The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released unexpected changes in the final RAI User’s Manual, version 1.20.1, which goes into effect Oct. 1, 2025. The AAPACN MDS Changes At-a-Glance tool provides a high-level overview and key takeaways from the changes. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual …
The Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) 5-Character HIPPS code can be difficult to decipher. The PDPM HIPPS Code At-a-Glance tool will help nurse assessment coordinators quickly identify the key elements impacting Medicare reimbursement. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may download or print one copy for use within …
After a resident falls, staff need to identify appropriate, resident-specific interventions that can help ensure a fall does not reoccur. AAPACN’s Post-Fall Intervention Planning Guide is designed to promote this process through an analysis of risk factors and ensure consistent implementation of evidence-based practices. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. …
AAPACN has re-released the Nurse Assessment Coordinator (NAC) FTE Calculator for SNF leaders to estimate the time needed to complete assessments as well as project how many hours the NAC needs for meetings and other duties. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may download or print one …
It’s important that long-term care residents receive enteral nutrition in a safe, effective, and consistent manner. Utilize AAPACN’s Enteral Nutrition Checklist to ensure documentation is complete and residents are receiving appropriate nutrition, medications, and treatment for their enteral tube feeding. This AAPACN resource is copyright protected. AAPACN individual members may …
The AAPACN Resident Interview Toolkit helps nursing home staff conduct effective resident interviews as part of the MDS 3.0 assessment process. It provides clear guidance and resources for the entire interdisciplinary team—nurses, dietary managers, social services, activities, and others—to ask residents about their mood, memory, daily routines, and care preferences. …
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has updated the “Staying Up to Date with COVID-19 Vaccines” guidance several times since requiring COVID-19 vaccinations to be coded on the MDS as of October 2024. Facility teams can track these changes by using AAPACN’s COVID-19 Vaccine “Up to Date” Guidance …
Competent catheter care is crucial for preventing infections and ensuring resident safety. Facilities can use AAPACN’s Catheter Care Competency tool as a standardized guide to evaluate and verify that staff are properly trained and consistently applying best practices when providing care for residents with urinary catheters. This competency can also …
AAPACN’s GG Trivia Game is a fun education tool to help nurse aides and other direct care staff understand the performance levels and functional tasks for section GG. The nurse assessment coordinator or delegate hosts the GG Trivia Game and direct care staff are the players. The GG Trivia Game …
Pain management is an essential component of nursing care. Non-pharmacological pain management interventions can effectively complement or reduce the need for medication. This tool will review non-pharmacological interventions by type, providing mechanism of action and examples for use. It will also include a comprehensive audit component to track intervention utilization, …
