November 30, 2022
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HCBS Final Settings Rule Public Comments Notification - Nov. 29 - Dec. 29, 2022

The time to comment on the HCBS final Settings Rule is here! Comments will be accepted through December 29, 2022. READ MORE
NSHN Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for LTC Facilities

The CDC held a webinar recently regarding up to date vaccination status. The definition of up to date was updated in September 2022 to indicate: 

  • Individuals are considered up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines during the surveillance period of September 26, 2022 – December 25, 2022 (Quarter 4) for the purpose of NHSN surveillance if they meet ONE the following criteria: ​
  • Received their last booster dose less than 2 months ago, or 
  • Completed their primary series less than 2 months ago 
  • This definition is the same regardless of immunocompromised status ​

As of September 2, 2022, the original monovalent mRNA vaccines are no longer authorized as a booster dose for people ages 12 years and older. 

Beginning September 26, 2022, most individuals should only be counted as up to date if they received an updated bivalent booster dose. If they have not received an updated bivalent booster dose, they WOULD NOT be counted in question #5. The CDC recommends revising the report if facilities have reported incorrectly over the last few weeks.  

It is recommended to utilize the Person-Level (Event-Level) Vaccination Forms. There are resources on the page to provide instructions and templates for reporting, including a one-page overview with links. 

The webinar slides​ have additional information and reporting scenarios for clarification. 
𝗩𝗶𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗔𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗼𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗼𝗿—𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗱 (𝗥𝗔𝗖-𝗖𝗧®) 𝗖𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 - NEXT WEEK!

Increase your knowledge of clinical assessment and care planning, completion of the MDS, the regulations surrounding the RAI/MDS process, and managing the PDPM by attending an AAPACN Resident Assessment Coordinator—Certified (RAC-CT) certification workshop. Having the RAC-CT credential behind your name shows that you are a knowledgeable and capable MDS professional.
Where is your McKnight’s email?

Recently McKnight’s has made a change in their email distribution service which has created issues with delivery to many providers. If you are no longer receiving your daily trade publication of McKnight’s via email, please email Polly Berkley as we are working directly with McKnight’s to get the issue resolved.
In Case You Missed It
Your Association’s Advocacy at Work

AHCA has TV ads up in D.C. this week on CNN and MSNBC and they will be up as long as Congress is in town. The ads are related to the staffing mandate:

Please feel free to share on your social media platforms.
NCAL Executive Director Discusses Importance Of Mentorship, Future Of Long-Term Care Industry

Provider Magazine (11/29, 151K) reports National Center for Assisted Living Executive Director LaShuan Bethea "recently joined the LTC Heroes podcast to speak about the importance of mentorship and the future outlook of the industry." Bethea said, "There are so many opportunities in long term care, especially for entrepreneurs in this space. ... It is something that we don’t talk about enough, but it really is a gateway for opportunities." Separately, "while the industry has faced major challenges during the pandemic, Bethea is confident that it will bounce back with greater initiatives and emphasis on community." Bethea added, "People are starting to feel more comfortable coming back into assisted living, and that gives a lot of optimism. ... We are also working towards initiatives that allow more workers to come into the long term care space, which will then allow more assisted living providers to be able to meet the needs of those that are in the community." 
Upcoming Education
Webinar: Survey Success! Avoiding Top Citations. Post Survey Activities: Developing Effective Plan of Correction & IDR

12/6/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: The Proficient Infection Preventionist Series: Astute Survey Preparedness & Application of Infection Control Regulatory Requirements

12/20/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Virtual Adult Care Home Operators Course

2/15/2023 9am 2/28/2023 3pm

Click here for more details.
Looking for options for required Staff In-Service?

KHCA’s online learning platform is BACK! We’ve loaded the in-services for SNF and for AL first. Many more education sessions to come.

Access the new learning platform by clicking here. 

Questions about education can be directed to Polly Berkley VP of Operations and Education.
Two Webinar Series Coming to you in 2023!
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