Welcome to the newly formatted
MDS Broadcast
May 2026
May 2026
CMS Releases Proposed FY 2027 SNF PPS Rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) Proposed Rule, outlining several proposed updates to Medicare payment rates, quality programs, and data reporting requirements for SNFs. Select the above link for more details.
CMS Updates State Operations Manual for Nursing Homes
CMS has finalized revisions to the State Operations Manual governing nursing home surveys and complaint investigations. The guidance was initially released through QSO 26 03 NH on January 30, 2026, with revisions to Chapters 5 and 7, and was subsequently updated in a revised QSO memo issued on April 3, 2026, to further clarify survey timing expectations. Select the above link for more details.
May 21, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET
1 CE credit for Nurses & Administrators for live session attendees
This session will address regulatory compliance, medication management, the roles of the interdisciplinary team (IDT), and the formulation of a comprehensive non-pharmacological care plan.
Select the above link to register.
June 3, 2026 | 1:00 pm ET
1 CE credit for Nurses, Case Managers, Social Workers (MN) & NAB for live session attendees
Select the above link to register.
June 4, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET
1 CE credit for Nurses & NAB for live session attendees
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services continue to focus on nursing home use of antipsychotic and behavioral-altering medications.
Select the above link to register.
June11, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET
1 CE credit for Nurses, Case Managers, Social Workers (MN) & NAB for live session attendees
Workforce instability continues to challenge care delivery across aging services, making retention, engagement, and professional growth more critical than ever. This webinar provides a practical, data-driven roadmap for building a culture of career pathways that supports caregiver satisfaction, reduces turnover, and improves care quality. In recognition of CNA Month, participants will explore evidence-based workforce strategies, training investments, and recognition programs, such as Caregiver of the Month and Caregiver of the Year, that elevate caregiving as a profession and strengthen organizational resilience.
Select the above link to register.
July 16, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET
1 CE credit for Nurses & NAB for live session attendees
This interactive discussion and work session will provide attendees with keen insight into new requirements impacting providers. Attendees will engage in the interactive session, working through scenarios while accessing reports and resources designed to guide leaders through the changes now in play.
Select the above link to register.
August 11, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET
1 CE credit for Nurses & NAB for live session attendees
SNFVBP, SNFQRP, Care Compare, CASPER Reports, and state-specific quality measures impact all aspects of skilling nursing facilities today and in the future. This important presentation will provide leaders with key information on the financial, clinical, and regulatory impact of quality measures on their organization.
Select the above link to register.
August 13, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET
1 CE credit for Nurses, Case Managers, Social Workers (MN) & NAB for live session attendees
Conflict and communication breakdowns can derail care plans, strain relationships, and compromise outcomes—especially during care transitions or periods of decline. This highly practical webinar equips care teams with de-escalation techniques, structured communication protocols, and role-play scenarios to manage challenging interactions with families and interdisciplinary partners.
Select the above link to register.
October 8, 2026 | 2:00 pm ET
1 CE credit for Nurses, Case Managers, Social Workers (MN) & NAB for live session attendees
Depression and anxiety are frequently underrecognized in older adults, yet they significantly impact functional status, quality of life, and overall health outcomes. Timed with Mental Illness Awareness Week and Pharmacy Month, this webinar highlights evidence-based screening, referral, and intervention strategies to support emotional well-being in aging populations.
Select the above link to register.
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 above link to register.
Event
Tuesday, May 12 from 10-11 am MST
Join Dr. Dora Hughes, Chief Medical Officer of CMS and Director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ), and the CCSQ leadership team for an engaging update on our work to strengthen health care quality, safety, and coverage. Hear the latest on recent policy developments and how these efforts are accelerating progress toward improving care and outcomes for beneficiaries in Medicare, Medicaid, and the Marketplace.
Select the above link to register for the event.
Insights from Nancy Foss, RN, BSN, Director of Regulatory and Consulting Services
Medication safety is one of the strongest predictors of quality outcomes in skilled nursing facilities. Yet, F761 – Labeling and Storage of Drugs and Biologicals has climbed into the Top 10 most frequently cited deficiencies nationwide, signaling significant risk for organizations nationwide.
Select the above link to read the full article.
OIG Flags Inappropriate Antipsychotic Use in Nursing Homes
A new report from the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG) found that some nursing homes inappropriately administered antipsychotic drugs to residents with dementia, exposing them to serious health risks. Based on 40 focused inspections conducted by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), the report found that facilities used these drugs to manage behavior rather than for medically appropriate reasons, despite FDA warnings that antipsychotics increase the risk of death for elderly patients with dementia.
Select the above link to read more.
In this session, our experts will break down the most important components of the FY 2027 Proposed Rule, including updates to SNF payment rates, Quality Reporting Program (QRP) requirements, and Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program changes. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of what is changing, what timelines to be aware of, and how these updates may impact operations.
Select the above link to register.