Latest CMS, CDC and NHSN COVID-19 Data Available; Also, Flu Data

Posted in COVID-19, Senior Living1 Comment

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CMS has posted the nursing home COVID-19 data for the week ending November 14, 2021. This latest data set shows these changes from the November 7th data set: Resident vaccination rate increased 0.2% from the previous week (same as week before)Staff vaccination increased 0.8% from the…… Continue reading Latest CMS, CDC and NHSN COVID-19 Data Available; Also, Flu Data

CDC Expands COVID-19 Booster Recommendations and Statement on the Omicron Variant

Posted in COVID-19, Senior Living1 Comment

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CDC released this media statement on November 29, 2021: “Today, CDC is strengthening its recommendation on booster doses for individuals who are 18 years and older. Everyone ages 18 and older should get a booster shot either when they are 6 months after their initial Pfizer…… Continue reading CDC Expands COVID-19 Booster Recommendations and Statement on the Omicron Variant

Facility-Initiated Discharges in Nursing Homes Require Further Attention

Posted in INDUSTRY NEWS, Long-Term Care

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare The Office of Inspector General (OIG) posted this 44-page study (same name as the title of this blog) on November 18, 2021.  The report summary is found here. “Nursing homes can legally discharge residents for certain reasons (known as facility-initiated discharges). Facility-initiated discharges that do not…… Continue reading Facility-Initiated Discharges in Nursing Homes Require Further Attention

CMS Updates Appendix B of the RAI User’s Manual

Posted in INDUSTRY NEWS, Long-Term Care

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CMS posted an updated Appendix B – RAI User’s Manual late on Monday afternoon, November 22, 2021. The November update of Appendix B to the RAI 3.0 User’s Manual contains changes to the list of State RAI Coordinators, MDS Automation Coordinators, RAI Panel members, and CMS locations and…… Continue reading CMS Updates Appendix B of the RAI User’s Manual

Reduced Payment for P.T. and O.T. Services Furnished In Whole or In Part by a PTA or OTA

Posted in RESOURCES

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CMS issued Transmittal 11129 … Change Request 12397 on Monday, November 22, 2021.  The red ink for the Medicare Claims Processing Manual Chapter 5 – Part B Outpatient Rehabilitation and CORF/OPT Services begins on page 9 of the 11-page transmittal.  You’ll also find general information regarding…… Continue reading Reduced Payment for P.T. and O.T. Services Furnished In Whole or In Part by a PTA or OTA

Over The Counter (OTC) Home Testing and CLIA Applicability

Posted in COVID-19, Senior Living

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare There’s new FAQ guidance posted as of Monday, November 22, 2021 on the CMS Current Emergencies website: Over The Counter (OTC) Home Testing and CLIA Applicability. This 4-page FAQ addresses: Does use of over the counter (OTC) tests authorized by the FDA intended for home use…… Continue reading Over The Counter (OTC) Home Testing and CLIA Applicability

jRAVEN Software Updated

Posted in INDUSTRY NEWS, Long-Term Care

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CMS posted an update to its free MDS 3.0 software on November 24, 2021.         jRAVEN (version 1.7.9) is now available for download which contains the following update: 1.   The new version number for the PDPM Grouper, v2.0001.