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 …
This manual provides general background and information about the submission requirements, such as sample submission screens, submission deadlines, and definitions of job categories. Note: Changes from the previous version of this policy manual are identified …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. The risk-based survey (RBS), a more focused standard recertification survey for qualifying higher performing nursing homes, reduces survey time and resource use while …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) offers a web-based training on the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Annual Payment Update (APU). The training provides an overview of the SNF QRP …
REVISED: Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) Transition to iQIES Memo # QSO-26-12-NH REVISED Posting Date 2026-09-11 Fiscal Year 2026 Downloads From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/health-safety-standards/quality-safety-oversight-general-information/policy-memos/policy-memos-states-cms-locations/payroll-based-journal-pbj-transition-iqies
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. The risk-based survey (RBS), a more focused standard recertification survey for qualifying higher performing nursing homes, reduces survey time and resource use while …
This ZIP file contains resources for surveyors conducting initial surveys under the Long-term Care Survey Process (LTCSP) and the Risk-Based Survey Process (RBS). It is a one-stop shop containing a multitude of reference materials that …
Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides – Hawaii (2026) As a result of the continued consequences of severe storms, flooding, landslides, and mudslides that occurred March 10-24, 2026, on the State of Hawaii, on this …
CMS launched PBJ functionality in the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) as of August 17, 2026. You must register for PBJ roles in iQIES before you can submit data. New with this release is system error …
Note: Blanket waivers updated 8/24/2026 Press release CMS Announces Resources, Flexibilities to Assist with Public Health Emergency in the State of Washington The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today additional resources and …
See below for August 2026 update to supplemental files. 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 …
iQIES Reports Guide: Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) This Reports Guide provides detailed information on user-requested Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) reports available in iQIES. The reports are organized in alphabetical order by report name. https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals
Technical (software-related) information on how surveyors currently manage the nursing home survey process. Access tools under the following headings at https://qtso.cms.gov/software/iqies/reference-manuals: CMS iQIES Survey & Certification FAQs/Office Hours Q&As CMS iQIES Survey & Certification User …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing notifications to Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and non-Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Swing Beds (SBs) that were determined to be out of compliance with SNF Quality Reporting Program …
A Quick Guide: Leadership Pause and Reset A quick guide outlining a two‑minute “pause and reset” huddle to stop chaos, realign teams, and set clear priorities during emergencies. PDF A Quick Guide: Micro Drills for …
On July 28, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updated the Universal Infection Prevention and Control training. This on-demand training is now a 5-hour course,organized into two modules (13 lessons total) that …
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 …
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 …
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. …
The director of nursing services (DNS) and leadership team must identify, document, and manage incidents that may require internal review or external reporting. Use AAPACN’s Reportable Incident Tool to ensure timely response, regulatory compliance, and …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Almost every director of nursing services (DNS) has experienced it. A staff member reports an unusual bruise. A resident falls without injury. A …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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. …
Resident care observations and staff interviews are both core components of the long-term care survey process, so surveyors have multiple opportunities to interact with all levels of nursing staff, says Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, …
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 – …
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 …
Psychotropic medication use continues to be one of the most heavily scrutinized areas in long-term care, for good reason. At this juncture, clinical decision-making, resident quality of life, and regulatory compliance all come together. The …
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 …
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: …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. As the clinical leader of the largest operational department in a skilled nursing facility, the director of nursing services (DNS), in tandem with …
The director of nursing services should review ancillary billing monthly to ensure that all billed services and supplies are clinically appropriate, documented accurately, and supported by skilled nursing care. The DNS can use this Ancillary …
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 …
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
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved the control number for the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (ABN) (CMS-R-131). CMS is notifying the industry through our website, and the Medicare Learning Network and …
Report Materials Why OIG Did This Review What OIG Found OIG’s comprehensive review of 40 focused nursing home inspections completed by CMS found alarming instances of inappropriate use of antipsychotic drugs and revealed vulnerabilities in …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. While the director of nursing services (DNS) and other nurse leaders should keep residents at the heart of every decision, data should provide …
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 …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. In today’s regulatory environment, accurate and timely nursing home documentation is more than dutifully recounting what occurred to a resident on a given …
Interdisciplinary wound rounds evaluate the effectiveness, appropriateness, and compliance of wound management. This Wound Rounds Template supports interdisciplinary review, ensures treatments are consistent with physician orders, facility policy, and current standards of practice. It also …
In late January, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revised the memo QSO-23-01-NH, changing the selection criteria for the Special Focus Facility (SFF) program from staffing to falls. In the memo, CMS noted: …
Surveyors use critical element pathways (CEPs) to work through the steps of their investigation and to determine compliance with several federal regulations. In addition to CEPs, other tools including observational guides are also used to …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. In today’s skilled nursing facility (SNF) landscape, the director of nursing services (DNS) is critical not only in overseeing resident care but also …
Listen to this article Your browser does not support the audio element. Mandates to notify or inform the resident and/or their representative about an array of clinical and service issues are woven throughout the resident …
F641, Accuracy of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), remains one of the most frequently cited F-Tags during surveys, for good reason. The MDS is a critical foundation of resident assessment, care planning, reimbursement, and quality …
Interim final rule with comment period. SUMMARY: This interim final rule with comment period repeals provisions of the final rule titled “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the official Technical Specification Report for the Falls with Major Injury (FMI) measure. This report incorporates feedback received during the cross-setting Technical Expert Panel (TEP) …
F656, Comprehensive Care Plans, is one of the most commonly cited F-tags during survey in nursing homes; however, with intentional processes in place, these citations are largely preventable. A proactive approach to care planning ensures …
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated memo regarding “Contingency Plans – State Survey & Certification Activities in the Event of Federal Government Shutdown,” QSO-26-01-ALL Revised, on Oct. 31, 2025. CMS …
Empower the whole team with this quick-reference guide designed to build confidence and readiness for the survey process. Survey 101: What Every Staff Member Should Know provides all team members—from nursing to housekeeping—with a clear, …
In this LTC DON Chat podcast episode, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Denise Winzeler, BSN, RN, LNHA, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, director of education and certification strategy for …
Facility policies serve as the backbone of consistent, safe, and compliant operations. Nursing homes rely on well-developed policies to guide staff, protect residents, and maintain compliance of care delivery that must follow state and federal …
This user manual addresses the processes necessary to perform Survey & Certification (S&C) Electronic Plan of Correction (ePOC) functions in iQIES. CMS iQIES S&C User Manual: ePOC – Provider ePOC Admin Role v1.2 (Posted 07/22/2025) …
The Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has released an updated position paper titled “Safe Injection, Infusion, Medication Vial, and Point-of-Care Testing Practices in Health care (2025),” published in the American Journal of Infection Control …
The director of nursing services (DNS) is preparing for her first annual survey. She wants to take a proactive approach regarding facility residents with enteral feedings. However, as a relatively new DNS, she is unsure …
Release of CMS-2567: Statement of Deficiencies and Plan of Correction Memo # QSO-25-19-All Fiscal Year 2025 Memorandum Summary • CMS is committed to the transparency of quality of care findings, so that patients, residents, and …
Memo # QSO-25-20-NH Posting Date 2025-06-18 Fiscal Year 2025 Memorandum Summary • Post Performance Data for Nursing Home Chains – “Chains” refers to groups of Medicare-certified nursing homes that are connected through common owners, and operators (also …
Ensuring that nursing staff have the “appropriate competencies and skills sets to provide nursing and related services to assure resident safety and attain or maintain the highest practicable physical, mental, and psychosocial well-being of each …
PRN Medication Use is one of the few sections of the revised F605 (Right to Be Free From Chemical Restraints/Unnecessary Psychotropic Medications) in Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual that does not have changes …
Sensory impairments, such as loss of vision, hearing, taste, smell, or touch, are common among older adults, and significantly affect their quality of life. These impairments often go unnoticed or may be mistaken for cognitive …
The director of nursing services (DNS) received a call in the middle of the night that a resident with a diagnosis of dementia had eloped, and it appeared she had been missing for several hours—a …
FFS & MA NOMNC/DENC What’s New 11/18/2024: New NOMNC and DENC for Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved a revised Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC / CMS-10123) …
Written by Kristine Martinez BSN, RN, RAC-CTA, QCP Completing a Minimum Data Set (MDS) correctly is no small task. With approximately 510 answers or choices on a comprehensive MDS (not including CAA investigation), and approximately530 answers …
From https://oig.hhs.gov/compliance/nursing-facility-icpg/ The Nursing Facility ICPG—together with OIG’s General Compliance Program Guidance (GCPG) that applies to all individuals and entities involved in the health care industry—serves as OIG’s updated and centralized source of voluntary compliance program guidance for …
Sepsis—a key driver of hospital readmissions—can have negative clinical impacts for residents and negative financial, quality, survey, and even legal impacts for nursing homes. Here is a review of important basics: What is sepsis? The …
The newly revised Clinical Practice Guideline for Diabetes Management in the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC) Setting provides (1) new information on overall goals in diabetes care, (2) detailed information on how to use and …
Compliance with Residents’ Rights Requirement related to Nursing Home Residents’ Right to Vote Memo #QSO-24-21-NH Posting Date 2024-09-26 Fiscal Year 2024 Memorandum Summary• The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is affirming the regulatory …
With the help of contractors, CMS revised the SNF ABN, Form CMS-10055, and the form instructions. The SNF ABN form and instructions are located in the download section and are available for immediate use, but …
F-tag 689 (Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices) was the No. 1 tag cited at the immediate jeopardy (IJ) level in 2023—and remains at the top halfway into 2024, according to QCOR data accessed on June 30, …
Everyone loves a good mystery. Many like to watch their favorite mysteries on television or read a good thriller. However, mystery and suspense should not be a part of the facility assessment review. The final …
Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and Medicaid Institutional Payment Transparency Reporting; Correction SUMMARY: This document corrects typographical and technical errors in the final rule that appeared in …
Engineering controls can be implemented to isolate people from a hazard and provide protection for long-term care residents and staff. Engineering Controls for Long-Term Care
This site includes access to a provider enrollment and certification roadmap: https://www.cms.gov/medicare/provider-enrollment-and-certification/enroll-as-an-institutional-provider
Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) Tool for General Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) Across Settings https://www.cdc.gov/healthcare-associated-infections/php/toolkit/icar.html AT A GLANCE ON THIS PAGE
https://www.cdc.gov/long-term-care-facilities/hcp/training/index.html AT A GLANCE ON THIS PAGE Course link: https://www.train.org/cdctrain/training_plan/3814 Training resources
https://www.cdc.gov/long-term-care-facilities/hcp/prevent-mdro/faqs.html AT A GLANCE Frequently asked questions about using enhanced barrier precautions in nursing homes to prevent MDROs. ON THIS PAGE
https://www.cdc.gov/long-term-care-facilities/hcp/prevent-mdro/PPE.html KEY POINTS How to implement personal protective equipment (PPE) use in nursing homes to prevent spread of multi-drug resistant organisms (MDROs). Summary of recent changes Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing Homes – Video, Posters, …
AGENCY: Office for Civil Rights, Office of the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services; Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Department of Health and Human Services. ACTION: Final rule and interpretation. SUMMARY: The Department …
When an abuse situation occurs, staff must know how to respond and must do so in a timely manner. Opportunities to practice enable staff to sharpen their responses to these events. AAPACN’s Mock Abuse Drill …
Nursing homes are required to establish a surveillance system (i.e., “the routine, ongoing, and systematic collection, analysis, interpretation, and dissemination of surveillance data”) as part of their infection prevention and control program (IPCP) under F-tag …
The expedited determination beneficiary notification process covers a lot of ground in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), affecting residents in the fee-for-service (FFS) Medicare Part A program and Medicare Advantage plans, as well as residents who …
In the Jan. 18, 2023, Quality, Safety, and Oversight (QSO) memo QSO-23-05-NH, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced plans to conduct offsite audits to assess whether nursing homes appropriately assess, document, and …
The GCPG is a reference guide for the health care compliance community and other health care stakeholders. The GCPG provides information about relevant Federal laws, compliance program infrastructure, OIG resources, and other items useful for understanding health …
Over the past few years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has placed increasing emphasis on drug regimen review (DRR) aka medication regimen review (MRR). Since 2018, skilled nursing facilities have captured one …
Admissions are vital to a facility. They may occur daily, or even multiple times a day, and should be a part of routine operations. However, the admission process can be cumbersome, and it is easy …
