May 12, 2023

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.

Follow us! ‌ ‌ ‌

The Latest News

Friday, May 12, 2023 – Legislative Update (Reprinted from Hawver's Capitol Report) There’s nobody in the halls now, doors are locked, leadership staff shows up just occasionally, and it’s basically waiting for Kelly’s action on bills…and putting together press releases either thanking or blasting her for her action on them. But it’s only going to be quiet for a couple months before interim committees start meeting. So, if you visit soon, take the elevators, because if you fell down the stairs, we’re not sure anyone would find you quickly… KDADS Continues work on FY24 Rates The deadline is fast approaching for KDADS to submit final rates for FY24 to the Kansas Register for publication. We had hoped to see them on May 22 but it’s looking more like May 29th now.   We will be talking again with KDADS to continue the discussion on distribution of the additional 61.6 million dollars that the Legislature approved as an add-on. It seems that CMS is taking a great deal of time approving State Plan Amendments (SPA) and they may have another way to help get the dollars flowing more quickly. Stand by for additional details.   The End of the PHE – What Does it Mean for Kansas Providers On Thursday, May 11, 2023, KHCA/KCAL hosted a webinar at KDADS request to discuss the immediate and long-term impact of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). Over 400 individuals registered for the webinar and they were encouraged to submit questions in advance. Although some information provided in the webinar required clarification with CMS, are are appreciative of Scott Bruner, Lacey Hunter and Dawne Altis for sharing their thoughts with us. To view the webinar, click here. For the slides that were presented, click here. A couple of points of clarification: F885 Regarding Reporting. QSO Memo 23-13-All is set to expire on 12/31/2024 however CMS is exercising enforcement discretion and will not expect providers to meet the requirement at 42-CFR 483.80(g)(3). To clarify: the requirement to Inform residents, their representatives, and families of those residing in facilities by 5 p.m. the next calendar day following the occurrence of either a single confirmed infection of COVID–19, or three or more residents or staff with new-onset of respiratory symptoms occurring within 72 hours of each other will no longer be expected. All other reporting requirements will remain in effect until December 31, 2024. F888 Regarding vaccine status for residents and staff. CMS stated that the requirement to establish policies and procedures for staff vaccines (F888) will end soon and they will provide more information at the end of the PHE. At this time, there is no additional information being provided from CMS regarding a specific end date for this. Deadline to Register for AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing is Today Click here for more information and to register.   I am honored and privileged to serve you and thank you for this opportunity. Linda MowBray President/CEO lmowbray@khca.org (785) 267-6003

In Case You Missed It

Parkinson Warns About Impacts Of Federal Staffing Mandate, Managed Care Trends Skilled Nursing News (5/9, Siddiqi) reports, "Nursing homes are past the ‘nightmare’ caused by Covid-19, but now are facing ‘a real business problem’ that could be considerably worsened by the coming federal staffing mandate." This is according to AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson, who spoke Tuesday during the "annual conference for New York State Health Facilities Association and New York State Center for Assisted Living" about "the urgent need to battle the staffing mandate even now, before the proposal drops." Also, Parkinson "described the dangers and opportunities that the ‘mega-trend’ of managed care is creating for nursing home operators." However, Parkinson did strike "an upbeat note related to occupancy, saying, ‘The census picture right now continues to be challenging, but I think we’re on the verge of it being quite a bit better in my view.’"

CMS Daily Digest Bulletin Now Available on eCQI Resource Center: CMS Digital Quality Measure Definition  Click here for more details.

As behavioral health demands grow, new federal center offers free SNF training  As federal regulators heighten pressure on skilled nursing facilities to accept and treat patients with mental health needs and substance abuse disorders, a new center is ramping up to equip providers with additional resources and training. READ MORE

McKnight's NSNCW Feature: Deadline by May 16 AHCA received a request from McKnights and they hope you can help. The reporter, Foster Stubbs, is working on a National Skilled Nursing Care Week feature for their The Brighter Side section and he would like to interview providers who have events planned. If you have an event planned and willing to speak with the reporter, please let Andrea Todd with AHCA know. Foster with McKnight's would like to speak with someone by Tuesday, May 16, 2023.     This is a great opportunity to shine a light on the great work that happens every day in centers to improve lives. Please contact Andrea with AHCA at atodd@ahca.org.

Education Spotlight

Nurse Leadership Conference 6/13/2023 11:00AM - 6/14/2023 4:00PM This special Nurse Leadership Conference is an opportunity for nurses working in the Long-Term Care setting to strengthen their leadership skills. Building strong leaders through education is essential to promoting a better quality of life for our residents. Meet new vendor partners and spend time networking and getting to know others that are doing the same valuable work that you’re doing. Education Topics Include: A Nurse Leaders role in Creating Culture for Staff and Residents Leading the Charge Resident and Family Grievances Nurse Advisory Committee Meeting Rebuilding After Burnout The Regulatory Crosswalk Advance Directives Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Identity Theft Regulatory Hot Topics Click here for more details.

Upcoming Education

Spring Sale! Required In-Service Bundles Assisted Living In-Service Bundle was $157.50 now $65! Click here for more details. SNF In-Service Bundle was $165 now $99! Click here for more details.

Two On Demand Webinars focusing on Social Services Role and Job Responsibilities of the Social Services Designee in LTC Social Service Documentation Access the new learning platform by clicking here.  Questions about education can be directed to Polly Berkley VP of Operations and Education.

Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Designs Well-Rounded Dietary Departments 5/23/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM Click here for more details.

Assisted Living Lunch and Learn: A Deeper Look at FCS/NSA and HSP 6/9/2023 10:00AM - 2:00PM Click here for more details.

MDS - RAI Changes Workshop 6/12/2023 9:00AM - 4:00PM Click here for more details.

Nurse Leadership Conference 6/13/2023 11:00AM - 6/14/2023 4:00PM Click here for more details.

Webinar: Deep Dive Into Federal Regulations in a Year: §483.25 Quality of Care Requirements 6/13/2023 1:30PM - 3:00PM Click here for more details.

Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Helps and Hints for Housekeeping 6/27/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM 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 khca@khca.org |  www.khca.org