From Feb 5 2026 11:00 am until Apr 23 2026 12:00 pm
At Webinar
Webinar Only -Recording available to all registrants
Registration Fees Cover All 7 Sessions
****Each facility will only be invoiced once, however all staff need to register. They can choose mail in payment to bypass the payment portal.
* Each session will be recorded and available on-demand to all registrants.
* A newsletter will be published and provided for each session
* Each session is 60 minutes and held at 11:00am central
Description:
Section 1861(e) of the Social Security Act allows certain small, rural hospitals and Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) to provide swing bed services and use their beds for acute care or post-hospital skilled nursing facility (SNF) care.
The seven-part education series will focus on elements of a successful Swing Bed program, including understanding and implementing CMS regulatory requirements in the State Operations Manual Appendix W, State Operations Manual Appendix PP, and Chapter 8 of the Medicare Benefit Policy Manual. State of Minnesota regulations will be included as applicable.
A newsletter will be developed for each education session.
Session 1: Swing Bed Overview, Regulatory Sources, and Pre-Admission Processes
Date: February 5, 2026
Description
Swing bed was a solution first offered by Dr. Bruce Walter, a physician who was Utah's director of Medicare services back in the late 1970s and early 1980s, to utilize beds in small hospitals. HCFA funded SNF beds in Critical Access Hospitals (CAHs) in 1973. Federal regulations for the program were published on July 20, 1982, and amended on September 1, 1983.
The regulatory requirements in the State Operations Manual Appendix W, State Operations Manual Appendix PP, and Medicare Benefit Policy Manuals, including Chapter 8, will be utilized. State standards in Minnesota will be included as applicable.
The presentation will provide an overview of Swing Bed regulatory requirements, Medicare admission and continued stay criteria, and the pre-admission process.
Learning Objectives
Session 2: Swing Bed Admission, Continued Stay, and Discharge
Date: February 19, 2026
Description
The presentation will review requirements for admission, continued stay, and discharge, including physician certification, admission assessment, interdisciplinary plan of care, and discharge processes.
The presentation will review each process and provide practical tips, including each team member's role.
Learning Objectives
Session 3: Beyond Basics
Date: March 5, 2026
Description
The Beyond Basics presentation will focus on additional Swing Bed requirements, including culturally-competent trauma-informed care, recognizing and reporting abuse, developing an activities program, and the importance of quality metrics.
Learning Objectives
Session 4: Swing Bed Policies and Procedures (P&Ps) and Navigating Appendix PP
Date: March 26, 2026
Description
Swing Beds have different P&P requirements than acute care. The presentation will review the required policies and procedures and other clinical policies and procedures that apply to Swing beds.
The Swing Bed requirements in Appendix W do not include Interpretive Guidelines, so the reader is referred to Appendix PP. Unfortunately, determining which Interpretive Guidelines in Appendix PP apply can be difficult and frustrating. We will discuss cross-references between Appendix W and Appendix PP and how to find them.
Learning Objectives
Session 5: Growing Your Swing Bed Program
Date: April 2, 2026
Description
Most hospitals want to grow their Swing Bed program, but don’t always have a clear strategy.
The presentation will discuss ways an organization can grow its Swing Bed program, including the role of a swing bed coordinator, the role of rehabilitation, effective internal and external marketing, expanding types of patients that can be accepted, and the importance of a clear growth strategy.
Learning Objectives
Session 6: Frequently Asked Questions
Date: April 9, 2026
Description
The session will focus on frequent Swing Bed survey findings and frequently asked questions. Please send your questions in advance to
We will also highlight strategies to build a successful Swing Bed program, including team engagement.
Learning Objectives
Session 7: Long-Term / Non-Certified Swing Bed
Date: April 23, 2026
Description
Some facilities provide long-term care for Medicaid and private pay patients as part of their Swing Bed program. These patients typically stay for months or for the rest of their lives.
This population poses significant challenges in the hospital setting, so it is crucial to ensure that patients have an optimal quality of life and maintain or improve functional status.
The presentation will discuss the importance of implementing applicable regulatory requirements in Appendix PP for this population, and explore practical ways to do so.
Learning Objectives
Instructors:
Cheri Benander, RN, MSN, CHC, C-NHCE, Director of Clinical Services
Registration Fees
Medi-Sota Members: $300/Facility
Non Medi-Sota Members: $350/person
Prior to the program, you will receive an email with course connection & materials.
Prior to the program, you will receive an email with any additional course information. Registration Deadline: February 4, 2026 by 5pm this ensures all registrants will receive course information & any materials in a timely manner.
Cancellations must be made no later than 15 business days prior to the start of the course. The full course fee will be charged if cancellation is made in less than 15 business days. Full refunds will be given for all classes cancelled by Medi-Sota. Registration is transferable to another person.