Tips from AAPACN
Stay up-to-date and informed by reviewing the latest tips from AAPACN. Our experts will keep you updated with the latest news from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and other news sources. Want access to all the tips from AAPACN? Learn more about AAPACN and AAPACN membership.
- TIP: Free Facility Assessment ToolThe Quality Improvement Organizations has released a free Facility Assessment Tool. This assessment was updated this month to be compliant with new regulations from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The template is …
- TIP: CDC Releases Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing HomesThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes provides a comprehensive approach that includes infection prevention, testing, vaccination, and treatment. This toolkit includes guidance and recommendations and resources that …
- TIP: CMS Released Updated Links for the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual, Version 1.19.1The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the Hyperlink Update Supplement file to address external webpage changes. This file also addresses replacement links and replacement pages for the affected RAI User’s Manual …
- TIP: CMS Released the Final MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.19.1The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.19.1 is now available in the Downloads section on the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual webpage. The MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual …
- TIP: The CDC Updates Vaccine RecommendationsThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccination recommendation for older adults, recommending a single dose of RSV vaccine to: Additionally, the CDC also recommended the updated 2024-2025 …
- TIP: CMS Answers MDS-Related PBJ Questions in FAQThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released an updated frequently asked questions (FAQs) document, Electronic Staffing Data Submission Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) Frequently Asked Questions which details how MDS assessments are used in …
- TIP: CMS Released FY 2025 ICD-10-CM FilesThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the updated FY 2025 ICD-10-CM files. These updates go into effect Oct. 1, 2024. Mark your calendars for the upcoming AAPACN ICD-10-CM Updates Webinar September …
- TIP: CDC Provides Information to Battle Extreme HeatTemperatures are soaring around the country, and everyone is trying to beat the heat. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a webpage that provides information, tips and resources to help keep residents …
- TIP: CMS Released Memo on Care Compare Updates With July 2024 RefreshThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memo (QSO-24-24-NH) detailing the updates coming to the Care Compare website later in July 2024. These updates include: This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN …
- TIP: CMS Released Final MDS 3.0 Item Matrix for Oct. 2024 Item SetsHistorically the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) included the MDS item set matrix in the RAI User’s Manual in appendix F. However, CMS will now be posting the matrix and any updated independently …
- TIP: NOW AVAILABLE: Draft MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.19.1The draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.19.1 is now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS …
- TIP: CMS Quality Support Q&AAAPACN recently submitted a question to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Support email to inquire about when providers can expect to see the two Transfer of Health information measures (to resident/to …
- TIP: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Available from CDC Regarding Enhanced Barrier Precautions in Nursing HomesMany are asking questions regarding Enhanced Barrier Precautions since the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released QSO-24-08-NH. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention have a webpage to answer some of those frequently …
- TIP: CMS Released Early Look Performance Score Reports for the FY 2026 SNF VBP ProgramThe Early Look Performance Score Reports for the FY 2026 SNF VBP Program are now available for download via the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). Beginning in the FY 2026 Program year, the …
- TIP: Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities to Host Virtual SeriesThe Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) will be hosting a virtual series of six monthly one-hour sessions starting in May 2024. Topics include: Further information and links to register can …
- TIP: CMS Released a Correction to the PDPM Files for Oct. 1, 2024The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced corrections to the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) mapping files for I0020B, the primary diagnosis representing the reason for the skilled nursing home stay, which is also …
- TIP: CMS Released FAQs for MA Plan 2024 Final Rule The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that clarified Medicare Advantage (MA) coverage criteria for basic benefits, use of prior authorization, and the annual review of utilization management tools. While …
- TIP: CMS Released Draft MDS Data Specifications Files for October 2024 UpdatesIn early March, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the MDS Data Specifications V3.02.0 (DRAFT). These draft files detail the following changes tentatively scheduled for Oct. 1, 2024: CMS also clarified that …
- TIP: Healthcare Personnel Influenza Vaccination Data WebinarsThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is now requiring all certified skilled nursing facilities to report healthcare personnel influenza data through the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). The reporting period for this data …
- TIP: OIG Provides Recommendations to CMS to Improve Care in Nursing Homes The Office of Inspector General (OIG), released the third and final report in a three-part series about the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on nursing homes, Lessons Learned During the Pandemic Can Help Improve Care …
- TIP: Center of Excellence for Behavior Health in Nursing Facilities Released SUDs Podcast Series The Center of Excellence for Behavior Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) released a two-part podcast series addressing how to manage substance use disorders (SUDs) in skilled nursing facilities. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN …
- TIP: University of Kansas is Recruiting for Participants in NIA-Funded Research StudyThe University of Kansas is recruiting for participants in NIA-funded research study testing the Changing Talk: Online Training (CHATO). This free study provides direct-care staff with 3.0 contact hours of dementia training. Benefits to facilities, …
- TIP: CMS Released the Draft MDS Item Sets for Oct. 1, 2024The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently posted the draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets, version (v)1.19.1 and Item Matrix in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 …
- TIP: CDC and CMS Present Stories from the Field Immunization Strategies for Long-Term Care WebinarThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are hosting a joint webinar to share stories directly from nursing home teams that have developed successful strategies …
- TIP: CMS Released Corrected MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual v16.0 In late December, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated MDS 3.0 Quality Measures User’s Manual v16.0. This manual has been updated to remediate a previous error in the Exclusions list …
- TIP: HIGN Offers Free Behavioral Health in LTC Courses and Case StudiesThe Hartford Institute for Geriatric Nursing (HIGN) is now offering free behavioral health education. The Behavioral Health in Long-Term Care series offers modules for registered nurses and interprofessionals on behavioral health disorder identification and recovery …
- TIP: CMS Addressed Dashes on Unplanned Discharges During Open Door ForumDuring the Dec. 7, 2023, Skilled Nursing Facility/Long-Term Care Open Door Forum, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) officials clarified that column 3, Discharge Performance, is required on all OBRA discharge assessments, regardless of …
- TIP: CDC Updated Testing and Management Guidelines for Respiratory IllnessesThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated the guidance for testing and management of respiratory illnesses last month. The following practices should be considered when SARS-CoV-2 and influenza viruses are found to be …
- TIP: CMS Announced Updated MDS Specifications FileThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the MDS Data Specifications V3.01.1 (FINAL) Errata, which updated the previous MDS Data Specifications file. CMS addressed six additional issues that will be implemented on …
- TIP: CMS Teams Up with SAMHSA to Provide New Behavioral Health Training Resource for Nursing FacilitiesThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has teamed up with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to develop a new resource, the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing …
- TIP: CMS Addressed Section GG on Unplanned DischargesThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a Questions and Answers document from the Oct. 12, 2023, Skilled Nursing Facility/Long-Term Care Open Door Forum. A question was asked regarding if it was …
- TIP: Respiratory Virus Toolkits Now Available from the CDCThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated its website to include new respiratory toolkits. This webpage features toolkits and resources to help prepare for the 2023 respiratory virus season including: This AAPACN …
- TIP: CMS Released Updated Errata DocumentThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released an update to the RAI User’s Manual, MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual (v1.18.11R) Errata (v2). The update, issued on Oct. 20, 2023, provided additional clarification …
- TIP: CDC Adds New Topics to Infection Control Micro-Learning Training SeriesThe Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continues to expand their Project Firstline infection control training series. This free series includes multiple topics with training resources the DNS can use to educate the nursing …
- TIP: CMS Issued Corrections to the FY 2024 Final Rule and MDS SpecificationsThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released two important correction notices recently. NOTE: CMS clarified on the Oct. 12, 2023, Skilled Nursing Facility/Long-Term Care Open Door Forum, that assessments that did not allow …
- TIP: Two New Toolkits Released for SNFs: AHCA Vaccine Toolkit and CDC Viral Respiratory Pathogens ToolkitThe American Health Care Association (AHCA) has released a new free resource to assist providers with tools and information to encourage vaccinations among residents and staff. The toolkit includes: Find these, plus additional resources on …
- TIP: CMS Updated MDS 3.0 Quality Measure and Five-Star ManualsThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released updates to the MDS 3.0 Quality Measures User’s Manual (v.16.0) and the Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System: Technical User’s Guide (September 2023). Many of …
- TIP: CMS Updates Nursing Home Care Compare Staffing and Quality MeasuresIn a Quality, Safety, and Oversight (QSO) memo released on Sept. 20, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) stated they will update the staffing level case-mix adjustment methodology and replace some of …
- TIP: CMS Updates SLP-Related Comorbidities, Removing All Parkinson’s Disease CodesOn Sept. 18, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) added a note within the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 PDPM ICD-10 Mapping file that effectively removed several diagnosis codes from impacting the Speech-Language …
- TIP: CDC to Change the NHSN Definition of “Up to Date”The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will change the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) surveillance definition of “up to date” for reporting weeks beginning on Sept. 25, 2023, to align with new (pending) ACIP …
- TIP: CMS Will Begin Posting Staffing Data on the Care Compare WebsiteWeekend Staffing: The level of total nurse and registered nurse (RN) staffing on weekends provided by each nursing home over a quarter. Staff Turnover: The percent of nursing staff and number of administrators that stopped …
- TIP: New Resource to Improve Healthcare SafetyLucian Leap just released a new book called Making Healthcare Safe. This free, downloadable book discusses ways a skilled nursing facility can implement a culture of safety by changing processes, working conditions, and communication in …
- TIP: Learning Timeline for AAPACN Education and ResourcesAre you considering advancing your career and looking to gain knowledge to be successful in your next role? Or are you already in the position you love but looking to improve your knowledge for additional …
- TIP: CMS Scheduled Care Compare Refresh with Revised Discharge to Community Measure DataThe Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) discovered an error in the calculations for the Discharge to Community measure and will be updating the Care Compare website with the corrected data on Sept. 29, …