Ask Proactive – I’ve assumed a new role that requires me to audit our compliance with reporting to NHSN. The instructions for completion of the LTCF COVID-19 module are not clear in some areas. For example, we are the designated COVID-19 unit amongst two sister facilities. If the patient acquires COVID in my sister facility, then transfers to my facility, and passes away due to the infection, do I have to count this as a resident COVID death in my facility?

Q: I’ve assumed a new role that requires me to audit our compliance with reporting to NHSN. The instructions for completion of the LTCF COVID-19 module are not clear in some areas. For example, we are the designated COVID-19 unit amongst two sister facilities. If the...

Ask Proactive – We have a patient who received a skilled stay (34 days) using the spell of illness waiver (related to positive COVID condition and clinical needs). She just returned from the hospital outside her 30-day window, but still has 38 days remaining in the benefit period. Can we skill her again? How many times can we use the waiver for a patient?

Q: We have a patient who received a skilled stay (34 days) using the spell of illness waiver (related to positive COVID condition and clinical needs). She just returned from the hospital outside her 30-day window, but still has 38 days remaining in the benefit period....

Care Planning for Fall Prevention

Falls in nursing homes are an unfortunate, yet common occurrence. Studies show that approximately half of nursing home residents in the United States fall each year, and a 2014 report by the Office of the Inspector General found that nearly 10% of adverse events...