Are You Aware of the MDS Validation Program?

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Hopefully, you (and your Minimum Data Set (MDS) Coordinator or Resident Nurse Assessment Coordinator (RNAC)) are aware of the importance of checking the Validation Reports after submitting MDS assessments. This has always been the expectation and best practice to find any errors in a timely manner, make corrections, and ensure that MDS submissions are accurate and accepted. If you are in the habit of checking your Validation Reports in the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation…

Strengthening Medical Director Roles in Skilled Nursing: A Timely Look Ahead

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Medical directors are central to the clinical integrity of skilled nursing facilities—but how involved are they, really? While federal regulations outline specific responsibilities, there’s growing concern that the roles of medical directors are inconsistently defined, poorly documented, or limited in practice. In response, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through its Office of Evaluation and Inspections (OEI), has launched a federal review to assess how medical directors are engaged—and how that engagement…

A Review of Medicare Part B Therapy Maintenance Programs and the Use of the KX Modifier

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As the months of 2025 pass, the importance of thorough documentation and adherence to regulatory standards has never been greater, particularly for those providing services under Medicare Part B. Recently, there has been an increasing focus on therapy services, especially regarding the application of the KX modifier and the implementation of maintenance therapy programs. These components are vital in ensuring that patients receive the skilled care they need, even when that care extends beyond the…