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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Update on HHS’ Abbott BinaxNOW Test Kit Program
Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living communities continue to receive or are eligible to receive free monthly shipments of Abbott BinaxNOW over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 test kits from the department of Health and Human Services (HHS). This program, which has been in place since 2020, will continue through at least the end of 2023. As a reminder, facilities/communities must have an active CLIA waiver to be eligible to participate in this program.
Shipments can be started and stopped, and test quantities can be increased or decreased by emailing Binax.team@hhs.gov. The email must include:
- Name of the facility
- Facility address
- CLIA waiver number
- Request (stop, start, increase, decrease)
Please note, it may take a week or two to update the shipping information.
If you have an influx of test kits and aren’t sure how to use them, keep in mind that since the tests are OTC, you can provide them to visitors, staff, or residents for their personal use as well. All tests that have been shipped to long term care facilities have expiration dates in December or January. The exact expiration dates for the tests can be found on the FDA website.
For questions related to the HHS BinaxNOW distribution Program, please email Binax.team@hhs.gov.
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Participation is open for the 2023 HCS Home Care Salary & Benefits study, published by HCS. The results will report marketplace data for 59 jobs, covering salary, hourly and per visit rates by state, CBSA, revenue size, and profit type.
The extended deadline to participate is August 21st. Participants may purchase the Report at over 50% off the Report price. The Home Care Report pre-paid rate is $185; the billed rate is $205. A separate Hospice Report is also available—prepaid rate $160; billed rate $180.
HCS hopes you will participate in this important study. So that HCS can watch for your data and follow up as needed, kindly send Rosanne Zabka a quick email saying “Yes” that you will be participating (Step 1 below will open an email prompt to Rosanne).
To participate:
- Click here to confirm your participation
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Download the questionnaire at: www.hhcsinc.com
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Email your completed questionnaire to rzabka@hhcsinc.com by August 21st
The Home Care Report will be published in October; the Hospice Report is published in November. HCS, founded in 1971, is recognized as the leader in national healthcare salary and benefits research. In addition to our Nursing Home Report, HCS conducts an annual study for home health agencies. HCS conducts national and custom marketplace studies, publishing more than ten specialized Reports each year.
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New Final Federal Safety Rule Issued for use of Portable Bed Rails
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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.
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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.
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Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
On 7-19-23, McKnights published an article about a study conducted in Denmark related to the significantly increased risk for opioid use in residents with dementia. This is important enough that I am going to copy the article for you to read, share with your staff and share with your residents, family members and practitioners. Perhaps an Informed Consent should be considered for these drugs. READ MORE
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AHCA’s Delivering Solutions 23 Annual Conference To Begin October 1
McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (7/21, Berklan) reported, "Delivering Solutions 23 is the new name of the American Health Care Association’s annual conference and expo, which will run Oct. 1-4 in Denver." According to the article, "Attendees will have the opportunity to network with industry leaders, gain valuable insights from informative sessions, and celebrate excellence in the long-term, post-acute and assisted living sectors." Event organizers "said the new meeting name reflects its mission of ‘improving the quality of life for residents in long-term care and assisted living facilities.’" The "wide variety of educational sessions, keynote addresses, interactive exhibits and award ceremonies will give attendees information to improve the long-term and post-acute care industry’s ‘quality, efficiency and effectiveness,’ according to organizers."
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Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill To Expand National Practitioner Data Bank Access To Include Long-Term Care Providers
McKnight’s Senior Living (7/24, Gaivin) reports, "Legislation re-introduced last week by Sens. Marco Rubio (R-FL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) would expand access to the National Practitioner Data Bank to include long-term care providers such as nursing homes and home health agencies that receive federal funding from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services." This "move would improve providers’ ability to screen job applicants, according to the sponsors, because the federal database provides information about people’s histories of malpractice and formal disciplinary actions." An AHCA/NCAL spokesperson "told the McKnight’s Business Daily that the groups appreciate that the legislation has been reintroduced ‘so that we can ensure our nation’s seniors receive the highest-quality care from dedicated, trustworthy caregivers.’" The spokesperson continued, "Our first priority is the safety and well-being of our residents, and this bill will provide further safeguards for residents and aid the profession’s ability to root out bad actors before they are hired. We look forward to working with Congress to help pass this critical legislation."
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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
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Webinar: Restorative Documentation, Periodic Evaluation, and Quality Assurance Strategies
7/27/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM
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Webinar: Deep Dive Into Federal Regulations in a Year: §483.40 Behavioral Health Service Requirements
8/8/2023 1:30PM - 3:00PM
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Joint Provider Fire Marshal Training
Three Options to attend:
August 9, 2023 (Olathe)
August 9, 2023 (Virtual)
August 10, 2023 (Wichita)
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Virtual Silver Award Workshop Session 1
8/10/2023 1:00PM - 4:00PM
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Assisted Living Lunch and Learn - Survey Preparedness and Plans of Correction
8/18/2023 10:00AM - 2:00PM
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Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Advanced Action Planning for Administrators
8/22/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM
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JUST ADDED! Webinar: Bedrails in Assisted Living; Do you know what's required?
8/24/2023 2:00PM - 3:15PM
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73rd Annual Convention and Tradeshow
9/27/2023 2:00PM - 9/29/2023 4:00PM
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Administrator in Training (AIT) Program
We are excited to announce our new AIT Program! Click here for more details.
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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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