Q: On Oct. 1, the MDS starts collecting information regarding provision of the current reconciled medication list to subsequent providers or the resident. How should we prepare?
Ask the nursing expert: Should I complete an Interim Payment Assessment if a Medicare Part A resident...
By
Amy Stewart
Mar 01, 2021
Should I complete an Interim Payment Assessment (IPA) if a Medicare Part A resident becomes COVID-positive during a skilled therapy stay?
Ask the nursing expert… about emergency preparedness plans
By
Amy Stewart
Dec 07, 2023
The three aspects of the emergency preparedness plan most important for the nursing department are: staffing, supplies/resources and communications. Let’s consider each in depth.
Ask the nursing expert: Other than tracking infections, what tasks might the infection preventionist...
By
Amy Stewart
Jul 01, 2021
Our facility is considering hiring a full-time infection preventionist. Other than tracking infections, what tasks might this person take on?
Ask The Nursing Expert
By
Amy Stewart
Aug 01, 2019
We have several residents who fall frequently. How can we decrease the number of falls in our facility? Start by identifying residents who are at risk for falls. Add timely communication about those at...
Ask the Nursing Expert: Accuracy of Medicare Part A under PDPM
By
Amy Stewart
May 01, 2019
The accuracy of the rates is based solely on the accuracy of the 5-Day PPS assessment and its supporting documentation, which will potentially set the rate for the entire Medicare stay.
Ask the nursing expert: Will CMS continue to conduct focused infection control surveys in 2021?
By
Amy Stewart
Dec 01, 2020
Will the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services continue to conduct Focus Infection Control Surveys in 2021? If so, what should we expect?
Ask the nursing expert: How do I find the most appropriate primary diagnosis efficiently?
By
Amy Stewart
Jul 01, 2022
Q: I am struggling to select the most appropriate primary diagnosis at I0020 of the MDS for skilled Medicare Part A residents. Is there a way to do this efficiently?
Ask the nursing expert: How can I make the DON/administrator relationship work?
By
Amy Stewart
Jun 01, 2022
Q: We’re expecting a new administrator. As the director of nursing, how can I make this relationship work from day one?
Ask the nursing expert: What can the nursing department do to improve our census?
By
Amy Stewart
Jun 02, 2021
The COVID-19 pandemic has lowered our facility’s census by nearly 20%. What can the nursing department do to improve our census?