News / Blog
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The latest news, events, blogs and more…
Update on SNF 5 Claim Probe Audit Initiated June 5th 2023
A new CMS web page is now available devoted to the SNF 5-Claim Probe and Educate audit initiated June 5, 2023 as part of the effort to lower the SNF payment error rate. The webpage includes additional information and FAQs on what to expect as the review has gotten...
Care and Maintenance of the Maintenance Department
Maintenance Department staff are the spark plugs and oil of the facility engine. Without an operational physical plant and working equipment, the facility could not “drive” quality in all other departments. How effectively are you ensuring proper Care and Maintenance...
Ask Proactive – What medications should be considered for review as part of a gradual dose reduction program?
Q: What medications should be considered for review as part of a gradual dose reduction program? A: Gradual dose reduction (GDR) is a method used to reduce the dosage of a specific medication while closely monitoring the resident’s progress and potentially...
Insights into Compliance: F712 Physician Services and Frequency of LTC/SNF Physician Visits
Physicians play a crucial role in supervising the care of residents in nursing facilities. Physician visits should be thorough and comprehensive, encompassing an evaluation of the resident’s condition, review of medications and treatments, and a review of the plan of...
Ask Proactive – The new MDS data element A2123 asks about the Provision of Current Reconciled Medication List to the Resident at Discharge. How is the current reconciled medication list defined and what information should be included?
Q: The new MDS data element A2123 asks about the Provision of Current Reconciled Medication List to the Resident at Discharge. How is the current reconciled medication list defined and what information should be included? A: This data element is one of the new...
Restoring Restorative Nursing Programs—the Why, What and How of Restorative Success
Dedication to robust restorative nursing programming will bring countless benefits to your residents, as well as improved facility outcomes. Designed to achieve and maintain optimal physical, mental, and psychosocial functioning, restorative nursing programs are...
Ask Proactive – Do we need a discharge goal for every item in section GG?
Q: Do we need a discharge goal for every item in section GG? A: For the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP), a minimum of one self-care or mobility discharge goal must be coded. However, facilities may choose to complete more than one self-care or mobility...
Insights into Compliance: F684 Quality of Care Requirements and End of Life/Hospice Care
Quality of care is a fundamental principle that applies to all treatment and care provided to facility residents. Based on the comprehensive assessment of a resident, the facility must ensure that residents receive treatment and care in accordance with professional...
Ask Proactive – My facility was just put on the Special Focus Facility (SFF) candidate list. Why were we selected and what should we expect?
Q: My facility was just put on the Special Focus Facility (SFF) candidate list. Why were we selected and what should we expect? A: Candidacy for the SFF program is determined by performance on standard health and complaint surveys in the previous 3 years. CMS...
Big Changes Coming to the MDS 10/1—What You Need to Do Now
You’ve likely heard that significant changes are coming to the MDS in October 2023. Here’s what you need to know in a nutshell and our recommended action steps to be prepared. An updated version of the MDS 3.0 (version 1.18.11) will be implemented effective October 1,...
Ask Proactive – There is a resident in our facility that has frequent falls, and we are out of ideas for interventions. How can we update the care plan if we do not know what new interventions to add?
Q: There is a resident in our facility that has frequent falls, and we are out of ideas for interventions. How can we update the care plan if we do not know what new interventions to add? A: The first step to take after a fall occurs is completion of a thorough...
Ask Proactive – Are nursing facilities, who do not accept Medicaid as a payer source, required to provide residents with the State-developed notice of Medicaid rights and obligations that is required at F572 (§483.10(g)(16))?
Q: Are nursing facilities, who do not accept Medicaid as a payer source, required to provide residents with the State-developed notice of Medicaid rights and obligations that is required at F572 (§483.10(g)(16))? A: Yes, All nursing facilities that are Medicaid...
Housekeeping Essentials in LTC
Has anyone heard the phrase, “smells like a nursing home”? Unfortunately, along with the microorganisms that cause unpleasant odors potentially dangerous virus, bacteria and mold may be present with the potential to cause the vulnerable nursing home resident...
Ask Proactive – Now that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) has ended, what Infection Control precautions are facilities required to follow?
Q: Now that the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) has ended, what Infection Control precautions are facilities required to follow? A: The recommendations in the CDC Guidance, Interim Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for Healthcare Personnel...
Food and Nutrition Services: Top Deficiencies and How to Avoid Them
F812 Food Procurement, Store/Prepare/Serve-Sanitary is ranked as the most frequently cited deficiency in Standard Surveys so far for the 2023 fiscal year (CASPER 5/7/23). F812 has been cited in 39% of these surveys. No other dietary tags rank in the top 25, although...