July 7, 2023
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The Latest News
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.
LAST DAY TO VOTE! Location Poll for 2024 Nurse Leadership Conference

We are asking for your input! Tell us where you would like to see our Nurse Leadership Conference in June of 2024. Please vote by July 7th.
Where would you prefer the 2024 Nurse Leadership Conference to be held:
Kansas City Area (Olathe/Overland Park)
Wichita
Manhattan
Salina
Lawrence
Focus MDS Update of the Week - Changes to Section K

Since their release on April 3, 2023, the final MDS Item Sets version 1.18.11v2 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 K:

The MDS 3.0 version v1.8.11v2 final item sets were updated on June 7, 2023, draft RAI guidance was released on April 3, 2023, and substantial changes were made to several sections. Changes to section K (Swallowing/Nutritional Status) include:

  • The expansion of timeframes for recording answers related to nutritional approaches, including:
  • On Admission;
  • While Not a Resident;
  • While a Resident; and
  • At Discharge.

AHCA has created an MDS Section K resource document to help providers breakdown the changes. The information outlines key changes to MDS Section K, 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.
FDA grants full approval of Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) late Thursday granted full approval of the early Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi (lecanemab), opening up long-awaited broad Medicare coverage of the medication shown to slow cognitive decline. READ MORE
Utilize the Benefits of the LTC Trend Trackers

LTC Trend Tracker is a data collection and benchmarking tool owned by AHCA/NCAL that is an exclusive member benefit. Register today to begin using and receiving all the benefits that LTC Trend Tracker has to offer.
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
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

We have been notified by AHCA that they have seen a “significant increase in F884 tags (reporting to NHSN) across the country but particularly in a couple of states between April and May.

In fact, F884 is the top citation in the state. Just an FYI, the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) did NOT end the requirement of NHSN reporting weekly. That being said, last week the CDC reported it had identified an issue with reporting COVID-19 Vaccination Data for resident and health care personnel in the NHSN LTC Component. Here is what they reported: READ MORE
HHS Secretary Backs CDC Recommendation For RSV Vaccine Among Older Adults

Skilled Nursing News (6/30, Stulick) reported that following the CDC’s "recommendation to administer the RSV vaccine to seniors aged 60 and older, HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra issued a statement Friday backing the recommendation." Becerra "said the move will ensure stronger protection for nursing home residents ahead of winter months," adding, "As we prepare for the fall vaccine campaign, we will follow the data and science to protect our nation’s most vulnerable older adults, those living in nursing or long-term care facilities, and the immunocompromised." AHCA/NCAL "said Becerra’s approval was ‘welcome news,’ and that providers will do everything they can to ensure residents have access to the new vaccines." AHCA/NCAL said in a statement, "We continue to encourage providers to educate their staff and residents on the importance of staying up-to-date on vaccinations. We appreciate experts and health officials continuing to monitor the effectiveness of the new vaccines this fall."
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: Deep Dive Into Federal Regulations in a Year: §483.30 Physician Services & §483.35 Nursing Service Requirements

7/11/2023 1:30PM - 3:00PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Restorative Staff Training & Competencies

7/13/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
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.
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