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.
- NHSN Up-to-Date Vaccination Status for HCP COVID-19 Reporting: Surveillance Definition Change for Nursing Homes Webinar 9/25 and 10/2The NHSN Vaccination Team will be hosting multiple webinars to review important changes to the surveillance definition of Up to Date with COVID-19 vaccines for long-term care facilities reporting vaccination data and RIFC Pathway data … Read more
- 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 … Read more
- CMS QSO Memo: Updates to Nursing Home Care Compare Staffing and Quality MeasuresMemo # QSO-23-21-NH Posting Date 2023-09-20 Fiscal Year 2023 Title Memorandum Summary • Adjustment to Staffing and Quality Measures: CMS will update the staffing level case-mix adjustment methodology and replace some of the Quality Measures … Read more
- MDS 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual V 16.0 Effective Oct. 1, 2023The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual V16.0 is now available. The MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual V16.0 contains detailed specifications for the MDS 3.0 quality measures and includes a Notable … Read more
- FY 2024 ICD-10-CM Codes and Coding Guidelines Effective Oct. 1, 2023: Errata and Updated Files2024 release of ICD-10-CM October 1, 2023 release of ICD-10-CM The FY2024 ICD-10-CM codes are to be used from October 1, 2023 through September 30, 2024. Note: This replaces the FY 2023 – April 1, … Read more
- Errata V3.01.3 for MDS Data Specifications V3.01.1 (FINAL), FY2024 ICD-10 Codes for Item I0020B, CAT Specifications V1.06.0 Test Files, and OSA Data Specifications V3.01.0 (FINAL)Errata V3.01.3 for MDS Data Specifications V3.01.1 (FINAL) is now available for download. These specifications will go into effect on October 1, 2023. Four issues were added to the errata. IMPORTANT NOTE: Issue 23 will not … Read more
- FY 2024 PDPM ICD-10-CM Mappings File UpdatedFrom https://www.cms.gov/medicare/payment/prospective-payment-systems/skilled-nursing-facility-snf/patient-driven-model
- CDC NHSN LTCF Weekly Healthcare Personnel (HCP) & Resident COVID-19 Vaccination Module Page UPDATEDWeekly health care personnel (HCP) & Resident COVID-19 Vaccination Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Data Reporting Long-term care facilities can track weekly COVID-19 vaccination data for residents and healthcare personnel (HCP) through NHSN. September 2023 Updates Resources … Read more
- AHRQ Effective Healthcare Protocols for Patient Safety Available Now on Multiple TopicsPatient safety research is growing, spanning across more healthcare settings, and considers a wide array of contextual factors. The combination of emerging patient safety threats and the growing amount of published patient safety research, patient … Read more
- SNFRM: Technical Specifications for This SNF VBP Measure2023 Measure Updates and Specifications Report Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing Program Skilled Nursing Facility 30-Day All-Cause Readmission Measure –Version 2.0 This report describes updates that have been made to the Skilled Nursing Facility 30-Day … Read more
- PDPM Grouper UpdatedThe “PDPM Grouper JAR Package V2.2000.zip” is now available. This release was updated to support the FY 2024 PDPM ICD-10 code mapping for the purposes of resident classification under the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) for … Read more
- Coming Soon: 2023 CMS Health Equity Confidential Feedback Reports to Be Released Next MonthNext month, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will release two new Health Equity Confidential Feedback Reports to post-acute care (PAC) providers in the Home Health (HH), Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF), Long-Term Care … Read more
- SNF QRP FAQs for FY 2024An 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 … Read more
- MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.18.11R Errata and Manual ZIP FilesListed below are the three-part manual ZIP file set, as well as the PDF file labeled “MDS3.0RAIManualv1.18.11R.Errata.September.8.2023.” The errata document contains revisions to pages in Chapter 4 of the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual version (v)1.18.11R … Read more
- FY 2024 SNF VBP Program Fact Sheet, Timeline, and FAQsFY 2024 SNF VBP Resources
- FY 2026 (Calendar Year 2024) SNF QRP APU Table for the MDS Data Submission ThresholdThe FY 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Final Rule (88 FR 53200) revised data collection and submission requirements for the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) affecting the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 … Read more
- FY 2025 (Calendar Year 2023) SNF QRP APU Table for the MDS Data Submission Threshold–RevisedThe FY 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Final Rule (88 FR 53200) revised data collection and submission requirements for the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) affecting the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 … Read more
- FY 2026 (Calendar 2024) SNF QRP Data Collection and Final Submission Deadlineshe FY 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Final Rule (88 FR 53200) revised data collection and submission requirements for the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) affecting the Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 … Read more
- FY 2025 (Calendar 2023) SNF QRP Data Collection and Final Submission Deadlines — RevisedThe FY 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Final Rule (88 FR 53200) revised data collection and submission requirements for the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) affecting the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 … Read more
- SNF QRP QM Calculations and Reporting User’s Manual V5.0, Change Table, Risk Adjustment and Imputation Appendix Files, and HCC ICD-10 CrosswalksThe Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) Quality Measure Calculations and Reporting User’s Manual Version 5.0 serves as an update to the specifications used to calculate quality measures that are included in the SNF … Read more
- 2022 Nursing Home Staffing Study Final ReportIn February 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration announced a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at improving quality and safety for residents in nursing homes. One aspect of this initiative was conducting a new Nursing Home Staffing … Read more
- CMS Issues Proposed Rule on Minimum Staffing Standards for NFs and SNFsResources: Press Release: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), issued a proposed rule that seeks to establish comprehensive staffing requirements for nursing homes—including, … Read more
- Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Frequency Report WebsiteEffective August 21, 2023, MDS 3.0 Frequency data will be available from a new location on the data.cms.gov website (https://data.cms.gov/quality-of-care/minimum-data-set-frequency). This new website replaces the previous MDS 3.0 Frequency Report webpage which was decommissioned on … Read more
- Final MDS 3.0 Item Sets v. 1.18.11v5 effective Oct. 1, 2023–UpdatedThe final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.18.11 have been updated and are now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. All item … Read more
- Final MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.18.11The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.18.11 is now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS … Read more
- CMS iQIES MDS FAQsTable of Contents 1. Launch/Help Questions 1.1 Will iQIES have the same spec version at launch as QIES (version 3.00.1 including Errata Version3.00.8)? _____________________________________________ 1.2 How do I register for iQIES? 1.3 Whom can I … Read more
- Optional State Assessment (OSA) Item Set and OSA Manual for Oct. 1, 2023 Implementation–UpdatedThe Optional State Assessment (OSA) Item Set and OSA Manual have been updated, and the updated versions are now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. … Read more
- iQIES Resources Site UpdatediQIES is the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System, which is the system that the MDS submissions system is being transferred to. The QIES Technical Support Office maintains a website with iQIES reference materials, including … Read more
- CDC Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) Program Resources UpdatedInfection Control Assessment Tools Acronyms & Definitions ICAR: Infection Control Assessment and Response Program IP: Infection Prevention Healthcare Personnel IP Competency: The proven ability to apply essential knowledge, skills, and abilities to prevent the transmission of pathogens during … Read more
- Recent CMS Transmittals: SNF QRP Reporting Requirements and SNF PPS Pricer UpdateR12182QRI 2023-08-03 Fiscal Year 2018 and After Payments to Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) That Do Not Submit Required Quality Data – This CR Rescinds and Fully Replaces CR 9944. 2023-09-04 13242 R12174CP 2023-08-03 Medicare Part … Read more
- SNF MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Guidance Training Program: Post-Event Training Videos and Presentation Slide Decks Are UpdatedThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a virtual training program that provides instruction on the updated guidance for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument … Read more
- FY 2024 SNF PPS Final RuleThe final rule and key files: Permalink FY 2024 PDPM ICD-1- Mapping (ZIP) (effective 10-01-2023) CMS-1779-F Wage Index Tables for FY 2024 – Final (ZIP) PDPM Case-Mix – Tables 5 and 6 show the FY 2024 PDPM case-mix … Read more
- CMS Nursing Home Data Sets UpdatedFive-Star, NHQI, SNF QRP, SNF VBP, PBJ data Data sets: Provider Information General information on currently active nursing homes, including number of certified beds, quality measure scores, staffing and other information used in the Five-Star … Read more
- EXPIRED: CMS QSO Memo QSO-23-02-ALL: Revised Guidance for COVID-19 Staff Vaccination RequirementsMemo # QSO-23-02-ALL (EXPIRED) Posting Date 2023-07-25 Fiscal Year 2023 EXPIRATION INFORMATION: CMS PUBLISHED A FINAL RULE WHICH ENDED THE REQUIREMENTS RELATED TO STAFF VACCINATION FOR ALL PROVIDER TYPES, EFFECTIVE ON 8/05/23. ADDITIONALLY, THIS RULE … Read more
- National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel Releases Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention ProtocolThe National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel has released the second version of their Standardized Pressure Injury Prevention Protocol – abbreviated as “SPIPP” (pronounced S – PIP). The SPIPP is a shortened checklist of preventive actions … Read more
- CMS Transmittal: SNF PDPM Claims Processing Edits UpdateR12146OTN Issue Date 2023-07-21 Subject The purpose of this Change Request (CR) is to update current Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) PDPM claims processing edits in order to process and pay claims correctly. A. Background: This … Read more
- BIMS MDS Coding Video Tutorial UpdatedThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering an updated video tutorial to assist providers with guidance application and interview strategies for the cognitive assessment known as the Brief Interview for Mental Status … Read more
- OIG Work Plan: Audit of Nursing Homes’ Emergency Power SystemsRecent severe weather events have highlighted the need for and importance of emergency power systems for nursing homes. Nursing homes are required to provide an alternate source of energy (usually a generator) to maintain temperatures … Read more
- TeamSTEPPS 3.0: Evidence-Based Teamwork Resources for Healthcare TeamsTeamSTEPPS is an evidence-based program designed to optimize the performance of healthcare teams. The Welcome Guides in this section provide an introduction to TeamSTEPPS 3.0 adapted to the needs of various TeamSTEPPS roles, including: … Read more
- SNF Provider Preview Reports – Now AvailableThe Skilled Nursing Facility (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 Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) … Read more
- OSHA Final Rule on Tracking of Workplace Injuries and IllnessesOccupational Safety and Health Administration 29 CFR Part 1904 [Docket No. OSHA-2021-0006] RIN 1218-AD40 Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses AGENCY: Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Labor. ACTION: Final rule. SUMMARY: OSHA is … Read more
- Prevalence of Potentially Inappropriate Medication Prescribing in U.S. Nursing Homes, 2013-2017July 5, 2023 Riester MR, Goyal P, Steinman MA, et al. J Gen Intern Med. 2023;38(6):1563-1566. Potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) prescribing in older adults is common and can lead to medication-related harm. This retrospective study of Medicare beneficiaries estimated that the … Read more
- CY 2024 Proposed Physician Fee Schedule and Other Part B ProposalsProposed policies will expand behavioral health services, support the President’s Cancer Moonshot, promote innovation, and grow value-based care Permalink Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the calendar year (CY) 2024 Medicare … Read more
- OIG Adverse Events Toolkits: Medical Record Review Methodology and Clinical Guidance for Identifying Patient HarmToolkit: Medical Record Review Methodology07-06-2023 | OEI-06-21-00030 | Complete Toolkit Toolkit: Clinical Guidance for Identifying Harm07-06-2023 | OEI-06-21-00031 | Complete Toolkit What are the Adverse Events (AE) Toolkits? The AE toolkits are technical resources to assist the … Read more
- CMS iQIES Reports User Manual v2.4: MDS ReportsThis 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. Appendix A: … Read more
- CMS QSO Memo: Posting of Nursing Home Ownership/Operatorship Affiliation Data on Nursing Home Care Compare and data.cms.govMemo # QSO-23-18-NH Posting Date 2023-06-28 Fiscal Year 2023 Memorandum Summary • Posting Nursing Home Affiliation on Nursing Home Care Compare: CMS will include ownership and operatorship affiliation information on our Nursing Home Care Compare … Read more
- CDC Recommends RSV Vaccine For Older AdultsCDC Director Rochelle P. Walensky, M.D., M.P.H., endorsed the CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP) recommendations for use of new Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccines from GSK and Pfizer for people ages 60 years … Read more
- Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities Addresses Establishing and Monitoring a Naloxone ProgramIn This Issue This month’s newsletter focuses on establishing and monitoring a Naloxone program for your nursing facility. Become informed about regulatory guidance and share new COE-NF resources that will assist your facility in implementing … Read more
- iQIES Dashboard Q&AsFrom https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals
- NHSN Healthcare Personnel (HCP ) Flu Vaccination Module for SNF QRP ReportingThe 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 … Read more
- CMS Releases Medicare Advantage Skilled Nursing Facility Utilization DataThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated two data products with skilled nursing facility utilization data for beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage (MA). The Medicare Advantage Geographic Variation PUF (MA GV PUF) now … Read more
- CMS QSO Memo Reminds Hospitals of Discharge Requirements for Hospital Discharges to Post-Acute Care ProvidersMemo # QSO-23-16-Hospitals Posting Date 2023-06-06 Fiscal Year 2023 CMS is committed to ensuring that the health and safety of patients are protected when discharges from hospitals and transfers to post-acute care providers occur. Therefore, … Read more
- LTCSP Survey Resources: Surveyor Tools UpdatedThis 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 … Read more
- COVID-19 Healthcare Staff Vaccination Final RuleFrom MLN Connects: CMS finalized staff education requirements while ending the COVID-19 staff vaccination requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities. These provisions were included in the “COVID-19 … Read more
- MDS Issues From the iQIES Known Issues ReportCS1963652 Resolved Reports ALL iQIES Users are currently experiencing issues generating reports in HTML or downloading them in CSV/PDF format, presenting no data or limited data to users. Team is investigating and resolving actively 05/31/2023 … Read more
- COVID-19 Vaccination and Therapeutics in PALTC Toolkit: Resources for Clinicians–UpdatedAMDA-The Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine partnered with the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists, the Gerontological Advance Practice Nurses Association, the American Association of Nurse Practitioners, and the American Academy of Physician Assistants/Associates … Read more
- MDS: State Section S Items Effective October 1, 2023 OverviewThe tables list the Section S items that will be active on MDS 3.0 records with a target date on or after October 1, 2023. The active item on each item subset code (ISC) is … Read more
- CMS MDS v1.18.11 Training Videos: Direct LinksDirect links: SNF Training Program Overview SNF Understanding Changes to the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.18.11 Training Webinar SNF Social Determinants of Health and New Data Elements in Section A Training Webinar SNF Section C: … Read more
- MLN Publication: SNF Three-Day Qualifying Hospital Stay and Medicare Billing RulesSkilled Nursing Facility 3-Day Rule Billing Format Fact Sheet ICN: MLN9730256 Publication Description: Learn communication of coverage, claims processing edits, and financial responsibility. https://www.cms.gov/outreach-and-education/medicare-learning-network-mln/mlnproducts/downloads/snf3dayrule-mln9730256.pdf
- 2023 update to the AGS Beers Criteria for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older AdultsThe American Geriatrics Society (AGS) released the 2023 update to the AGS Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults (DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18372). The AGS Beers Criteria® serves as a comprehensive list of medications … Read more
- SNF QRP: 2023 Impact of Mississippi Stormshttps://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Skilled-Nursing-Facility-Quality-Reporting-Program/SNF-QR-Reconsideration-and-Exception-and-Extension
- CMS Transmittal: SNF Consolidated Billing HCPCS Code File Update for July 2023Transmittal # R12052CP Issue Date 2023-05-18 Subject July 2023 Quarterly Update to Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) Codes Used for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Consolidated Billing (CB) Enforcement Implementation Date 2023-07-03 CR # 13192 … Read more
- Updated CASPER MDS Census Reports for Nursing HomesUPDATED Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) Daily Minimum Data Set (MDS) Census Reports for Nursing Homes The 1704D Daily MDS Census Detail and 1704S Daily MDS Census Summary reports in the Payroll-Based Journal … Read more
- CMS Transmittal: SNF 5-Claim Probe and Educate ReviewTransmittal 12032 issued May 10, 2023, is being rescinded and replaced by Transmittal 12037, dated May 15, 2023, to make a minor clarification (that claims will be adjusted/denied if an improper payment is identified) and … Read more
- OIG Work Plan Update: Nursing Home Facility-Initiated DischargesA facility-initiated transfer or discharge of a resident from a nursing home can be an unsafe and traumatic experience for the resident and the resident’s family. To address these concerns, Congress passed the Nursing Home … Read more
- COVID-19 PHE End: Fact Sheets and RulesHHS Fact Sheet: Telehealth Flexibilities and Resources and the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Letter to U.S. Governors from HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra On planning for the COVID-19 PHE Fact Sheet: End of the COVID-19 Public … Read more
- CMS Transmittal Revised: SNF PPS PDPM Claims Processing Updates to Current EditingIssue Date 2023-05-08 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) Claims Processing Updates to Current Editing Transmittal 11988 issued April 21, 2023, is being rescinded and replaced by Transmittal 12023, … Read more
- CMS QSO-20-39-NH Memo REVISED: Nursing Home Visitation – COVID-19Nursing Home Visitation – COVID-19 (REVISED to align with the end of the COVID-19 PHE) Memo # QSO-20-39-NH REVISED 05.08.2023 Fiscal Year 2023 Summary • CMS is committed to continuing to take critical steps to … Read more
- CDC COVID-19 Infection Control Guidance Page UpdatedInfection Control Guidance Updated May 8, 2023 For healthcare personnel, see Isolation and work restriction guidance. For strategies to mitigate healthcare personnel staffing shortages, see Contingency and crisis management. For healthcare professionals advising people in non-healthcare settings … Read more
- SNF QRP: Discharge Function Score for SNFs Draft Technical Report: Imputation Appendix FileCMS has posted the Discharge Function Score for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) Draft Technical Report: Imputation Appendix File, which accompanies the Discharge Function Score for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) Draft Technical Report. The Imputation Appendix … Read more
- OIG Inspector General Continues to Prioritize Nursing HomesKey excerpt: Nursing Homes We know that compliance helps an organization remain focused on providing high-quality care. OIG work has pinpointed breakdowns in quality of care across many health care sectors. Perhaps the most pronounced … Read more
- Center to Advance Palliative Care (CAPC) Delirium NewsScreening for Delirium: What Clinicians Should Know https://www.capc.org/blog/screening-for-delirium-what-clinicians-should-know/ Managing Delirium: What Clinicians Should Know https://www.capc.org/blog/managing-delirium-what-clinicians-should-know/
- CMS QSO Memo Guidance for the Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE)Includes a three-page section, Long Term Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and/or Nursing Facilities (NFs)), plus guidance for all providers on staff vaccinations and emergency preparedness. Memo # QSO-23-13-ALL Posting Date 2023-05-01 Fiscal Year … Read more
- OIG to Publish New Compliance Guidance, Including Nursing Home-Specific GuidanceThrough this Notice, OIG is notifying the public of the following: • OIG will no longer publish updated or new CPGs in the Federal Register. All current, updated, and new CPGs will be available on … Read more
- SNF Provider Threshold Report for FY2025: Submission Status for the HCP Influenza Vaccine measure Displays IncorrectlySNOW IDs Status Categories Provider Types Description Date Reported Date Resolved Open Reports SNF Please be advised that the Submission Status for the HCP Influenza Vaccine measure is displaying incorrectly on the SNF Provider Threshold … Read more
- Study: Reducing Fatigue and Errors Among Nurses Working Night ShiftsShort exposure to bright light could help shift workers generally combat fatigue 21-Apr-2023 7:45 PM EDT, by McGill University Newswise — Nurses exposed to 40 minutes of bright light before their night shifts feel less fatigued and … Read more
- CDC Simplifies COVID-19 Vaccine Recommendations, Allows Older and Immunocompromised Adults to Get Second Dose of the Updated VaccineFollowing FDA regulatory action, CDC has taken steps to simplify COVID-19 vaccine recommendations and allow more flexibility for people at higher risk who want the option of added protection from additional COVID-19 vaccine doses. CDC’s … Read more
- COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines UpdatedThe COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel (the Panel) has just published a major update to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Treatment Guidelines. Key changes include: · A new section titled Pregnancy, Lactation, and COVID-19 Therapeutics has been added to provide … Read more
- SHEA/IDSA/APIC Practice Recommendation: Strategies to Prevent Healthcare-Associated Infections Through Hand Hygiene: 2022 UpdateThis is guidance for hospitals but may be helpful to SNFs as well. https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/infection-control-and-hospital-epidemiology/article/sheaidsaapic-practice-recommendation-strategies-to-prevent-healthcareassociated-infections-through-hand-hygiene-2022-update/FCD05235C79DC57F0E7F54D7EC314C2C
- Sample iQIES MDS 3.0 ReportsWith the migration of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment submissions and reporting into iQIES, the Provider and Quality Measure reports that are currently available in the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reporting (CASPER) system will … Read more
- MDS Error Message User Guide From iQIESThis user guide addresses Minimum Data Set (MDS) error messages and troubleshooting. CMS iQIES MDS Error Message v1.0
- iQIES: MDS Upload an Assessment User Manual and How to Upload an Assessment for MDS Users Training VideoManual: CMS iQIES MDS Upload an Assessment v1.0 The How to Upload an Assessment for MDS Users training video provides steps for uploading MDS assessments to iQIES.
- President Biden Executive Order and Fact Sheet on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting CaregiversExecutive Order (in particular, section 2 is worth reading for nursing home-specific information): By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is … Read more
- MDS 3.0 Vendor Call Minutes and Q&As – 03/29/2023Information primarily on the Oct. 1, 2023 transition:
- HHS EMR Cybersecurity Alert and New Resources re: Rising Threat of Cyberattacks in Health and Public Health SectorAlert: Electronic medical records (EMRs) and electronic health records (EHRs) are often used interchangeably. An EMR allows the electronic entry, storage, and maintenance of digital medical data. EHRs contain patients’ records from doctors and include … Read more
- QIES Technical Support Office: Updated Provider Demographic Update InstructionsCMS will be transitioning to a new data source for a provider’s demographic data for all five Post-Acute Care (PAC) provider types (Skilled Nursing Facilities / Nursing Facilities (SNF/NFs), Home Health Agencies (HHAs), Inpatient Rehabilitation … Read more
- OIG Report Targets Accuracy of Care Compare DeficienciesFor 67 of the 100 sampled nursing homes, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) did not accurately report on Care Compare 1 or more deficiencies that surveyors identified during yearly and complaint inspections. … Read more
- ABN (Form CMS-R-131) for Part B SNF Services: New Forms Mandatory 6/30/23The ABN, Form CMS-R-131, and form instructions have been approved by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for renewal. The use of the renewed form with the expiration date of 01/31/2026 will be mandatory on 6/30/23. … Read more
- Proposed CoreQ: Short Stay Discharge Survey Measure Survey Protocols and Guidelines ManualCoreQ: Short Stay Discharge Survey CoreQ Short Stay Discharge Survey Protocols and Guidelines Manual and additional resources CMS-10852 (ZIP) From https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/legislation/paperworkreductionactof1995/pra-listing/cms-10852
- CMS Administrative Memo: Revised Guidance for Federal Monitoring Surveys (FMS)Memo # Admin Info: 22-09-ALL Revised April 7, 2023 Posting Date 2023-04-07 Memorandum Summary: Admin Info: 22-09-ALL Revised April 7, 2023 (PDF)
- SNF VBP SNF WS PPR Draft SpecificationsFrom https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality-initiatives-patient-assessment-instruments/value-based-programs/snf-vbp/measure
- SNF QRP Quick Reference GuideAn updated Quick Reference Guide is now available. The Quick Reference Guide provides high-level information on the SNF Quality Reporting Program, including frequently asked questions and helpful links. https://www.cms.gov/files/document/pac-snf-quickreferenceguide-20230207.pdf From https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Skilled-Nursing-Facility-Quality-Reporting-Program/SNF-Quality-Reporting-Program-Data-Submission-Deadlines
- MDS 3.0 Care Area Trigger (CAT) Specifications V1.06.0 for Implementation on Oct. 1, 2023The MDS 3.0 CAT specifications (V1.06.0) are now available. The specifications currently consist of the PDF documentation files, which describe the logic changes and provide pseudocode. Note that many of the CAT triggers are changing … Read more
- FY 2024 SNF PPS Proposed Rule and Fact SheetProposed rule: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection/2023-07137/medicare-program-prospective-payment-system-and-consolidated-billing-for-skilled-nursing-facilities Fact Sheet: On April 4, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would update Medicare payment policies and rates for skilled nursing facilities under the … Read more
- CMS QSO Life Safety Code Memo: Categorical Waiver – Health Care Microgrid Systems (HCMSs)Memo # QSO-23-11-LSC Posting Date 2023-03-31 Fiscal Year 2023 Summary Various CMS regulations governing certain providers and certified suppliers require compliance with the 2012 edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Health Care Facilities … Read more
- Pennsylvania AG Charges Two Nurses With Neglect for Not Following Facility Protocol Following Resident Fall and DeathHARRISBURG—Attorney General Michelle Henry today announced charges against two nurses who neglected their duty to care for a resident who died after sustaining injuries at a Spring Creek Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Dauphin County. … Read more
- CMS QSO Memo: Strengthened Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control Deficiencies and QI ActivitiesMemo # QSO-23-10-NH Posting Date 2023-03-30 Fiscal Year 2023 Summary Downloads
- MDS 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual and AppendicesMeasure specifications and calculations are detailed in this manual. March 2023 updates APPENDIX – Claims-based Measures Technical Specifications Updates 03-20-23.pdf and Nursing Home Compare Claims-based Measures Tech Specs 2023 From https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/NHQIQualityMeasures
- CMS Transmittal: Enhancements to PDPM Claim Edits to Improve Claim ProcessingTransmittal 11879 issued February 24, 2023, is being rescinded and replaced by Transmittal 11932, dated, March 29, 2023, to update Business Requirement (BR) 12896.3 to match FISS new reason code and to add BR 12896.3.1. … Read more
- GAO Report: Improving Infection Prevention and Control in Nursing HomesCOVID-19 in Nursing Homes :Experts Identified Actions Aimed at Improving Infection Prevention and Control Highlights What GAO Found The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), primarily through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services … Read more