LTC Clarified: Weekly News, Insights & Connections

The MDS 3.0 Quality Measures User’s Manual v18.0, effective January 1, 2026, includes some notable changes to QM specifications and reporting expectations. In addition, MDS‑driven QMs are becoming increasingly impactful across Care Compare, Five‑Star Ratings, SNF QRP, and the expanding SNF VBP program. A strong Five Star QM strategy in 2026 will require the following…

Make progress with 2026 goals and wish-list projects on a Proactive Annual Partner Plan which provide an allotment of consulting support hours delivered by seasoned LTC experts at a fraction of the cost of hiring new staff. Support is lead by a designated consultant, and can be provided as a combination of onsite and remote assistance with services billed in 12 flat monthly installments. Plans start as low as 8 hours per month with facility customized work plans that provide just-right support for survey-readiness, QM improvement, key clinical programs, reimbursement accuracy and crisis management. Add the Proactive team to your roster and achieve the outcomes you’ve been working toward!

Intravenous therapy in skilled nursing facilities care heightens clinical and regulatory risk. Surveyors frequently review IV therapy practices to evaluate compliance related to federal quality of care regulations, nursing standards, infection prevention requirements, and facility-specific policies. The questions and answers below highlight key expectations, common survey findings, best practices, and steps to consider to ensure survey readiness.

This series focuses on the core competencies and strategies of an effective Director of Nursing. Monthly sessions focus on critical skills including leading teams, implementing strong systems for key tasks, and mastering the QAPI approach to drive performance outcomes. Learn more

JANUARY: Check out these upcoming January webinars!

This advanced workshop is designed for established team members seeking to advance insights and depth of knowledge into driving MDS accuracy, Five Star QMs, SNF QRP and VBP performance. Curriculum moves beyond the basics to emphasizes real-world application, regulatory updates, and strategies to optimize quality outcomes and financial performance. Learn more and register here.

In the News

Nursing Home Compare Data Issues and Unsubstantiated Complaint

CMS is evaluating how complaint information is presented on Nursing Home Care Compare due to concerns over possible data glitches resulting from the transition to iQIES. During this evaluation, CMS will be removing the number of complaint allegations and the number of facility reported incidents from Nursing Home Care Compare, beginning February 25, 2026. Information related to official complaint surveys and complaint citations issued as a result of those investigations will continue to be available on Nursing Home Care Compare. Learn More.

Data Validation Process Announcement

CMS has provided notice that the SNF- Value Based Purchasing Data Validation Process -will begin MDS data validation January 1, 2026, with the notification process starting mid-January 2026. SNF providers will be randomly selected for MDS data validation and selection notices will be uploaded to the MDS 3.0 Provider Preview Reports folders in the Internet Quality Improvement Evaluation System (iQIES) mid-January 2026. The SNF data validation process verifies the accuracy of Minimum Data Set (MDS)-based quality measures used in the SNF Value Based Purchasing and Quality Reporting Program (QRP). The SNF data validation process has been established in response to Section 1888(h)(12) of the Social Security Act that requires the Secretary to apply a data validation process to SNF VBP and QRP measures. In the SNF Prospective Payment System (PPS) fiscal year (FY) 2024 final rule (CMS1779-F) and FY 2025 final rule (CMS-1802-F), CMS specified that a data validation process for MDS-based measures would be implemented to ensure accurate quality data beginning with the FY 2027 program year/FY 2025 performance period. Providers should access their iQIES folders frequently to check if they have received a selection notification for MDS data validation. You may access the following link to review additional information on the process Validation Process. Content-related questions should be submitted to SNF Validation Help Desk at snfvalidation@hcmsllc.com.

Note: The required response time to name 2 facility points of contact is only 5 days and only 45 days is allowed to submit all requested information.  

PBJ Quarterly Deadline

Due to the Payroll Based Journal quarterly deadline, the iQIES Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between now and February 14, 2026. Live phone and email support for February 14, 2026, PBJ Deadline will be available through Friday, February 13, 2026, until 8:00 PM ET. All files must be submitted by February 14, 2026, at 11:59 PM ET. Files for Fiscal Quarter 1, with the reporting period of October 1, 2025, through December 31, 2025, will not be accepted after this deadline. Early submission is encouraged to allow plenty of time for Service Center assistance if needed. There are a variety of methods to contact the CCSQ Service Center: You can schedule a call with a Service Center Representative at a time that best works for you at CCSQ Support Central page and click on Schedule a Call. You can also contact the iQIES Service Center at (800) 339-9313, Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-8:00 PM EST, by e-mail at: iqies@cms.hhs.gov or by going to CCSQ Support Central at CCSQ Support Central to open a Web Ticket or Chat with a live agent using CARL. Please note that Chat support is currenylu limited to 9:00 AM-5:00 PM ET, Monday through Friday.