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: CMS Releases FY 2025 Expected Responsibilities of State RAI Coordinators and Appendix B UpdateJanuary 21, 2025
  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Mission & Priorities document (MPD). This document includes the expected responsibilities of the State Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) coordinator: CMS …
• TIP: New NHSN COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV Reporting RequirementsJanuary 14, 2025
  Starting Jan. 1, 2025, facilities are required to electronically report new information about COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). According to the Dec. 31, 2024, Quality, Safety …
• TIP: CMS Released Updated MDS 3.0 QM User’s ManualJanuary 7, 2025
  In late December, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated version of the MDS 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual (version 17.0), which went into effect Jan. 1, 2025.   The major …
• TIP: AAPACN Released Q&A From the 2024 Quality Virtual ConferenceDecember 16, 2024
  The AAPACN 2024 Quality Virtual Conference concluded each day with a robust live question and answer (Q&A) session, but not all questions had the opportunity to be answered live. AAPACN recently released the answers to …
• TIP: AAPACN and APIC Release New Infection Prevention Resources for Long-Term Care FacilitiesDecember 10, 2024
  AAPACN in collaboration with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) has released a practice guidance tool and resource guide to help healthcare personnel in long-term care facilities implement enhanced barrier precautions …
• TIP: Updated NOMNC and DENC Must Be Used Starting Jan. 1, 2025  December 3, 2024
  The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has updated the Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage (NOMNC), (Form CMS-10123), and the Detailed Explanation of Non-Coverage (DENC), (Form CMS-10124). Providers must use the current notices until Dec. 31, …
• TIP: CDC Released Respiratory Vaccine Updates and Training OpportunitiesNovember 20, 2024
  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated reporting requirements for respiratory pathogens that will become effective Jan. 1, 2025. The CDC announced the following webinar on the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) …
• TIP: New Guide to Address Resident Goals, Preferences, and PrioritiesNovember 19, 2024
  The Moving Forward Nursing Home Quality Coalition has developed a new Guide to Addressing Resident Goals, Preferences and Priorities. This free guide supports nursing home staff by offering resources and recommendations to implement a standard …
• TIP: CDC Updates “Stay-Up-To-Date” Recommendation for People 65 Years and OlderNovember 5, 2024
  On Oct. 23, 2024, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a memo on the updated Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ (ACIP’s) recommendation for people 65 years and older and those who are …
• TIP: CMS Announced Delay to Unfreeze of the Discharge Function Score MeasureOctober 22, 2024
  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced in the QSO-25-1-NH memo that the Discharge Function Score measure will not be used in the October 2024 Five-Star Quality Rating System and will remain frozen …
• TIP: NCOA Releases Falls Toolkit to Reduce Risk of FallsOctober 8, 2024
  The National Council on Aging (NCOA) Falls Free Initiative is providing a falls toolkit offering resources to raise awareness and reduce the risk of falls. The toolkit includes:  This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN …
• TIP: CDC Announced Changes to COVID-19 Vaccine ReportingOctober 2, 2024
  In a recent webinar series, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced changes to the definition of “up to date” for COVID-19 vaccine reporting in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). This change …
• TIP: CMS Revised the SNF ABN Form and InstructionsSeptember 24, 2024
  The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a revised Skilled Nursing Facility Advanced Beneficiary Notice (SNF ABN), form CMS-10055, and the form instructions. The revised form is mandatory for use beginning Oct. …
• TIP: Free Facility Assessment ToolSeptember 18, 2024
  The 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 HomesSeptember 17, 2024
  The 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 1.19.1September 10, 2024
  The 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 1.19.1August 20, 2024
  The 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 RecommendationsAugust 6, 2024
  The 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 FAQJuly 30, 2024
  The 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 FilesJuly 23, 2024
  The 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 HeatJuly 16, 2024
  Temperatures 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 RefreshJuly 9, 2024
  The 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 SetsJune 17, 2024
  Historically 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 1.19.1June 4, 2024
  The 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&AMay 14, 2024
  AAPACN 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 HomesMay 7, 2024
  Many 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 ProgramApril 30, 2024
  The 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 SeriesApril 23, 2024
  The 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, 2024April 17, 2024
  The 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  April 2, 2024
  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 UpdatesMarch 19, 2024
  In 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 WebinarsMarch 12, 2024
  The 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  March 5, 2024
  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 February 27, 2024
  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 StudyFebruary 6, 2024
  The 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, 2024January 24, 2024
  The 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 WebinarJanuary 23, 2024
  The 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 Updated MDS 3.0 Quality Measure and Five-Star ManualsOctober 3, 2023
  The 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 Will Begin Posting Staffing Data on the Care Compare WebsiteJanuary 11, 2022
  Weekend 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 SafetyNovember 2, 2021
  Lucian 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: CMS Scheduled Care Compare Refresh with Revised Discharge to Community Measure DataJuly 26, 2021
  The 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, …