Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Spotlights and Announcements
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Spotlights and Announcements
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Updates
September 4, 2024
UPDATED RESOURCE AVAILABLE: From Data Elements to Quality Measures Cross-Setting Web-Based Training
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering an updated web-based training course that provides a high-level overview of how data elements are used to construct quality measures used across post-acute care settings.
This resource can be accessed through the SNF QRP Training page.
NOW AVAILABLE: MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.19.1R Hyperlink Update Supplement
The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.19.1R Hyperlink Update Supplement is now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page.
This is an informational document that includes hyperlinks (links) that have been identified as requiring an update over the lifetime of the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.19.1, effective October 01, 2024. Due to external webpage changes, links may occasionally redirect or become unreachable, or the information provided on the webpage may change. To ensure all links remain current, a list of non-functional/out-of-date links has been compiled, each with an up-to-date replacement link. Replacement pages for each affected page of the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.19.1 can be found following the list.
September 3, 2024
SNF QRP Data Elements Used for Reporting Assessment-Based QMs and Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements Affecting FY 2027 APU Determination and Data Collection and Final Submission Deadlines for FY 2027 posted
The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Overview of Data Elements Used for Reporting Assessment-Based Quality Measures and Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements Affecting Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Annual Payment Update (APU) Determination table and the SNF QRP Data Collection and Final Submission Deadlines for the FY 2027 SNF QRP are now available.
The SNF QRP APU Table can be accessed via the Downloads section of the SNF QRP Measures and Technical Information webpage. The SNF QRP Data Collection and Final Submission Deadlines can be accessed via the Downloads section of the SNF QRP Data Submission Deadlines webpage.
REGISTRATION OPEN: SNF QRP Listening Session: Possible Expansion of SNF Data Collection and Submission to All Residents Regardless of Payer
Date/Time: Tuesday, October 1st 12:00 PM ET – 1:30PM ET
Registration Link: Registration can be completed online through Zoom using this link: https://rtiorg.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_VW7An0ATTvWLeDTWtiOVTA
RTI International on behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is hosting a public, virtual listening session on the possible expansion of collection and submission of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment data used for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) to include all residents receiving short-term skilled care in a SNF regardless of their payer. On behalf of CMS, we are seeking feedback from clinical staff, MDS coordinators, administration and management staff, and software vendors. Currently, the SNF QRP only collects data on Medicare Part A fee-for-service (FFS) residents, which represents less than 50% of the SNF resident population. Due to the declining numbers of beneficiaries with Medicare FFS benefits, collecting data on all residents, regardless of payer, supports CMS’ mission to ensure quality care for all individuals and provides the most robust and accurate representation of quality in the SNF setting. In August 2023, CMS hosted a public, virtual listening session on this subject and received valuable feedback. The summary of the listening session can be found here. On behalf of CMS, we continue to explore how SNF QRP data reporting for all residents regardless of payer might be implemented.
Prior to the listening session, you are encouraged to prepare to speak to the following topics during the call:
- Data collection and submission scenarios that might occur for all residents regardless of payer, including stays that are interrupted by hospitalization or leaves of absences.
- Other than a change in payer and a significant change in condition, clinical scenarios or other resident “changes” CMS should consider that might trigger a new assessment.
Considerations for how the data collected on all residents regardless of payer might be used.
September 3, 2024
SNF QRP FAQs for FY 2025
An update to the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) document is now available. This document has been updated to reflect the finalized policies for the SNF QRP in Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 and includes other useful resources available to providers.
The FAQ document can be accessed via the Downloads section of the SNF Quality Reporting FAQs webpage.
August 30, 2024
SNF QRP Quality Measure Calculations and Reporting User’s Manual V6.0, Change Table, Risk Adjustment Appendix File, Imputation Appendix File, and HCC ICD-10 Crosswalks – Now Available
The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Quality Measure Calculations and Reporting User’s Manual Version 6.0 and accompanying documents are now available. These documents serve as an update to the specifications used to calculate quality measures that are included in the SNF QRP effective October 1, 2024.
These files can be found in the Downloads section of the CMS SNF QRP Quality Reporting Measures and Technical Information webpage.
August 26, 2024
UPDATED RESOURCE AVAILABLE: Section GG Web-Based Training Series
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering an updated series of web-based training courses that provide an overview of the assessment and Section GG guidance found in the Long-Term Care Facility Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) 3.0 User’s Manual Version 1.19.1 to promote accurate coding of the post-acute care (PAC) cross-setting data elements.
This resource can be accessed through the SNF QRP Training page.
August 22, 2024
Attention SNF Providers! New SNF Provider Preview Reports – Now Available
The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the October 2024 refresh.
For more information, please visit the CMS SNF QRP Public Reporting website.
August 14, 2024
NOW AVAILABLE: CMS National Summary Report, Executive Summary, and National Summary Results workbook for the 2023 Post-Acute Care Health Equity Confidential Feedback Reports
In October 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released two Health Equity Confidential Feedback Reports to post-acute care (PAC) providers: the Discharge to Community (DTC) Health Equity Confidential Feedback Report and the Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary (MSPB) Health Equity Confidential Feedback Report.
To help expand access to aggregate stratified results, the National Summary Report provides insights on aggregate (e.g., national-level) differences in quality by dual-enrollment status and race/ethnicity in the PAC settings. This report can be used as a reference by PAC providers who received the 2023 Health Equity Confidential Feedback Reports. In addition, this report can help other stakeholders understand aggregate variations in the stratified DTC and MSPB measure outcomes. The Executive Summary of the National Summary Report serves as a quick summary of the main findings from the National Summary Report. The National Summary Results workbook includes the full set of results that were included in the National Summary Report.
The National Summary Report, Executive Summary, and National Summary Results workbook can be found in the Downloads section of the PAC QRP Training webpage for HH, IRF, LTCH, and SNF.
August 1, 2024
Reminder of Upcoming Data Submission Deadline
The submission deadline for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) is approaching. Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment data and data submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) for January 1 – March 31 (Q1) of calendar year (CY) 2024 are due with this submission deadline.
All data must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2024.
It is recommended that applicable Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) reports and NHSN analysis reports are run prior to each quarterly reporting deadline to ensure that all required data were submitted. We encourage you to verify all facility information prior to submission, including CMS Certification Number (CCN) and facility name.
View the list of measures required for the deadline on the SNF Quality Reporting Program Data Submission Deadlines webpage.
For submission information, visit:
Swingtech sends informational messages to SNFs that are not meeting Annual Payment Update (APU) threshold on a quarterly basis ahead of each submission deadline. If you need to add or change the email addresses to which these messages are sent, please email QRPHelp@swingtech.com and be sure to include your facility name and CCN along with any requested email updates.
August 1, 2024
NOW AVAILABLE: Final MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.19.1
The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.19.1 is now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.19.1 will be effective beginning October 01, 2024.
This version of the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual contains guidance to support the addition of new items N0415K: Anticonvulsant and O0350: Resident’s COVID-19 vaccination is up to date. Additionally, the Discharge Goals column in items GG0130: Self-Care and GG0170: Mobility has been removed; and the guidance and examples in Section GG have been revised to reflect the modification. Expanded guidance has been added regarding Manual Assessment Correction/Deletion Requests in Chapter 3, Section X, and Chapter 5. Various minor alignments, clarifications, and corrections have been implemented throughout; specifics can be found in the included chapter/section change tables following the guidance.
August 1, 2024
Care Compare July Refresh of SNF QRP Data – Now Available
The July 2024 refresh of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data is now available on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC).
For more information, please visit the SNF QRP Public Reporting website.
July 31, 2024
Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Quality Reporting Program and Value-Based Purchasing Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 (CMS-1802-F)
On July 31, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule (CMS-1802-F) that provides policy updates for the fiscal year (FY) 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP). This final rule includes the addition of four new assessment items in the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) category: Living Situation, Food, and Utilities to the Minimum Data Set (MDS). CMS is also finalizing modifying the Transportation item in the MDS. Additionally, CMS is finalizing a validation process for the SNF QRP that is similar to the validation process that was adopted for the SNF Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program in the FY 2024 SNF Prospective payment system (PPS) rule. Finally, CMS is summarizing the feedback received on the Request for Information (RFI) on quality measure concepts under consideration for future SNF QRP years.
The proposed rule went on display at the Federal Register and will be available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection
July 24, 2024
NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE: Patient Mood Interview (Patient Health Questionnaire PHQ-2 to 9©) Video Tutorial
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a video tutorial for completing D0150, Patient Mood Interview (PHQ-2 to 9) and D0160, Total Severity Score. Within the video, the PHQ-2 to 9 assessment and related coding is demonstrated using excerpts from two patient interviews.
This resource can be accessed through the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training page.
July 19, 2024
NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE: What You Need to Know: PAC QRP Key Program Updates – FY/CY 2025 Web-Based Training
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training course that provides an overview of key updates to the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) for Fiscal Year (FY) 2025.
This resource can be accessed through the SNF QRP Training page.
July 15, 2024
SNF Provider Preview Reports – Now Available
The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the October 2024 refresh.
For more information, please visit the CMS SNF QRP Public Reporting website.
July 3, 2024
SNF Quality Reporting Program: Non-Compliance Notifications
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing notifications to Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) and non-Critical Access Hospital (CAH) Swing Beds (SBs) that were determined to be out of compliance with SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) requirements for calendar year (CY) 2023 which will affect their fiscal year (FY) 2025 Annual Payment Update (APU). Non-compliance notifications will be distributed by the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and will be placed into facilities’ My Reports folders in the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) on July 03, 2024. If you receive a letter of non-compliance may submit a request for reconsideration to CMS via email no later than 11:59 pm, August 14, 2024.If you receive a notice of non-compliance and would like to request a reconsideration, see the instructions in your notification letter and on the SNF Quality Reporting Reconsideration and Exception & Extension webpage.
Please note: Any reconsideration containing protected health information (PHI) will not be processed. All PHI must be removed in order for a reconsideration to be reviewed.
June 3, 2024
NOW AVAILABLE: Draft MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.19.1
The draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual version (v)1.19.1 is now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual v1.19.1 will be effective beginning October 01, 2024.
This version of the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual contains guidance to support the addition of new items N0415K: Anticonvulsant and O0350: Resident’s COVID-19 vaccination is up to date. Additionally, the Discharge Goals column in items GG0130: Self-Care and GG0170: Mobility have been removed; and the guidance and examples in Section GG have been revised to reflect the modification. Various minor alignments and corrections have been implemented throughout; specifics can be found in the included chapter/section change tables following the guidance.
May 17, 2024
Updated Quick Reference Guide Available
An updated Quick Reference Guide is now available in the Downloads section of the SNF Quality Reporting Data Submission Deadlines webpage. The Quick Reference Guide provides high-level information on the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program, including frequently asked questions and helpful links.
May 17, 2024
NOW AVAILABLE: Final MDS 3.0 Item Sets version 1.19.1
The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.19.1 are now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS Item Sets v1.19.1 will be effective beginning October 01, 2024.
May 13, 2024
NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Explainer Video
A brief explainer video, Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) Items: Using Sources Other Than the Resident to Code is now available for SNF providers. This resource can be accessed through the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training page.
May 13, 2024
POST-EVENT MATERIALS AVAILABLE: SNF QRP: Achieving a Full APU Webinar Post-Event Q&A
A Post-Event Q&A document from the SNF QRP: Achieving a Full APU Webinar that took place on March 26, 2024, is now available.
For more information, please visit the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training page.
May 9, 2024
Reminder of Upcoming Data Submission Deadline
The submission deadline for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) is approaching. Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment data and data submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) for October 1 – December 31 (Q4) of calendar year (CY) 2023 are due with this submission deadline. The annual NHSN measure Influenza Vaccination among Healthcare Personnel is also due with this deadline.
All data must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on May 15, 2024.
It is recommended that applicable Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) reports and NHSN analysis reports are run prior to each quarterly reporting deadline to ensure that all required data were submitted. We encourage you to verify all facility information prior to submission, including CMS Certification Number (CCN) and facility name.
View the list of measures required for the May 15, 2024 deadline on the SNF Quality Reporting Program Data Submission Deadlines webpage.
For submission information, visit:
Swingtech sends informational messages to SNFs that are not meeting Annual Payment Update (APU) threshold on a quarterly basis ahead of each submission deadline. If you need to add or change the email addresses to which these messages are sent, please email QRPHelp@swingtech.com and be sure to include your facility name and CCN along with any requested email updates.
May 6, 2024
NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE: Recording Available for the SNF QRP: Achieving a Full APU Webinar
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted a webinar on March 26, 2024, to provide updated instructions to help providers understand how to achieve a full Annual Payment Update (APU) in the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP).
For more information, please visit the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training webpage.
April 24, 2024
Care Compare April Refresh of SNF QRP Data – Now Available
The April 2024 refresh of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data is now available on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC).
For more information, please visit the SNF QRP Public Reporting webpage.
April 15, 2024
SNF Provider Preview Reports – Now Available
The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the July 2024 refresh.
For more information, please visit the CMS SNF QRP Public Reporting webpage.
March 28, 2024
Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities; Updates to the Quality Reporting Program and Value-Based Purchasing Program for Federal Fiscal Year 2025 (CMS-1802-P)
On March 28, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule (CMS-1802-P) that provides updates to the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP). In this proposed rule, CMS is proposing to require SNF’s to collect and submit through the Minimum Data Set (MDS) four new assessment items in the Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) category: one item for Living Situation, two items for Food, and one item for Utilities. CMS is also proposing to modify the current Transportation item. Additionally, CMS is proposing to adopt a similar validation process for the SNF QRP that was adopted for the SNF VBP. Finally, CMS is seeking feedback with a Request for Information (RFI) on quality measure concepts under consideration for future SNF QRP years.
The proposed rule went on display at the Federal Register and is available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection
March 22, 2024
REGISTRATION REMINDER: SNF QRP: Achieving a Full APU Webinar – Update
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a webinar to provide updated instructions to help providers understand how to achieve a full Annual Payment Update (APU) in the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP).
For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training webpage.
February 26, 2024
REGISTRATION OPEN: SNF QRP: Achieving a Full APU Webinar – Update
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a webinar to provide updated instructions to help providers understand how to achieve a full Annual Payment Update (APU) in the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP).
For more information and to register for the webinar, please visit the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training webpage.
February 2, 2024
SUMMARY REPORT PUBLISHED: SNF QRP Listening Session: Possible Expansion of MDS Data Submission to All SNF Patients Regardless of Payer
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has published a summary report on the virtual Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Listening Session that was held on August 29, 2023 by Acumen, LLC. This session was held to seek feedback from administration and management staff, software vendors, and clinical staff on the possible expansion of collection and submission of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment data used for the SNF QRP to include all residents receiving short-term skilled care in a SNF regardless of their payer. The report presents a summary of the presentation for each discussion topic, stakeholder input for each of the discussion questions, and key findings. The discussion topics included identifying the resident population for expanded MDS data collection and submission, identifying the expanded resident population on the MDS, potential burden associated with expanding MDS data collection and submission, and the impact of changes in level of care on MDS data collection and submission. The summary report also includes the feedback received via email to the dedicated email inbox, SNF-Listening-Session-2023@acumenllc.com, that was open for 30 days following the event. The report can be found on the SNF QRP Measures and Technical Information webpage.
January 31, 2024
Care Compare January Refresh of SNF QRP Data – Now Available
The January 2024 refresh of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data is now available on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC).
For more information, please visit the SNF QRP Public Reporting webpage.
January 19, 2024
NOW AVAILABLE: CMS FAQ Document and Methodology Report for the Post-Acute Care Health Equity Confidential Feedback Reports
In October 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released two Health Equity Confidential Feedback Reports to post-acute care (PAC) providers: the Discharge to Community (DTC) Health Equity Confidential Feedback Report and the Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary (MSPB) Health Equity Confidential Feedback Report.
To answer frequently asked questions and to provide methodological information about these reports, CMS released the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document and the Methodology Report. The materials can be access through these links:
- CMS Health Equity Confidential Feedback Report Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Document (PDF)
- CMS Health Equity Confidential Feedback Report Methodology Report (PDF)
January 16, 2024
SNF Provider Preview Reports – Now Available
The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the April 2024 refresh.
For more information, please visit the SNF QRP Public Reporting webpage.
January 12, 2024
NOW AVAILABLE: Draft MDS 3.0 Item Sets version 1.19.1
The draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.19.1 and Item Matrix are now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS Item Sets v1.19.1 will be effective beginning October 01, 2024.
Page Last Modified:
09/10/2024 06:27 PM