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.
- SNF QRP: SNF Discharge Function Score Technical ReportThis report presents the Discharge Function Score measure specifications. Section 2 provides an overview of the measure and a high-level summary of the key features of the measure that are described in detail in the …
- MedPAC March 2023 Report: Medicare Payment PolicyThe Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has released its March 2023 Report to the Congress: Medicare Payment Policy. The report includes MedPAC’s analyses of payment adequacy in traditional fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare and reviews the status of Medicare …
- invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) News From CDCDuring fall 2022, a resurgence of invasive group A Streptococcus (iGAS) infection in children and adolescents was observed in two of CDC’s Emerging Infections Program (EIP)* surveillance sites: Colorado (Denver metropolitan area) and Minnesota (entire state). Clinicians should …
- NETEC Long-Term Care Special Pathogens Infection Prevention and Control Workbook AvailableThe National Emerging Special Pathogen Training and Education Center (NETEC) has released a workbook for “assessing operational elements for special pathogen preparedness, response, and recovery unique to the long-term care setting.” The workbook is designed …
- CDC NHSN Long-term Care Facility Component (LTCF): Updated ResourcesLTCF Overview New! 2023 Overview of HAI Reporting in LTCFs YouTube Link [Video – 41 min] Slideset [PDF – 3 MB] LTCF Annual Survey New! 2023 LTCF Component Annual Facility Survey Review [PDF – 2 MB] From https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/training/ltc/index.html LTCF …
- Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) Website: Resources and Technical AssistanceFind resources and technical assistance at https://nursinghomebehavioralhealth.org/ Current resources include: Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities – Frequently Asked Questions DOWNLOAD SAMHSA informational pamphlet about bipolar disorder’s definition, signs/symptoms, types and treatment …
- AHRQ Seeks SNFs/NFs for Free Safety Program Using Bathing/Skin Care Techniques for MRSA, Other MDRO, and Pressure Injury/Wound PreventionLearn About Participating We are recruiting long-term care facilities to participate in the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Safety Program for MRSA Prevention, a free 18-month program that seeks to improve bathing and skincare techniques to reduce pressure …
- March 29 Advancing Excellence Webinar: Understanding Special Needs Plans in PALTCRegister Now: Spotlight Series Session – Understanding Special Needs Plans in PALTC Listen in as Cheryl Phillips, President and CEO of the SNP Alliance, will describe the various models of SNPs that exist and their …
- Moving Forward Coalition Calls: March 24: Calling All Nursing Home Leaders; April 21: COVID-19 Innovations; May 10: Cost Reporting 101Calling All Nursing Home Leaders! Friday, March 24, 2-3 PM (EST) During this session we plan to share a bit about our vision but primarily learn from you. The Moving Forward Coalition needs the help …
- Patient Safety in the Nursing Home Setting: AHRQ National Healthcare Quality and Disparities ReportIn this section, measures address: • High-risk, long-stay nursing home residents with pressure ulcers. • Long-stay nursing home residents with a urinary tract infection. • Long-stay nursing home residents experiencing one or more falls with …
- 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. February 2023 and January …
- COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines UpdatedN The COVID-19 Treatment Guidelines Panel (the Panel) is pleased to announce the publication of an updated version of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Treatment Guidelines. In the United States, the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron subvariants …
- CMS Section GG Training Videos: GG0130A, GG0110, GG0170C, GG0130B, Decision Tree for GG0130/GG0170Video Tutorials Available to Assist with Coding Specific Section GG Items The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is releasing a series of short videos to assist providers with coding select Section GG items on …
- CMS Nursing Home Data Sets UpdatedFive-Star, NHQI, SNF QRP, SNF VBP, PBJ data Data sets: PBJ updated March 6: https://data.cms.gov/quality-of-care/payroll-based-journal-daily-nurse-staffing https://data.cms.gov/quality-of-care/payroll-based-journal-daily-non-nurse-staffing Provider Information General information on currently active nursing homes, including number of certified beds, quality measure scores, staffing and …
- COVID-19 PHE End: CMS Resources Explaining Impacts on Waivers and FlexibilitiesInformation from CMS about exactly what happens on May 11, 2023:
- SNF VBP Program Frequently Asked QuestionsFrom https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/Value-Based-Programs/SNF-VBP/SNF-VBP-Page
- March 2023 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the FY 2024 SNF VBP Program Are AvailableThe March 2023 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the FY 2024 SNF VBP Program are now available to download via the Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (QIES)/Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) reporting system. …
- CMS Updates MSP Manual: Providers Can’t Refuse to Treat Medicare Beneficiaries With Certain MSP RecordsTransmittal # R11874MSP Issue Date 2023-02-23 Subject Significant Updates to Internet Only Manual (IOM) Publication (Pub.) 100-05 Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) Manual, Chapter 3 Implementation Date 2023-03-24 CR # 13085 Publication # 100-05 R11874MSP (PDF) …
- CMS Booklet for Medicare Beneficiaries: Medicare and Skilled Nursing Facility Care Benefits: Getting StartedUpdated for 2023. It includes a SNF Checklist for potential admissions and families to use to assess each SNF. Medicare and Skilled Nursing Facility Care Benefits: Getting Started
- CMS Analysis Provides Insight into SNF 3-Day Waiver in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs)A new CMS analysis describes trends in use and outcomes associated with waiving the three consecutive day inpatient stay requirement at an acute care hospital before discharge to a skilled nursing facility (SNF). The 3-day waiver for certain accountable care organizations (ACOs) …
- iQIES MDS Submission Transition to Occur on April 17, 2023CMS is excited to announce that the transition of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment submission and reporting functionality to the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) will occur on April 17, 2023. To …
- Inactivate SAMS Users Who Submit NHSN Data When They Resign: ALJ Case Shows What’s at Stake“As explained by Petitioner, and not disputed by CMS, Petitioner’s former executive director became the executive director at another facility and reported data on behalf of that facility to the NHSN. Petitioner determined, with the …
- 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 …
- MDS Data Specifications V3.01.0 (DRAFT) PostedThe MDS Data Specifications V3.01.0 (DRAFT) are now available for download under the Downloads section at the bottom of this webpage. These specifications will go into effect on October 1, 2023. There are a significant number of …
- CMS Admin Memo: State Operations Manual Chapter 5, Implementation Dates for Revised GuidanceMemo # Admin Info -23-06-NH Posting Date 2023-02-10 Fiscal Year 2023 Summary Implementation Dates for the Revised Chapter 5 – CMS expects the state survey agencies (SAs) to implement the revised timeframes for investigating nursing …
- IHI: Enhancing Quality Improvement Adoption in U.S. Nursing HomesYou do have to register, but it’s free: Enhancing Quality Improvement Adoption in US Nursing Homes Johnson M, Renton M. Enhancing Quality Improvement Adoption in US Nursing Homes. Boston: Institute for Healthcare Improvement; 2023. (Available …
- MDS 3.0 v1.18.11 Provider Burden Data From CMSSUPPORTING STATEMENT-PART A REVISION OF THE MINIMUM DATA SET (MDS) 3.0 (v1.18.11) NURSING HOME AND SWING BED PROSPECTIVE PAYMENT SYSTEM (PPS) FOR THE COLLECTION OF DATA PERTAINING TO THE PATIENT DRIVEN PAYMENT MODEL (PDPM) & …
- iQIES Resources SiteiQIES 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 …
- April 2023 Quarterly Update to SNF Consolidated Billing HCPCS CodesTransmittal # R11849CP Issue Date 2023-02-09 Subject April 2023 Quarterly Update to HCPCS Codes Used for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Consolidated Billing (CB) Enforcement Implementation Date 2023-04-03 CR # 13089 Publication # 100-04 Downloads I. …
- CDC: Outbreak of Extensively Drug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa Associated With Artificial TearsThere are nursing home-specific recommendations: SummaryThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is issuing this Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory about infections with an extensively drug-resistant strain of Verona Integron-mediated Metallo-β-lactamase (VIM) and …
- 2022 NASEM Quality of Nursing Home Report – Moving Recommendations to ActionFrom the John A. Hartford Foundation: Public Policy & Aging Report (PP&AR) has released a Special Issue, “2022 NASEM Quality of Nursing Home Report: Moving Recommendations to Action.” PP&AR, a publication of The Gerontological Society of America, supplemental issue focuses …
- Comprehensive Dementia Care – Five Key Payment RecommendationsFrom the John A. Hartford Foundation: Health Affairs Forefront: Payment for Comprehensive Dementia Care – Five Key Recommendations Health Affairs Forefront has published an article on “Payment for Comprehensive Dementia Care: Five Key Recommendations,” calling on the Centers …
- CMS Proposed Nursing Home Ownership Disclosure RuleProposed rule would require disclosure of additional ownership and management information to shine a light on private equity ownership Administration seeking to implement Section 6101(a) of the Affordable Care Act As President Biden made clear …
- CMS Transmittals Update Chapters 5 and 7 of the State Operations ManualSUBJECT: Revisions to State Operations Manual (SOM), Chapter 7 I. SUMMARY OF CHANGES: Technical Changes – Changed “regional office” to “CMS Location” and “Central Office” to “CMS Headquarters”. NEW/REVISED MATERIAL – EFFECTIVE DATE: February 10, …
- LTC Facilities (SNFs and/or NFs): CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19 Updated Fact SheetFrom https://www.cms.gov/coronavirus-waivers
- IHI: Organizational Trustworthiness in Health CareRegistration to obtain this is free: Bolender T, DeSmidt B, Feske-Kirby K, Imbeah K, Sampath B. Organizational Trustiworthiness in Health Care. Boston: Institute for Healthcare Improvement; 2022. (Available at www.ihi.org) Trust between patients and clinicians, …
- CDC NHSN LTCF State Veterans Homes COVID-19 ToolThe NHSN Long-term Care Facility Component supports the nation’s COVID-19 response through the LTCF COVID-19 Module. Facilities eligible to report data to NHSN’s COVID-19 Module include nursing homes/skilled nursing, long-term care for the developmentally disabled, and assisted …
- COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality by Receipt of Bivalent Booster Doses and Time Since VaccinationWeekly / February 10, 2023 / 72(6);145–152 Summary What is already known about this topic? COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness decreased with waning of vaccine-derived immunity and emerging Omicron sublineages. An updated (bivalent) booster dose enhances protection against …
- Fact Sheet: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Transition RoadmapBased on current COVID-19 trends, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section 319 of the Public Health Service (PHS) Act, …
- LTCSP Survey PathwaysEffective Date Document/File Name Description of Change 02/17/2023 1. Survey Resources 2. Appendix PP Updated: Â 1. FIC Folder (FIC Survey Protocol) 2. LTC Survey Pathways (CMS-20068 Urinary Catheter or UTI) 3. Appendix PP State …
- LTCSP Procedure GuideThe LTCSP Procedure Guide provides instruction on the procedural and software steps necessary for completing the LTCSP. Use the Procedure Guide for all standard surveys of SNFs and NFs, whether freestanding, distinct parts, or dually …
- CMS Transmittal Updates Appendix PP, State Operations Manual, With Technical CorrectionsSUBJECT: Revisions to State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix PP I. SUMMARY OF CHANGES: Technical Corrections – corrected endnote numbering and references, updated broken web links, deleted duplicated regulatory text. NEW/REVISED MATERIAL – EFFECTIVE DATE: October …
- 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 …
- GAO: CMS Should Make Nursing Home Ownership Information More Transparent for ConsumersGAO-23-104813 Published: Jan 03, 2023. Publicly Released: Feb 02, 2023. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-23-104813 Fast Facts Care Compare is a web-based tool that lets consumers compare the quality ratings of health care providers participating in the Medicare program. …
- May 11: COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) Will End“On January 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced its intent to end the national emergency and public health emergency declarations on May 11, 2023, related to the COVID-19 pandemic.” From https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/Emergency/EPRO/Current-Emergencies/Current-Emergencies-page
- Two Recent Nursing Home-Specific COVID-19 StudiesFYI 1/26/23SARS-CoV-2 Antibody Responses to the Ancestral SARS-CoV-2 Strain and Omicron BA.1 and BA.4/BA.5 Variants in Nursing Home Residents After Receipt of Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccine — Ohio and Rhode Island, September–November 2022 Summary What is …
- April 1, 2023 Release of Revised ICD-10-CM Code Files and Coding Guidelines–UpdatedIn an effort to better enable the collection of health-related social needs (HRSNs), defined as individual-level, adverse social conditions that negatively impact a person’s health or healthcare, are significant risk factors associated with worse health …
- 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 …
- SNF Medicare Provider Enrollment, Change of Ownership, and Revalidation Procedures UpdatedThe CY 2023 PFS Final Rule contains provisions concerning Medicareprovider enrollment. These principally involve the following: (1) Moving skilled nursingfacilities (SNFs), various provider enrollment ownership changes, and certain other providersand suppliers into the “high” level …
- OIG: Over 1,000 Nursing Homes Reached 75 Percent Infection Rates in COVID-19 Pandemic’s First YearMore Than a Thousand Nursing Homes Reached Infection Rates of 75 Percent or More in the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic; Better Protections Are Needed for Future Emergencies (OEI-02-20-00491) Nursing homes had a surge of …
- CMS QSO Memo 23-05-NH: Schizophrenia MDS Audits Are ComingUpdates to the Nursing Home Care Compare Website and Five Star Quality Rating System: Adjusting Quality Measure Ratings Based on Erroneous Schizophrenia Coding, and Posting Citations Under Dispute Summary • Adjusting Quality Measure Ratings: CMS …
- Facilitators Guide For the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) Method From QIO Telligen QI ConnectResource outlining the process for conducting an RCA. Access the resource here.
- COVID-19 Vaccine: Percent of Patients/Residents Who Are Up-to-Date Draft Measure Specifications–SNF QRPJanuary 2023 The Improving Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (IMPACT Act) requires the Secretary to specify resource use measures and other measures, on which post-acute care (PAC) providers are required to submit necessary data …
- Kepro BFCC QIO Users: Updated Notification Process for New AppealsStarting on January 17, 2023, post-acute facilities and Medicare health plans will no longer receive phone calls for appeal notifications (when a new appeal has been filed). Post-acute facilities and Medicare health plans will receive …
- COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) RenewalJan. 11, 2023: As a result of the continued consequences of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)Â pandemic, on this date and after consultation with public health officials as necessary, I, Xavier Becerra, Secretary of Health …
- SNF QRP COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet, Third EditionThe purpose of the Third Edition Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) COVID-19 Public Reporting (PR) Tip Sheet is to help providers understand CMS’ public reporting approach to the SNF QRP to account for CMS …
- COVID-19 Treatments: Key Messages for Long-Term Care Facilities From ASPRThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response has released an information sheet, COVID-19 Treatments: Key Messages for Long-Term Care Facilities. https://www.aapacn.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/ASPR-Info-Sheet_COVID-Tx_LTC-Key-Messages_1.5.2023-1.pdf
- JAMA Network Open Study: Association of Staffing Instability With Quality of Nursing Home CareMeaning  “This study suggests that day-to-day staffing instability is an important marker of nursing home quality, limiting measurement, reporting, or policy to average hours per resident-day likely will miss important opportunities to improve care.” https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2800160
- CDC NHSN LTCF MDRO and CDI Infection Event Reporting Module–UpdatedThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network Long-Term Care Facility Multidrug-Resistant Organism & Clostridioides difficile (MDRO/CDI) Infection Event Reporting Module Using Laboratory-identified Event Methodology offers protocols, tools and other resources at this site: …
- CDC NHSN LTCF COVID-19 Module–UpdatedCDC’s NHSN provides healthcare facilities, such as long-term care facilities (LTCFs), with a secure reporting platform for reporting outcomes and process measures in a systematic way. Reported data are immediately available for use in strengthening local …
- CMS QI Voices Audio Series: Improving COVID-19 Outcomes in Nursing Homes Across AmericaThis series provides nursing homes with the facts on COVID-19 vaccines and therapeutics that support better resident outcomes. In these conversations with Dr. Lee Fleisher, the CMS CMO, nursing home leaders will hear from Centers for …
- ASPR TRACIE: On-Campus Hospital Armed Assailant Planning ConsiderationsEmergency preparedness planners in nursing homes can adapt this new On-Campus Hospital Armed Assailant Planning Considerations document to help prepare their facilities to mitigate, respond to, and recover from an armed assailant or active shooter situation on …
- Fall 2022 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions: CMS and Other HHS Agencies Lay Out PlansFull list here: https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/eAgendaMain Some highlights are excerpted below: HHS/SAMHSA Proposed Rule Stage Medications for the Treatment of Opioid Use Disorder 0930-AA39 HHS/CMS Proposed Rule Stage Administrative Simplification: Adoption of Standards for Health Care Attachment …
- 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 …
- 2023 SNF Consolidated Billing HCPCS Code FileMajor Category II. A. – Dialysis, EPO, Aranesp, Other Related Services for ESRD ADD Major Category III. A. -Chemotherapy ADD Major Category III. C. -Radioisotopes and their Administration ADD Major Category IV. A. – Mammography …
- CDC NHSN LTCF Prevention Process Measures (PPM) ModulePrevention Process Measures: Hand Hygiene, Gown and Glove Use Adherence Most Recent Updates Protocols Supporting Chapters Data Collection Forms & Instructions All Data Collection Forms are Print-only PPM Monthly Reporting Plan Annual Facility Survey FAQs …
- 2022 Medicare Fee-for-Service Supplemental Improper Data Report: SNFs No. 1 on Insufficient DocumentationSNFs were the provider type with the highest level of insufficient documentation, leading to an improper payment rate of 15.1 percent for the 2022 report period: https://www.cms.gov/files/document/2022-medicare-fee-service-supplemental-improper-payment-data.pdf
- CDC NHSN LTCF UTI ModuleThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Healthcare Safety Network Long-Term Care Facility Urinary Tract Infection Module provides forms, tools, and other resources at this site: https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/ltc/uti/index.html Most recent updates Protocols Supporting Chapters Data …
- NHSN Healthcare Personnel Safety (HPS) Component Website for SNF QRP HCP Influenza ReportingThe HCP Influenza Vaccination module in the HPS component of the NHSN is where SNFs enter data for the SNF QRP’s HCP Influenza Vaccination measure. This website offers access to training slides and other educational …
- ESRD Facility/Nursing Home Communication ToolThe National Forum of ESRD Networks has shared a communication tool, updated on Dec. 2, 2022, that covers nursing home communication to dialysis facilities, as well as dialysis facility communication to nursing homes: LTCF-Dialysis Infection …
- State AG Settles With Nursing Home Chain Over Failure to Meet Needs of Residents With Substance Use DisorderAG Healey Secures $1.75 Million Resolution With Nursing Home Chain Over Failure To Meet the Needs of Residents With Substance Use Disorder BOSTON — A Connecticut-based long-term care management company operating nursing homes across southern New England …
- Draft MDS 3.0 Item Sets v1.18.11 and Change Document AvailableThe draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.18.11 are now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. CMS plans to release the final …
- Family Resources: Free Online Training About Resident Decision-Making and Legal OptionsThe National Center for State Courts (NCSC) has released an updated online course that explains options for assisting individuals who need decision-making support. Â Finding the Right Fit: Decision-Making Supports and Guardianship is a free, …
- Health Literacy Study: Accuracy in Patient Understanding of Common Medical PhrasesJAMA Network Open Study found that “several common phrases are misunderstood when used in a medical setting, with the interpreted meaning frequently the exact opposite of what is intended.” Free full text available: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2799079
- CMS Confirms Customized Prosthetics SNF Consolidated Billing Exclusion re: Pre-Discharge Delivery of DMEPOS for Fitting and TrainingThis CMS transmittal adds the following note to CMS policy and billing procedures regarding the circumstances under which a supplier may deliver durable medical equipment, prosthetics, and orthotics – but not supplies – to a …
- AHRQ Nursing Home Staff 5-Minute Learning Modules in Spanish, Tagalog, and Haitian CreoleAHRQ has released translations in Spanish, Haitian Creole and Tagalog of learning modules that nursing home staff can watch at their own pace to learn about COVID-19 prevention and how to support residents’ and staff emotional health. Each of the …
- COVID-19 in Nursing Homes: GAO ReportOutbreak Duration Averaged 4 Weeks and Was Strongly Associated with Community Spread Highlights Page (1 page) Full Report (70 pages) What GAO Found GAO analysis of data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention …
- State Operations Manual: Appendix I Life Safety Code Survey Procedures UpdateSUBJECT: Revisions to Appendix I – Survey Procedures for Life Safety Code Surveys I. SUMMARY OF CHANGES: Revisions based on 81 FR 26871 and 81 FR 42548 published on 5/4/16 (effective 7/5/2016) amended the fire …
- ISMP: Preventing Errors When Preparing and Administering Medications via Enteral Feeding TubesInstitute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP). Preventing errors when preparing and administering medications via enteral feeding tubes. ISMP Medication Safety Alert! Acute Care. 2022;27(23):1-4. Free article: https://www.ismp.org/resources/preventing-errors-when-preparing-and-administering-medications-enteral-feeding-tubes
- SNF QRP and SNF VBP Measures Under Consideration (MUC) List UpdatedNote that CMS is planning a substantial revision to the adopted but still not implemented SNFPPR measure (SNF VBP) as well as to COVID-19 HCP Vaccination measure (SNF QRP). MUC2022-084* SNF QRP COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage …
- FY 2024 SNF VBP Program December 2022 Quarterly Reports Are Now AvailableThe December 2022 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now available to download via the Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (QIES)/Certification and …
- Action Required: Register ASAP for an iQIES Account for Early 2023 MDS SubmissionsAs previously announced, CMS is preparing to release the Internet-facing, cloud-based system, referred to as the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) for Minimum Data Set (MDS) submission, in early 2023. Although the MDS …
- CMS QSO Memo QSO-23-03-All: The Importance of Timely Use of COVID-19 TherapeuticsNote that this memo is for all healthcare providers, but there are several “nursing homes in particular” statements, including but not limited to: “Nursing homes, in particular, should review and reinforce their infection control protocols …
- CMS QSEP Survey Citation Training Resources: Free of Accidents, Pressure Ulcers, Medication Errors (11/22)There is a new Quality in Focus tab at the CMS QSEP Training site: https://qsep.cms.gov/ProvidersAndOthers/publictraining.aspx Available LTC-focused resources now available include: Quality in Focus Resources for Addressing LTC Free of Accident Citations Training for Providers …
- QIN-QIO Webinar Series Focuses on Using QAPI to Improve COVID-19 Booster Acceptance (11/22)TMF Health Quality Institute, a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO), works with nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities in Arkansas, Mississippi, Nebraska, Puerto Rico and Texas to …
- HHS Long COVID Report (11/22)A report released by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) highlights patients’ experience of Long COVID to better understand its complexities and drive creative responses by government leaders, clinicians, patient advocates and …
- OIG: Long-Term Trends of Psychotropic Drug Use in Nursing Homes (11/22)Long-Term Trends of Psychotropic Drug Use in Nursing Homes(OEI-07-20-00500) OIG found that from 2011 through 2019, about 80 percent of Medicare’s long-stay nursing home residents were prescribed a psychotropic drug. While the Centers for Medicare …
- 2023 Annual Update of Part B Therapy Per-Beneficiary Threshold Amounts (11/22)The purpose of this Change Request (CR) is to update the annual per beneficiary incurred expenses amounts now called the KX modifier thresholds and related policy for calendar year 2023. These amounts were previously associated …
- CDC 2022 Opioid Prescribing Clinical Practice Guideline (11/22)The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is releasing updated and expanded recommendations for clinicians providing pain care for adult outpatients with short- and long-term pain. These clinical recommendations, published in the CDC Clinical Practice …
- MLN Web-Based Training: ICD-10 Diagnosis Coding (11/22)Learn to identify ICD-10-CM structure and format, recognize features, and find codes. Diagnosis Coding: Using the ICD-10-CMÂ (October 2022) (Contact Hours 64 min.)
- FDA Alert: Risks to Patients Exposed to Xylazine in Illicit Drugs (11/22)[11-8-2022] Health care professionals should be cautious of possible xylazine inclusion in fentanyl, heroin, and other illicit drug overdoses, as naloxone may not be able to reverse its effects. FDA is aware of increasing reports of …
- CMS Admin Memos on Changes of Ownership, Administrative Changes, and Initial Enrollment (11/22)Title Memo # Posting DateSort ascending Fiscal Year Transitioning Certification Functions for Changes of Ownership, Administrative Changes, and Initial Enrollment Performed by the SOG Locations ***Revised to Transition Several Providers and Suppliers and Provide Additional …
- FDA Safety Communication: Reuse Tracheostomy Tubes or Switch to Appropriate Alternatives During Shortage (11/22)Date Issued: October 31, 2022 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is alerting patients, caregivers, and health care providers that there is a shortage of tracheostomy tubes, including Bivona tracheostomy tubes manufactured by ICU …
- Calendar Year 2023 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule Posted (11/22)On November 01, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that includes updates and policy changes for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), and other Medicare Part B issues, effective on or …
- SNF PPS Web Pricer for FY 2020 – FY 2023 Available (10/22)Update: End users have reported an issue with the Web Pricer applications, which renders it unable to produce estimates applicable to Fiscal Year 2023. CMS is currently working on this matter and will post an …
- CMS Reinvestment Projects: Funding Application Materials Updated (10/22)CMS has updated resources for applying for CMP funds. State CMP Reinvestment Projects Funded by Calendar Year (ZIP) CMP Reinvestment Application Resources_ Updated October 2022 (ZIP) CMP Reinvestment State Plan Resources_ Updated October 2022 (ZIP) …
- Florida and Puerto Rico SNF QRP/SNF VBP Exception Memos (10./22)CMS addresses the SNF QRP and SNF VBP programs in affected areas: 2022-137-IP_FEMA Exception Memo Florida Hurricane Ian (PDF) FEMA Exception Memo Puerto Rico Hurricane Fiona_v5_CLEAN_(508) (1) (PDF) From https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Skilled-Nursing-Facility-Quality-Reporting-Program/SNF-QR-Reconsideration-and-Exception-and-Extension
- CMS QSO Memo QSO-23-02-ALL: Revised Guidance for COVID-19 Staff Vaccination RequirementsRevised Guidance for Staff Vaccination Requirements Memo # QSO-23-02-ALL Posting Date 2022-10-26 Fiscal Year 2023 Memorandum Summary • CMS is committed to taking critical steps to protect vulnerable individuals to ensure America’s health care facilities …
- AHRQ Study: A Scoping Review of Multifactorial Fall Prevention Interventions for Older Adults (10/22)Optimizing post-acute care patient safety: A scoping review of multifactorial fall prevention interventions for older adults Abstract: Accidental falls are preventable adverse events for older post-acute care (PAC) patients. Yet, due to the functional and …
- CMS Transmittals for Your Billers: PDPM Edit-Related Changes (10/22)Information on two transmittals is listed below: PDPM Reason Code 31849 Will Be Modified Enhancements to PDPM Claim Edits to Improve Claim Processing User Enhancement Change Request (UECR): Fiscal Intermediary Shared System (FISS) – Skilled …