Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has many sources of information about the SNF QRP for SNFs and other stakeholders including:
- Training Materials and In-person Training
- Training Question and Answers (Q&As)
- SNF Open Door Forum (ODF) Presentations
- Special Open Door Forum (SODF) Presentations
- CMS Quality Partner/Vendor Workgroup Presentations
This page is organized to be a library of training materials available to SNFs. Trainings added to this page in the most recent six months will display as *NEW*.
If you have technical questions or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training mailbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to the SNF Quality Reporting Program Help Desk.
Introduction to the SNF QRP Web-Based Training
CMS offers a web-based training course for those who are new to the SNF QRP. The Introduction to the SNF QRP course is designed to provide a general overview of the program as well as a variety of links and resources for additional information. Specific topics include:
- Lesson 1: What is the SNF QRP?
- Lesson 2: The Minimum Data Set (MDS).
- Lesson 3: MDS Data Submission.
- Lesson 4: SNF QRP Resources.
From Data Elements to Quality Measures – Cross-Setting QRP Web-Based Training.
CMS is offering a web-based training course that provides a high-level overview of how data elements within CMS patient/resident assessment instruments are used to construct quality measures (QMs) across post-acute care (PAC) settings. The PAC settings included are those covered under the CMS QRPs for Home Health Agencies (HHAs), Inpatient Rehabilitation Facilities (IRFs), Long-Term Care Hospitals (LTCHs) and SNFs. Information covered in this 60-minute course will include a short review of the QRPs’ cross-setting QMs, how data elements feed into these cross-setting QMs, how QMs are calculated and appear on QM reports and how to access and use this data for quality improvement.
Achieving a Full APU Webinar Training
A video of the SNF QRP: Achieving a Full Annual Payment Update (APU) webinar that took place on Tuesday, March 30, 2021, is available to view on YouTube at the following link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkU2ega3j3s. The training materials are here:
- SNFQRP_Achieving_a_Full_APU_Slides (PDF)
- SNFQRP_FullAPU_Post-Event_Slides (PDF)
- SNFQRP_FullAPU_QandA (PDF)
Section C and D Training Materials
Cognitive & Mood Assessment
This four-course series provides an overview of the general and key clinical considerations important for conducting standardized cognitive and mood assessments and include interactive exercises to test your knowledge. While it is intended that the courses be completed in sequential order, you may jump directly to any topic of interest. The courses contained within this training are:
- Course 1: Approaches to Cognitive & Mood Assessments for SNF Providers.
- Course 2: Assessment of Cognitive Function for SNF Providers (BIMS).
- Course 3: Assessing Delirium in the SNF Care Setting (CAM©).
- Course 4: The Resident Mood Interview (PHQ-9©) for SNF Providers.
Section D Training Materials
Resident Mood Interview (PHQ-9©) Video Tutorial
This video provides a depiction of a scenario that demonstrates the coding of D0200. Resident Mood Interview (Patient Health Questionnaire [PHQ]-9©) and D0300. Total Severity Score.
Section GG Training Materials
Section GG 3-Course Training Series
This web-based training series is designed to be used on demand anywhere you can access a browser and includes interactive exercises to test your knowledge related to the assessment and coding of Section GG items. This training series consists of three courses:
- Course 1: Understanding Prior Functioning and Prior Device Use.
- Course 2: GG0130. Self-Care Items.
- Course 3: GG0170. Mobility Items.
Video Tutorials Available to Assist with Coding Specific Section GG Items
These videos, ranging from 4 to 12 minutes, are designed to provide targeted guidance using simulated patient scenarios. To access the videos, click on the links below.
- GG0110. Prior Device Use with Information from Multiple Sources. (3:58)
- GG0130A. Eating. (6:19)
- GG0130B. Oral Hygiene (4:25)
- GG0130H. Putting on/taking off footwear. (6:25)
- GG0170L. Walking 10 feet on uneven surfaces. (5:52)
- GG1070P. Picking up object. (5:49)
- Decision Tree for Coding Section GG0130. Self-Care and GG0170. Mobility. (11:56)
March 20, 2023
*NEW* UPDATED RESOURCE AVAILABLE: Video Tutorial: GG0170C. Lying to Sitting on Side of Bed
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is releasing a short video tutorial to assist providers with coding GG0170C. Lying to Sitting on Side of Bed. This 5-minute video is designed to provide targeted guidance using simulated patient scenarios.
Section J Training Materials
Health Conditions: Coding the Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements Related to Falls
This 45-minute web-based training provides an overview of the assessment and coding of the standardized patient assessment data elements in Section J: Health Conditions and is designed to include interactive exercises to test your knowledge. To access the videos, click the links below.
Section K Training Materials
Swallowing/Nutritional Status: Height, Weight, and Nutritional Approaches
This 30-minute course provides an overview of the assessment and coding of K0200: Height and Weight and K0500: Nutritional Approaches and includes interactive exercises to test your knowledge. To access the video, click the links below
Section M Training Materials
Assessment and Coding of Pressure Ulcers/Injuries
This 90-minute web-based training provides an overview of the assessment and coding of the standardized patient assessment data elements in Section M: Skin Conditions and is designed to include interactive exercises to test your knowledge. To access the videos, click the links below.
Section N Training Materials
Medications – Drug Regimen Review
This 45-minute web-based training provides an overview of the assessment and coding of the Drug Regimen Review standardized patient assessment data elements to Section N and is designed to be used on demand anywhere you can access a browser. To access the videos, click the links below.
Section O Training Materials
Section O: O0100. Special Procedures, Treatments, and Programs
This 30-minute web-based training provides an overview of the assessment and coding of Section O: O0100. Special Procedures, Treatments, and Programs and is designed to include interactive exercises to test your knowledge related to the assessment and coding of O0100.
Job Aids
CMS is offering companion job aids to assist providers in the assessment and coding of assessment items. The job aids provide clinically relevant information to assist providers in understanding specific guidelines and clinical considerations that should be applied to coding these items. The job aids are provided in multiple file types designed for printing, viewing, or sharing electronically. An explanation of the file types is provided in the ZIP file.
Job Aids – GG0130A. Eating, GG0130B. Oral Hygiene, GG0130C. Toileting Hygiene, GG0130E. Shower/Bathe Self, GG0130F. Upper Body Dressing, GG0130G. Lower Body Dressing, and GG0130H. Putting On/Taking Off Footwear
Pocket Guides / Badge Buddies
CMS is offering Pocket Guides to assist providers in the assessment and coding of assessment items. The pocket guides provide a quick reference for important terms and definitions that promote coding accuracy. These pocket guides are approximately 2 x 3.5 inches in size and are designed to be worn behind a provider identification badge.
- Pocket Guide #1: Coding for Self-Care and Mobility Items (PDF).
- Pocket Guide #2: Definitions for Coding Section J Fall Items (PDF).
- Pocket Guide #3: Pressure Ulcers/Injuries Stages and Definitions (PDF)
SNF QRP Tip Sheets
The purpose of the tip sheets are to help providers understand the CMS public reporting strategy for the SNF QRP to account for CMS quality data submissions that were optional and excepted from public reporting due to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). The tip sheets also outline the impact on the CMS’ Care Compare website refreshes.
- Second Edition SNF QRP Public Reporting Tip Sheet_Feb 2022 (PDF)
- 2022_November_SNF Third Edition QRP Public Reporting Tip Sheet (PDF)
Updates
September 26, 2023
NEW RESOURCE AVAILABLE: BIMS and BIMS Summary Score Explainer Video
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is offering a 3-minute, animated explainer video, BIMS and BIMS Summary Score: Stopping and Coding an Incomplete Interview for SNF Providers. This video was developed to assist providers in accurately determining when the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) should be stopped, and how to code the remaining items in this situation. The video is now available through the following link: BIMS and BIMS Summary Score: Stopping and Coding an Incomplete Interview Explainer Video.
If you have questions about accessing the resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. If you would like to receive email notifications related to future training resources or events, please register to be added to our Notification List. Content-related questions should be submitted to the SNF Help Desk.
September 22, 2023
NEW RESOURCES AVAILABLE: Cue Cards for Administering the BIMS in Writing, PHQ-2 to 9, Pain Assessment Interview, and Interview for Daily and Activity Preferences
CMS is offering a set of cue cards to assist providers in conducting the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) in Writing, the Resident Mood Interview (PHQ-2 to 9), the Pain Assessment Interview, and the Interview for Daily and Activity Preferences, as referenced in the MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 coding guidance. This resource is intended to be utilized as a supplemental resident communication tool that provides a visual reference of response options. More detailed instructions regarding the use of cue cards and the administration of the BIMS in writing can be found in the MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Manual.
The cue cards are available in the Downloads section below.
If you have questions about accessing the resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. If you would like to receive email notifications related to future training resources or events, please register to be added to our Notification List. Content-related questions should be submitted to the SNF QRP Help Desk.
August 23, 2023
POST-EVENT MATERIALS AVAILABLE: The SNF MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Guidance Training Program
A Post-Event Q&A document from the SNF MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Guidance Training Program is now available. This document contains responses to questions asked throughout the training program. See “2023_August_SNF Guidance Training Program_Q&A” in the Downloads section below.
If you have questions about accessing resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. If you would like to receive email notifications related to future training resources or events, please register to be added to our Notification List. Content-related questions should be submitted to the SNF QRP Help Desk.
August 2, 2023
POST-EVENT MATERIALS AVAILABLE: The SNF MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Guidance Training Program
Post-event materials are now available for the SNF MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Guidance Training Program. Post-event materials include the recorded coding workshop sessions and PDF versions of the coding workshop presentations.
Available Resources:
- The recordings of the Part 1 pre-recorded training webinars and the Part 2 live, virtual coding workshop sessions are available on CMS YouTube.
- See “2023_May_SNF Guidance Training Program_Part 1 (ZIP)” in the Downloads section below for Part 1 training materials.
- See “2023_May_SNF Guidance Training Program_Part 2 (ZIP)” in the Downloads section below for Part 2 training materials.
- See “2023_May_SNF Guidance Training Program_Supplemental Materials (ZIP)” in the Downloads section below for supplemental training materials.
If you have questions about accessing resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. If you would like to receive email notifications related to future training resources or events, please register to be added to our Notification List. Content-related questions should be submitted to the SNF QRP Help Desk.
July 14, 2023
UPDATED RESOURCE AVAILABLE: BIMS Video Tutorial
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering an updated video tutorial to assist providers with guidance application and interview strategies for the cognitive assessment known as the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) found in the MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11, effective October 1, 2023. This video tutorial is approximately 20 minutes in length and is designed to provide targeted guidance for accurate coding using live-action resident scenarios. To access the video, click on the following link: BIMS Video Tutorial.
If you have questions about accessing the resources or feedback regarding the trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox.
Content-related questions should be submitted to the SNF QRP Help Desk.
June 20, 2023
NEW RESOURCES AVAILABLE: The SNF MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Guidance Training Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a virtual training program that provides instruction on the updated guidance for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) v1.18.11 Manual and Item Set. This training is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure SNF providers have access to the educational materials necessary to understand and comply with the guidance changes. This guidance will affect reporting requirements associated with the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) that will go into effect on October 1, 2023. A major focus of this training will be on the cross-setting implementation of the standardized patient assessment data elements to ensure more consistent reporting and evaluation across post-acute care settings.
The training program consists of two parts:
Part 1: LEARN Part 1 consists of pre-recorded training webinars that deliver foundational knowledge to assist in learning the new and/or revised items and associated guidance. A supplemental Capstone Case Study is also available to give providers additional practice in coding the new and/or revised items. These videos are intended to be viewed in advance of the Part 2 live event and are available now on CMS YouTube.
Part 2: PRACTICE Part 2 includes the live, virtual workshop sessions that provide practice coding scenarios on select data elements covered in the Part 1 training webinars. These live sessions will take place on June 21st between 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. ET. Registration is open and can be completed online through Zoom.
Additional training resources are located within ZIP files in the Downloads section below. These resources include an Acronym List, Action Plan Worksheet, Case Study documents, Coding Scenario Reference Packet, Resource Guide, and PDF versions of the Training Webinars and Coding Workshops.
If you have questions regarding access to the resources or feedback related to the training, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to the SNF QRP Help Desk.
May 15, 2023
REGISTRATION OPEN: The SNF MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Guidance Training Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a virtual training program that provides instruction on the updated guidance for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) v1.18.11 Manual and Item Set. This training is part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure SNF providers have access to the educational materials necessary to understand and comply with the guidance changes. This guidance will affect reporting requirements associated with the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) that will go into effect on October 1, 2023. A major focus of this training will be on the cross-setting implementation of the standardized patient assessment data elements to ensure more consistent reporting and evaluation across post-acute care settings.
The training program consists of two parts:
Part 1: LEARN Part 1 consists of pre-recorded training webinars that deliver foundational knowledge to assist in learning the new and/or revised items and associated guidance. A supplemental Capstone Case Study is also available to give providers additional practice in coding the new and/or revised items. These videos are intended to be viewed in advance of the Part 2 live event and are available now on CMS YouTube.
Part 2: PRACTICE Part 2 includes the live, virtual workshop sessions that provide practice coding scenarios on select data elements covered in the Part 1 training webinars. These live sessions will take place on June 21st between 12:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. ET. Registration is open and can be completed online through Zoom.
Additional training resources are located within ZIP files in the Downloads section below. These resources include an acronym list, Action Plan worksheet, Case Study documents, resource guide, and PDF versions of the training webinars.
If you have questions regarding access to the resources or feedback related to the training, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to the SNF QRP Help Desk.
Content-related questions should be submitted to the SNF QRP Help Desk.
SNF Quality Reporting Program Archives
Downloads
-
2023_September_SNF_Daily_and_Activity_Preferences_Cue_Card (PDF) -
2023_September_SNF_BIMS_Cue_Cards (PDF) -
2023_September_SNF_Pain_Assessment_Interview_Cue_Cards (PDF) -
2023_September_PHQ-2_to_9_Cue_Card.pdf (PDF) -
2023_August_SNF Guidance Training Program_Q&A (PDF) -
2023_May_SNF Guidance Training Program_Part 1 (ZIP) -
2023_May_SNF Guidance Training Program_Part 2 (ZIP) -
2023_May_SNF Guidance Training Program_Supplemental Materials (ZIP)