOMA Issue Date 2026-06-26 Subject Revisions to State Operations Manual (SOM), Chapter 7 Implementation Date r2026-06-26 CR # N/A Publication # 100-07 Transmittal Year 2026 Downloads I. SUMMARY OF CHANGES: CMS updated and revised guidance in …
  • CDC TRAIN: Free Continuing Education to Support Safer Healthcare Practices
    Healthcare personnel play a critical role in preventing infections, improving patient outcomes, and advancing healthcare quality. CDC TRAIN, a national learning management system, offers free, on-demand training courses designed to help healthcare professionals strengthen their knowledge and skills …
  • Upcoming iQIES Service Center Call Times
    To: QIES/iQIES Users Due to the Payroll Based Journal quarterly deadline, the iQIES Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between July 2, 2026, and August 14, 2026. There …
  • CDC Local-Level COVID-19 Transmission Estimates
    CDC’s Center for Forecasting and Outbreak Analytics (CFA), in collaboration with the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases (NCIRD), has launched sub-state, Local-Level COVID-19 Transmission Estimates (Rt)—providing public health partners with earlier, more locally …
  • OIG: CMS’s Processes Didn’t Ensure Accuracy of PBJ-Reported Staffing Data
    Report number: A-09-24-02005 Report Materials Why OIG Did This Audit What OIG Found Not all nursing homes’ RN staffing hours reported in CMS’s PBJ were supported in accordance with Federal requirements. On the basis of …
  • iQIES will Implement an Inactive User Policy
    To: iQIES Users, CMS Staff Inactive iQIES User Accounts CMS security policy requires iQIES to deactivate user roles for inactive accounts. To meet this requirement, iQIES will apply an inactive user policy beginning this month. …
  • FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Codes and Coding Guidelines Effective Oct. 1, 2026
    The October 1, 2026 diagnosis code update files are now available.  Use these files for discharges occurring from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027 and for patient encounters occurring from October 1, 2026 – …
  • SNF QRP: OBRA Discharge Assessment Determination Fact Sheet
    The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a one-page resource that clarifies when an OBRA Discharge assessment is required under the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual (Chapter 2). This resource outlines the primary discharge …
  • Food Is Medicine Toolkit
    New Online Toolkit Helps Clinicians Put Food is Medicine into Practice Resource offers practical guidance for all aspects of integrating nutrition-based care into health systems Press release: Newswise — A new online resource aims to …
  • FY 2027 SNF VBP: June 2026 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports Available
    The June 2026 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the FY 2027 SNF VBP Program are now available for download via the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). These reports provide SNFs their facility-level measure results …
  • Respiratory Pathogens Resources Update From CDC NHSN
    May 2026 Updates Analysis and Report Resources From https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/ltc/covid19/rpv-resources.html
  • CDC NHSN LTCF Respiratory Pathogens Module
    May 2026 Updates Long-Term Care Respiratory Pathogens Person-Level – Data Collection Forms and Instructions LTCF Resident Optional Person Level Reporting for Long Term Care Residents (Form 57.216) [PDF – 264 KB] – January 2026 Person-Level – …
  • SNF VBP FY 2027 Fact Sheet and Incentive Payment Multiplier Infographic
    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/scoring-methodology-payment-adjustment
  • SNF PEPPER Relaunch: Get Ready Now
    From MLN Connects eNews: CMS will relaunch the Program for Evaluating Payment Patterns Electronic Report (PEPPER) in the coming months for all Medicare facility types, including hospitals, post-acute care providers, and specialty facilities. PEPPER is …
  • State Operations Manual Exhibit Changes: CMS Transmittal
    Transmittal # R242SOMA Issue Date 2026-05-29 Subject Revisions to the State Operations Manual (SOM) Chapter 9 Exhibits. I.  SUMMARY OF CHANGES: CMS is revising Chapter 9 of the SOM to remove many model letters or links to exhibits …
  • SNF QRP and SNF VBP MDS Data Validation Program FAQs Updated
    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) …
  • Cross-Setting: Falls with Major Injury (FMI) QM Respecification Training
    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 …
  • QSO Memo on Nurse Aide Training Competencies
    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: …
  • FY 2027 SNF PPS Proposed Rule: Associated Resources
    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
  • CMS QSO Memo: Updates to Chapters 5 and 7 of the State Operations Manual (Revised)
    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 …
  • FY 2027 SNF PPS Proposed Rule
    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 …
  • NHSN Healthcare Personnel (HCP) Flu Vaccination Module for SNF QRP Reporting
    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 …
  • PaltMED Ethics Toolkit
    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, …
  • MDS 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual v18.0 Effective Jan. 1, 2026 and Associated Files — Plus Errata
    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 …
  • South Central QIN QIO: Nursing Facility Discharge Planning Tool
    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
    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
  • CMS Finalized Standards for Claims Attachments and Electronic Signatures to Phase Out Fax Machines, Snail Mail for Claims-Related Documentation
    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 …
  • ABN (Form CMS-R-131) for Part B SNF Services
    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 …
  • OIG: Nursing Homes’ Inappropriate Use of Antipsychotic Drugs Poses a Risk to Residents
    Report Materials Why OIG Did This Review What OIG Found OIG’s comprehensive review of 40 focused nursing home inspections completed by CMS found alarming instances of inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs and revealed vulnerabilities in …
  • OIG: Nursing Homes Inappropriately Diagnosed Residents with Schizophrenia to Mask the Misuse of Antipsychotic Drugs
    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 …
  • Bite-Sized Antibiotic Stewardship & Infection Prevention Training for Nursing Homes
    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). …
  • SouthCentral QIO: Preventable Readmissions Top Ten Checklist
    SNF checklist for reducing hospital readmissions: Preventable Readmissions Top Ten Checklist
  • CDC Water-related Healthcare Outbreak Response Tool
    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 …
  • 2026 Clinical Practice Guideline on the Management of Dyslipidemia
    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 Environmental Services Micro-Learns: Essentials for Infection Control
    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 …
  • Moving Forward Video: Strengthening Nursing Home Leadership Lessons
    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 …
  • American Society of Nephrology Clinical Practice Guideline: Conservative Management in People with Kidney Failure
    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 …
  • iQIES Onboarding Process – Provider Security Official Update
    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 …
  • CMS QSSAM memo: Reminder: Upcoming Deadline for Sprinkler System Requirement
    Reminder: Upcoming Deadline for Sprinkler System Requirement for Existing Health Care Occupancies in High-Rise Buildings Memo # QSSAM-26-02-ALL Posting Date 2026-03-09 Fiscal Year 2026 Downloads Memorandum Summary • This memorandum is intended to remind CMS-certified …
  • CDC Project Firstline Health Professions Infection Control Education Toolkit
    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 …
  • CMS Healthcare Provider Guidance: Emergency Preparedness Frequent Citations
    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 …
  • iQIES User Roles Matrix Job Aid
    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
  • BFCC-QIO Medicare Advantage Appeals in SNFs Slide Set and Webinar Recording
    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 …
  • Sleep Medication Linked to Safer Outcomes Than Antipsychotics For Older Adults With Delirium
    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 …
  • Geriatric Fast Facts Website
    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 …
  • NHSN LTCF UTI Healthcare-Associated Infection Module Updates
    January 2026 Updates UTI Events Learn more: https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/ltc/uti/index.html
  • CMS QSO Memo: REVISED: Revisions to the Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program
    Memo # QSO-23-01-NH REVISED Fiscal Year 2026 Downloads
  • CMS: Impact of Combined Assessments on SNF APU for SNF QRP
    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 …
  • NHSN LTCF MDRO & CDI Module Resources
    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
  • Infection Prevention Course at NETEC Updated
    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 …
  • iQIES MDS Error Message Reference Guide and Message List v1.1
    This user guide addresses Minimum Data Set (MDS) error messages and troubleshooting. iQIES MDS Error Message Reference Guide v1.1 (posted 12/29/2025) iQIES MDS Error Messages v1.1 (posted 12/29/2025) From https://qtso.cms.gov/providers/nursing-home-mdsswing-bed-providers/reference-manuals
  • 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 …
  •  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 …
  • 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 …
  • 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
  • Medicare and Medicaid: Repeal of Minimum Staffing Standards for LTC Facilities Interim Final Rule
    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 …
  • Falls With Major Injury (FMI) NHQI Technical Specification Report
    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) …
  • Part B Therapy Transmittals: 2026 Annual Update to the Therapy Code List and Per-Beneficiary Thresholds
    Implementation Date 2026-01-05 CR # 14250 Publication # 100-04 Transmittal Year 2025 Downloads
  • AHRQ Toolkit: Skin Care for Infection Prevention in Nursing Homes
    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 …
  • OIG: First SNF PDPM Audit Report
    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 …
  • Updated FY 2028 SNF VBP Performance Standards
    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 …
  • 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles
    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 …
  • CY 2026 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule
    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 …
  • CMS QSO Memo: Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program (CMPRP) Updates
    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 …
  • NIOSH: PPE and Respirator Approval Program Web Updates
    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 …
  • PDPM Grouper JAR Package V2.4000
    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, …
  • SNF QRP Measure Calculations and Reporting User’s Manual V7.0, Change Table, Risk Adjustment and Imputation Appendix Files, and HCC ICD-10 Crosswalks
    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 …
  • OIG: Nursing Homes Failed To Report 43 Percent of Falls With Major Injury and Hospitalization Among Their Medicare-Enrolled Residents
    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 …
  • FY 2028 (CY 2026 Data) SNF QRP Reporting Requirements and Data Submission Deadlines
    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 …
  • FY 2027 (CY 2025 Data) Revised SNF QRP MDS Reporting Requirements and Data Submission Deadlines
    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 …
  • FY 2026 ICD-10 PDPM Mappings File
    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
  • FY 2026 SNF QRP FAQs
    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 …
  • CMS Fiscal Year Mission & Priorities Document (MPD) – Transition to Web-Based Updates
    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 …
  • 2025–26 Prevention and Control of Seasonal Influenza With Vaccines — ACIP Recommendations
    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 …
  • CMS iQIES S&C User Manual: Manage a Survey LTC Facilities v1.2
    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
  • MDS Data Specifications V3.10.2 (FINAL) for Oct. 1, 2025
    The MDS Data Specifications V3.10.2 (FINAL) are now available for download. This version reflects changes finalized in the FY 2026 SNF PPS final rule (90 FR 37310). Note that there are some minor changes since DRAFT 3 …
  • May 2025 Falls With Major Injury Technical Expert Panel (TEP) Summary Report
    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. …
  • FY 2026 SNF VBP Resources
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