News / Blog
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Ask Proactive – We have a patient with a stage IV pressure injury to the ankle that is being treated with a wound vac, which is changed 3x/week. Does this meet the criteria for skilled coverage under Medicare Part A in the SNF?
Q: We have a patient with a stage IV pressure injury to the ankle that is being treated with a wound vac, which is changed 3x/week. Does this meet the criteria for skilled coverage under Medicare Part A in the SNF? A: The Medicare Benefit Manual Chapter 8...
Ask Proactive – Our facility has several residents that require the use of a mechanical lift for transfers. What needs to be included in staff education/training?
Q: Our facility has several residents that require the use of a mechanical lift for transfers. What needs to be included in staff education/training? A: Mechanical lifts are designed to provide safe and easy transfers. When used correctly, they minimize the...
Ask Proactive – Can you clarify the abuse reporting requirements in relation to what must be reported within 2 hours and what types of incidents do we have 24 hours to report?
Q: Can you clarify the abuse reporting requirements in relation to what must be reported within 2 hours and what types of incidents do we have 24 hours to report? A: All alleged violations for abuse, neglect, exploitation or mistreatment, including injuries of...
Respecting the Crime Scene
Every incident, whether it involves a crime, an accident, or a natural disaster, leaves traces of evidence at the scene. The goal of every investigation is to correctly identify the facts, reconstruct the events and deduce what occurred. When possible illegal...
Ask Proactive – Is it appropriate to skill every resident that tests positive for COVID-19? Does the waiver allow us to skill “in place” any resident who tests positive?
Q: Is it appropriate to skill every resident that tests positive for COVID-19? Does the waiver allow us to skill any resident who tests positive? A: There has been quite a bit of confusion surrounding the use of the waivers, especially when it comes to current...
Survey School in Session
Curious about survey trends so far this year? Let’s take a look at current trends in citations and late surveys. Average Number of Deficiencies The national average number of deficiencies cited during annual surveys is currently 7. Utah’s average number of...
5-Star Staffing Rating Simplified
Multiple studies show evidence of a strong correlation between nursing home staffing levels and quality of care.[i] Federal law requires sufficient staffing levels to safely meet the care needs of residents. As facilities deal with significant staffing challenges...
Ask Proactive – I understand that CMS will be conducting audits of schizophrenia coding in the MDS data and potentially adjusting the long-stay residents who are receiving antipsychotic drugs QM ratings when inaccurate coding is found. What are the criteria for diagnosing Schizophrenia?
Q: I understand that CMS will be conducting audits of schizophrenia coding in the MDS data and potentially adjusting the long-stay residents who are receiving antipsychotic drugs QM ratings when inaccurate coding is found. What are the criteria for diagnosing...
Ask Proactive – How can the facility comply with administering nebulizer treatment without needing to stay with the resident during administration for a resident who will keep nebulizer on?
Q: How can the facility comply with administering nebulizer treatment without needing to stay with the resident during administration for a resident who will keep nebulizer on? A: In order to support that the resident is able to self-administer a nebulizer...
Mission Possible – SNF Department Head Briefing
John F. Kennedy once said, “Leadership and learning are indispensable to each other.” Are your facility’s leaders, whether new or seasoned, receiving ongoing training to best perform their duties and lead their team? A recent study on why healthcare workers quit their...
Mentoring Your DON for 5-Star Success
The 5-Star Quality Rating System was created by CMS in 2008. Today, almost 15 years later, we still see confusion and a lack of understanding of the 5-Star domains, how they are calculated, and how the DON can best lead the facility in improving the 5-Star rating....
Ask Proactive – Our facility is being purchased by a new company. Does this affect the current patient’s MDS assessments and schedules? If so, how?
Q: Our facility is being purchased by a new company. Does this affect the current patient’s MDS assessments and schedules? If so, how? A: If the CCN (CMS Certification Number) changes, then yes. Per RAI Chapter 2, pg. 2-5: There are two types of change in...
Critical Risks for 2023 Audits
The New Year calls for new beginnings and fresh starts! With increasingly sophisticated data analytics, regulatory enforcement of required Compliance and Ethics Programs (CEP) effective October 2022, and President Biden’s nursing home reform, providers must focus...
Ask Proactive – How will the Facility Assessment be used during the survey process?
Q: How will the Facility Assessment be used during the survey process? A: During your annual survey, you will be required to provide the survey team a copy of your completed Facility Assessment within four hours of them entering your facility. If systemic care...
Overcoming the Administrator Doldrums
If your day started with a 2am phone call about a busted pipe or resident-to-resident altercation, you might be an administrator. If you enjoy daily visits to your office doorway from octogenarians with stories to tell (and sometimes lost laundry), you might be an...