The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released the updated draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.20.1v3-Section and updated Matrix. The newly added section R has been removed with this update. CMS noted that this version of the MDS v1.20.1 item sets (v3) does not …
An updated Quick Reference Guide is now available. The Quick Reference Guide provides high-level information on the SNF Quality Reporting Program, including frequently asked questions and helpful links. PAC-SNF-QuickReferenceGuide-20250508 (PDF) From https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/snf-quality-reporting-program/submission-deadlines
In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, chief nursing officer for AAPACN, and Jennifer LaBay, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, QCP, CRC, curriculum development specialist with AAPACN, discuss the sequencing of ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding. Additional Resources: AAPACN Articles: AAPACN Education: AAPACN Tool:
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The International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) code assignment continues to be a bit of an enigma in the long-term care setting. Members regularly ask questions about ICD-10-CM coding in AAPACN’s online communities, as well as in post-education surveys, often confused about how to order the codes. …
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 …
A well-run care conference or care plan meeting can help the interdisciplinary team (IDT) improve the resident’s quality of care and quality of life by establishing a more resident-centered, individualized, culturally competent, and trauma-informed care plan, says Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, IPCO, QCP, ICC, director of reimbursement and …
In long-term care (LTC) facilities, many residents need care for chronic and acute respiratory problems, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, tracheostomy, and post-COVID complications. LTC nurses need to know how to manage these complex conditions. In many situations, the care meets the criteria of respiratory therapy per …
In long-term care, the Minimum Data Set (MDS) ensures appropriate care planning, accurate reimbursement, and quality measurement while maintaining compliance with federal and state regulations. However, MDS coding may pose some ethical challenges. Completing the MDS accurately and according to the Long-term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument 3.0 User’s Manual …
Some nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) may believe that having a care conference (aka care plan meeting) with the resident and/or their responsible party or family member is a regulatory requirement. “However, no regulations actually use the term care conference,” says Scott Heichel, RN, RAC-MT, RAC-CTA, DNS-CT, IPCO, QCP, ICC, director …
Medications are an essential part of the care and interventions provided to residents in a skilled nursing facility. These medications may be used to manage chronic conditions, slow disease progress, ease symptoms, or even prevent a condition. With each medication, the associated risks and benefits must be considered. High-risk medications …
