January 19, 2022
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
The Latest News
A Message from KDHE

Critical Blood Shortage Impacting Kansas Hospitals 

TOPEKA – The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) and the Kansas Trauma Program (KTP) continue to highlight the importance of blood donation amid increasingly critical blood shortages experienced across the state and nation. Blood shortages can pose risks to hospitals in performing necessary patient care. As January is National Blood Donor month, KDHE and KTP encourage those able to schedule an appointment to donate blood. In recent weeks, the Red Cross has declared this the worst blood shortage in over a decade, with less than a one-day supply of critical blood types. The Community Blood Center for our region is at a 1-2 day supply. READ MORE
KHCA/KCAL President/CEO Update from 1/18/22

Click here if you missed yesterday's President/CEO Update.
A Message from the Office of the State Fire Marshal

Recall for Royal Sovereign Air Conditioners 

Click here for more details.
Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, January 21, 2022 at 10:00 AM

Please join KHCA’s Nurse Advisory Committee President, Teresa Coover on this month’s Members Only NAC Call to discuss Infection Control and Managing Quality Measures.

Microsoft Teams Meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, January 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM

Join Linda Farrar - KHCA Consultant, Angela Moore - VP of Facility Standards and Linda MowBray - President/CEO as they discuss the latest SNF survey findings. 


Microsoft Teams Meeting
Join on your computer or mobile app
The AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit is Back! Registration Now Open!

Quality Summit will be held in Kissimmee, FL, May 16-18.
Chief Medical Officer and Director of the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality for the Centers for 
Medicare and Medicaid Services, Lee A. Fleisher, MD, is the opening keynote speaker. 

Click here for more details.
In Case You Missed It
CMS QSO Memos to Enforce Vaccine Mandate in 49 States and District of Columbia

​​The U.S. Supreme Court has stayed the preliminary injunctions against enforcement of the CMS interim final rule. This means CMS can enforce its vaccine mandate in states previously exempted due to the stay, with the exception of Texas. CMS has released two QSO memos with separate deadlines for implementation. READ MORE
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

I have a couple of subjects to cover today based on issues coming up. First, apparently, we have some Fire Marshal inspectors requesting a copy of the Emergency Declaration related to COVID, which implements 1135 Waivers. The second issue is related to the MDS coding of anticoagulants vs anti-platelet agents. Finally, I want to just share a HUGE concern about fines based on F880. READ MORE
Updated CMS FAQ and Visitation Infographic Now Available

CMS has updated the Nursing Home Visitation FAQs to provide clarification to recent visitation guidance. It has also released an infographic on how to safely conduct visits to nursing homes. READ MORE
Public Health Emergency Extended

HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra renewed the declaration that a public health emergency exists. This is effective January 16, 2022 and will continue for 90 days pursuant to federal law. READ MORE
PEAK 2.0 Open Enrollment for New Enrollees

Open enrollment for the PEAK 2.0 is now open through April 15th. New homes must enroll to participate. If you have been in PEAK in the past, there is an opportunity to get back in the program at the level you left. Email ksucoa@gmail.com for details. Current participants do not need to re-enroll in the program. Homes may not enter the program mid-year. To enroll click here.  Questions? Email the PEAK 2.0 Project Team at K-State or call (785) 532-2776.
Education Spotlight
Virtual Adult Care Home Operators Course
2/9-2/22/2022

REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS FEBRAURY 1ST!

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.
Upcoming Education
Virtual Adult Care Home Operators Course

2/9-2/22/2022
8 Week Webinar Series: Winning the Fall Prevention Battle

Every Wednesday Starting February 2 and Ending March 23, 2022
1:30PM - 2:30PM
Webinar: Survey Top 10 Citation Series - Survey Success! Avoiding Top Citations. #1 Top Citation: F880 Infection Control & F884 NHSN Reporting

2/1/2022 1:30PM - 2:30PM
Focus on Dementia Care (3-part webinar series)

2/10/22, 2/17/22, 2/24/22 1:00PM - 2:15PM
Webinar: The Proficient Infection Preventionist Series: Developing an Exceptional Infection Control & Prevention Program

2/15/2022 1:30PM - 2:30PM
ICD-10 Coding Workshop (in person)

3/29 - 3/30/2022
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