Unit 6 Assignment – SNFs
- Due Sunday by 11:59pm
- Points 80
- Submitting a text entry box or a file upload
Instructions
Estimated time to complete: 3 hours
Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) play a vital role in the care of our most vulnerable populations. Maintaining accurate medical records in the SNF setting is important for both quality of patient care, as well as compliance with regulatory bodies. For this week’s assignment, you will demonstrate your knowledge of medical record management in the SNF environment.
A local assisted living facility has decided to expand, with the addition of a skilled nursing facility adjacent to their current residential structure. You have been hired as a consultant to oversee the planning and implementation of medical records compliance. The facility owners and managers have a business background and are not familiar with the rules and restrictions that are applicable to SNFs.
Write a 2-3 page executive summary for the owners and managers, including the following information:
- Regulatory bodies and their roles (bullet points are acceptable)
- Primary payers, and their payment models (bullet points are acceptable)
- How patient records should be maintained (i.e. paper, electronic, what technologies and equipment will be needed).
- What information must be included in the record for every patient.
- Liability issues to be aware of, and how to avoid them.
- Include a minimum of three references, in APA format, on a separate page.
Please review the rubric to ensure that your assignment meets criteria.
Submit:
- Executive Summary
Rubric
Unit 6 Assignment: SNFs (1)
| Criteria | Ratings | Pts | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeRegulatory Bodies, Payers, and Models |
| 25.0 pts | ||||||
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomePatient Records |
| 25.0 pts | ||||||
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeLiabilities |
| 25.0 pts | ||||||
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeWriting style, grammar, spelling and APA formatting |
| 5.0 pts | ||||||
Total Points: 80.0 | ||||||||
Expert Solution Preview
Introduction: Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) are crucial in providing quality care to vulnerable populations. Medical record management in the SNF setting is important for maintaining patient care and compliance with regulatory bodies. As a consultant, this assignment requires creating an executive summary for owners and managers of an assisted living facility intending to expand and add an SNF.
Regulatory Bodies, Payers, and Models:
Several regulatory bodies oversee the operations of SNFs including Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), and State Departments of Health. CMS ensures quality in healthcare through regulations and promotes positive outcomes for patients. OSHA regulates work and environmental safety, while State Departments of Health maintains public health.
Primary payers for SNFs are CMS’ Medicare program and Medicaid. Payment models used by Medicare include fee for service, bundled payment, and accountable care organization. Medicaid payment models include fee-for-service, managed care, and incentive-based models.
Patient Records:
SNFs use electronic health records (EHRs) to maintain patient records. Necessary equipment for record-keeping includes computers, internet access, and software for EHRs. All patient data in EHRs must be truthful, accurate, and up-to-date. The EHRs used in an SNF should include the patient’s name, medical history, medications, and allergies.
Liabilities:
SNFs have several liabilities, including medical malpractice, neglect, and abuse. The facility should strive to provide quality care and avoid situations that may result in liabilities. Proper documentation and communication with patients and their families or guardians can help to avoid potential liabilities.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, SNF operators must manage patient records effectively while complying with regulatory bodies. They should develop strategies to minimize liabilities and ensure quality patient care. An SNF’s success depends on effective execution in maintaining regulatory compliance, accurate record-keeping, and providing quality patient care.
