Ask the Nursing Expert: Getting ready to submit high-acuity residents under PDPM
By
Judi Kulus, MSN, MAT, RN, NHA, RAC-MT, DNS-CT
Mar 07, 2019
Under the Patient-Driven Payment Model, skilled nursing facilities are likely to treat higher acuity residents and surveyors’ attention to appropriate admissions and avoidable readmissions will intensify.
Ask the Nursing Expert: How can I help my nurses and therapists who disagree about who should code MDS,...
By
Judi Kulus, MSN, MAT, RN, NHA, RAC-MT, DNS-CT
Nov 02, 2018
Coordinating completion of the MDS, section GG items, is challenging in nursing facilities! Section GG assessment may seem black-and-white, but it’s complex. It’s unlikely that the 25 self-care and...
Ask the Nursing Expert about…sound discharges
By
Judi Kulus, MSN, MAT, RN, NHA, RAC-MT, DNS-CT
Oct 29, 2018
How can I help staff understand the importance of a sound discharge process that lowers readmissions?
Ask the Nursing Expert about … nurse confidence
By
Judi Kulus, MSN, MAT, RN, NHA, RAC-MT, DNS-CT
Jul 09, 2018
How can I encourage my nurses to confidently engage their critical thinking skills to ensure accurate assessments and optimal care for residents? Critical thinking was perfectly described by the late Richard...
Ask the Nursing Expert about … culturally competent care requirements
By
Judi Kulus, MSN, MAT, RN, NHA, RAC-MT, DNS-CT
Jun 08, 2018
I thought culturally competent care requirements weren’t effective until Nov. 28, 2019, the Phase 3 deadline. Why are facilities getting cited now?
Ask the Nursing Expert about …Medicare denial forms
By
Judi Kulus, MSN, MAT, RN, NHA, RAC-MT, DNS-CT
May 08, 2018
I’ve heard that as of April 30, 2018, we had to start using the new CMS-approved form for Medicare A denial notices. As a director of nursing services, what do I need to know? Most skilled nursing...
Ask the Nursing Expert about … documentation for new survey regulations
By
Judi Kulus, MSN, MAT, RN, NHA, RAC-MT, DNS-CT
Feb 08, 2018
For years I have referred to the State Operations Manual (SOM) Appendix P for guidance on the survey process. But the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announced that Appendix P will be...
Ask the Nursing Expert about … the Facility-Wide Assessment
By
Judi Kulus, MSN, MAT, RN, NHA, RAC-MT, DNS-CT
Dec 06, 2017
My administrator has asked me to lead the effort to prepare our Facility-Wide Assessment (FWA). What does this mean for me, as the director of nursing?
Ask the Nursing Expert about … staff competencies
By
Judi Kulus, MSN, MAT, RN, NHA, RAC-MT, DNS-CT
Nov 06, 2017
Is it true that during new survey process, surveyors will ask staff nurses and nursing assistants about their competencies, with questions such as, “Do you receive periodic evaluations on your skills,...
Ask the Nursing Expert about … behavioral difficulties
By
Judi Kulus, MSN, MAT, RN, NHA, RAC-MT, DNS-CT
Oct 06, 2017
I heard that nursing homes can get cited for causing residents to have behavioral difficulties. Can you explain?