What to know: The latest CMS proposed rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2027 proposes a...
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What’s new: CMS released an update to QSO-26-03-NH on surveyor guidance on April 3, 2026. The updated memo primarily clarifies provisions in the State Operations...
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CMS posted an errata change table document to the MDS 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User's Manual v18.0. This document is related to the clarification of details for...
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A recent CMS MLN Connects newsletter noted that the US Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General found that Medicare Part D...
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CMS released information about a new online form for providers to submit complaints about Medicare Advantage (MA) plans. Complaints may be related to appeals, payments, denials, and other plan specific issues,...
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What’s new: CMS recently posted three important updates to its SNF Provider Enrollment Guidance and FAQ document. The section regarding the suspended application submission due dates for all SNFs (I)(C) was updated...
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What’s happening: CMS recently updated the Long Stay (LS) Antipsychotic measure calculation to include claims. CMS reports it has identified a subset of residents with...
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Check your report: CMS released the March 2026 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP)...
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What’s happening: CMS announced it is improving the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program by switching to email notifications and electronic fee coupons, and electronic CLIA certificates....
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Take note that a revised version of the PBJ Data Specifications is now available. Version 4.10.0 has a restriction on the maximum value per day...
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What’s new: On February 4, 2026, CMS posted an updated Survey Resource folder, which included updates to several Critical Element Pathways (CEPs). Most of the changes...
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What’s happening: In a report, the US Health and Human Services’ Office of the Inspector General found that some skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) did not comply...
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On January 30, 2026, CMS released QSO-26-03-NH outlining revisions to Chapters 5 and 7 of the State Operations Manual (SOM). AHCA’s Regulatory team is reviewing...
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Two important data submission deadlines are approaching: Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for October 1 – December 31, 2025 by February 14, 2026....
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Reminder: Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have until February 14, 2026 to preview their latest Provider Preview Reports in iQIES to see the quality measure performance...
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Revised memo: CMS released QSO-23-01-NH REVISED on January 28, 2026, updating the selection criteria for the Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program. CMS will now emphasize...
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What’s happening: CMS has identified an issue with one of the data files scheduled for the January 28, 2026, Nursing Home Care Compare refresh. As...
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What’s new: CMS has announced that as of January 3, 2026, it is transitioning to two new provider enrollment site visit contractors that are authorized to verify...
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Latest update: CMS recently posted the updated Design for Care Compare Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System: Technical Users’ Guide. The updates note that effective with...
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What’s happening The CMS data validation process for the Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) and Quality Reporting (SNF QRP) programs is now underway....
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What’s happening: Although CMS announced on December 9, 2025 that the agency indefinitely suspended the mandatory off-cycle SNF Medicare provider enrollment revalidation process January 1,...
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CMS released a Quality and Safety Special Alert Memo, QSSAM-26-01-NH on January 9, 2026, related to the impact of the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluations System...
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What’s new: CMS is offering a recorded presentation which describes the new data validation process SNF MDS Assessment-Based Measures. This training will support facilities in...
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CMS notified providers that the SNF Data Validation Process for the Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) and Quality Reporting (SNF QRP) programs will...
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As shared previously, CMS informed AHCA that the mandatory off-cycle SNF provider enrollment revalidation deadline of January 1, 2026, has been suspended indefinitely. CMS posted...
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Reminder: Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) have until December 18, 2025 to preview their latest Provider Preview Reports in iQIES to see the quality measure performance...
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What’s happening: CMS released an interim final rule (IFR) on December 2, 2025 that repeals parts of the Biden Administration’s staffing mandate. Specifically, the IFR...
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Additional details: On December 1, CMS posted resources to the Civil Monetary Penalty Reinvestment Program (CMPRP) webpage about changes to the program originally announced in...
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CMS has released the official Technical Specification Report for the Falls with Major Injury (FMI) measure. This report incorporates feedback received during the cross-setting Technical Expert...
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What’s new: The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User’s Manual Version v18.0 is now available along with associated files. Key updates to the...
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Breaking news: Today, December 4, CMS informed AHCA that the mandatory off-cycle SNF provider enrollment revalidation deadline of January 1, 2026, has been suspended indefinitely....
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What’s happening: November 12, 2025 marked the end of the longest ever federal government shutdown in American history. While some providers experienced challenges from a...
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The submission deadline for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) is fast approaching. All data must be submitted no later than 11:59 pm...
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The latest: On October 31, 2025, CMS issued a second revision to QSO-26-01 ALL REVISED. This is the memo outlining contingency plans for CMS and...
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What’s new: On October 31, 2025, CMS issued a final rule establishing final payment rate under the Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and other policy updates for Calendar Year (CY)...
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Don’t forget: November 14, 2025 is the deadline for providers to submit your Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for July 1 – September 30, 2025....
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What’s new: CMS has released the Contract Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D landscape file. This resource offers a comprehensive look at...
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On October 21, 2025, CMS issued an update on the claims hold it put in place due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. CMS instructed all...
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CMS issued QSO-26-01-ALL REVISED on October 21 detailing its contingency plans for operations during the continued federal government shutdown. The memo established that the activities,...
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What’s happening: CMS finalized a policy for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) who participate in the SNF Quality Reporting Program, a validation process that began in...
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What’s new: CMS posted several key resources for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) for the FY 2027 and FY 2028 program...
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What’s new: The CDC recently updated its adult and child immunization schedules for the COVID-19 vaccine to align with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recent recommendations,...
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ICYMI: The CMS QSO-26-01-ALL memo outlines contingency plan for the Quality, Safety & Oversight Group (QSOG) and the Survey & Operations Group (SOG) during the federal government...
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What’s new: CMS recently released a QSO-25-26-NH announcing updates to the Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program (CMPRP). The memo outlined several areas that AHCA has advocated for...
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What you need to know: Since Congress was unable to pass a government spending package by the end of the federal fiscal year on September 30,...
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What’s new: CMS has posted an updated quality measure user manual, along with updated measure specifications and risk adjustment files. These include: Updated Nursing Home...
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Reminder: In the FY 2025 SNF Prospective Payment System (PPS) Final Rule, the CMS finalized a policy for SNFs who participate in the SNF Quality Reporting...
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As of September 19, 2025, the US Department of Justice (DOJ) has withdrawn its appeals of the lawsuits challenging the CMS federal minimum staffing requirements...
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Check out the final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.20.1, which is now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set...
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Important reminder for providers: Federal and state regulations require background checks and registry screenings to be completed and documented before an individual begins working in...
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What’s happening: CMS recently posted the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 State Performance Standards System (SPSS) findings through the release of Admin Memo: 25-04-ALL. With the...
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Download your August 2025 Performance Score Reports for the FY 2026 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program from iQIES. The reports include the incentive payment multiplier...
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What’s new: CMS has posted the final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version 1.20.1v3 and Item Matrix v1.20.1v3 in the Downloads section of its MDS 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument...
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CMS announced on August 15, 2025 it will temporarily pause Nursing Home Care Compare updates due to the recent transition to iQIES. Information on Care...
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What’s happening: On July 30, 2025, CMS issued a revised version of QSO-25-23-ALL and marked as expired two other QSO memos. Per QSO-25-23-ALL, focused infection...
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Upcoming deadline: Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for April 1 – June 30, 2025 by August 14, 2025. You are encouraged to...
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Be on the lookout: CMS has notified facilities that were determined to be out of compliance with the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF...
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CMS has updated the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports in iQIES. These reports contain quality measure performance scores that will be published on...
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Helpful change: CMS has increased the iQIES system timeout to 30 minutes. Previously, iQIES users (e.g., for MDS, ePOC) would be automatically logged out of...
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Alert: CMS has identified a fraud scheme targeting Medicare providers and suppliers. Scammers are impersonating CMS and sending phishing fax requests for medical records and...
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What to know: CMS released technical updates to Appendix PP via Transmittal 231 issued on July 9, 2025. Each of the changes noted was technical and...
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What’s new: In the FY 2025 SNF Prospective Payment System (PPS) Final Rule, CMS finalized a policy for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) who participate in the...
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What’s happening: AHCA has received notice from the CMS that the agency is extending the deadline for the mandatory SNF provider enrollment off-cycle revalidation from...
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Upcoming deadline: Skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers enrolled in Medicare or Medicare/Medicaid must submit a mandatory off-cycle provider enrollment revalidation by August 1, 2025, or risk having...
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What’s new: CMS recently published updates to the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) Manual and associated Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Providers are encouraged to view both updated resources in detail...
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What’s ahead: On July 14, 2025, CMS will release the new Internet Quality Improvement & Evaluation System (iQIES) Electronic Plan of Correction (ePOC) system functionality to...
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What’s happening: CMS recently announced its intention to reformat Nursing Home Statements of Deficiency. Director of the CMS Quality, Safety, and Oversight Group, David Wright,...
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Download your June 2025 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the FY 2026 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program from iQIES. What’s included: These reports include facility-level...
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What’s ahead: On July 14, 2025, CMS will release the new Internet Quality Improvement & Evaluation System (iQIES) Electronic Plan of Correction (ePOC) system functionality...
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On May 23, 2025 CMS posted MLN 13922, which discusses technical updates to Chapter 15 of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual related to Section 230.3, which outlines...
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What’s new: CMS released QSO-25-20-NH on June 18, 2025. The new memo describes updates coming to Nursing Home Care Compare. CMS will change to how...
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What’s new: CMS recently added four new on-demand Quality in Focus (QIF) videos to its Quality, Safety & Education Portal (QSEP). The video modules address commonly cited...
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What’s new: CMS has posted two updates of interest to nursing homes. Check out the details: Updated Draft MDS 3.0 Item Sets SNF Billing Guidance...
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What’s happening: CMS has extended the deadline for reporting the annual National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Influenza Vaccination among Healthcare Personnel data to May 23,...
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What’s happening: On May 9, CMS posted updated sub-regulatory guidance for the mandatory off-cycle SNF provider enrollment revalidation addressing a number of frequently asked provider questions submitted...
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What’s happening: Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for January 1 – March 31 of 2025 by May 15, 2025, at 11:59 PM EST....
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What’s new: CMS recently released a new resource for providers on the survey process and common requests providers may receive during surveys. CMS states the...
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What’s happening: The April 17, 2025 edition of MLN Connects included formal notice that the skilled nursing facility (SNF) revalidation deadline has been extended to...
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As a reminder, effective April 28, 2025, surveyors will begin using the revised surveyor guidance found in QSO-25-14-NH. This memo updates previously released guidance from...
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What’s happening: CMS has notified AHCA/NCAL that the mandatory off-cycle SNF provider enrollment revalidation deadline has been pushed back to August 1, 2025. CMS says...
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Keep in mind, May 15 is the deadline to submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Q1 2025, January 1 – March 31, 2025. Skilled...
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What to know: Last year, CMS announced its upcoming transition and training plan for State Survey Agencies (SSAs) to the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System...
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What happened: On April 7, 2025, the US District Court for the Northern District of Texas ruled in favor of AHCA and the other plaintiffs...
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Share with your billing staff: CMS published an MLN Matters brief to help skilled nursing facilities use the correct place of service (POS) codes for...
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This Friday: AHCA is hosting another member-only office hour on April 4 at 2:00 pm to address member questions about the upcoming deadline for the...
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On March 14, 2025, CMS rescinded QSO-23-03-All – The Importance of Timely Use of COVID-19 Therapeutics. The memo was referenced in Executive Order (EO) 138997- Improving...
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Reminder: Skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers enrolled as Medicare or Medicare/Medicaid must submit a mandatory off-cycle provider enrollment revalidation by May 1, 2025. CMS issued this mandatory...
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What’s new: AHCA has developed an information sheet on the final rule issued by CMS in November 2024 that updates payment rates and policies under the...
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ICYMI: CMS again changed the effective date of its surveyor guidance across several regulatory areas when is issued an update to QSO-25-14-NH. The latest version...
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The submission deadline for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) is approaching. All data for July 1, 2024 – September 30, 2024...
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Don’t forget: February 14, 2025 is the deadline to submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for October 1 – December 31, 2024. Check out these...
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CMS announced new and extended exceptions for reporting under the Medicare Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP). It also provided guidance on how...
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ICYMI: QSO-25-12-NH, dated January 15, 2025 revises QSO-25-07-NH, which was released on November 18, 2024. The memos address the revised long term care surveyor guidance...
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On January 17, 2025, the CMS released a revised Admin Info: 25-06-NH memo related to guidance for Federal Monitoring Surveys (FMS). According to the memo, FMS...
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Now online: Individuals with certain iQIES user roles may complete the MDS 3.0 Manual Individual Correction/Deletion Request form online. The form is required under certain...
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What’s new: The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User's Manual v17.0 and accompanying Risk Adjustment Appendix File are now available. The manual was effective beginning January...
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More updates: CMS recently posted another update to its sub-regulatory guidance for the SNF Mandatory Off-Cycle SNF Provider Enrollment Revalidation process. The latest update is dated December 20, 2024 and includes four changes (italics): Section (VI)(G)...
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CMS released a new administrative memo on December 20, 2024, which updates the Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program (CMPRP) application process. The memo discussed three primary changes:...
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New resource: To help members navigate the changes in the survey guidance in QSO-25-07-NH, AHCA created a new action brief on the changes regarding the Right to...
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What’s happening: CMS updated the application fee for certain institutional provider enrollment transactions fee to $730. The updated fee for applications submitted from January 1...
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New resource: To help members navigate the changes in the survey guidance in QSO-25-07-NH, AHCA created a new action brief on the changes related to...
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Keeping up with the changes: In the last ten days, CMS posted two additional sets of changes to its sub-regulatory guidance for the SNF Mandatory...
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CMS has posted an updated Nursing Home Care Compare Technical Users’ Guide on its Five Star Quality Rating System page. Effective with the January 2025...
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What’s new: The December 2024 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now...
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CMS has updated certain Medicare beneficiary non-coverage notice forms that apply to both Medicare Fee-for-Service and Medicare Advantage covered beneficiaries. They will become effective January...
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For your radar: CMS continues to update its sub-regulatory guidance for the SNF Mandatory Off-Cycle SNF Provider Enrollment Revalidation process. Updates posted on November 26, 2024...
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What’s happening: Two recently issued reports highlight Medicare paid claim error rates in the fee-for-service (FFS) program for fiscal year 2024. AHCA/NCAL believes that there...
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WYKTK: CMS continues to update its sub-regulatory guidance for the SNF Mandatory Off-Cycle SNF Provider Enrollment Revalidation process. This latest update dated November 15, 2024, includes important...
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What’s happening: A new CMS memo, QSO-25-07-NH, to state survey agencies outlines new guidance surveyors will use to determine nursing home compliance beginning February 24,...
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What’s happening: AHCA will be hosting multiple office hours on the CMS Mandatory Off-Cycle Provider Enrollment Revalidation process in the upcoming months. The first session...
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Important reminder: November 14 is the last day to submit updates or corrections to your skilled nursing facility (SNF) quality measures before the data is...
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Double check: Do you have the right version of the Resident’s Rights poster posted? VHCA-VCAL updated the poster in mid-2023 to reflect Requirements of Participation Phase...
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New deadline: CMS extended the due date for all skilled nursing facility revalidations and for all “pending as of October 1” applications” until May 1,...
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Upcoming deadline: Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) staffing data for July 1 – September 30, 2024 is due by 11:59 pm EST on November 14. Skilled...
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Double check: Do you have the right version of the Resident’s Rights poster posted? VHCA-VCAL updated the poster in mid-2023 to reflect Requirements of Participation...
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What’s happening: The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality...
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CMS has announced that an updated Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice (SNF ABN) and accompanying instructions have been posted in the downloads section of...
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What’s new: AHCA has shared additional information from CMS about the mandatory off-cycle revalidation process for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The developments offer a delay for...
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What’s happening: AHCA/NCAL will host two upcoming webinars to help skilled nursing providers and their vendors understand the Mandatory Off-cycle Revalidation process. For context: CMS...
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What’s new: CMS issued QSO-24-21-NH on September 26, 2024 affirming the regulatory expectation that nursing home residents can exercise their right to vote without interference,...
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What’s happening: CMS announced that all skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers will receive off-cycle provider enrollment revalidation notices from their Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) to...
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What’s new: CMS has issued Medicare billing guidance and vaccine pricing for the FDA-approved updated COVID-19 vaccines for the 2024–2025 season. About the vaccines: These vaccines target...
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What’s new: CMS has released a new document titled the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual (v1.19.1R Hyperlink Update Supplement. Replacement...
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What’s new: CMS recently updated the guidance to surveyors on completing the Infection Control Critical Pathway. Surveyors are required to answer a specific set of...
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What to know: Chapter 7 – Survey and Enforcement Process for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Facilities of the State Operations Manual (SOM) outlines how...
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Attention nursing facilities: VDH OLC has asked VHCA-VCAL to remind our members to enroll or reestablish your access to the ePOC system. Why it matters:...
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The submission deadline for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) for MDS assessment data and data submitted to CMS via the CDC...
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What’s new: CMS issued an updated version of Appendix PP on August 9, 2024 to incorporate the revised facility assessment rule and guidance previously released...
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CMS has released the final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.19.1. The new version will be effective beginning October 1,...
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New resource: AHCA has developed a member summary (log-in required) of the CMS final rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS)...
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CMS has posted the 2025 ICD-10-CM files, which contain information on the ICD-10-CM updates for FY 2025. These 2025 ICD-10-CM codes are to be used for...
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CMS’s latest changes to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.19.1 will be effective beginning October 1, 2024....
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Just the Facts: AHCA/NCAL is working to dispel myths about the federal staffing mandate and to elevate concerns from nursing homes, other health care sectors, and lawmakers on...
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What’s happening: CMS issued the final rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) fiscal year (FY) 2025 update on July 31....
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Are you ready? The expanded regulatory requirements for nursing facility assessments included in the CMS minimum staffing standard final rule are effective August 8, 2024....
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What to know: Staffing data for Q2 2024, April 1 – June 30, 2024, is due by 11:59 pm EST on August 14. Skilled nursing...
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CMS has notified facilities that were determined to be out of compliance with Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) requirements for CY 2023,...
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Helpful FAQ resource: AHCA/NCAL has created a FAQ resource to complement its summaries of the two new rules advancing protections against discrimination in healthcare which...
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What’s happening: The CDC announced that timestamps in the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) application (such as create dates) were updated to display Coordinated Universal Time...
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CMS released QSO-24-14-NH on July 1, 2024. It describes updates coming to Nursing Home Care Compare and Data.CMS.gov on July 31, 2024. The updates reflect previously announced changes...
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Facility assessments are mentioned, currently, more than 100 times in the CMS State Operations Manual (SOM), and F838 – Facility Assessment – specifically outlines facility assessment...
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What’s happening: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the Office of Civil Rights, and CMS have released two new rules advancing protections against...
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What’s new: AHCA has developed checklist to assist members in preparing to meet the new requirements of the nursing facility assessment. The checklist outlines all...
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It’s time to download your June Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the FY 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing Program (SNF VBP) from iQIES. The report contains facility and...
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What’s new: CMS posted QSO-24-13 on June 18, 2024. The memo includes the revised guidance for state surveyors for the Long-term Care Facility Assessment regulation...
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What’s happening: On May 24, AHCA, joined by the Texas Health Care Association (THCA) and several Texas long term care facilities, filed a lawsuit in the...
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What’s going on: To align with CMS security policies, iQIES will begin implementing an inactive user policy this month. How it will work: System audits...
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CMS has posted an updated Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) Quick Reference Guide. It provides high-level information on the SNF QRP, including frequently...
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What to know: The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.19.1 and Item Matrix are now available in the Downloads section on...
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What’s new: The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) and CMS recently issued a final rule, Nondiscrimination on the...
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What’s new: CMS has released a short explainer video titled "Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Items: Using Sources Other Than the Resident to Code," for skilled...
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New resource: AHCA has created a new guide outlining the assistance each CMS Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) offers about submitting data to the National Healthcare...
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CMS has scheduled the next Skilled Nursing Facilities/Long Term Care Open Door Forum for May 16, 2024 from 2:00 – 3:00 pm. This call was...
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New resource: AHCA has prepared an Action Brief to help nursing facilities navigate the new requirements for facility assessments included in the CMS minimum staffing...
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Take a look: The Early Look Performance Score Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now...
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What to know: Staffing data for the first quarter, January 1 – March 31, of 2024 is due by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on...
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What you need to know: There is a new location for accessing the Patient Assessment Change Request Forms for the Minimum Data Set (MDS), effective immediately. For...
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The April 2024 refresh of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data is now available on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog...
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What’s new: CMS posted a detailed fact sheet on the minimum staffing final rule as well as a link to the full text, which will...
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Check out AHCA’s webinar on best practices for submitting data to the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ). It will help you prepare for a successful submission of...
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What’s happening: CMS released the Contract Year (CY) 2025 Medicare Advantage and Part D Final Rule last week. The rule finalizes revisions to policies governing...
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On April 1, 2024, CMS updated the survey critical element pathways (CEPs) due to the enforcement of enhanced barrier precautions (EBP) outlined in QSO-24-08-NH. The...
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What’s happening: The CMS proposed rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2025 would increase SNF PPS rates...
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Download your March Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the FY 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing Program from iQIES. Review data for upcoming measure and scoring...
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CMS has rescheduled the March 21, 2024 Skilled Nursing Facilities/Long Term Care Open Door Forum to April 2. Use this link to register for the...
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What’s new: This week CMS issued QSO-24-08-NH regarding the implementation of enhanced barrier precautions (EBPs) in nursing homes to prevent the spread of multi-drug resistant...
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Nearly 1,000 organizations including VHCA-VCAL and many members signed on in support of a letter to leaders of the US House Ways and Means Committee...
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What’s new: On February 8, the CMS MLN Connects newsletter clarified for providers that “…hospice and skilled nursing facility medical directors and administrators are always...
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CMS posted a reminder in the February 8 MLN Connects newsletter that Medicare covers skilled nursing care and skilled therapy services under skilled nursing facility,...
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Reminder: Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available for review and correction by February 15. These reports contain...
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What’s new: The US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) released issued guidance for long term care facilities (LTCFs)...
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CMS has posted the draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.19.1 and Item Matrix in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set...
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News from CMS: The following SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) quality measures will be removed from the iQIES Review and Correct Reports, Facility-Level Quality Measure...
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What’s new: On December 27, CMS issued a proposed rule, which establishes appeals processes for Medicare beneficiaries whose inpatient hospital stays were later reclassified to...
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CMS has shared guidance on vaccine billing. For flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccines furnished on or after July 1, 2023, to patients in a Medicare...
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Download your December Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing Program from iQIES, including the incentive payment multiplier CMS will apply...
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What’s new: The December 2023 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now...
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At the federal level: A bipartisan group of US Senators introduced legislation to stop CMS from finalizing the minimum staffing proposal. VHCA-VCAL, AHCA/NCAL, and many...
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What’s new: CMS released Admin Memo: 24-05-NH to identify the FY2024 and FY2025 areas of focus and guidance on how CMS staff will conduct Federal...
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What’s new: On November 15, CMS issued a display copy of a final rule requiring nursing homes to disclose additional ownership and management information to...
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For the record: AHCA/NCAL submitted final comments to CMS on the proposed federal staffing mandate for nursing homes. AHCA/NCAL President and CEO offered his thanks...
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What’s new: The October 2023 release of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data is now available on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC)....
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What’s new: This month, CMS will issue a Comparative Billing Report (CBR) on Medicare Part B claims for nursing facility evaluation and management visits. Use...
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Make sure your voice is heard! We are in the final days of the formal comment period for the CMS Proposed Rule for Minimum Staffing....
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CMS posted errata updates to the Minimum Data Set Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS-RAI) Manual, version 1.18.11 on the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual page effective October 1, 2023. The...
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CMS issued a Correction Notice that applies to the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) final rule published on August 7. Although the...
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What’s new: CMS recently updated several surveyor resources that can be found in the Survey Resources folder on the CMS Nursing Homes CMS Nursing Home Requirements of Participation...
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Two weeks left: The formal comment period on the CMS minimum staffing proposed rule ends November 6. Now is the time to share with CMS...
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Required reporting: Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) must report healthcare personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination summary data through the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). SNFs are...
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Get connected: If your facility does not have facility-wide internet access for residents, fill out and submit this CMS questionnaire by December 22, 2023. Send...
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VHCA-VCAL highlighted a series of significant concerns with the CMS proposed rule on staffing requirements for nursing facilities. In comments to the agency, VHCA-VCAL noted...
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CMS posted a new brief interview for mental status (BIMS) video to help providers completing the MDS assessment BIMS items C0200-C0500 to determine when to stop the...
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What’s happening: AHCA/NCAL will host a webinar on October 20 at 3:30 pm to discuss how to address 3.48 hours per resident day (HPRD) in comments...
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Get involved: AHCA/NCAL has a goal of submitting more than 10,000 comments to CMS on the proposed minimum staffing rule by November 6. In addition,...
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With QSO-23-23-NHs, CMS announced changes to the use of Civil Money Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment Program. Per the memo, CMS will continue to allow applications to...
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What’s happening: CMS released QSO-23-21-NH announcing updates coming Nursing Home Care Compare Staffing and Quality Measures in April 2024. The updates accommodate previously announced MDS changes effective October 1,...
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Action needed: CMS needs to hear from you about why the proposed unfunded staffing mandate should not be implemented. If implemented, the CMS rule would...
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Since CMS initiated a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) 5-Claim Probe and Education Review program in June, AHCA has received inquiries from members that the letters...
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What’s new: On August 24, 2023, CMS released the final MDS Item Sets version 1.18.11v5. The final MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.18.11 was...
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What’s new: CMS issued the proposed minimum staffing rule as part of the Biden-Harris Administration’s Nursing Home Reform initiative to ensure safe and quality care...
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What’s happening: New CMS skilled nursing facility value-based purchasing (SNF VBP) measures take effect October 1, 2023 that will determine Medicare Part A rates beginning...
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What’s new: CMS released the updated final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.18.11. It is now available in the Downloads section on...
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Download your August Performance Score Reports for the Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing Program from iQIES, including the incentive payment multiplier CMS will apply to...
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What’s new: The CMS final rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) fiscal year (FY) 2024 update includes a 4 percent...
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CMS announced that facilities determined to be out of compliance with the 2022 Quality Reporting Program (QRP) program requirements received a non-compliance notification in their...
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August 15 is the deadline for skilled nursing facilities to must report their 2023 Quarter 1 (December 26, 2022 - March 26, 2023) Weekly Healthcare...
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What’s happening: The CMS final rule related to COVID-19 testing and staff vaccination published earlier this summer will take effect on August 4, 2023. The...
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What’s happening: As part of the White House initiative to increase transparency of corporate ownership and operation of nursing facilities, CMS released QSO-23-18-NH, announcing the addition...
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Do you bill correctly under the Patient Driven Payment Model? Medicare Administrative Contractors are reviewing five claims from every skilled nursing facility (SNF) based on their...
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Download your June quarterly feedback report for the FY 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value-Based Purchasing Program from iQIES. Review your facility and stay-level data...
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CMS updated the Infection Control Critical Element pathway related to the end of the Healthcare Provider Vaccine Mandate announced May 31, 2023. The pathway was...
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What’s happening: CMS issued QSO-23-16-Hospitals reminding state survey agencies of the requirement for hospitals to provide accurate and complete patient information to Post Acute Care...
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What’s new: VHCA-VCAL has updated the Resident’s Rights poster. Download the file from our website. Why it matters: Nursing facilities are required to information...
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What’s new: On May 31, 2023, CMS announced a final rule making three key changes: Removing expired language addressing staff and resident COVID-19 testing requirements issued...
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Keep in mind: CMS updated guidance in Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual, effective October 2022, regarding F758: Psychotropic Drugs and expanded examples on...
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What’s happening: CMS responded to stakeholder concerns about the uncertain status of certain important Medicare Part B telehealth waivers impacting residents of nursing facilities and...
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Area of focus: Even as the COVID-19 public health emergency has ended and some regulations have been rolled back, facilities still need to educate visitors...
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On Wednesday May 24, 2023, at 2:00 pm ET, CMS will host FY 2024 SNF PPS Proposed Rule Overview. The educational webinar will provide an...
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What’s new: CMS has released updates to several survey resource documents, including the Entrance Conference form and the Infection Prevention, Control, and Immunization Critical Element (CE) pathway....
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What you need to know: After more than three years, the federal public health emergency (PHE) related to the COVID-19 pandemic ends today, May 11,...
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Keep the following in mind as you prepare for the May 15 Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) deadline to submit staffing hours for January 1 –...
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Mark your calendar for the next CMS Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)/Long Term Care (LTC) Open Door Forum scheduled for April 13, 2023 at 2:00 pm....
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What’s happening: CMS is moving to the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) for Minimum Data Set (MDS) submissions and providers should ensure they...
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CMS released QSO-23-10-NH updating the enhanced enforcement policy for infection control deficiencies implemented early in the pandemic. The new memo strengthens enforcement efforts for noncompliance...
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What’s new: CMS issued the proposed rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) fiscal year (FY) 2024 update. AHCA has reviewed...
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CMS issued QSO-18-24-ESRD REVISED 3/22/2023 clarifying care delivery flexibilities and responsibilities for home dialysis services in nursing facilities (NFs). The memo was effective as of...
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Only for individual facilities granted a waiver for the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program (NATCEP) requirements, CMS announced these waivers are extended to...
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What’s happening: CMS is preparing to move to iQIES for MDS submissions and it is important to create an account and establish credentials in the...
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Stay up-to-date: Review the CMS FAQ Long Term Care Facilities (Skilled Nursing Facilities and/or Nursing Facilities): CMS Flexibilities to Fight COVID-19. This document, dated February...
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Tell CMS how an unfunded staffing mandate would impact access to care for seniors by February 28. CMS will issue a minimum staffing rule this...
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What’s happening: CMS issued a proposed rule to increase ownership, managerial, and other information required to be disclosed by Medicare and Medicaid funded nursing homes....
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This week: VHCA-VCAL asked Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine not to join other senators in support of an effort urging CMS to impose a...
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The Biden Administration announced plans to end the federal public health emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. What it means: The end of the PHE...
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What’s new: CMS has updated the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published...
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What’s new: On January 18, CMS issued QSO-23-05-NH, which outlines updates to the Nursing Home Care Compare website and Five Star Quality Rating System. The updates...
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New resource: CMS has issued the Third Edition Quality Reporting Program (QRP) COVID-19 Public Reporting (PR) Tip Sheet – SNF QRP. CMS created the tip...
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Join CMS and the CDC on January 5, 2022 at 3:00 pm for a National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call. Long-term care providers, facility staff and...
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Nursing facilities can still apply for Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment Program funds to improve indoor air quality. A facility may request the use of...
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What’s new: CMS is taking steps to improve COVID-19 booster uptake rates in nursing facilities—a priority of the Biden Administration over the next six weeks....
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What’s new: CMS posted the text of the final rule changing the regulations affecting skilled nursing facility (SNF) provider enrollment beginning, revalidation, and change of...
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Keep in mind: November 14 is the deadline to submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) staffing hours for July 1 – September 30, 2022 Submit data...
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CMS revised its guidance for all provider-types for assessing and maintaining compliance with the COVID-19 staff vaccination regulatory requirements. QSO-23-02-ALL replaces and consolidates information from...
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What’s new: CMS released revisions to S&C: 17-15-LSC, the memo on the use of the Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES). The revisions negate the need...
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CMS reminds skilled nursing facilities to review their data by November 14. Contact CMS if you have questions. Why it matters: CMS will publish...
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What’s new: CMS released a revised Special Focus Facility (SFF) Program policy memo, QS0-23-01-NH, and updated the monthly SFF posting. These revisions are meant to...
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As of October 24, 2022, surveyors will be using the updated Phase 2 and Phase 3 CMS Requirements of Participation (ROP) guidance to identify skilled...
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Mark your calendar: On October 24, surveyors will begin using the updated Phase 2 and Phase 3 CMS Requirements of Participation (ROP) guidance to identify...
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What’s happening: Today, October 6, 2022, is the last day to request a Nurse Aide Training Waiver extension. We are aware that some members have...
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Coming up: November 14, 2022 is the deadline to submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) staffing data to for July 1 – September 30, 2022. Review...
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CMS updated QSO-22-25-CLIA rescinding enforcement discretion for the use of SARS-CoV-2 tests which are not FDA-approved for use among asymptomatic individuals outside of the test’s...
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On October 24, surveyors will begin using the Phase 2 and Phase 3 CMS Requirements of Participation (ROP) guidance to identify skilled nursing facility (SNF)...
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Sign up for the next installment of the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) training program hosted by DSS and VCU Gerontology. The next session on Basic...
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What’s new: The CDC released updates to three COVID-related guidance documents and CMS updated two QSO memos consistent with the CDC changes: These updates have...
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QSO-19-08-NH outlined a plan in 2019 to update the five quality measure (QM) rating thresholds on the Nursing Home Compare website every six months. Due to COVID-19,...
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Contact CMS and CDC to request that they update the guidance on PPE, screening, testing, and quarantine. Use our action center to send a message. ...
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CMS wants to gather information from health care providers and suppliers on their experiences providing support during public health emergencies (PHE) outside of the COVID-19...
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What’s happening: Two upcoming webinars will provide you an overview of the FY 2023 SNF Prospective Payment System final rule. Sign up for VHCA-VCAL’s CMS...
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CMS issued a draft version of the MDS Nursing Home Comprehensive (NC) item set version 1.18.11. This NC item set is to be used for both SNF...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be undergoing an email transition over Labor Day weekend. There will be an outage of CMS...
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What’s happening: CMS is transitioning the system for MDS submissions to the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) in early 2023. All current and...
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A CMS blog post details how the agency plans to create a roadmap for the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). An agency...
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August 15 at 11:59 pm is the submission date for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Programs (QRP) MDS assessment data and data submitted to...
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In July, CMS updated the Five-Star Ratings on Care Compare to include staff turnover measures. Six Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) staffing measures now determine Five-Star Staffing ratings....
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AHCA/NCAL has updated the 3-Day Stay and Benefit-Period Waivers for Medicare Part A SNF PPS FAQ. The update highlights changes made to the waiver program...
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CMS issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking comment on the Medicare Advantage program. Feedback will inform the Medicare Advantage policy development and implementation process....
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CMS reversed its proposed 0.7 percent cut to Medicare rates and has instead provided a 2.7 percent increase. The new rates go into effect on October...
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Review your SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data by August 15, and contact CMS if you have questions about your scores. CMS will publish the...
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CMS revised the Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System with the July 2022 Care Compare refresh. It now includes weekend staffing and staff turnover...
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The federal public health emergency (PHE) has been extended through October 15. DMAS issued a Medicaid Bulletin repeating the news along with links to provider...
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CMS published a June 2022 update to the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) Policy Manual. The updates cover running reports in CASPER, employee ID changes, and...
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CMS has issued QSO-22-19-NH, which includes new and updated surveyor guidance for Phase 2 and Phase 3 of the Requirements of Participation. The memo addresses:...
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CMS is accepting comments on its proposed rule on Medicare payments and staffing minimums until June 10 at 3:00 pm. AHCA has submitted its comments which call...
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In comments submitted to CMS, VHCA-VCAL urged CMS to consider a multi-year (no less than three years) phase-in of the Medicare parity adjustment. The association...
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View the April refresh of Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) data on the Care Compare webpage and in the Provider Data Catalog. You have until May...
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We need your help submitting comments to CMS on the proposed payment rule. As you know, CMS issued the FY 2023 SNF Proposed Payment Rule last...
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The CMS National Plan and Provider Enumeration System (NPPES) Public Reporting of Missing Digital Contact Information has been updated. The report includes the names and...
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CMS needs to hear from providers by June 10 about its proposed rule on Medicare payments and staffing minimums. The agency specifically asked for comments...
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This week, CMS published a proposed rule entitled, Medicare Program; Implementing Certain Provisions of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Revisions to Medicare Enrollment...
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CMS posted updates and revisions to the nursing facility survey tools, including the entrance checklist on April 7. The tools may be downloaded from the...
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CMS issued the proposed rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) fiscal year (FY) 2023 update. AHCA/NCAL has developed a summary...
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CMS has issued QSO-22-15-NH & NLTC & LSC, which provides an update to COVID-19 emergency declaration blanket waivers for specific providers. According to the memo, CMS...
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On April 6, CMS announced it will pay for a second COVID-19 booster shot of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines without cost sharing,...
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In the VDH Long-Term Care Facility Task Force Monthly Update for April, the agency reports that a variance to the Disease Reporting and Control Regulations...
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In case you missed it, with the April Care Compare refresh, CMS will increase long term care facility quality measure thresholds by 50 percent of...
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In QSO-19-08-NH issued in March 2019, CMS outlined a plan to update the quality measure (QM) rating thresholds every six months. The initial threshold changes...
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CMS has issued March 10 revisions to QSO-20-38-NH, the memo on long term care (LTC) facility COVID-19 testing requirements, and to QSO-20-39-NH on visitation. In both memos, CMS...
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[caption id="attachment_156132" align="alignright" width="390"] Sample Level of Community Transmission Map[/caption] CMS has issued March 10 revisions to QSO-20-38-NH, the memo on long term care (LTC)...
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CMS issued the following statement in advance of President Joe Biden’s State of the Union Address on March 1 during which he announced efforts to...
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The CMS staff vaccination rule requires facilities to take additional precautions for those staff who remain unvaccinated due to a medical/religious exemption or newly hired...
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CMS has posted a second edition of the COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet. This resource will help providers understand CMS’s public reporting approach to the Skilled Nursing Facility...
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CMS has issued memo QSO-22-10-ALL to all State Survey Agency Directors, requiring onsite surveyors - including CLIA and Life Safety surveyors - to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19...
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As part of its commitment to improve transparency and help families and caregivers find the best nursing home care for their loved ones, CMS is...
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CMS made updates to the Long-Term Care Survey Process Procedure Guide effective January 27, 2022. These updates include: Mandatory facility task assignment and review of...
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On February 1, CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure issued a letter to health care facility administrators on the importance of COVID-19 staff vaccinations. She wrote, “Increasing...
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Three staff turnover and two weekend staffing measures have been added to Care Compare (formerly Nursing Home Compare). The new Staff Turnover Measures include: The percentage of RN staff that...
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CMS has issued memo QSO-22-10-ALL to all State Survey Agencies, requiring onsite surveyors, including CLIA and Life Safety surveyors, to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19 or...
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The next CMS Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)/Long Term Care (LTC) Open Door Forum scheduled is for January 27, 2022 at 2:00 pm. Topics to be covered include...
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CMS updated its Nursing Home Resource Center with two new informational products. The new items are the Nursing Home Visitation FAQs and an infographic on safely conducting...
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Per QSO 22-07-ALL and the LTC/Skilled Nursing Facility Attachment, which are applicable in Virginia, the implementation phase-in of the COVID-19 vaccine requirement for nursing facilities...
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In a 5-4 ruling, the Supreme Court upheld the CMS COVID-19 vaccine mandate for staff among Medicare and Medicaid-certified providers and suppliers. The CMS interim...
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CMS issued QSO Memo 22-08-NH on January 7, 2022 indicating that it will begin posting staffing turnover and weekend staffing levels for each nursing home on...
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On December 23, 2021, CMS issued a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the revised nursing home visitation guidelines, outlined in memo “QSO-20-39-NH...
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Data collection for a skilled nursing facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) measure for COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Personnel (HCP) started on October 1,...
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Join AHCA/NCAL on Monday, December 13 at 4:00 pm for an office hour to discuss recent updates on the CMS interim final rule (IFR) on...
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A December 3 memo from State Health Commissioner Dr. Norm Oliver to clinicians includes an update on: the Omicron variant; a CDC advisory about increasing...
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CMS released QSO-22-04-ALL dated December 2, 2021 advising state survey agencies they should not enforce the interim final rule (IFR) regarding the vaccine mandate or...
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CMS recently posted an MLN Matters article that provides a summary of key policy changes and payment updates in the calendar year (CY) 2022 Medicare Physician Fee...
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CMS is issuing an 1135 waiver for directors of food and nutrition services, granting an extension on certain requirements that previously would have hit a...
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The United States District Court in the Western District of Louisiana has issued a nationwide injunction preventing the federal government from implementing the CMS vaccine mandate for...
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CMS released new resources for skilled nursing providers. Seven job aids were provided to aid in proper coding of seven MDS section GG self-care items, and three pocket guides were...
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The CMS interim final rule (IFR) requiring skilled nursing facilities, nursing facilities, and ICF-IIDs to establish a policy ensuring that all eligible staff be vaccinated...
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Join CMS and the CDC for a National Nursing Home Stakeholder call on Tuesday, November 23, 2021 at 2:00 pm. During the call, subject matter...
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CMS has released changes to the guidance for COVID-19 survey activities and increased oversight in nursing homes in QSO-22-2-ALL. CMS is announcing steps to assist State Survey...
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CMS has updated its guidance for nursing home visitation in a November 12, 2021 revision to QSO-20-39-NH. Visitation is now allowed for all residents at all...
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Last week, CMS issued a display copy of the agency’s final rule on payment policies for the calendar year (CY) 2022 under the Medicare Physician...
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On November 4, CMS published an interim final rule (IFR) that revises the requirements that most Medicare- and Medicaid-certified providers must meet to participate in...
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CMS has published the much-anticipated rule on COVID-19 vaccinations for health care workers. Long term care facilities and a list of other Medicare and Medicaid-certified...
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CMS is offering an updated web-based training series on the assessment and coding of Section GG. This training is intended for providers in post-acute care...
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CMS announced it is granting a two-year extension to a specific group of existing Time Limited Waivers (TLW). This benefits providers who have historically utilized...
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Effective September 20, 2021, CMS exercised enforcement discretion for skilled nursing facility (SNF) consolidated billing provisions related to flu and pneumococcal vaccines. This allows Medicare-enrolled...
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Following the FDA’s recent action that authorized a booster dose of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for certain high-risk populations and a recommendation from the CDC,...
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Providers are encouraged to review the AHCA 3-Day Stay and Benefit-Period Waivers for Medicare Part A SNF PPS guidance and FAQs that were updated September 14,...
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CMS updated its MLN Matters article SE20011 titled Medicare FFS Response to the PHE on COVID-19. In the billing guidance CMS did not change the longstanding blanket 3-day qualifying stay...
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CMS updated its previous requirements around testing in a revised version of QSO-20-38-NH dated September 10, 2021. The memo updates the testing summary, including if a facility...
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AHCA/NCAL’s Hazard Vulnerability Assessment (HVA) is a tool designed to assist centers in evaluating vulnerability to specific hazards. Built on a foundation of established risk...
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Write and submit an email to CMS on the nursing home staff vaccination mandate by Friday, September 3. As CMS is working on the regulation...
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August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). Many Medicare patients missed vaccines during the pandemic. Keep in mind that Medicare covers the following vaccines: COVID-19,...
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CMS has announced that to boost the administration of COVID-19 vaccines, including second and third doses, in certain settings, vaccine providers can receive additional payments...
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In its August 12, 2021 edition of MLN Connects, CMS announced a resumption of the Targeted Probe & Educate (TPE) Program conducted by Medicare Administrative...
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Effective August 12, 2021, CMS will pay to administer additional doses of COVID-19 vaccines consistent with the FDA emergency use authorizations (EUAs) for immunocompromised individuals...
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Are you using the newest version of the CMS Entrance Conference Worksheet to prepare for your surveys? CMS updated the checklist with a version dated...
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CMS issued the final rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) fiscal year (FY) 2022 update. AHCA has provided a summary...
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CMS issued QSO-21-20-NH formally noting that the agency removed a 2017 memo from its guidance repository that instructed CMS locations (formerly “Regional Offices”) to impose...
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CMS has recently rescinded its July 2017 guidance that civil monetary penalties (CMPs) should be imposed for prior non-compliance on a per-instance basis only. CMS posted the rescission on...
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This week CMS issued a proposed rule on payment policies for the calendar year (CY) 2022 under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Quality Payment...
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CMS has released minor updates to is Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment FAQs (dated June 24, 2021). The FAQs offer links to Code of Federal...
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On June 21, CMS issued a revision to QSO-20-41-ALL, which provides guidance on emergency preparedness. If a facility is still operating under its activated emergency...
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On June 10 CMS publicly posted COVID-19 staff and resident vaccination data for individual nursing facilities on its COVID-19 Nursing Home Data website. CMS will...
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Beginning Monday, June 14, 2021, CMS will enforce compliance with the new vaccine education and reporting requirements and issue civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for facilities...
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CMS has issued an updated list of the HCPCs codes subject to the consolidated billing provision of the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System. Be...
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Beginning June 14, 2021, CMS will enforce compliance with the new vaccine education and reporting requirements and issue civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for facilities that...
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On May 7, 2021 CMS posted a web-based training series that provides an overview of the general and key clinical considerations important for conducting standardized...
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The new CMS interim final rule on COVID-19 vaccine requirements takes effect May 21. This rule applies to residents, clients, and staff of long term...
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Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) must report fourth quarter 2020 quality reporting program data to CMS by May 17. CMS recommends that you run analysis reports...
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Last week, CMS announced a significant increase in Medicare payment rates for the administration of monoclonal antibodies, one of the most commonly used treatments for COVID-19. Under the...
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CMS has published an interim final rule on COVID-19 Vaccine Requirements and a related memo, QSO-21-19-NH on how to operationalize these new requirements. This rule...
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CMS issued guidance for nursing facilities regarding resident disenrollment from Medicare Advantage plans in 2015 and will soon be re-releasing this guidance. In anticipation of CMS’s...
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President Biden signed legislation that extends Medicare sequestration relief through the end of the year. CMS is expected to resume issuing claims shortly. Medicare Administrative Contractors...
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AHCA/NCAL will host a webinar on April 21 at 2:30 pm to review the fiscal year (FY) 2022 skilled nursing facility (SNF) proposed payment rule...
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As part of QSO-21-17-NH, CMS has recognized that time worked by the nurse aides during the Public Health Emergency (PHE) may count towards meeting the...
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In QSO-21-17-NH CMS announced it is ending four of the 1135 waivers issued in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE). These changes are...
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CMS recently posted a Quality, Safety, and Oversight Group (QSO) memo updating the State Operations Manual (SOM) Appendix Z that outlines emergency preparedness (EP) requirements. The SOM...
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CMS updated its guidance on communal dining in QSO-20-39-NH on visitation in nursing homes. CMS continues to recommend that facilities can engage in communal activities...
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In anticipation of possible Congressional action to continue the deferral the two percent across-the-board cut to all Medicare payments (commonly referred to as the sequester),...
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CMS increased the Medicare payment amount for administering the COVID-19 vaccine. The updated rates policy also impacts Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, and commercial insurance vaccine administration policies....
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As facilities welcome resident families and friends for visits, you can use this CMS graphic to explain the expanded visitation options. While specific to nursing homes, remember...
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As Medicare Advance and Accelerated Payments (AAP) repayment begin soon, facilities should make note of the applicable terms. Information on establishing an extended repayment schedules...
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DMAS is accepting letters of intent for organizations interested in applying for the current cycle of Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment Program funds. Applicants must...
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DMAS is accepting letters of intent for organizations interested in applying for the current cycle of Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) Reinvestment Program funds. Letters are...
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On January 13, CMS announced the release of two new free Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) web-based training courses on Section M:...
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As a reminder, in QSO 21-06-NH, Updates to Nursing Home Compare website and Five Star Quality Rating System, CMS announced that, effective January 27, 2021,...
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CMS has provided updated clarifications to SNF Medicare Part A billing guidance when applying COVID-19 coverage waivers in MLN Matters SE20011. Since then, some providers...
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The HHS Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) has announced that over 691,969 patient courses of COVID-19 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) have...
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In QSO-20-31-All (Revised 01/04/2021), CMS has released updated guidance on the frequency of focused infection control (FIC) surveys as well as providing FAQs regarding health,...
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As a reminder, CMS is requiring the reporting of point-of-care (POC) antigen test results (see p. 2 of this HHS memo). CMS is not requiring...
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Review Pfizer’s Fact Sheet for Healthcare Providers Administering Vaccine (Vaccination Providers) regarding the limitations of the emergency use authorization approved last week. During the COVID-19...
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CMS has issued a Q&A on COVID-19 point-of-care (POC) testing and a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Certificate of Waiver (CoW) applications. The agency notes...
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CMS has issued a Q&A on COVID-19 point-of-care (POC) testing and a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) Certificate of Waiver applications. The agency notes it...
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On December 4, CMS issued a memo, QSO-21-06-NH on its intentions to update the survey and quality domains of Five-Star with the January 27, 2021 refresh of...
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On December 9, CMS posted updates to FAQs and an infographic about coverage and payment for monoclonal antibodies to treat COVID-19. The FDA has issued...
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CMS has released FAQs related to new guidance on testing in nursing facilities. The FAQs address long-standing questions posed from providers. The questions address various issues including...
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In September, CMS released Care Compare on Medicare.gov, which streamlines the eight original health care compare tools, including Nursing Home Compare. As of December 1, the original...
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On November 18, AHCA/NCAL updated the 3-Day Stay and Benefit-Period Waivers for Medicare Part A SNF PPS Fact Sheet, as well as the accompanying webinar....
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CMS issued the calendar year (CY) 2021 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) Final Rule and associated Fact Sheet which establishes payment rates and other provisions...
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[caption id="attachment_131215" align="alignright" width="446"] Latin descent family and friends hold hands and pray during Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner. Close-up of hands in foreground.[/caption] On November...
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CMS Administrator Seema Verma made two key announcements on November 12 about surveyor calls to nursing homes with COVID-19 cases and staffing and PPE shortages,...
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CMS launched a new online platform, the Nursing Home Resource Center, to serve as a centralized hub bringing together the latest information, guidance, and data...
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Six new quality measures (QMs) in the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program are included in publicly reported data on Nursing Home Compare as of...
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CMS issued QSO-20-41-ALL on September 28 to provide guidance on the specific testing exercises required under the emergency preparedness regulations in light of the coronavirus...
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CMS issued QSO-21-02-NH: Compliance with Residents’ Rights Requirement related to Nursing Home Residents’ Right to Vote affirming the continued right of residents to exercise their...
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CMS has issued an updated version of the SNF QRP COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet today, October 1. The tip sheet is intended to help...
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On September 25, CMS released several new tools to help reduce delays for laboratories or other sites seeking a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) Waiver. This...
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CMS requires nursing homes to test staff on a serial basis. VDH has created a REDCap form to notify the local health departments that your...
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CMS has posted a COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet to help providers understand the CMS public reporting strategy for the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP)...
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On September 8, CMS posted a new excel file dated 9-8-20 that flags positive test rates in counties. Each county highlighted in green, yellow and...
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The CMS interim final rule with requirements for routine COVID-19 testing in nursing homes was officially published on September 2, 2020 and is in effect...
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VHCA-VCAL has heard from several members that the most recent CARES Act distribution is being deposited in bank accounts with “CARES Act NH Pmt*HHS.GOV” in...
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CMS has announced the launch of its national nursing home training program for frontline nursing home staff and nursing home management. The training, called “CMS...
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CMS issued two new QSO memos to accompany the interim final rule on COVID-19 staff testing and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) reporting requirements. AHCA...
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CMS issued the text of the interim final rule on August 25 that revises regulations in several areas for long term care (LTC) facilities and...
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CMS issued a Quality, Safety & Oversight (QSO) memo, QSO-20-35-ALL, to states instructing them to return to normal survey process as soon as resources in...
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Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. Providers have until August 30, 2020 to review their performance data....
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The CDC National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) updated the instructions for completing the NHSN pathway for Resident Impact and Facility Capacity and added questions on testing. NHSN...
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The CMS has issued a 4-page COVID-19 Tip Sheet on the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) System. The tip sheet is designed...
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As explained in July, CMS updated the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), Form CMS-R-131. This form is issued by SNFs and other providers submitting claims...
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CMS issued the final rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) fiscal year (FY) 2021 update. The final rule includes a net market basket increase...
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The current COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) does not waive any requirements related to Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Consolidated Billing (CB); however, CMS added CPT...
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When The White House announced an additional $5 billion would be forthcoming in Provider Relief Funds for nursing facilities, a CMS press release also referred...
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On July 31, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced three new approaches to securing funding for Medicaid-only providers, certain Medicare providers,...
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Last week CMS announced that a new issue is affecting some inpatient hospital and skilled nursing facility (SNF) claims when an interrupted stay is billed...
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A new issue is affecting some inpatient hospital and skilled nursing facility (SNF) claims when an interrupted stay is billed at the end of the...
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Skilled nursing facilities/nursing facilities (SNFs/NFs) must have a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) Certificate of Waiver to perform COVID-19 testing to be used in point-of-care...
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On July 21, the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released a framework for more detailed Provider Relief Fund (PRF) reporting guidance and...
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CMS recently updated the COVID-19 Provider Burden Relief Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) related to claim audit waivers for multiple services. On March 30 CMS suspended most Medicare...
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In an update to QSO-20-28-NH, CMS reminds nursing facilities that providing ombudsman access to residents is required per 42 CFR § 483.10(f)(4)(i) and per the...
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CMS announced that COVID-19 point-of-care testing devices will be distributed to nursing facilities across the country. This initiative is a one-time procurement of devices and...
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CMS recently updated the Advance Beneficiary Notice of Noncoverage (ABN), Form CMS-R-131, which is issued by SNF and other providers submitting claims for Medicare items...
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On June 25, CMS released QSO 20-34-NH updating changes to the staffing and quality domains of Five-Star due to COVID-19. The updates include lifting the...
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On June 26, CMS updated skilled nursing facility (SNF) billing guidance related to Medicare beneficiaries receiving care when a SNF utilizes the COVID-19 public health...
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On June 24 CMS released an updated set of frequently asked questions on nursing facility visitation. The questions address steps to take before reopening to...
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The Daily Progress published a letter to the editor from VHCA-VCAL President and CEO Keith Hare describing the close oversight the VDH Office of Licensure...
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According to AHCA, some members have begun to receive notices in CASPER rescinding the F884 citation and civil monetary penalty (CMP) they were given for...
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On June 4, CMS publicly released individual facility data related to COVID-19 on Nursing Home Compare. Some centers who reviewed their data, have found errors...
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While nursing homes must continue reporting confirmed and clusters of suspected cases in a cumulative manner in order to meet the current CMS requirements, AHCA/NCAL suggests nursing...
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“Providing as much factual data and real-time information as possible is critical in our ongoing efforts to tackle COVID-19. Our members have supported CMS’ reporting...
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On June 1, CMS released a memo, QSO-20-31-ALL, addressing National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) data, COVID-19 survey activities, enhanced enforcement, and engagement of Quality Improvement...
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As a reminder, our COVID-19 Resources webpage includes links to all of our member updates sent from April Payne, as well as the AHCA/NCAL updates. Here are...
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This week, CMS provided recommendations in a new memo, QSO-20-30-NH, on a nursing home phased reopening for states. The guidance encourages state leaders to collaborate with...
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As part of a recent COVID-19 related update to National Correct Coding Initiative (CCI) files, CMS announced the removal of many problematic claim coding edits...
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SNF PPS Part A claims were not being paid day-1 variable per diem rates when a beneficiary switched from Medicare Advantage (MA) to fee-for-service Medicare...
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On May 11, CMS Administrator Seema Verma penned a letter to nursing home management and staff. Administrator Verma shared her gratitude for the unwavering dedication...
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National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) COVID-19 mandated reporting for nursing homes has begun. AHCA recommends accurately reporting the staffing and PPE situation at nursing homes...
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In QSO-20-29-NH, CMS established two new F-Tags for COVID-19 reporting. The agency has also updated the survey tools. Facilities should begin using the revised “COVID-19...
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CMS released a new memo on May 6, QSO-20-29-NH, addressing the interim final rule requiring nursing homes to report to NHSN on COVID-19 as well...
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On April 24, 2020, CMS released a memo (QSO-20-28-NH) with updates on Nursing Home Compare (NHC), Five Star, public staffing information, and a list of...
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CMS issued the proposed rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) fiscal year (FY) 2021 update. AHCA/NCAL reports that the proposed rule...
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CMS is waiving 42 CFR 483.70(q) to provide relief to long term care facilities on the requirements for submitting staffing data through the Payroll-Based Journal...
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DMAS has provided preliminary guidance regarding how stimulus checks will be treated for Medicaid purposes. DMAS expects this to be formalized in a set of...
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CMS announced it is granting exceptions from reporting requirements and extensions for providers participating in Medicare quality reporting programs (QRP) with respect to upcoming measure...
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CMS has responded to member concerns that the ICD-10-CM diagnosis codes identified by the CDC as appropriate to code for COVID-19 were not compatible with...
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CMS indicates that providers should continue to code residents for the O0100M isolation item located in Chapter 3 of the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v...
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AHCA prepared a set of Medicare Accelerated and Advance Payment FAQs to supplement the recent CMS Fact Sheet on this topic. The FAQs are based...
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CMS released a COVID-19 Provider Burden Relief FAQ document that states that the agency has suspended most Medicare Part A and Part B Fee-For-Service (FFS)...
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QSO-20-20: Prioritization of Surveys describes the new COVID-19 Focused Survey for Nursing Homes and includes a COVID-19 Self-Assessment, which nursing facilities should complete. VHCA-VCAL has...
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CMS is delaying the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 v1.18.1 release, which had been scheduled for October 1, 2020, in response to stakeholder concerns. The...
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In light of COVID-19, CMS issued a nationwide waiver of the 3-Day Stay requirement and expanded telehealth for Medicare. Three-Day Stay Waiver On March 14,...
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The latest CMS memo to state survey agencies, QSO-20-11-NH, includes information on more toolkits the agency has developed as part of its strategic initiative to...
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CMS has issued a reminder to nursing facilities about infection control information and best practices to improve resident safety and quality. Resources include the Updated...
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CMS has published the Calendar Year 2020 Physician Fee Schedule Payment Final Rule which implements several changes that are effective January 1, 2020. AHCA has...
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CMS urges the use of Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBIs) now to avoid claim and eligibility transaction rejects. Starting January 1, 2020, regardless of the date...
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On December 4, 2019, CMS updated the Nursing Home Compare and Five Star Quality Rating System, which includes an update to the inspection component of...
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CMS issued a memo on November 22, 2019 explaining its interpretative guidance for Phase 3 of the Requirements of Participation (ROP) will not be available...
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In a recent report, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) determined that Medicare improperly paid for skilled nursing facility (SNF) services when the Medicare 3-Day...
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CMS has funded Health Quality Innovators (HQI) to deliver five years of no-cost assistance to nursing homes in Virginia through the CMS Quality Innovation Network...
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With the upcoming end of the end of the Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) transition period, CMS is reminding providers it will reject Medicare claims using...
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The submission deadline for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) has been extended to November 18, 2019. Assessment data for inpatient rehabilitation...
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On November 1, 2019, CMS issued a final rule that includes updates to payment policies, payment rates, and quality provisions for services furnished under the...
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On November 5, CMS announced an update on claims payments under the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM). As CMS has undertaken the implementation of PDPM, it...
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AHCA has issued a member update on PDPM claims processing. The update covers the latest information on the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) ability to process...
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CMS wants to ensure that state survey inspectors are adequately determining SNF compliance with federal regulations. In a recent memo, the agency said it is...
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AHCA has posted numerous CMS updates and resources for PDPM. Updates include information on a work-around for MDS errors, and the potential elimination of MDS...
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On October 23 CMS added an alert icon on Nursing Home Compare (NHC) to centers that have been cited for one of three abuse and...
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AHCA has expressed objections to the red hand consumer alert icon CMS plans to add to the Nursing Home Compare website beginning October 23 to...
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On October 7, CMS posted a revision to the PDPM DLL Package (V1.0003 FINAL). This revision replaces the previous version (V1.0002 FINAL). The new version...
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Responding to the news about the coming changes to Nursing Home Compare (NHC), AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson commented, “We support transparency so that...
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On October 23, CMS will make several changes to the Nursing Home Compare (NHC) website and the Five-Star Quality Rating System. These changes will affect...
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On October 1 the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) became the Medicare Part A fee-for-service payment system for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). Check out resources and...
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October 1 marks the start of the new Medicare Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM). We’ve gathered together resources to help ensure your facility is correctly...
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Provider Magazine reports on the implementation of the arbitration regulations released this summer that took effect on September 16. The final rule (CMS 3342-F) will...
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September 16 is the deadline to share feedback with CMS on the proposed rule that aims to ease some of the administrative and paperwork burdens...
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On August 30, CMS updated a number of subregulatory PDPM materials including: PDPM FAQs – Changes in terminology such as 5-Day Assessment now called the...
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On September 10 the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and Quality Assurance Performance Improvement program will host a call on approaches to care for...
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As of August 14, SNF Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available for viewing. Providers have until September 16 to review their...
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Learn about your SNF Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program Performance Score Report on this August 27 CMS call. CMS experts will present a high level summary...
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We are coordinating with AHCA to encourage members to submit individual comments to CMS in support of proposed changes that will reduce administrative paperwork burden...
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CMS has released a revision to a memo it issued this spring on “Revisions to Appendix Q, Guidance on Immediate Jeopardy.” The revised memo adds...
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CMS has issued a new fact sheet on the skilled nursing facility (SNF) 3-Day Rule Billing process and how it is currently intended to work. The fact...
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AHCA will host a webinar on the CMS final arbitration rule on August 29 at 2:00 pm. In July CMS issued the final rule that...
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A recording of the webinar AHCA hosted on July 24 summarizing the new CMS Requirements of Participation proposed rule is available for on-demand viewing. Visit...
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CMS issued a final rule outlining the proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 Medicare prospective payment system rate update and quality reporting requirements for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs)....
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CMS issued a final rule that reverses the Obama-era ban on the use of arbitration agreements. This rule makes it very clear that providers have the...
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On July 16, 2019, CMS issued the proposed rule that is intended to ease some of the pressures of the Requirements of Participation (ROPs) and...
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Livanta, the new CMS Beneficiary and Family Centered Care-Quality Improvement Organizations (BFCC-QIOs) for CMS Region 3 has instituted a dedicated phone number for providers. If you...
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Following the release of a US Senate report about a list of nursing centers with a “persistent record of poor care,” national and state media...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Medicare Learning Network is hosting an upcoming call on reporting requirements and resources for the Skilled Nursing...
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Livanta, the new CMS Beneficiary and Family Centered Care-Quality Improvement Organizations (BFCC-QIOs) for multiple Medicare Regions, including CMS Region 3 has asked VHCA-VCAL to share...
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On May 28, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final rule for Programs of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), the...
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On May 20 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an early release of several files associated with the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.17...
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Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports are available. Review your performance data by May 30, prior to public display on Nursing Home Compare in July 2019....
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has named Livanta as the new Beneficiary and Family Centered Care-Quality Improvement Organizations (BFCC-QIOs) for multiple Medicare...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) offer Resources for Integrated Care that supports providers integrating benefits for people receiving both Medicare and Medicaid....
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[caption id="attachment_102017" align="alignright" width="331"] David Gifford, MD, AHCA Senior Vice President of Quality and Regulatory Affairs[/caption] Responding to the changes in the Five-Star ratings on...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) 2020 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) proposed payment rule issued on April 19 is “good news” according to...
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To help you prepare for the forthcoming changes to the new Five-Star ratings that will be published on the Nursing Home Compare (NHC) website later...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a revised version of its 42-page “Patient-Driven Payment Model: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)” on April 4....
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Employee satisfaction positively impacts Five-Star Quality Ratings, retention, and resident and family experiences. As part of its ongoing offerings to help nursing homes improve resident...
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The 18-month moratorium of enforcement penalties under Phase 2 of the Requirements of Participation (ROP) will end in May, according to Centers for Medicare and...
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In April 2019, several changes will be made to the Nursing Home Compare website and the Five-Star Quality Rating System. These changes will affect all...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a memo outlining oversight and enforcement measures for nursing facilities that are late-adopters of measures...
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On March 20 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will hold a call on the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program...
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The Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the availability of an online training course in infection prevention and control for nursing home...
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As KEPRO’s current contract with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is ending, the Patient Navigation program will be ending. KEPRO is not able...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a memorandum about changes to the Five-Star Rating system on Nursing Home Compare that will...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued needed guidance on immediate jeopardy (IJ) penalties in advance of this week’s Congressional hearing on nursing...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted an update to the MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual Version 12.0. The update contains detailed...
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Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports are available. Review your performance data by March 4, prior to public display on Nursing Home Compare in April 2019....
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a MLN Matters article summarizing instructions to Medicare Administrative Contractors to put in place the changes to...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memo on February 1 to state survey agency directors regarding an update to Appendix Z of the...
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On February 5, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) posted a new draft version (V3.00.0) of the MDS 3.0 Data Specifications on its...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a memo summarizing the inflation adjustments to the civil monetary penalty (CMP) amounts that may be imposed...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finished mailing new Medicare cards to people with Medicare. Medicare patients are using their new cards in...
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AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson wrote a memo to members describing the latest proposal to administer the Medicaid program via block grants to states....
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One-third of skilled nursing facility residents experience an adverse or temporary harm event, and the majority of those are preventable. As part of CMS’s focus...
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An audio recording and transcript are available for the December 11, 2018 call on the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS). On October 1, 2019, the new Patient Driven...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the nursing facility survey process is not affected by the continuing federal government shutdown. CMS is...
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Register now for the December 11 CMS SNF PPS: New Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) Call. SNF PPS: New Patient Driven Payment Model Call December...
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[caption id="attachment_102017" align="alignright" width="400"] David Gifford, MD, AHCA Senior Vice President of Quality and Regulatory Affairs[/caption] Following the announcement from the Centers for Medicare and...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that it is taking steps to ensure that skilled nursing facilities are adequately staffed. The November...
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As part of its continued commitment to the nation’s most vulnerable populations, CMS has launched the Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program (CMPRP), a three-year effort...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a new webpage on the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) with resources to help skilled nursing...
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SNF Provider Preview Reports are available on quality measures based on second quarter 2017 through first quarter 2018 data. Review your performance data by November...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) which seeks to revise the Medicaid managed care regulations...
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Do you need in-service training on dementia management and resident abuse prevention? CMS, supported by a team of training developers and subject matter experts, has...
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As of October 24, CMS has added the five skilled nursing facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) measures to Nursing Home Compare. The new measures...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) signaled it is exploring increasing the civil monetary penalties levied against nursing facility staff and volunteers who...
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Both Medicare beneficiaries and providers have certain rights and protections related to financial liability and appeals under the Fee-for-Service (FFS) Medicare and the Medicare Advantage (MA)...
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The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule on September 20, 2018 entitled Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Regulatory Provisions to Promote...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that a new report for Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) is now available for providers, The...
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The National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and Quality Assurance Performance Improvement is hosting a provider call on September 18 on opioid use in the...
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After the release of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) FY 2019 Final Rule, AHCA has received many questions about the order...
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As a reminder, nursing centers should submit their Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) data for the quarter running from April 1 – June 30, 2018 in advance...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Confidential Performance Score Reports, which contains each...
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Training materials from the recent two-day Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Provider Training event are now available. Training materials include PowerPoint presentations...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized new rules for both the Prospective Payment System (PPS) and the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM)...
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Numerous media outlets have covered the news that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has changed the Five-Star ratings for thousands of nursing...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated the Nursing Home Compare (NHC) website with staffing data from the first quarter of 2018....
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CMS is hosting a 2-day training program on the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) on July 31-August 1. Although the in-person event...
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CMS has provided notifications to facilities that were determined to be out of compliance with Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) requirements for...
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Effective July 6, 2018, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a revised version of QSO-17-30 that clarifies expectations for providers, accrediting organizations,...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that starting in July 2018 it will post the number of hours worked by non-nursing...
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Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports are now available; visit the Spotlights and Announcements webpage for a list of quality measures based on quarterly data....
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CMS has finished mailing most cards to people with Medicare who live in Wave 1 states, which includes Virginia. All Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) secure...
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In an effort to promote the interoperability of health information in the post-acute care (PAC) sector and across the entire care continuum, the Centers for...
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In comments to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on June 25, AHCA emphasized its key concerns with the proposed new Skilled Nursing...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the final version of the revised policies on the immediate imposition of federal remedies. The...
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CMS will host a national webinar for emergency preparedness (EP) providers on topics and questions related to the new CMS EP Rule, the 1135 waiver,...
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In the past weeks, several members have noted unusual outputs from the CMS Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) tools. Since then, AHCA has been in contact...
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Virginia Attorney General (AG) Mark Herring was among a group of 17 state AGs who recently wrote to CMS to say that federal oversight of...
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VHCA-VCAL has been made aware of multiple Medicare Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) audits underway in Virginia. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid...
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On June 21 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a call to help you learn more about the Improving Medicare Post-Acute...
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Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar on June 5 said long term and post-acute care (LT/PAC) providers will play a “key role” in...
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[caption id="attachment_91408" align="alignright" width="300"] Click to enlarge image[/caption] Nursing Home Compare is currently displaying an icon (see image) meant to signal the nursing home has reported...
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On April 27, CMS issued a proposed rule outlining proposed Fiscal Year (FY) 2019 Medicare payment updates and proposed quality program changes for Skilled Nursing...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an update to the provider training module on the Long Term Care Survey Process (LTCSP). Updates...
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On April 25, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published new Five-Star ratings that include Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) staffing data on its Nursing...
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On April 13, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) posted a Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Matters article and an associated program manual transmittal...
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Medicare beneficiaries in Virginia will be among the first individuals to receive the new Medicare cards with Medicare Beneficiary Identifiers (MBI). Providers should advise residents...
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On April 6 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued guidance on the transition to using the Payroll-Based Journal staffing measures on Nursing Home...
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Data collected for the first year of the SNF VBP program, which will impact payment starting on Oct. 1, 2018, has already been collected by...
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As AHCA announced earlier this month, CMS had begun the process of reprocessing calendar year (CY) 2018 Medicare Part B claims, including those for outpatient...
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On March 16, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Matters article that announced several technical changes...
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Beginning in April, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will be mailing all Medicare beneficiaries new Medicare cards that remove their social security numbers and...
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During a March 8 Skilled Nursing Facility Open Door Forum, CMS reported the agency is taking a slower, more deliberate pace with the development of...
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CMS will be upgrading the Juniper Gateways and the client software currently used by the QIES user groups who remotely log into CMSNet for required...
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Are you signed up to use the electronic plan of correction process (ePOC) to receive your CMS-2567s electronically and submit your POCs electronically? The ePOC...
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On February 28, 2018, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) changed the survey domain methodology of the Five-Star rating system. In the previous...
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Earlier this month national media outlets gave extensive coverage to a report released by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) calling upon the Centers for Medicare...
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On February 9 both houses of Congress passed a budget deal enacted by the President that provides short-term funding to keep the government open through...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced it has identified a calculation error for the three assessment-based quality measures reported on the...
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As a reminder, PBJ data that your center collected from October 1 – December 31, 2017 must be submitted by February 14, 2018. Now is a good time...
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Follow these quick links to documents and resources to help you navigate the new Long Term Care Survey Process (LTCSP), including the latest update to...
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On January 24, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) data for the third quarter of the calendar year...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting a special Open Door Forum on January 23 at 2:00 pm about the change from...
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As a reminder, PBJ data collected by nursing centers from October 1 – December 31, 2017 must be submitted by February 14, 2018. Now is a good time to...
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As we informed you earlier this month, Congress adjourned for 2017 without enacting legislation to address what is often referred to as Medicare "extender payment...
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Since Congress adjourned for 2017 without enacting legislation to address the Medicare "extender payment policies," including the Part B therapy cap exception process, these policies...
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On December 22, 2017 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new Survey and Certification (S&C) Memorandum addressing the instances in which...
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Kaiser Health News (KHN) is reporting that the Trump Administration has issued guidelines easing civil monetary penalties (CMPs) levied against nursing facilities. In a statement...
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Under Phase 2 of the Requirements of Participation (ROP) new requirements that went into effect on November 28 include the facility assessment, behavioral health requirements,...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced that the Medicare Prior Authorization Model for Repetitive, Scheduled Non-Emergent Ambulance Transport is being extended...
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As part of the nationwide initiative to eliminate the use of Social Security numbers on all Medicare cards by 2019, the Centers for Medicare and...
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On November 30, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized major changes to the mandatory post-acute bundling programs. These large-scale demonstrations were created...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has launched a new tool, the CMS Measures Inventory Tool (CMIT), an interactive web-based application that contains...
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On November 24 the Survey and Certification Group (S&C) at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued two memos that further delay enforcement...
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On October 2, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made a number of problematic changes to billing programming, remittance advice and related guidance...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has published the new Long Term Care Survey Process (LTCSP) Initial Pool Care Areas, specifically, the interview...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting a webinar on the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program on November 16...
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On November 1, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) data to the public through files posted online. These files...
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On October 27 CMS issued two new survey and certification (S&C) memos. The first memo requests feedback on draft revisions to the civil monetary penalty...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued provider training module on the long term care survey process. The new survey process takes...
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In an update issued earlier this month, CMS has posted Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Baseline Performance Data (October 2017). The data includes...
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Cil Bullard, the State RAI/OASIS Coordinator, has provided guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on three questions about correct MDS coding...
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Six members of Virginia’s Congressional delegation signed on to a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) calling on the agency to...
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In the final Fiscal Year (FY) 2018 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made an...
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A new Survey and Certification (S&C) memorandum describes how Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) data will be accessible to the public beginning on November 1. The memo,...
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Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) providers were recently notified of two issues affecting the SNF QRP Review and Correct Reports & Confidential Feedback Reports. One issue...
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CMS wants its Quality Payment Program website to meet the needs of the clinician community, by providing streamlined access to information and minimizing undue burdens...
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Looking for information about the Jimmo Settlement Agreement? Visit the new Jimmo Settlement Agreement webpage for background on the settlement, links to resources, and FAQs....
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This week the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a memo with preliminary results from an ongoing review of potential...
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In a final rule issued on July 31, 2017, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized some key components of the Skilled Nursing...
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On August 23, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a notice explaining the agency has discovered technical coding problems adversely affecting the SNF...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services has posted new resources on its Requirements of Participation website related to long term care surveys: the LTC...
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AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson shares, “There is significant, positive news from D.C. this week. Our efforts to get the new Administration to reduce...
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AHCA has prepared an update on the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP), which includes background information on the program, 2018 and 2019...
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During the August 22-23 education program, Bringing the New Requirements of Participation into Focus, we’ll help you make sense of the new F-Tags and the...
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On July 31, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the final rule for fiscal year (FY) 2018 Medicare payment rates and quality...
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CMS has notified Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) that are non-compliant with SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) requirements for Quarter 4 of CY 2016, which will...
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In an MLN Matters message issued on July 14, 2017, CMS reminds skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) that failing to submit required quality data to Medicare...
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This week we are featuring Discharge to Community: Creating Seamless Transitions, part two of a 10-part resource series designed by AHCA to support members in...
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S&C Memo 17-34-All provides important information on how acceptable Plans of Correction (POCs) should be formatted. The Delaware Health Care Facilities Association has shared its...
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On July 25, CMS will host a call to discuss the revised interpretive guidance for nursing centers and the new survey process effective November 28,...
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On July 7, the Survey and Certification Group (S&C) at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued memorandum S&C: 17-37-NH, "Revision of Civil...
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CMS has announced that the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Review and Correct reports are now available on demand in the CMS...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has notified healthcare providers that it is taking steps to remove Social Security numbers from Medicare cards...
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Recent reports have highlighted the fact that Legionnaires’ disease kills 25% of those who are infected while getting treatment or residing in a health care...
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On June 13 VHCA-VCAL staff Keith Hare, April Payne, and Matt Mansell traveled to Philadelphia to meet with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services...
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CMS has announced that the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Review and Correct reports are now available on demand in the CMS...
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CMS experts will share updates on the progress of the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement in a call...
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CMS released its Emergency Preparedness Interpretive Guidance (IG) on June 2. Surveying for compliance with the emergency preparedness requirements will not begin until November 15, 2017. Later...
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AHCA/NCAL is pleased that on June 5 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued proposed revisions to the current arbitration agreement requirements for...
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CMS experts will share updates on the progress of the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes and Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement in a call...
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CMS extended the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) quarterly reporting deadline from May 15, to June 1, 2017. In mid-May many providers...
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On May 12 CMS issued a Survey and Certification (S&C) Memo on substandard quality of care (SCQ) and clarification of notice before transfer or discharge...
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CMS is tracking the progress of the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes by reviewing publicly reported measures. The official measure of the Partnership...
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On April 27, CMS issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) fiscal year 2018 update. ...
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On April 21, 2017, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued S&C: 17-25-NH on the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ). In the memorandum, CMS notes...
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Administrative simplification standards apply to entities who exchange health care information electronically, including health plans, health care providers, and clearinghouses. New CMS resources explain how...
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CMS has announced that effective today, April 13, 2017, questions regarding any of the Fee For Service Beneficiary Notice Initiative (BNI) notices may be sent...
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In a Skilled Nursing Facility Open Door Forum last month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) encouraged providers to submit their Payroll-Based Journal...
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On March 10 CMS published a revised version of Survey and Certification (S&C) Memo 17-19-NH explaining that the agency was issuing a re-release of Appendix...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced two changes to the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system that will make it easier for providers...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has increased the civil monetary penalties (CMPs) for inflation as called for in the Federal Civil Penalties...
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CMS has issued instructions regarding implementation of the Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice (MOON), The new instructions provide more specific detail on notice delivery for hospitals...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has delayed the effective date for the second mandatory hospital bundling program issued in January. AHCA/NCAL had...
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CMS has added an indicator to the Nursing Home Compare website that shows whether a facility has complied with the PBJ reporting requirement. If the...
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Send us your questions and feedback on how the new Requirements of Participation (ROP) are affecting your center. Beginning on February 2, VHCA-VCAL will begin...
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The latest S&C Memo from CMS advises that long term care providers should consider cyber security when developing and reviewing their emergency preparedness plans. S&C...
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In an update to providers, vendors, and software developers, CMS has issued an updated errata V2.00.2 posted for the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) Data Submission Specifications V2.00.0....
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CMS has issued new guidance with information on how to adhere to the individualized nature of home and community-based services (HCBS) for individuals with dementia or other...
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We have posted two new resources on the Requirements of Participation webpage to assist you with implementation of the new regulations. The first is clarifying...
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On December 20, 2016, CMS issued the final rule implementing the Advancing Care Coordination through Episode Payment Models mandatory bundled payment program. This rule implements...
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CMS issued a Survey & Certification Memorandum (S&C Memo 17-12-NH) on Dec. 9, which clarifies there will be no enforcement of the new provision prohibiting...
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CMS has made a video presentation available from the September 14 MLN Connects Webcast on the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP). Learn about the reporting...
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On November 10, 2016, CMS, through its Quality Technical Support Office, e-mailed a notice to all providers related to Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) submissions. CMS has...
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On Friday, November 18, 2016, CMS will provide access to online training for surveyors and others on the requirements of participation (ROP) final rule addressing...
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CMS has issued an advance copy of the revisions to the State Operations Manual (SOM) Apprendix PP and F-Tags to conform them to the new...
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Join over 220 other VHCA-VCAL members at Monday’s education program to prepare for the implementation of the new CMS Requirements of Participation. Register now! Jump...
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Virginia has seen a 31.6 percent decrease of long-stay nursing center residents receiving antipsychotic medications since the fourth quarter of 2011. Nationally, there has been...
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In S&C: 17-06-NH CMS provides an overview of the results of the FY 2015 MDS Focused Surveys, outlining the background on MDS Focused Surveys and...
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A judge has ruled that the provision banning predispute arbitration agreements in the new CMS Requirements of Participation final rule should not take effect on...
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You don’t want to miss the November 14 program, Jump Starting Phase 1 of the Requirements of Participation, where you will learn what you need...
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The Medicare Learning Network (MLN) has published a document, Provider Compliance Tips for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Inpatient Services, that clarifies the distinction between skilled...
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The deadline for nursing centers to gather and submit Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) data for the first mandatory quarter is November 14, 2016. As you get...
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Register today for the November 14 education program to help you start implementing the changes your center may need for Phase 1 of the new...
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AHCA has developed a Playbook and checklist that provides a high level overview of the changes CMS made to the long term care facilities Requirements...
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In a new memo to state survey agencies, S&C Memo 17-03-NH, CMS announced its initial plans for online training for regional offices, state survey agencies,...
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Join VHCA-VCAL for our day-long education program on November 14 to help you start implementing the changes your center may need for Phase 1 of...
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CMS will host a call for long term care facilities on the final rule reforming the requirements of participation on October 27 from 1:30 pm...
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We are finalizing the details for a day-long program on Monday, November 14 on the changes to nursing center regulations under the new CMS final...
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AHCA has developed a document summarizing the final rule changing the CMS Requirements of Participation (ROP) for nursing facilities. Visit the VHCA Requirements of Participation...
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An archived recording of the AHCA member briefing on the new final rule covering the CMS Requirements of Participation for nursing centers is available for...
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CMS has released a QAPI News Brief, Volume 2 which focuses on adverse events. It includes a list of potentially preventable adverse events and a...
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Predispute Arbitration Clauses Banned AHCA Member Briefing Scheduled for October 3, 4:30 pm Yesterday CMS released an early inspection version of the final Requirements of...
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CMS will host a national provider call on how the implementation of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) Program will affect your Medicare...
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As CMS continues its search for an answer to resolving the significant backlog in Medicare appeals, the Fall 2016 edition of the Legal Quarterly, prepared...
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CMS has published the updated Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) 30-Day Potentially Preventable Readmission (PPR) Measure. It estimates the risk-standardized rate of unexpected PPRs within 30 days for...
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CMS has posted a document that provides responses to some MDS-specific questions that were received during the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP)...
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Register now for an upcoming CMS call on effective care transitions between long term and post-acute care settings, highlighting transitions that involve residents with dementia. ...
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On September 14, 2016 from 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm, CMS will host a webcast on the reporting requirements for the new Skilled Nursing Facility...
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[caption id="attachment_75475" align="alignright" width="300"] Photo courtesy of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging[/caption] The leaders of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging have...
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CMS has declared that all ICD-10 flexibilities in place over the last year will expire on October 1, 2016. Providers should be coding to the...
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On September 14, 2016 from 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm, CMS will host a webcast on the reporting requirements for the new Skilled Nursing Facility...
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On August 25, CMS published the current MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.14 and MDS forms, effective October 1, 2016. This updated version of the MDS...
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CMS has provided a state-by-state list of the percentage of nursing centers that have not yet registered for the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ). While the...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published new Five-Star rankings on its Nursing Home Compare (NHC) website this week. The ratings reflect new...
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Although the submission deadline for the first mandatory quarter of staffing data collection (July-September 2016) is not until November 14, 2016, now is the time...
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Protecting resident privacy and prohibiting mental abuse related to photographing or recording residents in any manner that would demean or humiliate them is the subject...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the federal fiscal year 2017 (FY17) Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) final...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting a webinar on August 9 at noon, Using Early Intervention Strategies to Avoid Hospitalization of...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services released a revision to its Survey & Certification (S&C) Memo 16-31-NH updating Chapter 7 of the State Operations...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has signaled it will not publish new Five-Star rankings on its Nursing Home Compare (NHC) website this...
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We learned that last Friday, July 22, 2016, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an advanced interim revision to the State Operations...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a lengthy proposed rule aimed at expanding bundled payments in the Medicare program. The new rule,...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported last week that starting on July 27, 2016 at 10 am ET the Quality Measure (QM)...
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Don’t forget to take advantage of the opportunity to review your Five Star Preview Reports, which were made available last month. To access these reports,...
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AHCA has shared guidance and resources and resources from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) to assist...
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The mandatory Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) reporting requirement to collect and electronically submit direct care hours starts July 1, 2016 - making daily staffing strategies critical...
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On July 12 from 1:30 pm – 3:00 pm, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting a call on the new reporting...
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CMS published Transmittals 156 and 157 on June 10, 2016 with an immediate effective date. No regulatory changes were observed but each of the referenced...
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Beginning on July 1 nursing facilities must begin tracking their staffing data as part of the new Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) staffing data submission requirements from...
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Fire safety code updates for long term facilities issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) in May will take effect on July...
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The mandatory deadline for the compliance with the Payroll Based Journal Reporting (PBJ) requirement is only weeks away, on July 1. All VHCA-VCAL members have...
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Remember to take advantage of the voluntary testing window to register for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) electronic staffing data collection program,...
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AHCA will host a member webinar Friday, May 20 at 2:00 pm EST to discuss the Medicaid Managed Care final rule published at the end...
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On May 4, 2016 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published the final rule to update health care facilities’ fire protection guidelines to...
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Take part in AHCA’s webinar on April 29 at 11:00 am titled “How I Plan on Succeeding with Payroll Based Journal”. Providers who have successfully...
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AHCA reports that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted new FAQs on the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver rule implementation....
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued the final Medicaid managed care regulations. This is the first update to the regulations governing...
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The CMS Nursing Home Compare website now includes six new quality measures, four short-stay and two long-stay measures. Five of the six new measures (not...
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AHCA is hosting a webinar on April 29 at 11:00 am titled “How I Plan on Succeeding with Payroll Based Journal”. Providers who have successfully...
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AHCA is hosting a webinar on April 29 at 11:00 am titled “How I Plan on Succeeding with Payroll Based Journal”. Providers who have successfully...
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AHCA has shared the news from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that the percentage of nursing center surveys that were deficiency-free increased...
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In a letter to nursing facility administrators dated March 28, Director of the Division of Long Term Care Services in the Office of Licensure and...
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On March 3, CMS announced the addition of new quality measures (QMs) to Nursing Home Compare (NHC) and the Five-Star Quality Rating System. The new...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a new Survey and Certification Letter: Exit Conferences - Sharing Specific Regulatory References or Tags...
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The CMS Region 3 Partnership for Dementia Care will hold its quarterly conference call on March 22 at 10:00 am. The call will include updates...
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The CMS Region 3 Partnership for Dementia Care will hold its quarterly conference call on March 22 at 10:00 am. The call will include updates...
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Take advantage of the voluntary testing window to register for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) electronic staffing data collection program, also known...
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This week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a public data set on utilization, payments and submitted changes organized by provider, state...
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The Virginia Departments of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS) and Behavioral Health and Developmental Services (DBHDS) welcome public comments regarding the submission to the Centers for...
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The Office of Licensure and Certification’s Long Term Care Division is encouraging all facilities to sign up for the electronic plan of correction process (ePOC)...
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This week the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the addition of new quality measures (QMs) that will be posted on Nursing Home...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final version of a 2012 proposed rule that requires Medicare Parts A and B health...
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President Obama released his $4.23 trillion budget proposal for fiscal year (FY) 2017 this week. Of note to skilled nursing care centers are these key...
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The Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015 (MACRA) enacted last April contained provisions to replace the problematic Part B therapy Manual Medical Review...
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KEPRO is the Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO) for the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Areas 2, 3, and...
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American Health Care Association (AHCA) members can now find their Health Inspection Survey Score in LTC Trend Tracker. Survey Score is the basis of your...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued new guidance, Guide to Preventing Readmissions among Racially and Ethnically Diverse Medicare Beneficiaries, offering actionable...
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AHCA/NCAL Senior Vice President for Government Affairs Clifton Porter II has outlined the association’s goals on key legislative and regulatory issues for the year. In...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released information for review and comment about a new measure in development-the percent of people admitted...
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The American Health Care Association (AHCA) is offering up its predictions for 2016 regulatory actions affecting nursing and assisted living providers. AHCA expects 2016 will...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (OIG) has released its 2016 work plan, which describes new and on-going audits,...
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American Health Care Association’s Provider reports that the bipartisan budget passed by Congress and signed by President Obama turns out to have had its own...
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On October 1, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) opened registration for the voluntary period to participate in electronic submission of payroll data,...
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