MDS Broadcast

QSO-26-14-NH: Nursing Home Risk-Based Survey National Implementation 

The implementation of the Risk-Based Survey (RBS) process reinforces the importance of embedding survey readiness into daily operations. By continuously evaluating clinical practices, documentation accuracy, staffing, and regulatory compliance, organizations can proactively identify risks, address performance gaps, and strengthen quality outcomes. 

Capacity Without Headcount: The Art of the Possible in Skilled Nursing (Sponsored by eShift)

November 12, 2026 | 1:00 pm ET

1 CE credit for Nurses, Case Managers, Social Workers (MN) & Administrators for live session attendees

The number of older adults needing complex care is growing far faster than the licensed clinical workforce, and hiring alone won’t close the gap. This panel session explores how skilled nursing facilities can expand clinical capacity without adding headcount, through technology, changes in where care is delivered, and a fresh look at what is actually permissible.

Select the link above to register.

Building High-Performing, Resilient Care Teams (Sponsored by ComForCare Home Care)

December 3, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET

1 CE credit for Nurses, Case Managers, Social Workers (MN) & NAB for live session attendees

High-performing care teams are the foundation of quality, consistency, and sustainability in aging services. This webinar focuses on practical leadership strategies to build resilient teams through effective coaching, delegation, and performance measurement. 

Select the link above to register.

Spotlight Series: Finding and Keeping LTC Talent in a Forever-Tight Labor Market (Sponsored by Advancing Excellence)

December 9, 2026 | 1:00 pm ET

1 CE credit for Nurses, Case Managers, Social Workers (MN) & Administrators for live session attendees

This webinar will feature Jerry Rubin and Steven Dawson discussing their new MIT Press book, Help Wanted: How to Find and Keep Talent in a Forever-Tight Labor Market, along with special guest Kayt Norris, former Senior Director of Growth & Innovation at Homebridge of San Francisco, and will be facilitated by PHI’s V.P. of Workforce Innovations & Strategy, Emily Dieppa Colo.

Select the link above to register.

Beyond the Five-Star Rating: What CMS’s Risk-Based Survey Recognition Means for Nursing Home Leaders

Why Survey Performance, QAPI, Workforce Stability, and Continuous Readiness Matter More Than Ever

Insights from Colleen Toebe, MSN, CWCN, RAC-MTA, RAC-MT, DNS MT

Vice President of Clinical Services, Pathway Health

With the nationwide implementation of the Risk-Based Survey (RBS) process underway, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced another important development for nursing home leaders: public recognition of facilities that qualify for this focused survey approach.

In its revised September 29, 2026 memorandum, QSO-26-14-NH, CMS confirmed the addition of a high-performing facility icon to Nursing Home Care Compare beginning October 8, 2026.

While this designation offers greater visibility for qualifying facilities, it also reinforces an important leadership principle: Sustained quality performance depends on more than favorable ratings or successful surveys. It requires strong clinical systems, workforce stability, accurate data, and continuous quality improvement.

The Key Leadership Takeaway: The introduction of CMS’s high-performing facility icon brings greater visibility to organizations that meet RBS qualification criteria. But recognition is only one part of the story.

The real measure of sustained performance is how effectively an organization uses survey findings, quality data, workforce strategies, and QAPI to strengthen care every day.

Whether your facility currently qualifies for RBS or is working toward stronger performance, now is an opportunity to evaluate existing systems, address vulnerabilities, and reinforce a culture of continuous improvement.

Select the link above to read the full article and gain further insight.

10/23/2026: CMS and States Launch $275 Million Initiative to Recruit and Retain Nurses in Nursing Homes

The new Nurses for Nursing Homes initiative is expected to support more than 4,000 nurses and nursing students nationwide, including those serving rural communities

Nursing students and licensed nurses interested in working in a nursing home may now qualify for up to $40,000 in student loan repayment and/or a $10,000 stipend in exchange for a three-year commitment to serve in a qualifying nursing home in a rural or higher labor-shortage area through a new $275 million nationwide initiative announced today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

The Nurses for Nursing Homes initiative is expected to support more than 4,000 nurses nationwide.  Funded through civil monetary penalties collected by CMS and states from nursing homes, the initiative directs resources to licensed nurses and nursing students who provide hands-on care to nursing home residents. CMS has committed $100 million, with states committing at least an additional $175 million.

“President Trump is strengthening the nursing workforce that millions of older Americans rely on every day,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. “This initiative will recruit and retain thousands of nurses, expand care in rural and high-need communities, and create new pathways into long-term care careers. We are putting resources directly behind the nurses who care for our seniors and strengthening the quality, stability, and dignity of nursing home care across America.” 

“When we offer student loan repayment through Nurses for Nursing Homes, we’re not just giving nurses and nursing students future financial relief; we’re supporting families who want their loved ones to receive quality care in nursing homes,” said CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz. “Without taking a dime from taxpayers, CMS is empowering the next generation of nurses to pursue their dreams and helping residents form deep bonds with caregivers so they can live happier, healthier lives.”

Staffing is a critical component of nursing home quality and is incorporated into the agency’s Five Star Quality Rating System. Nurses for Nursing Homes is designed to strengthen that workforce by recruiting and retaining eligible nurses in long-term care. All 50 states and the District of Columbia are participating, and 100% of rural nursing facilities are eligible, plus additional facilities in higher labor shortage areas, extending Nurses for Nursing Homes to communities that often face significant staffing challenges. CMS is working with workforce partners, who will work with nursing homes and nursing schools across the country to recruit eligible nurses, connect them with opportunities, and build a pipeline of nurses into long-term care.

To receive payments, nurses accepted into Nurses for Nursing Homes must:

• Hold an active RN or LPN/LVN license at the time that the candidate begins their employment.

• Work at least 30 hours per week at a qualifying nursing home.

• Have eligible student loan debt; or, for those without student loan debt, have graduated within the past two years to qualify for a stipend.

• Have not worked in a nursing home for at least 60 days before opening an application account and starting an application. During the first 90 days of the initiative (Oct. 26, 2026, to Jan. 24, 2027), an exception applies to RNs and LPNs/LVNs who began working in an eligible nursing home between July 28, 2026, and Oct. 25, 2026.

• Commit to three years of service at an eligible Medicare-, Medicaid-, or dually certified long-term care facility.

Nursing students, recent graduates, and licensed nurses can visit Nurses for Nursing Homes to review eligibility requirements, open an account, find open positions at eligible nursing homes, and learn how to apply.  

For more details, see the Frequently Asked Questions.

Colorado: $169.6M to Expand Specialty Care, Strengthen Emergency Services & Bring Lifesaving Blood Transfusions Closer to Patients

This federal investment will support 91 grantees expanding telemedicine, mobile care, behavioral and maternal health care, and rural health care workforce initiatives across Colorado. 

The Trump Administration announced that a $169.6 million investment is being delivered to strengthen and expand health care for rural Coloradans through the federal Rural Health Transformation Program. This investment will support 91 grantees and approximately 250 projects working to improve access to care, strengthen rural providers and emergency services, and modernize health care delivery across Colorado.

Select the link above to read the full press release.

Skilled Nursing Facilities: Accurately Report Your Related-Party Costs 

In a report, the Office of Inspector General found that some skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) didn’t comply with Medicare requirements for reporting related-party costs. These SNFs failed to report related parties on their Medicare Cost Reports or reported the costs inaccurately, resulting in overstated costs to the Medicare Program.

Review the SNF Billing Reference educational tool to find out:

• Why related-party costs must be reported accurately

• How to accurately report these costs and required documentation

Patient Lifts: Prevent Claim Denials 

In 2024, the improper payment rate for patient lifts was 25.4%, with a projected improper payment amount of $3 million. Learn how to bill correctly for these services. Review the Patient Lifts provider compliance tip for more information, including:

• Billing codes

• Denial reasons and how to prevent them

• Documentation requirement

Optometry Services at Nursing Facilities: Bill Correctly

In a report, the Office of Inspector General found that Medicare improperly paid optometrists for high-level evaluation and management (E/M) services at nursing facilities. These E/M services aren’t usually billed by optometrists and don’t meet Medicare requirements.

Optometrists visit nursing facilities to provide services like:

• Eye exams for residents with diabetes and those at high risk for glaucoma

• Diagnostic tests and treatment for residents with age-related macular degeneration

During the audit, OIG determined that claims didn’t meet the E/M service criteria for moderate to high complexity level subsequent nursing facility care.

Learn how to bill correctly for optometry services at nursing facilities:

• Medicare Vision Services (PDF) booklet

• Items & Services Not Covered Under Medicare (PDF) booklet

• Medicare Preventive Services educational tool