On October 18, 2011 the Minnesota Case Mix Review Program posted a notice in the News and Announcements section of their website that they will now be requiring documented evidence regarding the proficiency of respiratory nurses who provide services in skilled nursing facilities.

The Minnesota Case Mix Review Program uses the following definition for respiratory therapy (from Appendix A of the RAI Manual):

“Respiratory therapy services are for the assessment, treatment, and monitoring of patients with deficiencies or abnormalities of pulmonary function. Respiratory therapy services include coughing, deep breathing, heated nebulizers, aerosol treatments, assessing breath sounds and mechanical ventilation, etc., which must be provided by a respiratory therapist or trained respiratory nurse. A respiratory nurse must be proficient in the modalities listed above either through formal nursing or specific training and may deliver these modalities as allowed under the state Nurse Practice Act and under applicable state laws.”

Doug Beardsley
952.851.2489
dbeardsl@careproviders.org

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