News & Publications

We filter out the noise and provide you the information you need to keep you informed.
New & noteworthy
FTag of the Month: Training Requirements
Ongoing training is key to ensure competent staff, volunteers, and students who can provide the best care to residents.
April 19, 2023
Impact of Public Health Emergency (PHE) Expiration on SNFs: How Polaris Can Help
Polaris Group consultants can help your nursing home teams with clinical and Medicare compliance support.
April 18, 2023
The CMS Staffing Mandate: What to Know and How to Prepare Your Nursing Facility
Proposed mandates, the potential impacts, and initial steps your facility can take to get ready for this new ruling.
April 13, 2023
How to prepare your facility for new CMS off-site anti-psychotic medication audits
New CMS audits are on the horizon to reduce unnecessary use – is your facility prepared?
Advance directives: what you need to know to be in compliance with Ftag F578
Understand Ftag F578 and ensure your community is in compliance!
February 28, 2023
Is Your Nursing Home Staff Providing Trauma Informed Care to Residents? 
Ensure you're providing culturally competent care in accordance with professional standards of practice
Hot Topics
February 2, 2023
Prepare for the Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
The end of the emergency on May 11 signals a new phase of the government’s pandemic response.
Hot Topics
January 25, 2023
CMS Announces More Quality Care Updates, Including Steps to Reduce Antipsychotic Medication Use
CMS announces additional plans to tighten antipsychotic oversight and increase consumer transparency.
Regulatory Update
November 28, 2022
Reducing Unnecessary Medication Use is Challenging. How to Get Started and How Polaris Can Help
Now is the time to focus on your facility’s policies and procedures. In this blog, learn about steps to reduce your risk for FTag citations.
Case Studies
November 14, 2022
How Peachtree Hills Place achieved a deficiency-free survey with help from a Polaris MDS Coordinator
Learn how Peachtree Hills Place achieved a deficiency-free state survey using an expert outsourced MDS Coordinator.
Consulting
October 25, 2022
New CMS Training Requirements: In-Depth and Extensive Provisions
Understand CMS's New Nursing Facility Guidance and training requirements
Hot Topics
October 25, 2022
Protecting our Seniors:  New Steps Announced to Improve the Quality and Safety of Nursing Homes
Learn how the White House is addressing quality of care through changes to the SFF program
Regulatory Update
October 11, 2022
What New Quality Measure Was Announced in the SNF QRP?
Understand the new Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Personnel quality measure into the SNF QRP.
Regulatory Update
September 28, 2022
13 Questions to Prepare for on State Surveys
Prepare for upcoming October changes to the nursing home surveyor process by reviewing these 13 key questions.
Staffing
September 26, 2022
Polaris Group Places Exceptional Nursing Home Leaders
Learn how Polaris finds and places exceptional specialized candidates in nursing home facilities nationwide
Regulatory Update
September 22, 2022
Why Infection Control Practices Continue to Take Center Stage
Recent cases of monkey pox reported in the US shows us that emergent diseases will always be a challenge. Prepare for the next virus.
Regulatory Update
September 8, 2022
News Release September 2022: Most Significant Change to the MDS in Twelve Years
On September 2, 2022, CMS posted a draft of updated MDS specifications. Here are the revisions.
Regulatory Update
Nurse Aide Training Waiver Extended
Exceptional Staffing Services through Specialization: the Polaris Difference
Not all staffing teams are the same. Polaris's results? 98% retention rates and superior staff for your facility.
Hot Topics
August 24, 2022
Polaris Group Mock Surveys Best Prepare Facilities for State Surveyors
With high turnover, recruitment problems, and survey concerns, the demands on your clinical staff are greater than ever before.
Hot Topics
August 15, 2022
Nursing home medication management: what’s wrong and how to fix it
The new CMS surveyor guidance beginning in October stresses medication management and gradual dose reduction.
Regulatory Update
July 25, 2022
Changes for nursing home surveyors are going into effect this October and one area facilities need to be focused on is infection control.
Read our blog on the latest CMS surveyor guidance on infection control deficiencies and how to ensure your facility prevents citations.
Regulatory Update
July 19, 2022
Nursing Facilities Need to be Prepared for New Changes to CMS Surveyor Guidance
Get an overview of the upcoming items that surveyors will be focused on so you can prepare your facilities for citation-free surveys. 
Regulatory Update
June 30, 2022
CMS Revised Surveyor Guidance
Surveyors will be using new CMS Phase 2 and Phase 3 guidance to identify non-compliance as of October 24th, 2022.
June 28, 2022
Updates on Part B Therapy Audits
The PDPM payment system doesn’t affect Part B therapy, but Part B claims are still eligible for auditing.  
Staffing
April 28, 2022
Novel staffing solutions are key to thriving in the post-pandemic healthcare environment
Are traditional recruiting strategies no longer working? Polaris Staffing outlines several unique tactics to attract high quality staff.
Regulatory Update
April 14, 2022
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Guidance Revised by CMS
Learn more about the newest CMS vaccine mandate guidelines and how they affect your community by reading our latest blog.
Regulatory Update
April 12, 2022
Renewal of Determination That a Public Health Emergency Exists and Blanket Waivers Ending for SNF/NFs
Announcement regarding the end of emergency waivers and details on areas affected by the change.
Hot Topics
March 29, 2022
How Covenant Living Improved Its Reimbursement Rate and Overcame Staffing Gaps through Polaris Group’s Offsite MDS Coordinator Program
A case study on how Covenant Living Communities and Services benefited from Polaris Group's Offsite MDS Coordinator Program.
Hot Topics
March 22, 2022
The 10 Most Common FTags and How to Address Them
FTag citations have changed dramatically during COVID-19. Learn about the 10 most frequently cited and how to stay in compliance.
February 23, 2022
Polaris Group Welcomes RCM and Back-Office Solutions Provider Quality Healthcare Resources to the Assembly Health Family
Expanded RCM and back-office services are now available to long-term care communities through Quality Healthcare Resources.
Hot Topics
February 22, 2022
Physical and Occupational Therapy Reimbursement Cuts Go Into Effect
Understand the January 1st, 2022 reduction in reimbursement for services provided by therapy assistants.
Hot Topics
February 18, 2022
CMS Begins Posting Staff Turnover Rates and Weekend Staff Levels
Healthcare consumers are now able to see nursing home staff turnover rates and weekend staffing levels on Medicare.gove Care Compare.
Regulatory Update
February 13, 2022
CMS COVID-19 Healthcare Staff Vaccination Rule
See CMS' latest COVID-19 vaccination requirements and timelines for healthcare staff.
Regulatory Update
February 11, 2022
Lower Federal Court Takes on the Qualifying Hospital Stay for Medicare Part A
Learn more about the recently upheld 2019 decision allowing Medicare beneficiaries to appeal a hospital's reclassification of inpatients.
Hot Topics
December 20, 2021
A Beginner’s Guide to Medicare Expedited Determination Notices
As Medicare audits return, it’s important to understand when and how to share a Medicare expedited determination with your patients.
Regulatory Update
December 13, 2021
Coding Post-COVID-19 Condition in FY 2022
See updates to coding for Post-Covid 19 conditions
Polaris Pulse
December 9, 2021
Medicare Updates from CMS
Get the latest CMS Medicare updates.
Regulatory Update
December 14, 2021
New PTA and OTA Modifiers Required Beginning January 1, 2022
CMS has established and are implementing two new therapy modifiers for PTAs and OTAs providing services to therapy patients.
Hot Topics
December 10, 2021
How to Find Experienced MDS Coordinators (and Achieve Staffing Stability) with Polaris
See how the staffing crisis has impacted MDS Coordinator retention, and how Polaris Group can help.
Hot Topics
December 1, 2021
Why Nursing Home Administrator Stability is Key for COVID-19 Recovery
See how Polaris Group can help you fill vacant nursing home administrator positions.
Polaris Pulse
November 16, 2021
The Polaris Pulse: CMS Issues Emergency Regulation, New Section GG Training, and More
Understand the latest COVID-19 regulation for healthcare workers and take advantage of new Section GG training.
Hot Topics
November 18, 2021
Infection Control and State Surveys: Tips and Findings
Learn how to prepare for infection control requirements in your state certification surveys.
Polaris Pulse
August 24, 2021
The Polaris Pulse: FY 2022 SNF Final Rules
Understand CMS' published SNF PPS Final Rules for FY 2022.
Polaris Pulse
July 22, 2021
The Polaris Pulse: FY 2022 SNF Proposed Rules
Learn more about CMS’ proposed SNF PPS payment in FY 2022.
Hot Topics
July 7, 2021
The Patient-Driven Payment Model And Why It's Important
The Patient-Driven Payment Model(PDPM) and Why It's Important
Hot Topics
June 30, 2021
Solution Center Q&A - Part Two
Part Two of a two-part interview. I am completing a Discharge Assessment for a resident who, upon admission, had two stage 2 pressure ulcers
Regulatory Update
February 3, 2021
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Offering A Training Designed For Providers In The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Setting
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training.
Hot Topics
February 3, 2021
Solution Center Q&A - Part One
Part One of a two-part interview. When our MDSC completes a Significant Change in Status MDS, does this change the PDPM rate for Medicare?
Regulatory Update
February 3, 2021
American Physical Therapy Association: APTA-Backed Bill Advantage Prior Authorization Presses for Medicare Reforms
The legislation would require MA plans to share data, provide transparency, create more efficient systems, and do a better job of listening.
Regulatory Update
February 3, 2021
AAPACN: CMS FY 2022 Budget Request:Nursing Home Survey and Infection Prevention Are a Big Focus
According to AAPACN the CMS FY 2022 budget request has been finalized and submitted to Congress
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Nursing Facilities Need to be Prepared for New Changes to CMS Surveyor Guidance
Get an overview of the upcoming items that surveyors will be focused on so you can prepare your facilities for citation-free surveys. 
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
New PTA and OTA Modifiers Required Beginning January 1, 2022
CMS has established and are implementing two new therapy modifiers for PTAs and OTAs providing services to therapy patients.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
CMS COVID-19 Healthcare Staff Vaccination Rule
See CMS' latest COVID-19 vaccination requirements and timelines for healthcare staff.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Reducing Unnecessary Medication Use is Challenging. How to Get Started and How Polaris Can Help
Now is the time to focus on your facility’s policies and procedures. In this blog, learn about steps to reduce your risk for FTag citations.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
American Physical Therapy Association: APTA-Backed Bill Advantage Prior Authorization Presses for Medicare Reforms
The legislation would require MA plans to share data, provide transparency, create more efficient systems, and do a better job of listening.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Coding Post-COVID-19 Condition in FY 2022
See updates to coding for Post-Covid 19 conditions
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Changes for nursing home surveyors are going into effect this October and one area facilities need to be focused on is infection control.
Read our blog on the latest CMS surveyor guidance on infection control deficiencies and how to ensure your facility prevents citations.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Why Infection Control Practices Continue to Take Center Stage
Recent cases of monkey pox reported in the US shows us that emergent diseases will always be a challenge. Prepare for the next virus.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
AAPACN: CMS FY 2022 Budget Request:Nursing Home Survey and Infection Prevention Are a Big Focus
According to AAPACN the CMS FY 2022 budget request has been finalized and submitted to Congress
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
CMS Revised Surveyor Guidance
Surveyors will be using new CMS Phase 2 and Phase 3 guidance to identify non-compliance as of October 24th, 2022.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Nurse Aide Training Waiver Extended
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
What New Quality Measure Was Announced in the SNF QRP?
Understand the new Influenza Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Personnel quality measure into the SNF QRP.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
13 Questions to Prepare for on State Surveys
Prepare for upcoming October changes to the nursing home surveyor process by reviewing these 13 key questions.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Renewal of Determination That a Public Health Emergency Exists and Blanket Waivers Ending for SNF/NFs
Announcement regarding the end of emergency waivers and details on areas affected by the change.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
News Release September 2022: Most Significant Change to the MDS in Twelve Years
On September 2, 2022, CMS posted a draft of updated MDS specifications. Here are the revisions.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Offering A Training Designed For Providers In The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Setting
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate Guidance Revised by CMS
Learn more about the newest CMS vaccine mandate guidelines and how they affect your community by reading our latest blog.
Regulatory Update
March 14, 2023
Lower Federal Court Takes on the Qualifying Hospital Stay for Medicare Part A
Learn more about the recently upheld 2019 decision allowing Medicare beneficiaries to appeal a hospital's reclassification of inpatients.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
How Covenant Living Improved Its Reimbursement Rate and Overcame Staffing Gaps through Polaris Group’s Offsite MDS Coordinator Program
A case study on how Covenant Living Communities and Services benefited from Polaris Group's Offsite MDS Coordinator Program.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Solution Center Q&A - Part One
Part One of a two-part interview. When our MDSC completes a Significant Change in Status MDS, does this change the PDPM rate for Medicare?
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Infection Control and State Surveys: Tips and Findings
Learn how to prepare for infection control requirements in your state certification surveys.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
How to Find Experienced MDS Coordinators (and Achieve Staffing Stability) with Polaris
See how the staffing crisis has impacted MDS Coordinator retention, and how Polaris Group can help.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Physical and Occupational Therapy Reimbursement Cuts Go Into Effect
Understand the January 1st, 2022 reduction in reimbursement for services provided by therapy assistants.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Polaris Group Mock Surveys Best Prepare Facilities for State Surveyors
With high turnover, recruitment problems, and survey concerns, the demands on your clinical staff are greater than ever before.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
The Patient-Driven Payment Model And Why It's Important
The Patient-Driven Payment Model(PDPM) and Why It's Important
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Protecting our Seniors:  New Steps Announced to Improve the Quality and Safety of Nursing Homes
Learn how the White House is addressing quality of care through changes to the SFF program
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Prepare for the Expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
The end of the emergency on May 11 signals a new phase of the government’s pandemic response.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
CMS Announces More Quality Care Updates, Including Steps to Reduce Antipsychotic Medication Use
CMS announces additional plans to tighten antipsychotic oversight and increase consumer transparency.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
A Beginner’s Guide to Medicare Expedited Determination Notices
As Medicare audits return, it’s important to understand when and how to share a Medicare expedited determination with your patients.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
The 10 Most Common FTags and How to Address Them
FTag citations have changed dramatically during COVID-19. Learn about the 10 most frequently cited and how to stay in compliance.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Nursing home medication management: what’s wrong and how to fix it
The new CMS surveyor guidance beginning in October stresses medication management and gradual dose reduction.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Solution Center Q&A - Part Two
Part Two of a two-part interview. I am completing a Discharge Assessment for a resident who, upon admission, had two stage 2 pressure ulcers
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
Why Nursing Home Administrator Stability is Key for COVID-19 Recovery
See how Polaris Group can help you fill vacant nursing home administrator positions.
Hot Topics
March 14, 2023
CMS Begins Posting Staff Turnover Rates and Weekend Staff Levels
Healthcare consumers are now able to see nursing home staff turnover rates and weekend staffing levels on Medicare.gove Care Compare.
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