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Cabinet for Health and Family Services
Office of Inspector General
Division of Health Care
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Long Term Care Provider Newsletter
June 2023
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Prioritizing Employee Training and Supportive Programs in Skilled Nursing Facilities: Strengthening Workforce Development in Kentucky
Submitted by Todd Schmiedeler, CEO - Thumbprint Consulting
Staffing shortages, coupled with the high prevalence of Kentucky residents with multiple chronic conditions, make it imperative to improve and expand the state's cadre of frontline health care professionals. However, Kentucky's colleges and universities are facing several challenges:
- Shortages of nursing and other health care faculty due to lack of competitive pay.
- Limited access to clinical sites for students.
- A lack of modern training equipment and supplies.
- Few mental health and social support services for students in these highly competitive programs.
As leaders within skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in Kentucky, you have the power to shape the future of workforce development. Enhancing employee training programs, including apprenticeships and high school student pipelines, as well as implementing initiatives that address the social determinants of health for your employees, can significantly contribute to the success and sustainability of your facilities. This article highlights the importance of these strategies in strengthening workforce development and improving the overall quality of care provided.
Investing in Employee Training Programs:
Employee training programs are integral to building a skilled and competent workforce. Consider establishing apprenticeship programs that allow individuals to gain practical experience while learning under the guidance of experienced professionals. This hands-on approach fosters skill development and increases the pool of qualified professionals in your facility. Collaborating with local educational institutions can also create opportunities for internships and externships, enabling students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings.
High School Student Pipelines:
Developing pipelines from high schools to SNFs can help address the workforce shortage and promote early interest in healthcare careers. Partner with local high schools to create programs that expose students to the various roles and opportunities within SNFs. This can include job shadowing, mentorship programs, and career fairs. By nurturing their interest and providing guidance, you can attract and retain dedicated individuals who are passionate about caring for others.
Supporting Social Determinants of Health:
Recognizing and addressing the social determinants of health among your employees is crucial for their overall well-being and job satisfaction. Implement programs that provide support in areas such as affordable housing, transportation, childcare, and access to healthcare services. Partner with community organizations and local agencies to connect your employees with resources and assistance. By alleviating these stressors, you create a supportive work environment and foster a sense of belonging and stability among your staff.
Holistic Employee Wellness Programs:
Employee wellness programs that focus on physical, mental, and emotional well-being are essential for workforce development. Offer resources such as stress management workshops, mental health counseling services, and healthy lifestyle initiatives. Encourage work-life balance and provide opportunities for self-care. By prioritizing employee wellness, you promote job satisfaction, reduce burnout, and create a positive workplace culture.
Collaboration with Local Community:
Forge partnerships with community organizations and healthcare providers to develop comprehensive programs that address the social determinants of health. This can include referrals to affordable housing programs, transportation services, and assistance with healthcare enrollment. By connecting your employees with these resources, you empower them to overcome barriers and improve their overall quality of life. Moreover, community collaborations can provide additional training and educational opportunities for your workforce.
Conclusion:
Investing in employee training programs, establishing high school student pipelines, and addressing the social determinants of health among your workforce are pivotal steps in enhancing workforce development. By prioritizing these strategies, you create a skilled and dedicated workforce that is equipped to provide high-quality care. Moreover, by supporting your employees' overall well-being, you foster a positive work environment and increase job satisfaction. Let us work together to strengthen workforce development in Kentucky's skilled nursing facilities, ultimately improving the lives of our employees and the residents we serve.
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Provider Training Resources to Improve Quality of Care
Check out CMS’s new Quality in Focus interactive video series. The series of 10–15 minute videos are tailored to provider types and aim to reduce the deficiencies most commonly cited during the CMS survey process, like infection control and accident prevention. Reducing these common deficiencies increases the quality of care for people with Medicare and Medicaid.
Learn to:
- Understand surveyor evaluation criteria
- Recognize deficiencies
- Incorporate solutions into your facility’s standards of care
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UPDATED: Final MDS 3.0 Item Sets version 1.18.11
The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.18.11 have been updated and are now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual webpage. The NP, NPE, and SD Item Sets have been replaced with revised versions; the remaining item sets remain unchanged from the last posted version. The MDS Item Sets v1.18.11 will be effective beginning October 01, 2023.
The item set edits are noted below and on the revised MDS 3.0 Item Set Change History v1.18.11v2.pdf. These edits are also reflected in the Final MDS Data Submission Specifications V3.01.0 posted on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Technical Information webpage.
NPE item set
B1300: Completion language removed
D0100: Part of the completion language was removed
D0700: Completion language removed
ND item set
D0700: Completion language added
SD item set
X1100E: added to item set
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NEW RESOURCES AVAILABLE:
The SNF MDS 3.0 RAI v1.18.11 Guidance Training Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a virtual training program that provides instruction on the updated guidance for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) v1.18.11 Manual and Item Set. This training consists of a series of recorded presentations intended to be reviewed prior to a live virtual event.
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CMP Grant Opportunities Available
CMP Reinvestment Fund*
OIG seeks innovative projects that support, protect, and benefit certified nursing facility residents. These initiatives must be outside the scope of normal facility operations and cannot be used to fund goods or services that the applicant already offers or is required to provide by state or federal law or regulation.
- There is no minimum or maximum amount that can be applied for
- There is currently no application deadline and applications can be submitted at any time.
COVID-19 Emergency CMP Grants
The COVID-19 Emergency CMP Grants are temporary programs in place during the federal Public Health Emergency. Kentucky will continue to accept applications until CMS closes the programs. CNFs can apply for all three programs for up to a total of $9,000 for the purchase of:
- Communication devices and accessories to allow residents to communicate remotely
- In-person visitation aids such as tents/outdoor shelters, outdoor furniture, clear dividers, and more
- Portable fans and/or room air cleaners with HEPA filters (H-13, -14
*OIG review of new CMP applications currently on hold.
CMS has initiated a comprehensive review of the Civil Monetary Penalty Reinvestment Program. During this review, the approval of applications for CMP reinvestment funds may be delayed as they work to ensure the integrity of distributions, in keeping with the goal of improving nursing home resident quality of life and achieving care innovations. Following this review, CMS will issue updated formal guidance outlining any new processes or program parameters. OIG will communicate any changes to the program or application process and restart the review of new applications at that time.
Please note: While the CMS review is ongoing, CMS will continue to approve applications for the COVID-19 Emergency CMP Grants. Therefore, interested parties may continue to submit applications for COVID-19 Emergency CMP grants to OIG for consideration.
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Ready to take your QAPI program to the next level? Registration is now open to Kentucky certified nursing homes interested in participating in this CMP Grant funded project which provides 12 hours of CE training, complimentary QAPI/PIP toolkits and Proactive consultation to support successful QAPI programming.
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Division of Health Care Contact Information
Central Office
Belinda Beard, Director
Marissia Izlar, Assistant Director
275 E. Main St., 5E-A Frankfort, KY 40621
Phone: 502-564-7963
Fax: 502-564-6546
Western Enforcement Branch
Terri Gipson, Regional Program Manager
901 B South Main Street, Hopkinsville, KY 42240
Phone: 270-889-6052
Fax: 270-889-6089
Northern Enforcement Branch
Patricia Hinson, Regional Program Manager
L & N Building 10-W, 908 W. Broadway, Louisville, KY 40203
Phone: 502-595-4958
Fax: 502-595-4540
Southern Enforcement Branch
Tammy Ricks, Regional Program Manager
116 Commerce Ave., London, KY 40744
Phone: 606-330-2030
Fax: 606-330-2054
Eastern Enforcement Branch
Will Hendrickson, Human Services Program Branch Manager
455 Park Place, Suite 120A, Lexington, KY 40511
Phone: 859-246-2301
Fax: 859-246-2307
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Kentucky's Top 10 Citations
for Nursing Homes
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Informal Appeal of Survey Findings
Interested in Serving on an IDR Panel?
Kentucky requires one member of the IDR panel to be "a person currently engaged in the provision of Long Term Care services who has no affiliation with the provider disputing a deficiency." Typically, a Long Term Care Administrator is on each IDR panel. There is no payment or travel reimbursement for an Administrator serving on a panel. Administrators will be rotated. If a Long Term Care Administrator is interested in serving on a panel, a confidentiality statement must be signed prior to the participation in the first IDR panel.
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Jennifer Smith, RN
RAI/Oasis/IDR-IIDR Coordinator
Office of Inspector General
Division of Health Care
275 E. Main St., 5E-A
Frankfort, KY 40621
Fax: (502) 564-6546
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MDS/RAI CONTACT INFORMATION
For questions regarding MDS Assessment, Coding, Transmission or
Please do not send any identifiable patient information through e-mail. This includes patient names, SSNs, dates of birth, or any other data items considered identifiers or Protected Health Information (PHI) under HIPAA. Please redact any PHI prior to sending.
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All certified nursing facilities must sign up for ePOC. Please be diligent about keeping your account and password up to date. All correspondence is handled in the ePOC system, including the plan of correction. Furthermore, if there is a change in administrator, it is incumbent upon the facility to update the system.
If your facility is not yet signed up, see the Account Setup instructions.
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Have you notified your residents?
Click the link below to download and/or print the contact list for various agencies.
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Which Branch is Serving You?
To provide the highest level of service, the Division of Health Care operates through four regional offices. Knowing the appropriate Branch to contact with questions and concerns will ensure you receive maximum service in minimum time. Review links below for detailed information.
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CMS Survey and Certification memoranda, guidance, clarifications and instructions to State Survey Agencies and CMS Regional Offices.
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Transfer/Discharge Hearing Appeals
Please submit your requests for transfer/discharge hearing appeals to Secretary Eric C. Friedlander, Cabinet for Health and Family Services, by emailing:
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LTC Facility Self-Reported
Incidents & Complaints
New email addresses have been established for communications regarding LTC Facility Self-Reported Incidents and for use by residents and the general public to report possible violations of regulatory requirements. Click Here for the email addresses and additional contact information.
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Quality, Safety & Education Portal
CMS's QSEP provides the full curriculum of surveyor training and guidance on health care facility regulations. All training is available on-demand on a top-notch self-service portal. 24/7 access means you have the freedom to learn what you want, where you want, when you want.
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Employment Opportunities
To search and apply for positions within the Office of Inspector General, please visit the Kentucky Personnel Cabinet's web page by clicking below.
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DHC Leadership Team:
Inspector General
Deputy Inspector General
Director
Assistant Director
Assistant Director
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Commonwealth of Kentucky | Office of Inspector General | 275 East Main St., Frankfort, KY 40621 |
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The Office of Inspector General is the regulatory and licensing agency for all health care, day care and long-term care facilities and child adoption/child-placing agencies in the commonwealth.
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