This message contains confidential information and is intended only for KHCA/KCAL membership. Dissemination, distribution or copying the contents of this email beyond this group is strictly prohibited. |
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In observance of Christmas, we will not publish on Monday, December 25, 2023. Service will resume on Wednesday, December 27, 2023. The staff at KHCA/KCAL would like to wish you a safe and happy holiday. |
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A Message from the President & CEO Mark Parkinson
2023: The Recovery Continues
Happy Holidays from the AHCA/NCAL Team
When I think about 2023, I am grateful and proud. AHCA/NCAL state executives and members have continued to step up in many ways, and we remain united. Before I discuss 2023 in more detail, I want to take a moment to highlight the 2023 Annual Report. This document outlines the Association’s overarching goals and strategies over the past 12 months, as well as our success and achievements.
Much of this is also thanks to the hard work and dedication of the smiling faces you see above. We couldn’t do it without you, our members. The entire staff at AHCA/NCAL thanks you for your ongoing support and wishes you a happy, healthy holiday season.
- THE RECOVERY CONTINUES
- FORTUNATELY, THE SECTOR HAS SURVIVED
- WE WILL CONTINUE TO FIGHT THE IMPOSSIBLE MINIMUM STAFFING PROPOSAL
- NCAL HAD A GREAT YEAR
- OTHER NEW OFFERINGS FROM AHCA/NCAL
- MEMBERS SHINE IN 2023
- ENORMOUSLY GRATEFUL
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CMS Outlines Appeals Process For Medicare Beneficiaries Who Believe Hospitals Inappropriately Classified Stays As Observations Instead Of Admissions
ModernHealthcare (12/21, Bennett, Subscription Publication, 215K) reports that CMS "has outlined an appeals process for Medicare beneficiaries who believe hospitals inappropriately classified their stays as observations instead of admissions." Published Thursday, the proposed rule "aims to resolve a 12-year-old class-action lawsuit seeking redress for fee-for-service enrollees whose hospital or nursing home care wasn’t covered under Medicare Part A because hospitals designated them as outpatients." In a statement, the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living said, "At first glance, AHCA/NCAL supports what CMS is aiming to achieve. While this rule will certainly be helpful, we urge Congress to resolve this issue permanently by eliminating the three-day-stay requirement or recognizing observation stays as qualifying stays."
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As Congress leaves town, providers face Jan. 1 pay cut
A 3.4% physician fee cut that affects key nursing home services is set to go into effect Jan. 1, and Congress did nothing to provide relief before adjourning for its winter recess.
The cut included in the 2024 Physician pay rule, which was finalized by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services in November, affects doctors working in nursing homes and other long-term care settings, as well as pay for therapists and other ancillary services. READ MORE
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Navigating OSHA Recordkeeping: Introduction, Insights, and NEW Regulation Continued
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will require electronic submission of 300, 300A, and 301 documents for employers in 'high-risk' industries with 100 or more employees. READ MORE
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The Semmelweis Times, Issues 13 & 14 - a newsletter from the KDHE HAI/AR Section
In Issue 13 - Respiratory Viruses Edition:
- Syndromic Surveillance: Using Kansas EDs to track respiratory viral trends
- Journal Club: RSV vaccines
- Healthy Humor
- Street Dog Coalition: Clinic Spotlight
- Midwest Antibiotic Discovery Contributions
- Upcoming KS Educational Activities
- Staff Highlight
- AR in Food Animals
- Q&A: Examining IPC through a Health Equity Lens
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For Goodness Flake, Keep Working on Your Quality Award Applications
There is snow time like the present! Completing a successful Quality Award application takes time to prepare. Over the next few weeks, keep working on your applications and submit them before the deadline on Thursday, January 25, 2024. But don't be in a flurry to get things done. If you have not already done so, take advantage of free resources to help! READ MORE
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Are you a current AIT Preceptor or are you interested in becoming one?
If you are a current Preceptor we would love to have you on our list. Please contact Teresa with your Preceptor number at tkeating@khca.org. Are you interested in becoming an AIT Preceptor and shaping the future of the profession? Our team is happy to walk you through that process. Click here for the KDADS information and give Teresa a call at 785-267-6003.
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NO EVV Requirement for Assisted Living and Home Plus
As we informed you earlier, we have received confirmation from KDADS and KDHE that Assisted Livings and Home Plus who participate the HCBS waiver program will not be required to use the EVV system that is being mandated for other settings. We understood that we would have written clarification last Friday and while that is not the case, we have been in constant communication with KDADS to assure that written policy clarification is on the way. Today, we received notification that KDADS has initiated this policy clarification with KDHE and once the document goes through proper channels a bulletin will be published. We have been told that all three MCO’s are now aware of this directive. Hopefully this will help clear up the confusion. Please let us know right away if you are still being contacted by an MCO or from AuthentiCare so that we may intervene on your behalf. khca@khca.org
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The American Health Care Association (AHCA) has unveiled the 2024 theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW).
Drumroll, please – the theme is "Radiant Memories: A Time of Golden Age Radio.” The national observance will take place from Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2024.
Next year’s theme is designed to transport us to an era of timeless memories, echoing the charm and nostalgia of the golden age of radio. As we prepare for a week of celebration and recognition for the incredible care you provide, "Radiant Memories" sets the stage for honoring the stories and experiences that define the heart of skilled nursing care.
We invite you to join us in embracing the spirit of this theme by incorporating elements of the golden age of radio into your planned NSNCW activities.
Available Now
Download "Radiant Memories: A Time of Golden Age Radio” logos available on nsncw.org.
Available in February
In February 2024, AHCA will release a comprehensive planning guide and exclusive products to assist in creating an unforgettable experience.
NSNCW celebrates the essential role that skilled nursing care centers play in providing safe and effective 24-hour nursing care to millions of individuals each year.
Thank you for your dedication to excellence for the residents we serve. Your commitment truly makes every moment shine.
Here’s to an amazing 2024!
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Assisted Living Providers May Be Impacted As States Come Into Compliance With HCBS Settings Final Rule, Survey Finds
McKnight’s Senior Living (12/20, Bonvissuto) reports, "Assisted living operators that provide home- and community-based services to residents who are Medicaid beneficiaries could be affected as states continue to come into compliance with the provisions of the HCBS settings final rule, suggests the results of a KFF survey of state Medicaid HCBS programs." Meanwhile, "one expert said that even providers that don’t provide HCBS would benefit from becoming familiar with its provisions." Right now, "18% of assisted living residents rely on Medicaid to pay for daily services, and 61% of all assisted living communities are Medicaid-certified, according to" NCAL.
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Consumer Advocates Urge CMS To Tighten Enforcement Of Nurse Aide Training Initiatives
McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (12/19, Henreckson) reports CMS "hasn’t fully embraced the Biden administration’s full agenda for long-term care," but now, consumer advocates are "pushing the agency to tighten enforcement." The Center for Medicare Advocacy put "a spotlight on a 2017 rule that makes it possible for some facilities to maintain nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs through waivers from CMS even after those NATCEPs would have been suspended due to regulatory penalties or extended surveys." However, staffing shortages "have left many in the long-term care sector frustrated by regulations that suspend the programs working to bring more care staff into the workforce." AHCA said, "In the midst of a historic labor crisis, allowing facilities the ability to offer CNA training programs to train crucially needed caregivers is exactly the type of workforce solutions we need. ... Now is not the time to take away critically important workforce development resources and programs, such as in-house CNA training."
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RAC-CT Certification In-Person Workshop
1/29/2024 8:00AM - 1/31/2024 5:00PM
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 you are a knowledgeable and capable MDS professional. RAC-CT certification is the nationally recognized gold-standard in resident assessment in the long-term care nursing profession. By earning this credential, individuals have shown their expertise in skilled nursing facility prospective payment system and minimum data set (MDS 3.0) assessment. LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE
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Webinar: Deconstructing Immediate Jeopardy Mitigation: Navigating Top Risk Areas: Preventing Elopement: Strategies for Resident Safety
1/9/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM
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Webinar: Documentation in Depth: Supportive Documentation for Falls and Accidents
1/16/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM
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Webinar: Survey Trends in Assisted Living
1/18/24 - 1:00PM-2:15PM
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Webinar: Care Plans for SSD's
1/23/24 - 1:00PM-2:30PM
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RAC-CT Certification In-Person Workshop
1/29/2024 8:00AM - 1/31/2024 5:00PM
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Administrator in Training (AIT) Program
Looking for an AIT Program? Click here for more details on KHCA's Program.
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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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