KHCA/KCAL is committed to providing our members with important updates. Below is a list of the most recent information. Please visit our website for a list of complete updates. www.khca.org/covid-19-resources
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CMS Official Confirms Agency Considering Direct Care Spending Minimums for Nursing Homes
Federal health officials hinted that nursing home providers may soon be forced to spend a minimum of their Medicaid funding on direct care.
A top official with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has for the second time hinted publicly that the agency is considering enacting a minimum direct care spending requirement for nursing homes. Such a policy could limit the funding available for operations and capital improvements. READ MORE
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Skilled Nursing Operators Submit Thousands Of Comments Opposing CMS Reimbursement Cuts
Skilled Nursing News (6/12, Zorn) reports CMS has received "approximately 4,717 comments" on its planned reduction in skilled nursing reimbursement, with many providers warning the cut could be "devastating" for their facilities. Others, including the American Health Care Association, stressed "that if CMS intends to move forward with its proposed cut related to the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), it should be at least spread out over a number of years." Virginia Health Care Association President and CEO Keith Hare warned that with compensation rates increasing double-digits in some states, a "rate change would be a ‘major blow’ to the financial viability of the sector."
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Members Only Nurse Advisory Call & Facility Standards Call
We will not have our Nurse Advisory and Facility Standards call as normally scheduled this month. We hope you are joining us in Manhattan at the Nurse Leadership Conference instead! Below you can still find the latest survey findings from Linda Farrar.
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Maintain Back-up Generators - Electric Service During High Demand Periods This Week
This reminder includes all types of adult care homes.
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HCS Home Care/Hospice Studies
The 2022 Home Care and Hospice Salary & Benefits studies have officially begun! Deadline is August 8th.
In these ever-challenging times, participation is more important than ever to help provide a clear picture of marketplace rates and share how other agencies are tackling staffing shortages. Whether an agency is large or small, their data makes a difference to the studies.
This press release has the pricing details and other information. Thank you in advance for your continued support of the studies!
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Stay Current on Resident and Staff COVID-19 Vaccinations
As cases of COVID-19 continue to rise throughout the country, it’s important that long term care facilities and communities encourage staff and residents to stay up to date on their vaccination status. The CDC defines up to date as having received all doses in the primary series and all boosters recommended, when eligible. Most recently, people over 50 are recommended to receive a second booster of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at least four months after their first booster.
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Did you receive a shipment of COVID tests from KDHE?
Please know that these tests have been shipped from KDHE at no cost to you.
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Worry grows as providers grapple with stronger booster recommendations
Nursing home providers are concerned the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s sudden decision to strengthen COVID-19 booster recommendations for seniors will be a challenge when admitting new residents.
The CDC in late May announced that those 50 and older should receive a second booster at least four months after their first booster to be considered up to date with their shots. The change came after the agency noticed a steady increase in cases and hospitalizations among the group. READ MORE
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Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
On May 24th, CDC once again updated information about COVID-19 vaccines. So what does it mean for long-term care professionals? Have you noticed that in every update, there is a statement in the “What You Need to Know” section that says: “The following COVID-19 vaccine and booster recommendations may be updated as CDC continues to use the latest data related to safety and how well vaccines work, including over time and against new variants.” In other words, they may change the recommendations again…and again. So be prepared. Based on CMS and OSHA requirements, as CDC COVID-19 vaccine recommendations change, so do PPE requirements and testing requirement change.
According to the CDC website, dated May 24, 2022: READ MORE
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Who Will Care?
Usually when protesters want to make a show of force, there’s a simple principle in play: More is better. You know, jam the National Mall, clog local streets, rattle the rafters with booming chants, etc. Not so for the long-term care folks in Pennsylvania this week. And it was brilliant.
Click here to see the powerful video produced by the Pennsylvania Health Care Association.
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June Healthcare Coalition Newsletter
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Virtual Adult Care Home Operators Course
July 6 - July 19, 2022
This hybrid course is designed to provide you with everything necessary to earn a certificate as an Adult Care Home Operator in the State of Kansas. The class is based on the principles of assisted living as outlined in the KDADS regulation manual and is taught by a variety of presenters that are currently working in the field. The course will be facilitated by Joan Hudson, KCAL Clinical Consultant and Polly Berkley, VP of Operations and Education for KHCA/KCAL. This course provides knowledge and insight on the rules, regulations and responsibilities governing the operation of a state licensed only adult care home. The course fee includes a minimum of 45 hours of instruction, electronic program handout materials (to print if you wish) and a printed Operators manual which will be mailed to the address that you provide when you register. The KDADS registration fee is not included in the fee for this course.
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QAPI for Assisted Living - Lunch and Learn - In Person
Topeka, KS
6/17/2022 12:00PM-4:00PM
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Webinar: The Proficient Infection Preventionist Series: Competency in Multidrug Resistant Organisms (MDRO) for the Infection Preventionist
6/21/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM
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Webinar: MDS Mastermind Series: Surmounting Survey and Audit Preparedness
6/22/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM
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FREE Webinar (1.0 CE): Candida auris outbreaks in LTC Communities
6/23/2022 2:00PM-3:00PM
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Virtual Adult Care Home Operators Course
7/6/2022 - 7/19/2022
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Assisted Living FCS, NSA and HSP Lunch and Learn
Topeka, KS
7/15/2022 12:00PM-4:00PM
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Kansas Health Care Association and the Kansas Center for Assisted Living
1100 SW Gage Blvd. | PO Box 4770 | Topeka, KS 66604
PH: 785-267-6003 FAX: 785-267-0833
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