News

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. 

DHS is waiting to issue rate notices until the end of November. At a minimum, the January 1, 2026 rate notices issued at the end of November will reflect the 2024 cost report, the PDPM transition and the operating rate caps, which do not require CMS approval. 

According to DHS, the nursing facility minimum wage rate add-on and the increase to the nursing home surcharge cannot be implemented without approval from CMS. Therefore, these two 2025 legislative changes are not expected to be on the November rate notices. 

In the meantime, if your minimum wage rate application is still under review by DHS, please make sure to continue working with the department to complete so that amount can be added to your facility’s rate when CMS approves the minimum wage funding. 

It is not known when CMS will approve the minimum wage mandate and the corresponding rate add-on, and approval of the nursing home surcharge is still in question. The specific dates of implementation for the minimum wage rule and associated rate increase will be determined upon approval by CMS. At this point, members should assume that the minimum wage requirements and increased surcharge will likely not be implemented on Jan. 1 and do not need to plan to implement them until the effective date is known. 

We’ve created talking points that providers may use with their residents and staff to communicate the implications of the CMS delay. To access these talking points, please click here. 

CMS Clarifies Limited Survey Functions During Federal Shutdown

On October 23, 2025 by Mark Schulz

As the federal government shutdown stretches beyond three weeks, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has clarified which survey and certification activities may continue — and which must halt — during the funding lapse. The updated guidance from CMS’s Quality, Safety & Oversight Group (QSOG) underscores the limited scope of oversight allowed, raising concern among nursing home providers about enforcement delays and regulatory uncertainty.

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.

Federal Government Shutdown: What Aging Services Providers Need to Know

On October 2, 2025 by Mark Schulz

Congress did not reach agreement on appropriations for federal fiscal year 2026, and the federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1. HHS, CMS, and CDC have issued contingency and lapse plans outlining which activities will continue and which will pause. HUD has notified LeadingAge that they will be updating their contingency plan, leaning heavily on plans written in 2023.

Case Closed: Court Dismisses CMS Staffing Rule Appeal 

On September 25, 2025 by Mark Schulz

On September 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) filed its motion to dismiss their appeal for our lawsuit challenging the CMS Minimum Staffing Rule.

Case Closed: DOJ Moves to Dismiss CMS Staffing Rule Appeal

On September 18, 2025 by Mark Schulz

On September 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) notified our plaintiff attorneys that it intends to dismiss its appeal in the CMS Staffing Rule challenge. Plaintiff attorneys consented to this action, and the government’s filing and subsequent court order of dismissal are expected in the near future. This marks a major victory and is the direct result of your dedication, advocacy, and hard work—congratulations!

National Resources for Home Health Advocacy

On July 31, 2025 by Erin Huppert

CMS is proposing a steep 9% cut to the Medicare Fee for Service (FFS) payment rates for home health services. Our partners at LeadingAge have been analyzing the 2026 Home Health Payment System Rate Update, and when combined with the 8.8% payment reductions the agency has imposed since CY2023, the impact will be significant to all providers of home health care.

CMS Clarifies: Residents May Not Refuse Enhanced Barrier Precautions

On July 31, 2025 by Kari Everson

On July 30, the Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) informed LeadingAge Minnesota that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has once again clarified its position regarding resident rights and Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP).

14th Edition of the Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations Available Now

On July 31, 2025 by Mark Schulz

The fourteenth edition of the Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations is finally here and ready to go! It is now available for order.

CMS Revalidation Deadline Extended to Jan. 1, 2026

On July 17, 2025 by Mark Schulz

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the deadline for off-cycle Medicare provider revalidation to Jan. 1, 2026 — a significant shift from the previously announced Aug. 1, 2025 deadline. This marks the third postponement of the requirement.

CMS Updates PBJ Manual and FAQs

On July 7, 2025 by Mark Schulz

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued an update to payroll-based journal (PBJ) materials on the Staffing Data Submission Payroll Based Journal webpage. Updates to the PBJ Policy Manual include info for PBJ system registration through QIES and clarification that all reported nursing hours must be onsite hours. Updates to the PBJ Policy Manual FAQs reiterate the updates in the policy manual, and also include clarifications related to meal breaks, salaried staff, RN hours requirements and waivers, and questions pertaining to PBJ audits. Check out these updates in the PBJ Policy Manual and the PBJ Policy Manual FAQs located in the Downloads section of the PBJ page on the CMS website.

Upcoming PBJ Submission Deadline and iQIES Service Center Availability

On July 3, 2025 by Mark Schulz

On July 14, 2025, the Nursing Home Survey & Certification functionality will launch in iQIES—just one month prior to the PBJ submission deadline. This rollout is expected to result in a substantial influx of new users, potentially leading to longer hold times.

CMS Announces Changes to Nursing Home Care Compare

On June 26, 2025 by Mark Schulz

On June 18, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released memo QSO-25-20-NH, announcing several impactful changes to the Nursing Home Care Compare website, set to take effect with the July and October 2025 quarterly data refreshes. These updates are part of CMS’s continuing efforts to enhance transparency and improve the accuracy and utility of performance data for nursing home providers, residents, and families.

CMS Issues Fraudulent Fax Alert: What Medicare Providers Need to Know

On June 26, 2025 by Mark Schulz

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a formal alert warning Medicare providers of a new phishing scheme involving fraudulent fax requests. Scammers are impersonating CMS and sending deceptive faxes that request medical records and documentation under the guise of an audit. These communications are crafted to appear official and can easily mislead busy healthcare providers into disclosing sensitive patient or organizational information.

CMS to Accelerate Public Release of Survey Findings for All Certified Providers

On June 26, 2025 by Mark Schulz

On June 17, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued memo QSO-25-19-ALL, introducing a significant shift in how and when survey findings are publicly released for all CMS-certified providers and suppliers, including nursing homes. Under the updated policy, survey results recorded on Form CMS-2567 will be made available to the public within 14 calendar days of receipt by the provider—and, in many cases, immediately upon receipt.

Nelson Care Center by Vivie Earns Prestigious CMC 5-Star Rating

On June 12, 2025 by LeadingAge Minnesota

Nelson Care Center by Vivie is proud to announce it has been awarded a prestigious 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), following its most recent survey in March. This top-tier rating reflects the organization’s commitment to delivering exceptional care and support to the people it serves.

CMS Resumes “Associations Calls”

On May 29, 2025 by Mark Schulz

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Division of Nursing Homes has resumed regular calls with LeadingAge and other national stakeholder associations.

Nursing Homes Must Now Submit Off-cycle Revalidations by Aug. 1

On April 17, 2025 by Mark Schulz

Nursing homes must now submit off-cycle revalidations by August 1. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) enacted a final rule in November 2023 implementing portions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which added a section to the Social Security Act related to ownership, management, and related parties.