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CMS Finalizes Removal of COVID-19 Vaccination Measures From the SNF QRP
On August 6, 2026 by Kari Everson
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized changes to COVID-19 vaccination reporting requirements under the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP).
FY 2027 SNF PPS Final Rule: Stability Today, Preparation for Tomorrow
On August 6, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially released the FY 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) Final Rule, and the biggest takeaway is one of stability. The final rule closely mirrors the proposed rule issued earlier this year, with very few substantive changes. While there were no major surprises, there are several important updates that skilled nursing providers should understand as they prepare for the years ahead.
Updates to Five-Star Quality Measure Thresholds Return
On July 23, 2026 by Julie Apold
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated the Five-Star Quality Rating System Technical Users' Guide to reflect changes to the Quality Measure (QM) domain rating thresholds, which will take effect with the quarterly Five-Star refresh scheduled for July 29, 2026.
CMS Rolls Out Risk-Based Survey Process: What It Means For Minnesota Providers
On July 16, 2026 by Kari Everson
CMS has announced a major shift in how nursing homes will be surveyed. On July 16, 2026, CMS issued QSO-26-14-NH, formally launching the Risk-Based Survey (RBS) process nationwide beginning September 8, 2026.
Fire Drills vs. Preparedness Exercises: What’s the difference?
On July 2, 2026 by Mark Schulz
State and federal regulations require nursing homes and assisted living facilities to have emergency plans that describe how they will respond to emergencies, including fires in the building. These same regulations also require facilities to practice those plans.
Risk-Based “Short” Survey Pilot Brings Shorter Review Option for Nursing Homes
On June 4, 2026 by Mark Schulz
CMS continues to test a risk-based survey process known as a “short survey” for select nursing homes that meet higher-quality indicators. The shorter survey approach is intended to focus survey resources while still protecting resident health and safety. The short survey still meets CMS requirements for the standard survey cycle.
What CMS Is Signaling to Skilled Nursing Providers in the FY 2027 Proposed Rule
On May 28, 2026 by Kari Everson
The FY 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) Proposed Rule is more than just another annual reimbursement update. While the headlines focus on a 2.4% payment increase, the deeper message from CMS is much more significant: the agency is preparing for tighter oversight, faster accountability, expanded reporting expectations, and increased scrutiny of MDS coding patterns across the skilled nursing industry.
Strengthening Emergency Preparedness with MOUs
On May 21, 2026 by Mark Schulz
Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) are a key part of a long-term care facility’s emergency preparedness plan, helping ensure residents can be safely transferred or temporarily sheltered when a facility cannot maintain operations.
The HCBS Shake-Up: Why CMS’s New Quality Measures Are Getting Attention
On April 30, 2026 by Kelly Conrad
The federal push to standardize quality in home and community-based services (HCBS) just got a lot more concrete, and a bit more complicated.
CMS Releases Proposed Medicare SNF Prospective Payment System Rule
On April 6, 2026 by Jeff Bostic
Late last week, CMS released the annual proposed PPS rule. That rule, which will be adopted in final form around Aug. 1, implements annual rate updates and other Medicare policy changes impacting SNFs. This year’s rule proposes a 2.4% increase in SNF rates effective Oct. 1, reflecting relatively low inflation. Wage index values also update on that date, meaning the actual rate increase will vary from the inflation increase.
The Future of the Falls with Major Injury Quality Measure: What SNFs Need to Know
On March 26, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
Falls with Major Injury (FMI) has long been one of the most closely watched quality measures in long-term care. It directly affects public reporting, survey scrutiny, and Five-Star Quality Ratings. However, a major shift is underway in how this measure is calculated.
CMS Updates for Complaint, Survey, Enforcement Processes; MDH Webinar
On March 12, 2026 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updates to the State Operations Manual on January 30, 2026. The new changes are effective March 30, 2026. Updates were made to Chapter 5, which outlines complaint investigations and processes, and Chapter 7, which relates to the long-term care survey process.
HHS Issues Final Rule: Annual Inflation Adjustment to Civil Monetary Penalties
On January 29, 2026 by Mark Schulz
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has published a final rule updating its civil monetary penalty (CMP) amounts to reflect inflation, under the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Improvements Act of 2015. This change ensures that penalties retain their deterrent effect by adjusting them annually based on changes in the Consumer Price Index.
The SNF Validation Program: When Data Integrity Becomes a Measure of Trust
On January 29, 2026 by LeadingAge Minnesota
For years, skilled nursing facilities (SNF) operated in a system where data submitted through the Minimum Data Set (MDS) was largely accepted at face value. Facilities reported, measures were calculated, and reimbursement and public reporting followed. That is ending.
Nursing Home Care Compare iQIES Transition Update
On January 15, 2026 by Julie Apold
CMS has recently moved nursing home survey and certification data into its new cloud-based system, iQIES (Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System). While this modernization is intended to improve data quality and reliability, the transition has resulted in data discrepancies that may be visible on Nursing Home Care Compare.
SNF Off-Cycle Revalidations Suspended Indefinitely
On December 11, 2025 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has indefinitely suspended the Skilled Nursing Facility Off-Cycle Revalidation required by January 1, 2026. It is important to note that only the January 1 (“off-cycle”) compliance date has been suspended.
CMS Repeals Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards
On December 4, 2025 by Mark Schulz
An interim final rule repealing the nursing home minimum staffing standards was released to the Federal Register on December 2. It is important to note that the interim final rule does not repeal the entire rule that was finalized in April 2024.
SNF Provider Preview Reports Updated and Ready for Review
On November 20, 2025 by Alecia Crumpler
Skilled nursing facilities can now access updated SNF Provider Preview Reports reflecting quality measure data that will be publicly reported in January 2026. Providers have until December 17, 2025, to review their data and request CMS corrections if needed.
Federal Review Slows 2026 Nursing Facility Rates: Guidance for Providers
On November 17, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota
The implementation of the 2025 legislative changes and the need for approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has delayed the publication of the January 1, 2026, nursing facility rate notices by the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS). DHS is waiting to see what CMS does and does not approve.
LeadingAge MN Strengthens State’s Rural Health Transformation Application
On October 2, 2025 by Mark Schulz
LeadingAge Minnesota submitted comprehensive comments to strengthen the State of Minnesota’s application to CMS’ new Rural Health Transformation (RHT) Program. Our recommendations emphasize workforce solutions, improved access to care, and sustainable models for aging services in rural communities—ensuring older Minnesotans can continue to receive care close to home.