Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Spotlights and Announcements
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Spotlights and Announcements
Updates
April 11, 2025
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 2026 (CMS-1827-P)
On April 11, 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule (CMS-1827-P) that provides updates to the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP). In this proposed rule, CMS is proposing the removal of four 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 amend the SNF QRP reconsideration policy and process. Finally, CMS is seeking feedback with three Requests for Information (RFI) including future quality measure concepts for the SNF QRP; potential revisions to the data submission deadlines for assessment data collected for the SNF QRP; and advancing digital quality measurement in SNFs.
The proposed rule went on display at the Federal Register and will be available at: https://www.federalregister.gov/public-inspection
January 15, 2025
SNF Provider Preview Reports – Now Available
The 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 the compare tool on Medicare.gov and the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the April 2025 refresh.
For more information, please visit the CMS SNF QRP Public Reporting website.
November 22, 2024
SUMMARY REPORT PUBLISHED: SNF QRP Listening Session: Possible Expansion of SNF Data Collection and Submission to All Residents 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 October 1, 2024 by RTI International. This session was held to seek feedback from clinical staff, MDS coordinators, administration and management staff, and software vendors 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, input from interested parties for each of the discussion questions, and key findings. The summary report also includes the feedback received via email in the 30 days following the event. The report can be found in the Downloads section on the SNF QRP Measures and Technical Information webpage.
October 30, 2024
Public Reporting October 2024 Refresh of SNF QRP Data – Now Available
The October 2024 refresh of the SNF QRP data is now available on Care Compare on Medicare.gov and Provider Data Catalog (PDC).
For more information, please visit the SNF QRP Public Reporting website.
October 18, 2024
SNF QRP Listening Session: Possible Expansion of SNF Data Collection and Submission to All SNF Residents Regardless of Payer - Feedback Accepted Through 11/1/2024
On October 1st, 2024, RTI International on behalf of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosted 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. The following questions were discussed during the call:
- Is it feasible to apply the CMS’s interrupted stay policy to all residents admitted for a skilled SNF stay, regardless of payer?
- Is it feasible to apply the CMS’s leave of absence policy to all residents admitted for a skilled SNF stay, regardless of payer?
- What other issues should CMS consider when exploring the possible expansion of MDS data collection and submission to include all SNF residents regardless of payer?
- How might the additional information collected on all residents regardless of payer be used?
On behalf of CMS, we will continue to receive comments and feedback on these topics until 5pm EST on November 1, 2024 at the following dedicated email inbox, SNF-Listening-Session-2024@rti.org.
October 1, 2024
NOW AVAILABLE: Draft MDS 3.0 Item Sets version 1.20.1
The draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.20.1 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 v1.20.1 will be effective beginning October 1, 2025.
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.
September 3, 2024
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.
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 on Medicare.gov and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the October 2024 refresh.
For more information, please visit the CMS SNF QRP Public Reporting website.
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
Public Reporting 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 on Medicare.gov 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 on Medicare.gov and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the October 2024 refresh.
For more information, please visit the CMS SNF QRP Public Reporting website.
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.
Page Last Modified:
04/15/2025 04:14 PM