July 14, 2023
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The Latest News
Feds stop grants to nursing homes for ‘comprehensive review’ of CMP program 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has paused most grants distributed from its civil monetary penalty reinvestment program, leaving some nursing home leaders without a much-needed funding source for patient- and staff-centered programming.

CMS in a statement to McKnight’s Long-Term News this week gave no end date for potential delays related to “an ongoing comprehensive review” of the CMP reinvestment program, which began in April. READ MORE
Focus MDS Update of the Week: Changes to Section N

Since their release on April 3, 2023, the final MDS Item Sets version 1.18.11v4 and the draft MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.18.11 were updated. For the next few weeks, AHCA will be focusing on a different section to highlight changes and what members need to know.

Changes to Section N

The MDS 3.0 version v1.8.11v4 final item sets were updated on July 7, 2023, draft RAI guidance was released on April 3, 2023, and substantial changes were made to several sections. Changes to section N (Medications) include:

  • The addition of two new classes of medications:
  • Antiplatelet
  • Hypoglycemic
  • The coding change from counting the total number of days the resident received the medication to two new columns:
  • Is taking
  • Indication noted

AHCA has created an MDS Section N resource document to help providers breakdown the changes. The information outlines key changes to MDS Section N, Coding Instructions/RAI Guidelines for each item, and Actions to Consider for implementation across your facility.
It is important to develop a training plan for your facility to ensure all staff impacted by the changes are trained in them. 

Additional Resources:

Please email regulatory@ahca.org with any questions.
2023 Staff Recognition Program Nomination

The 2023 Staff Recognition Program is here again and this is a way for you to honor your staff and volunteers. Our yearly awards ceremony is just a small way of honoring some of the great men and women who care for the elders of our great state! The time taken from your busy schedules to fill out this nomination is very much appreciated. 

Winners will be honored at our Annual Convention and Trade Show on Friday, September 29, 2023.
Don't Let an Outdated Manual Put Your Facility at Risk

The NEW second edition of The Long Term Care Survey, Phase 3, includes important CMS revisions issued in February 2023. Updates in the new edition include a list of revised F-Tags, links to Exhibits of Survey Forms, and more. 

Having the most current edition will help you stay in compliance. Learn more about recent updates and place your order today. 
In Case You Missed It
AHCA/NCAL Sends Letter To President Biden Urging Reconsideration Of Federal Staffing Mandate

American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) President and CEO Mark Parkinson sent a letter to President Biden yesterday underscoring serious concerns regarding a federal staffing mandate for nursing homes that is expected to be issued soon by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
In the letter, Parkinson highlights the fact that while nursing homes across the country have gone to extraordinary lengths to attract new staff, there simply are not enough available to hire. And while labor shortages are impacting all health care settings, nursing homes need to recruit nearly 190,000 workers to return to pre-pandemic levels. Historic labor shortages are making it impossible for providers to fill essential caregiver positions and many have been forced to close or limit admissions. READ MORE
AHCA Among Associations Meeting With OMB As Agency Reviews Staffing Minimum Proposal

Skilled Nursing News (7/11, Stulick) reports that "as the staffing minimum mandate inches closer to an official release, associations with ties to the nursing home industry continue to meet this week with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) – the government agency currently reviewing the proposal." Leaders of associations "say they are encouraged to see so many stakeholders engaging with OMB as the proposed staffing rule is being reviewed." AHCA was among the first associations "to meet with the agency regarding the proposed minimum staffing rule on June 14." AHCA shared multiple "documents with OMB representatives, including a data analysis from CliftonLarsonAllen estimating the industry would need at least 191,000 nurses – and $11.3 billion – to meet 4.1 hours per resident day." 
KMAP Web Updates

The KMAP Public Portal has been updated with General Bulletin 23178 regarding the KanCare All MCO 3rd Quarter Training and corresponding Training Materials have been added to the KMAP website.
 
Manual Update
In keeping with current policy and procedures, the Professional Fee-for-Service Provider Manual has been updated on the KMAP website.
 
A standard global message has been added to alert providers. A standard RA banner message will appear on the weeks of July 17 and 24.
Generations in the Workplace 

Join Rasmussen University and Dr. Brein Haugen for a no-cost professional development training!
 
Generations in the Workplace
For the first time ever, we have five generations in the workforce each with varied work habits, expectations, and communication styles. Implementing strategies that optimize a multi-generational workforce can bolster teamwork and business goals. In this powerful session, learn how to communicate across all age groups effectively and build on the unique strengths of each generation.
Training length: 40 minutes
 
Thursday, July 27th
12PM CST
Education Spotlight
Joint Provider Fire Marshal Training

This Joint Training seminar for Kansas Adult Care Home providers and the OSFM staff was created as the result of the cooperative efforts of the long-term care associations and the Office of the Sate Fire Marshal. KHCA is pleased to offer this one-day session in two locations to discuss the top tags issued from the OFSM.

Three Options to attend:
August 9, 2023 (Olathe)
August 9, 2023 (Virtual)
August 10, 2023 (Wichita)

Agenda:
8:30 AM - Registration
9:00 – 9:10 - Welcome
9:10 – 9:45 - Top 5 K-tags (countdown to #1 sprinklers)
9:45 – 10:00 - Break
10:00 – 11:00 - Sprinkler System Maintenance – What you need to know
11:00 – 11:50 - The in’s and out’s of Fire Watch
11:50 – 1:00 - Lunch Provided
1:00 – 1:50 - Fire Drills
1:50 – 2:00 - Break
2:00 – 2:45 - The importance and layout of a fire safety book in your facility.
2:45 – 3:45 - Voices of experience
3:45 - Final Q & A

Click here for more details.
Upcoming Education
Webinar: Restorative Care Planning and IDT Roles

7/20/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Mechanisms of Successful Maintenance Departments

7/25/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Restorative Documentation, Periodic Evaluation, and Quality Assurance Strategies

7/27/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Deep Dive Into Federal Regulations in a Year: §483.40 Behavioral Health Service Requirements

8/8/2023 1:30PM - 3:00PM

Click here for more details.
Joint Provider Fire Marshal Training

Three Options to attend:
August 9, 2023 (Olathe)
August 9, 2023 (Virtual)
August 10, 2023 (Wichita)

Click here for more details.
Virtual Silver Award Workshop Session 1

8/10/2023 1:00PM - 4:00PM

Click here for more details.
Assisted Living Lunch and Learn - Survey Preparedness and Plans of Correction

8/18/2023 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Click here for more details.
Administrator in Training (AIT) Program

We are excited to announce our new AIT Program! Click here for more details.

Questions? Email Teresa Keating at tkeating@khca.org
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