Capitol Line Weekly Newsletter |
|
LeadingAge Connecticut Board & Membership Meeting
To be held virtually on June 14, 2022, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
On the agenda for this meeting will be a presentation by Maureen Weaver, Esq, Wiggin and Dana on the new state laws going into effect on July 1. For the log in information, please contact Ñurka Carrero at [email protected]. The Board and Membership Meeting is open to all LeadingAge Connecticut provider and business affiliate members, as well as our subscribers.
Election Guidance for Non-Profits
Now that we have entered campaign season, we thought it would be helpful to share the following link to the LeadingAge Election Guidance for Non-Profits. It is a great guide to help you understand what you can and cannot do under IRS guidelines with respect to political candidates and issues.
Update on “Up to Date” Status
Last week we sent out a member update regarding the CDC’s recommendation that all individuals aged 50 and older should receive a second booster. This strengthening of the recommendation from “may receive” to “should receive” has resulted in a change to the definition of “up to date” and has many implications for nursing homes. The member update includes information to help you navigate this change.
It was announced this week that Connecticut Office of Health Strategy Executive Director Vicki Veltri will be stepping down from her role in state government at the end of this month to pursue a new professional opportunity. Veltri has served as the head of the Office of Health Strategy since its creation in February 2018. The Office of Health Strategy is responsible for implementing data-driven strategies that promote equal access to healthcare, improve the value of healthcare, contain costs, and ensure better healthcare systems for Connecticut residents.
Veyo Announcement
It was just announced that Veyo, the non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) broker, is being acquired by MTM, pending regulatory approval. We understand that MTM is one of the nation’s leading NEMT brokers. Veyo has reassured us that it will be an extremely seamless process. Members and healthcare providers will continue using the same toll-free phone line to schedule rides and will continue to use the same forms and documents to transmit information to Veyo.
National Study Looks at Best Practices in Home Health, Hospice, & Personal Care
Over 1,000 home health, hospice, and personal care agencies participated in the National Healthcare at Home Best Practices and Future Insights Study. This is the largest study of its kind with the goal to provide agency leaders with clinical, financial and operational best practices performed by leading organizations across the country. The study also includes a full section on staffing, recruitment, and retention. The LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston participated as a steering committee member.
HUD Launches “Our Way Home” Initiative to Increase Affordable Housing Supply in Local Communities
This week, HUD launched the Our Way Home initiative, a new effort to leverage existing funds to boost the nation’s affordable housing supply. The national initiative aims to uplift housing supply successes in local communities and connect cities, counties, tribal communities, states, and U.S. territories to tools and resources needed to preserve and produce affordable housing. More information is available here.
All Eight County Rates of Transmission Remain High
All of the state's eight counties currently remain classified as having high transmission rates by the CDC. The appropriate CMS and CDC guidance should be followed for these conditions.
DSS Provider Bulletins and Messages
Trends in Number of COVID-19 Vaccinations
On May 26, the “Vaccination Trends” tab on COVID Data Tracker was updated to display trends in people 50 years and older receiving a second booster dose.
COVID-19 Rebound After Paxlovid Treatment
On May 24, CDC distributed a new Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory, COVID-19 Rebound After Paxlovid Treatment, to update healthcare providers, public health departments, and the public on the potential for recurrence of COVID-19 or “COVID-19 rebound.” Paxlovid continues to be recommended for early-stage treatment of mild to moderate COVID-19 among persons at high risk for progression to severe disease. For more information about COVID-19 Treatment and Medications, visit: COVID-19 Treatments and Medications | CDC
|
|
CMS, CDC and State Covid-19 Links and Resources |
|
The NFP HR Compliance Corner
LeadingAge Connecticut's Diamond Partner, NFP, is pleased to provide our members with access to their Human Resource Compliance Corner
Executive and Commissioner Orders-Blast Faxes
A complete listing of Executive and Commissioner Orders can be found
here. A listing of DPH Blast Faxes can be found here. Practitioner and Facility Guidance documents can be found here.
LTC-MAP June Duty Officer
Brian Gudelski
860-207-9270
Back-Up Duty Officer: Andy McGuire
203-648-7116 - Cell
860-390-1949 - Work
Value First GPO: A Resource for Affordable Products and Supplies
Value First is the LeadingAge owned GPO and a trusted resource for your purchasing department. Our contact for Value First is Den Miciletto, Value First Sales Liaison. Mobile 917.370.6518, Office 518.867.8383 ex.160, Fax 518.867.8384
Schedule for Member Calls
Nursing Home Tuesdays and Thursdays at 2 p.m.
CCRC/Assisted Living Community Every other Thursday at noon
Nursing Director Tuesdays at Noon
Affordable Housing Third Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m.
Human Resource Second Thursday of the month at 10 a.m.
Social Work Second Wednesday of the month 11:30 a.m.
Building Engineering Last Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m.
Recreation Second Tuesday of the month at noon
CFO Roundtable June 30 at 9 a.m.
Mission Roundtable TBA
LeadingAge national Monday and Wednesday at 3:30 p.m.
The Benefits of Your LeadingAge Connecticut Membership
Please Keep Us Up to Date on Your Major Staffing Changes
In an effort to keep our contact information current with our members and their staff, we request that you notify our office manager, Nurka Carrero, as soon as possible when you have significant staffing changes. Thank you!
|
|
LeadingAge Coronavirus Update Call on Monday
New vaccines, new boosters, and new variants as we head into summer, what does it all mean? On Monday, June 13, at 3:30pm, LeadingAge will be joined by Dr. Jeffrey Shaman, professor, Environmental Health Sciences (in the International Research Institute for Climate and Society/Earth Institute), and director, Climate and Health Program, Columbia University, to discuss what we can expect and to answer your questions about new boosters and vaccines.
If you have not registered for LeadingAge Update Calls, you can do so here. You can also find previous call recordings here. Note that to access recordings of the calls you need a LeadingAge password. Any staff member of any LeadingAge member organization can set up a password to access previous calls and other “members only” content.
National Coronavirus News, Tools and Resources
Nursing Home Network
The LeadingAge Nursing Home Network met on Tuesday, May 31. Read a recap of the meeting here. The next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, June 28 at 2pm. Not yet a member of the Nursing Home Network? Go here to register for our monthly call.
Home Health Member Network
LeadingAge’s Home Health Member Network met on May 3, 2022, to hear from researchers at the Bipartisan Policy Center about their new home health report as well as updates on national legislation and regulatory policy. Read the full recap here. For more information, please contact Katy ([email protected]).
Life Plan Community May Member Network Call Materials
LeadingAge's Life Plan Community Member Network call in May focused on the topic of behavioral and mental health interventions for older adults, and featured an expert panel that included Kathy Cameron, NCOA; Joel Miller, National Coalition for Mental Health and Aging ; and Dr. Bill Mansbach, the BCAT and Counterpoint research groups. You can find the recording here and the slides here.
LeadingAge Comments on FY 2023 SNF PPS Proposed Rule
LeadingAge submitted comments to the federal register today on the FY 2023 SNF PPS proposed rule. In summary, LeadingAge opposed the PDPM parity adjustment, citing increased cost of care related to increased acuity, inflated cost of supplies and PPE, and increased staffing costs. They supported a permanent cap on wage index decreases, consistent with our comments on the Hospice proposed rule. They supported a change to infection isolation coding to include residents who are cohorted during active infection, and commented on several aspects of the SNF QRP and VBP programs. They provided feedback on mandatory minimum staffing centering on the fact that standards must be based on a current, relevant, staffing study and that CMS and other government partners must actively invest in the workforce instead of simply penalizing providers for the staffing crisis. You can read the full comments here.
CMS Revises Home Health Manual Removing Allowed Practitioner Section
CMS issued a Change Request 12615 and new MLN article removing previous sections of the NOA requirements regarding allowed practitioners. Since March, advocacy efforts from LeadingAge in collaboration with the home health and advanced practice nurse community, pushed to revise the initial Benefits Policy Manual and an accompanying MLN article when it inaccurately summarized regulations for advanced nurse practitioners to certify eligibility and order services for home health. The passage of the CARES Act in 2021 permanently allowed nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants to order home health. However, each state’s practice laws and regulations need to be amended in order to comply with the new federal scope of practice change. The underlying issue in the original Change Request and MLN article were statements made about “collaboration” between advanced practice nurses, physicians assistants, and physicians in states which did not have laws governing collaboration. Many states have proactively removed requirements for written collaborative agreements. CMS has stated to advocates that their intent was not to add additional “collaboration” requirements despite confusion in the article. LeadingAge will continue to work with advocacy partners to ensure that this critical change to home health policy is appropriately enacted allowing for greater access to home health services.
HUD Funding Votes Scheduled, Advocates Press Congress
The House Committee on Appropriations has scheduled votes on its fiscal year 2023 HUD appropriations bill. The time between now and the votes is an excellent opportunity for housing stakeholders with Representatives on the full appropriations committee (Rep. Rosa DeLauro) to communicate affordable senior housing priorities to these key decision makers. The FY23 HUD bill will be considered in the Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, and Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies on June 23; the full Committee will consider the bill on June 30. Your advocacy matters and your voice makes an impact. Please send an email today using this link. See more in this article.
LeadingAge Hosts Call with HUD, Insurance, and Housing Stakeholders on Insurance Rates in Affordable Senior Housing
This week, LeadingAge hosted its second call to discuss rising property and liability insurance costs for affordable housing communities. Many LeadingAge members report significant increases in insurance costs in the past year, paired with decreases in coverage and general trends toward “uninsurability.” During the call, HUD staff, housing providers, and insurance industry representatives shared their perspectives and brainstormed possible solutions; subject matter experts on the call also warned against possible Fair Housing Act violations related to the disparate impact of increased insurance rates for HUD-assisted properties vs. comparable non-HUD assisted properties. Materials from the call are available here.
LeadingAge to Host Call on HUD Policy Changes to Criminal Background Screening
In April, HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge announced an agency-wide effort to remove barriers that prevent individuals with criminal histories from participating in HUD programs. Join LeadingAge on June 22 at 1 p.m. for a call to discuss the process of criminal background screening at senior housing properties and the potential impact of HUD's policy changes, and help create feedback for HUD as they undergo their review of agency guidance. Register in advance here.
LeadingAge Pushes Back on Limits to Services and Other Changes in Section 8 Rent Setting
In response to Section 8 rent setting policy changes proposed by HUD, LeadingAge has pushed back strongly to preserve the federal government’s investments in non-shelter services at HUD-assisted senior housing communities. Earlier this year, HUD proposed revisions to Chapter 9 of the Section 8 Renewal Guidebook to adjust the process for Rent Comparability Study appraisal valuations. LeadingAge's letter to HUD is available here, and more information will be available here.
Provider Relief Fund Page on LeadingAge Website
LeadingAge has co-located all articles, tools, letters and resources on Provider Relief Funds on a single web page to make it easier for members to find the key dates and information they need. Members can find a link to the page on the Coronavirus Resources page under Provider Resources in the left-hand column.
LeadingAge Member Resources
Get Connected with LeadingAge
LeadingAge offers a variety of ways for members to engage with one another and get involved from listservs and networks to advisory groups, committees and board service. We encourage you to take advantage of your membership and connect with your peers to learn, share and grow. Get connected!
|
|
Caring Hands Recognition Luncheon
Our Caring Hands Award and Recognition Luncheon will return on June 15 with our special guest, WFSB Personality Scot Haney! This special event honors exceptional nursing assistants throughout the continuum. We can't wait to see you there!
Annual CTHCPE Provider Conference
Breakfast Conference on June 21 at the Aqua Turf Club
Defending Your Decisions: Managing Post-Pay Audits
Wednesday, July 13, 9:00 - 11:00am
Presented by Maureen McCarthy, RN, BS, RAC-MT, QCP-MT, DNS-MT, RAC-MTA, President/CEO, Celtic Consulting
Dementia Symposium featuring National Expert Teepa Snow
Thursday, August 4
SAVE THE DATE!
|
|
Hospice Preview Reports Available on iQIES
Hospices can now access the latest Provider Preview Reports for the August 2022 Care Compare refresh via the CASPER application.
CMS Transitions Administrative Functions for HHA Enrollments and CHOWs
Effective May 27, 2022 the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) transitioned certain certification enrollment functions from the CMS Survey and Operations Group (SOG) Locations (formerly CMS Regional Offices) to CMS’ Center for Program Integrity (CPI) Provider Enrollment Oversight Group (PEOG) and the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs).
CMS Website Resources
National Government Services News
National Government Services shares important Part A information on their website. Click on www.NGSMedicare.com, determine your Medicare contract. On the Provider Specific Portal Home Page, under Latest Part A News Articles click on the View All News Articles link. Note: you may have to accept the CPT Point and Click Agreement in order to access this information.
NGS Medicare Educational Sessions and Training Events Calendar
Visit the National Government Services Web site for details at NGS Medicare.
Medicare University Computer-Based Training Course Listings
|
|
COVID-19 Positivity Continues to Decline, But Expert Warns Variants Will Drive New Surges
Courant, June 2
The number of new coronavirus cases in Connecticut continued to fall this week, along with hospitalizations, though Hartford HealthCare’s COVID-19 expert warned the virus is not going away anytime soon.
More Than Half of Connecticut Towns Failed to Turn in Affordable Housing Plans; Advocates, Legislators Regrouping, ‘Let’s Hold the State’s Feet to The Fire’
Courant, June 6
Despite five years of advance notice that Connecticut towns would have to submit affordable housing plans by June 1, less than half of them made the deadline.
The Day, June 6
Yale New Haven Health announced Monday it is partnering with Medically Home, a private, Boston-based company, to provide high-acuity, hospital-level care to patients in their homes.
Initially, the Home Hospital program will serve Medicare patients meeting certain clinical and social stability criteria who live within 25 miles of Yale New Haven and Bridgeport hospitals, the health system said in a news release, adding that it expects to expand the program to other hospitals in its system in the future.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
