Infection Control in Nursing Homes: Why F880 Remains the Top Citation — and How Leaders Can Build a Stronger Program
Insights from Nancy Foss, Director of Regulatory and Consulting Services The Leadership ImperativeFor today’s long-term care leaders, infection control is more than a regulatory checkbox — it’s a cornerstone of resident safety, operational stability, and survey success. Yet, CMS F880 – Infection Prevention & Control remains one of the most frequently cited deficiencies nationwide. Even...
Pathway Perspectives: A Season of Gratitude and Leadership Reflection
When you think of Thanksgiving, images of great food, cherished family traditions, joyful gatherings with friends, and perhaps even a short break from work come to mind. This time of year invites us to pause and reflect on the many blessings in our lives. A heart filled with gratitude brings peace, renews energy, and reminds...
Lessons in Leadership from the Thanksgiving Table– A Perspective of Hope and Appreciation
The Thanksgiving holiday offers us a time to reflect on all the things we are thankful for while spending time with family and friends. It is also a day to reflect upon the past 22 months and the impact this pandemic has had on each of us, personally and professionally. As a professional, what are you...
Embracing INTERACT® for Change of Condition!
An evidence-based system for early identification and management of early changes of condition is essential for three vital reasons: quality of resident care, regulatory compliance, and a reduction of unnecessary hospital readmissions. The INTERACT Quality Improvement Program is the excellent choice for facilities to implement! When all staff in all departments are trained and able...
“Shake It Up” for International Infection Prevention Week
October 17-23, 2021, is International Infection Prevention Week. The theme for this year is an EXCELLENT theme: “Make Your Intention Infection Prevention.” As we enter autumn, during the COVID-19 pandemic and heading into another influenza season, it is important to keep in mind the intention of Infection Prevention and Control. While the core principles of infection prevention and control...
Leadership Considerations: F689-Free from Accidents and Hazards
This CMS regulation is number four on the most frequently cited deficiencies in 2021. In an effort to avoid a citation, we may take a routine approach to assess and plan for fall reduction. Can we really prevent residents from falling? The accurate answer is “No.” However, we have many tools in our toolbox to...
INTERACT® QIP – Raising the Bar With SBAR
Since early 2020, we have been faced with a pandemic that has challenged health care more than anything else in our lifetime. Therefore, it is important to focus on strategies to effectively evaluate and communicate acute changes of condition and how to provide prompt and complete follow-up for quality and positive outcomes. With a COVID-19 infection,...
Prepare for the Upcoming to 1135 Waivers
In a memo (QSO-21-17-NH) issued to State Survey Agencies dated April 8, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) updated the status of several Long-Term Care Emergency Regulatory Waivers that will end effective May 10, 2021. These waivers have been in place in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing flexibility for nursing...
Celebrating Your Team – Reflection and Appreciation
Reflecting upon this past year and the unprecedented levels of disruption impacting our team members at home, in their community and at work, employee appreciation continues to be a top priority for all leaders. We can add up all of the days, weeks and months in 2020. However, for most of us, the time has...
Reimbursement QuickTIP: Get Paid for the Care and Services you Provide
During the COVID-19 pandemic, post-acute care leaders have had their days filled with sparse staffing, infection control surveys, sick residents and staff, and distraught families. Now that vaccines are rolling out to our residents and employees, we can begin to look beyond making it through the day and think about the overall health of...