October 26, 2022
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The Latest News
Focus F-Tag Update

AHCA members can access all of the Focus F-Tag summaries and more information on the Survey Preparedness page. Please email regulatory@ahca.org for additional questions.
Updated CMS Resources

CMS updated resources on the Nursing Homes website. Specifically, the Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Reform of Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities portion of the website.

Included in these updates is the State Operations Manual Appendix PP-Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities. Other revisions include: 

  • CMS-802 – Matrix for Providers 
  • LTCSP Initial Pool Care Areas – Resident Interview Care Areas and Probes, Resident Observation Care Areas and Probes, Record Review Care Areas and Probes 
  • Initial Surveys – Provides Instructions for the Interim LTCSP Initial Survey and Certification Process
  • Survey Resource Folder to include updated Critical Element Pathways 
Focus on diagnostic stewardship to reduce unnecessary antibiotics, study finds

Diagnostic stewardship — making sure patients receive the right tests at the right time — appears to work even better than antibiotic stewardship to halt unnecessary treatment for asymptomatic UTIs, investigators report. READ MORE
Just shipped! If you ordered the Phase 3 LTC Survey Manual, they're on the way!

It's not too late to order!

Phase 3 of The Long Term Care Survey manual includes all the updates from CMS' three-phase implementation.

Survey guidance for Phase 3 was released in June 2022. Surveyors began using this guidance on October 24, 2022. 

A limited number will be available for sale at the Joint Provider Surveyor Training.

Learn more about updates to this important resource and place your order today! 
E-mail Jennafer Sumner with desired quantity.
Elder Justice Act, SNF Resident Rights & AL Resident Rights Posters

Do you need an Elder Justice Act or Resident Rights Poster for your Facility? We’re here for you.  $15 for one, $25 for two or $35 for three. E-mail Kristin Plantz your needs!

A limited number will be available for sale at the Joint Provider Surveyor Training.
Joint Provider Surveyor Training - Topeka & Wichita

Don’t miss this Fall’s Joint Provider Surveyor Training with special opening Keynote from Jerald Cosey on “What’s Next? The Power of COVID Conviction to Advance Healthcare Leadership”

In cooperation with Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services, Kansas Adult Care Executives and LeadingAge Kansas

3 Ways to Attend:
November 9 – In Person in Topeka
November 10 – In person in Wichita
November 10 – Live Virtual

Click here for more details.
In Case You Missed It
Nursing Scholarship Application

The Kansas Health Care Association's Nursing Advisory Committee (NAC) is pleased to sponsor the Joan Hamel Nursing Education Scholarship Program. KHCA will award up to $2,000 in scholarship grants to KHCA or KCAL member facility employees who wish to further their education. 

Click here for details on the Infection Preventionist Specialized Training Scholarship.
Click here for details on the general scholarship that includes Gero Nurse Prep, IV Certification and Nursing School ($500 per semester).

Questions? E-mail Jennafer Sumner at jsumner@khca.org
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

Well…what seemed like an eternity to get ready, October 24th is next Monday, so everyone should be ready. Check out the revised Critical Element Pathways, review your Facility Assessment, review your policies & procedures, put your staff education documentation in organized, convenient order for review, make sure your Elder Justice poster is up in the breakroom, review your Admission Agreements for required changes…etc., etc., etc. You have received all kinds of in-services and education about the revisions. You are ready. And oh, by the way, you faced new CDC/CMS guidance for COVID. I could not be prouder of you and your resilience along with your continued passion. READ MORE
Upcoming Education
Webinar: Survey Top 10 Citation Series - Survey Success! Avoiding Top Citations. #10 Top Citation: F758 Free from Unnecessary Psychotropic Meds/PRN Use


11/1/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Joint Provider Surveyor Training

11/9/2022 8:30AM-4:00PM (Topeka)
11/10/2022 8:30AM-4:00PM (Wichita & Virtual)

Click here for more details.
DON Boot Camp

11/14 - 11/17/2022 8:00AM-4:00PM
Olathe, KS

Click here for more details.
Webinar: The Proficient Infection Preventionist Series: Ship-shape Cleaning & Disinfection for the Infection Preventionist

11/15/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Survey Success! Avoiding Top Citations. Post Survey Activities: Developing Effective Plan of Correction & IDR

12/6/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: The Proficient Infection Preventionist Series: Astute Survey Preparedness & Application of Infection Control Regulatory Requirements

12/20/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Looking for options for required Staff In-Service?

KHCA’s online learning platform is BACK! We’ve loaded the in-services for SNF and for AL first. Many more education sessions to come.

Access the new learning platform by clicking here. 

Questions about education can be directed to Polly Berkley VP of Operations and Education.
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