CMS has officially launched the Skilled Nursing Facility Validation Program, and facilities are already being selected for review. At the same time, MAC ADRs, TPE cycles, and post payment reviews continue across the country. For leaders in long term care, this creates a perfect storm of audit pressure during one of the busiest staffing seasons of the year.

The message is clear. CMS is checking accuracy, consistency, and documentation more closely than ever. If your data is not aligned, you are exposed to payment reductions, denials, or recoupments. If your team is short staffed during the holidays, that exposure grows.

What SNF Validation Means for Providers

The SNF Validation Program began in September 2025 and focuses on verifying that MDS data matches what is documented in the clinical record. About 1,500 SNFs will be selected each year. Each facility selected will be asked to submit documentation for ten residents in PDF format within forty five days of receiving the audit notice in iQIES.

CMS reviewers compare MDS entries with nursing notes, therapy documentation, Section GG coding, diagnoses, and progress notes. Any gap can be flagged. Noncompliance may result in a reduction of up to two percent in the Annual Payment Update.

This program operates alongside MAC ADRs, TPE, RAC reviews, and UPIC examinations. Together, they create an audit environment where every decision, every assessment, and every note must tell one consistent story.

Holiday Staffing Makes This Even Harder

Every year, December and January bring high PTO use, seasonal illness, and last minute call offs. Facilities often run with thinner coverage at the exact moment CMS expects documentation to be tight and consistent.

Many buildings discover too late that their MDS nurse is out, behind, or inexperienced in PDPM and case mix. This can jeopardize reimbursement, increase audit risk, and place pressure on clinical leadership.

SMK Medical Can Support You During the Holiday Season

SMK Medical has strengthened staffing support for this time of year. Facilities often need temporary MDS nurses, rapid documentation improvement, or focused oversight to survive the holidays without major loss or regulatory exposure.

Our 48 Hour MDS Coverage Guarantee

If you need support, SMK Medical can assign an experienced MDS nurse within forty eight business hours, subject to availability. Our team understands PDPM, case mix, validation audits, ADR risk, and survey scrutiny. Support can be remote or onsite depending on need and location.

Four Ways We Help During the Holidays

1. Temporary MDS Nurse Coverage
We step in when your primary MDS nurse is out or overloaded. We stabilize assessments, manage ARDs, and keep PDPM accuracy on track.

2. PDPM and Case Mix Protection
We review active residents, high impact ARDs, IPA opportunities, and coding patterns that influence reimbursement. We protect your revenue while keeping documentation aligned.

3. Audit Ready Documentation
We ensure your MDS entries reflect what is in the nursing and therapy record, reducing the risk of discrepancies that lead to denials or audit findings.

4. Rapid Clean Up and Staff Support
We review open assessments, correct errors, educate your team, and prepare your caseload for the next survey or audit cycle. Our work strengthens your systems, not just your task completion.

Leadership During Audit Season Requires Preparation

While the holidays bring challenges, they also present an opportunity for stronger systems. Leaders who plan ahead, review their data, and secure reliable coverage avoid crisis mode. They also protect their payment, their survey outcomes, and their residents.

SMK Medical is here to support you with the tools, staff, and structure you need to finish the season strong.

If you need coverage or want a consultation, call 313-314-8267 or visit SMKMedical.com.