October 10, 2022
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The Latest News
Do you follow us on social media?

These days there are so many different ways to stay connected with those we care about. Luckily, at KHCA/KCAL, we don't make you choose! Check us out across our different social media platforms. Give us a like or follow!

Convention pictures coming soon!
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Virtual Adult Care Home Operators Course

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS THIS WEDNESDAY!

10/16/2022 - 11/1/2022

Click here for more details.
Campaign Update Call with Laura Kelly & Derek Schmidt - Hosted by KHCA/KCAL Lobbyist Federico//Duerst Consulting Group

GOVERNOR LAURA KELLY CALL:
Thursday, October 6 from 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM CT. 
 
ATTORNEY GENERAL DEREK SCHMIDT CALL:
Wednesday, October 12 from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM CT
 
REGISTRATION:
Should you, or anyone in your organization choose to join the calls, we ask that you register by clicking here. Call-in information will be sent at a later date, prior to the calls. Participants need only register once and will receive dial-in information for both calls.
In Case You Missed It
CMS Pulls Back Memo Restricting Use of COVID Tests

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has rescinded QSO-22-25-CLIA, which barred the use of SARS-CoV-2 tests outside of the FDA test’s instructions for use. AHCA/NCAL highlighted the memo in a recent blog post. 

This comes after AHCA/NCAL strongly advocated that this memo should be rescinded as it limited the use of the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card being sent by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to symptomatic individuals. 

This means the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card being sent to long term care providers from the HHS program can continue to be used on both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. 

Specifically, CMS indicates that for the duration of the public health emergency, it will not cite facilities with a CLIA Certificate of Waiver when authorized SARS-CoV-2 molecular or antigen POC tests are performed on asymptomatic individuals outside of the test’s authorization. In addition, CMS will not cite nonwaived facilities when modified authorized, cleared or approved SARS-CoV-2 molecular or antigen POC tests are performed in such manner without establishing performance specifications. READ MORE
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

What’s the best way to get ready for the October 24th revisions to Phase 2 & Phase 3 of Appendix PP? It seems we are all scrambling. Probably the wisest first steps to getting ready is to learn all you can about the changes…the same way the surveyors learn about the changes. CMS has provided training in the Quality, Safety, and Education Portal (QSEP) https://qsep.cms.gov/welcome.aspx. This is the site for surveyors and nursing home stakeholders to explain the updates and changes of the regulations and interpretive guidance. The training modules are currently available on the site. READ MORE
Meet KIERA

KanCare's new chatbox, KIERA, is here to help you keep your contact information up to date. READ MORE
Upcoming Education
Webinar: The Proficient Infection Preventionist Series: Expert Outbreak Management for the Infection Preventionist

10/18/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
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

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

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