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F698 Dialysis: Nursing Home Quality Assurance for ESRD Residents on Dialysis
F698 Dialysis: Nursing Home Quality Assurance for ESRD Residents on Dialysis How effectively is your facility monitoring dialysis services to ensure regulatory compliance? Consider these guidelines as part of your Quality Assurance (QA) process… Appendix...
Ask Proactive – Can I code Malnutrition (Section I5600) on the MDS based on a dietary assessment that identifies the resident as at risk for malnutrition?
Q: Can I code Malnutrition (Section I5600) on the MDS based on a dietary assessment that identifies the resident as at risk for malnutrition? A: No. Dietitian assessments alone do not provide sufficient documentation for coding of this item on the MDS. ...
F695 Respiratory Care: QA Review of Residents on Oxygen
F695 Respiratory Care: QA Review of Residents on Oxygen Ensuring safe, consistent, and compliant oxygen therapy is a critical responsibility in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). As of the 2025 survey year, F695 Respiratory Care remains one of the top ten most...
The Power of Purposeful Morning Meetings
The Power of Purposeful Morning Meetings In long-term care (LTC) communities, the first moments of the day set the tone for the team and everything that follows. A well-structured morning meeting is more than a daily huddle-- it should service as an anchor for...
Ask Proactive – What types of services are included in the coding of Respiratory Therapy on the MDS? Can this be done by CMTs? What must be included in the documentation to code Respiratory Therapy?
Q: What types of services are included in the coding of Respiratory Therapy on the MDS? Can this be done by CMTs? What must be included in the documentation to code Respiratory Therapy? A: Appendix A of the RAI manual defines Respiratory Therapy as “Services...
Home Health News: Therapy Goal Writing in Home Health
Therapy Goal Writing in Home Health: A Practical Guide for Better Outcomes In home health, therapy goals serve as a roadmap for meaningful functional progress, Writing clear and measurable PT, OT and/or ST goals that connect to functional outcomes is one of the...
Home Health News: The Role of the Governing Body in Home Health
The Role of the Governing Body in Home Health: Why It Matters More Than Ever Running a successful home health agency requires strong leadership, clear oversight, and a structure that ensures accountability for clinical excellence. At the center of this structure is...
Ask Proactive – Addressing Weight Accuracy Concerns in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Q: Our facility has been flagged on the Weight Loss Quality Measure (QM. Upon reviewing the clinical records of residents identified with unplanned weight loss, we found several cases where a previous monthly weight documented on the prior MDS was likely inaccurate....
Restorative Nursing Recordkeeping
Restorative Nursing Recordkeeping A strong Restorative Nursing Program is one of the most powerful tools in long-term care for maintaining resident function, reducing falls and hospitalizations, and supporting quality of life. Even excellent restorative programming...
Medicaid Case Mix Index Under PDPM: What LTC Facilities Need to Know
Medicaid Case Mix Index Under PDPM: What LTC Facilities Need to Know As of October 1, 2025, the nationwide transition away from RUG-based Medicaid systems marks a major shift for long-term care. With more states moving to PDPM-based methodologies—and many...
Ask Proactive – A resident tells you a personal item is missing. What steps should be taken?
Q: A resident tells you a personal item is missing. What steps should be taken? A: Start by staying calm and acknowledging their concern. Gather the key details — what’s missing, where was the item last seen, and when did they last have it? Document the report...
Ask Proactive – How are residents and their families involved in the CAA process?
Q: How are residents and their families involved in the CAA process? A: The Care Area Assessment (CAA) process is the foundation for developing each residents individualized care plan. The information gathered during CAAs helps the interdisciplinary team...
Home Health News: The Importance of an Individualized Plan of Care in Home Health
The Importance of an Individualized Plan of Care in Home Health In home health care, every patient’s journey is unique — and their care should be too. That’s where an Individualized Plan of Care (POC) comes into play. The POC serves as the foundation for all care...
F697 Pain Management Updates: What SNFs Need to Know
F697 Pain Management Updates: What SNFs Need to Know Managing pain effectively isn’t just about comfort — it’s a core component of quality care and compliance in post-acute care environments. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently updated F697...
Ask Proactive – Why is monitoring enteral feedings important in LTC?
Q: Why is monitoring enteral feedings important in LTC? A: Monitoring ensures the resident is receiving the correct nutrition safely and effectively. It helps identify complications early, such as: Tube blockage or displacement Aspiration risk Intolerance...