News / Blog
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The latest news, events, blogs and more…
Nutrition and Hydration Refresher
Maintaining adequate nutrition and hydration status is crucial to promoting quality of life and positive outcomes for each resident. Poor nutritional status can lead to adverse health effects, including decreased strength and functional abilities, depression,...
Ask Proactive – Do you have suggested strategies for integrating QAPI into the daily operations of a nursing home?
Q: Do you have suggested strategies for integrating QAPI into the daily operations of a nursing home? A: Best practices for integrating QAPI into daily operations include embedding QAPI principles into the organizational culture, making quality...
Ask Proactive – Is there a specific assessment for determining a resident’s capacity to consent to sexual activity?
Q: Is there a specific assessment for determining a resident’s capacity to consent to sexual activity? A: While you may find samples of assessments that are identified to be used for determining a resident’s capacity to consent to sexual activity, you...
The Lowdown on DON Oversight of MDS
In the fast day-to-day of managing nursing care and services, it’s easy for a a disconnect to develop between the Director of Nursing (DON) and the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Coordinator. This division is exacerbated when the DON is inexperienced in the MDS role, given...
Fiscal Year 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System Final Rule (CMS 1802-F)
On July 31, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the final rule updating Medicare payment policies and rates for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) under the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) for fiscal year...
Ask Proactive – How can nursing home leadership effectively use Facility Assessment data to drive strategic planning and resource allocation?
Q: How can nursing home leadership effectively use Facility Assessment data to drive strategic planning and resource allocation? A: Facility leadership can leverage Facility Assessment data to drive strategic planning and resource allocation by...
F585 Grievance Process and Resolution
F585 has been cited 580 times during the 2024 Fiscal year. An effective Grievance Process that is consistently carried out with timely complaint resolution reduces the risk of issues escalating. In this week’s blog, we examine the essential elements of an effective...
Ask Proactive – Can I code fluids received in the hospital in section K for a diagnosis of Hypovolemia?
Q: Can I code fluids received in the hospital in section K for a diagnosis of Hypovolemia? A: Fluids coded in K0520A1 do have to be for nutrition or hydration. Oftentimes we may not see that specific verbiage in the hospital notes. In cases where the...
QAPI Expectations in Skilled Nursing Facilities
Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) is a vital component of maintaining and enhancing the quality of care in Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). How can you move QAPI programming in your facility to the next level? QAPI is a comprehensive approach that...
Housekeeping Insights and Disinfection for Infection Preventionists
In the world of healthcare, cleanliness isn't just about appearance—it's a critical component of infection control and prevention. Effective cleaning and disinfecting practices are essential to maintaining a safe and sanitary environment in skilled nursing, long-term...
Ask Proactive – Patient was admitted with a stage IV pressure ulcer that healed (fully epithelialized) and several months later reopened at the same site. How should this pressure ulcer be staged when it reopens?
Q: Patient was admitted with a stage IV pressure ulcer that healed (fully epithelialized) and several months later reopened at the same site. How should this pressure ulcer be staged when it reopens? A: According to the RAI Manual guidance for pressure...
Managing Long and Short Stay Pressure Ulcer/Injury Quality Measures
Pressure injuries, also known as pressure ulcers and bedsores, are a significant concern in nursing facilities, particularly among residents with limited mobility. The development of pressure injuries can be a reflection of the quality of care a resident receives,...
Ask Proactive – We have a resident on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) due to an indwelling catheter that has completed therapy and is transferring to RNP. Staff will be providing partial/moderate assistance, which will involve extended high contact, during restorative ambulation in the hallway. Therapy staff wore gowns and gloves while working with him in the therapy gym, but what should restorative nursing staff do in the hallway?
Q: We have a resident on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) due to an indwelling catheter that has completed therapy and is transferring to RNP. Staff will be providing partial/moderate assistance, which will involve extended high contact, during restorative...
Ask Proactive – How does an interdisciplinary team contribute to effective discharge planning in healthcare?
Q: How does an interdisciplinary team contribute to effective discharge planning in healthcare? A: Discharge planning is a critical process in healthcare, involving an interdisciplinary team to ensure a smooth transition from one care setting to another....
F609 Reporting of Alleged Violations: Ensuring Timely and Accurate Reporting in Long-Term Care Facilities
Reporting alleged violations promptly is crucial for maintaining safety and compliance in long-term care facilities. Among the most frequently cited issues at the Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) level are those related to Abuse and Neglect. This article focuses on F609, one...