When MDS 3.0 Quality Measure Triggers Start and Stop

Nurse assessment coordinators can use AAPACN’s When MDS 3.0 Quality Measure Triggers Start and Stop quick guide to determine when a resident will start and stop triggering an MDS 3.0 Quality Measure (QM) based on the assessment-selected logic, such as whether an assessment uses a target, initial, look-back scan, or …

Guide to Primary iQIES Reports for the Director of Nursing Services

A systematic approach to utilizing the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES), (formerly CASPER), reports is necessary for QAPI, survey readiness, and reimbursement. While there are numerous reports available via iQIES, this tool highlights the primary reports of interest to the director of nursing services (DNS) and will serve …

SNF QRP: SNF Discharge Function Score Technical Report

This report presents the Discharge Function Score measure specifications. Section 2 provides an overview of the measure and a high-level summary of the key features of the measure that are described in detail in the remaining sections of the document. Section 3 describes the methodology used to construct the Discharge …

NETEC Long-Term Care Special Pathogens Infection Prevention and Control Workbook Available

The National Emerging Special Pathogen Training and Education Center (NETEC) has released a workbook for “assessing operational elements for special pathogen preparedness, response, and recovery unique to the long-term care setting.” The workbook is designed to help nurse leaders address the following issues, according to a letter from NETEC: Request …

CMS Section GG Training Videos: GG0130A, GG0110, GG0170C, GG0130B, Decision Tree for GG0130/GG0170

Video Tutorials Available to Assist with Coding Specific Section GG Items The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is releasing a series of short videos to assist providers with coding select Section GG items on the OASIS, IRF-PAI, LTCH CARE Data Set, and the MDS. These videos, ranging from 4-12 …

Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) Audit Tool

The Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS) requires PBJ data to be submitted at least quarterly. It is imperative that this data is accurate as it is publicly reported and impacts the Five Star rating, is included in the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program for fiscal …

Five-Star Staffing Measures Scoring and Methodology Tool

The July 2022 Care Compare refresh reflected a major overhaul of how the Five-Star Staffing stars are calculated. The staffing domain is now based on six staffing measures, three based on hours per resident day and three based on turnover. Nurse assessment coordinators can use AAPACN’s Five-Star Staffing Measures Scoring …

3 Common QAPI Questions and Answers Nurse Leaders Need to Know

While most skilled nursing facility (SNF) leaders are aware of QAPI and have executed a QAPI plan, many view QAPI itself as nebulous, abstract, or vague. This lack of clarity complicates QAPI execution. This, in turn, encumbers QAPI’s potential to prompt continuous improvement. In the environment of value-based care, SNFs …

Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Meeting Tools

QAPI is a data-driven, proactive approach to improving the quality of care, life, and services for residents. A QAPI meeting is an opportunity for the QAA/QAPI Steering Committee to discuss performance of the full scope of services provided and make decisions with an aim of continual improvement. Facility leaders may …

Lean Healthcare and PIPs – Quality Improvement with Dr. Rebecca Cahill

In this podcast, Amy Stewart, MSN, RN, DNS-MT, QCP-MT, RAC-MT, RAC-MTA, vice president of education and certification strategy for AAPACN and Dr. Rebecca Cahill, professor for the Research College of Nursing, discuss how lean healthcare practices can benefit skilled nursing facilities and enhance the performance improvement project (PIP) process and …