January 6, 2023
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The Latest News
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

Most of you, I’m sure, sat in on the CMS Stakeholder’s call on 1-5-22. They had multiple presenters discussing COVID-19, with a focus on current boosters and therapeutics. A presenter from AMDA PALTC presenting on how to get physicians on board with ordering therapeutics in a timely manner. There are currently two primary therapeutics available, but the timeliness of beginning treatment is vital, so the recommendation is that each facility has a plan before it is needed. The facility will have to work closely with the pharmacy to ensure availability of the therapeutic or apply to become a provider. That process and application is available on the CDC website. READ MORE
Final Rule Update 

From the desk of LaTonia Wright, MSW- HCBS Training Specialist  

KDADS is getting ready for the January 2023 Final Rule Stakeholder Call. Note - as of December 31, 2022 – Community Connections has closed for log-in access and public notices. Please make sure you and your affiliates have signed-up for the KDADS listserv to receive notifications at https://kdads.ks.gov/kdads-commissions/long-term-services-supports/ltss-training-resources/email-updates

Key items to share with HCBS Providers right now!
  1. The data migration from Community Connections to the HCBS Compliance Portal has occurred.
  2. Please ask providers to go into the portal to check on if their setting information transferred correctly. If not contact me.
  3. Also, if they have not requested an account for access to the HCBS Compliance Portal, they must do so in order to review setting and contact information or to complete a new assessment. If there have been staff changes – again notify me so we can get items updated.
  4. Share link to HCBS Compliance Portal with affiliates - https://kdads-hcbscomplianceportal.kdads.ks.gov/ 
  5. March 17, 2023 is quickly approaching, please inquire to all your affiliates on if they have completed or are working on their final rule assessments. This includes remediation. Remediation is a process and takes time. We want to assure there is time to work with them to meet the federal March 17, 2023 deadline of compliance, if non-compliant areas are evident after desk review.
  6. I am the contact person if there are questions – email is the best way to get a hold of me. latonia1.wright@ks.gov 


Thank you 😊
FDA approves new experimental drug to treat early Alzheimer’s 

The Food and Drug Administration has approved the experimental Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi (lecanemab-irmb) for clinical use in patients with early disease. READ MORE
2022 Home Care Salary & Benefits Report Available

The 32nd annual Home Care Salary & Benefits Report, recently published by HCS, shows RNs, LPNs, and HCAs/CNAs in home health agencies received substantial hourly rate increases in 2022, ranging from 5.57% to 9.57%.
 
A full press release and information on the report is available here.
Attention Assisted Living and Home Plus Providers: FCS Refresher

We have frequent requests for FCS refreshers and people who want to attend the FCS section only of the Operators course. We now have it available on demand in a 75 minute webinar. It’s worth 1.5 CE’s on demand.

$20 Member Discount Code: KHCA018
Click here for more details.
In Case You Missed It
Letter to OSHA: AHCA/NCAL Requests Consistent COVID-19 Protocols that Recognize Current Stage of the Pandemic

In a letter to OHSA, AHCA/NCAL argues that protocols established at the beginning of the pandemic are no longer prudent due to new, less severe COVID-19 variants and the tools that are now widely available to combat the virus. READ MORE
Feds to streamline staff flu shot reporting requirement

Amid ongoing confusion about how to meet a new requirement to record flu vaccinations among nursing home staff, federal health officials have agreed to streamline the reporting process. READ MORE
Annual CNA/HHA Employment Verification — Deadline March 31, 2023

On Wednesday, December 28, 2022 KDADS sent their Annual CNA/HHA Employment Verification reminder to all providers. Click here to view the details.

Questions? Email Lacey Hunter or Tabetha Mojica.
Education Spotlight
Mission Possible Series - SNF Department Head Briefing - New 12-month Series Starts January 24th!

This monthly series will address essential functions, quality care and department-specific management functions for department heads with sessions specific for Administrators, DONs, Housekeeping, Social Services, Activities, Dietary, Maintenance and Therapy. Topics will include department-specific considerations for infection control, survey preparedness, role in meetings, IDT systems integration, MDS supportive documentation, care planning, driving QMs, employee satisfaction and customer service. This series is ideal for new or seasoned department heads with recordings available for ongoing access on-demand to these essential lessons on the building blocks of SNF/LTC operational success. Save 20% if you sign up for the whole series. Click here for more details.
Upcoming Education
Webinar: Deep Dive Into Federal Regulations in a Year: §483.10 Resident Rights Requirements

Save 20% by signing up for this 12 month series by registering here.

1/10/2023 1:30PM-3:00PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: 5-Star Work Plan A to Z: 5-Star Overview and Health Inspection Domain

1/18/2023 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Department Details for the DON

Save 20% by signing up for this 12 month series by registering here.

1/24/2023 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: 5-Star Work Plan A to Z: 5-Star Staffing Rating

1/25/2023 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
MDS Workshop

Feb 7-8 in Olathe AND two full days of Virtual Training March 1 and March 8.

Click here for more details.
Virtual Adult Care Home Operators Course

2/15/2023 9am 2/28/2023 3pm

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. The SNF in-service on Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation has been updated to reflect Phase 3 information.

Access the new learning platform by clicking here

Questions about education can be directed to Polly Berkley VP of Operations and Education.
Mark Your Calendar for these 2023 Dates!
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