Providing Supportive Living Community Owners and Operators with
a closer look at topics that may affect your day-to-day operations,
your staff, and your residents.
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CMS Issues Interim Final Rule on Vaccination
Last week, CMS issued an interim final rule requiring direct care workers in Medicare and Medicaid-certified health care settings to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, as explained during the weekly IDPH long term care webinars, the Rule does not apply to SLP. To review the Rule, click here. To review CMS FAQs, click here.
Don’t forget to register for IDPH’s LTC COVID Webinars!
These Friday webinars are very informative and a great opportunity to have all your questions answered!
November Schedule
November 11th is Veteran’s Day so NO Webinar on the 12th
November 25th and 26th is Thanksgiving so NO Webinar on the 26th
HHS Actions Add to Biden Administration Efforts to Increase Access to Easy-to-Use Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests
“Access to easy-to-use, affordable and reliable COVID tests is key to bringing peace of mind to our families, especially as we approach winter. Thanks to President Biden’s American Rescue Plan, we are boosting the supply of at-home tests and the number of test options for Americans nationwide,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “As we pursue our path out of this pandemic under President Biden, we will continue doing everything we can to keep people safe and healthy.” To read more, click here.
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State & Federal Policy Update |
HFS is Preparing its Waiver Amendment to Authorize $26 per Day Temporary Rate Increase
According to the Quarterly Update HFS submitted to federal CMS as of November 1, HFS is preparing an amendment to the currently approved Supportive Living Program waiver (IL 0326) to authorize this rate increase. Under the HFS plan, the daily SLP rate would be temporarily increased by $26 per day for 12 months to assist SLP providers with staff recruitment and retention. To read more, click here.
SLP Room and Board Amounts for 2022
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted a new Provider Notice regarding Supportive Living Program Room and Board Amounts for 2022. Read the new Notice by clicking here.
Final federal CMS HCBS Community Setting Rule Training
Though not a requirement, HFS recommends having applicable new staff review at the time of hire and encourages existing staff review the recently posted October HCBS Final Rule Training. The following materials are available on the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Service's (HFS) Statewide Transition Plan webpage:
- October 2021 HCBS Final Rule Training PowerPoint Presentation
- Q&A from October 2021 HCBS Final Rule Training
- Recording of October 2021 HCBS Final Rule Training
October SLP Rates
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has posted updated Supportive Living Program Rates Effective 10/01/2021. You may view the new rates here.
Healthcare Collaborative Funding Deadline Is Approaching!
The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is now accepting applications for the second round of Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives funding. The deadline to apply for the second round of funding is November 19, 2021. More information may be found on HFS website. Read the full press release here.
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The Illinois General Assembly will convene again on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. While legislation to implement an enhanced nursing home assessment and revised rate methodology did not materialize during the October Veto Session, a conceptual agreement regarding the nursing home assessment/rate reform emerged. The Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the nursing home trade associations are continuing to meet to work out the details of statutory language with the goal of passing legislation in January. AALC is reviewing the proposed draft language to make sure that SLP's interests are protected. HFS along with each of the legislative leaders in the General Assembly, continue to support maintaining SLP’s link to skilled nursing rates. Protecting the link remains AALC’s top legislative priority. |
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AALC PAC Update
We encourage you to make a voluntary contribution to the AALC PAC to support our advocacy efforts. Send your checks to:
AALC PAC
601 W Monroe Street
Springfield, IL 62650
Contributions made to the AALC PAC are not tax-deductible. The AALC PAC is a state political action committee defined by the Illinois Election Code (10 ILCS 5/9-1.8[d]). Articles of formation and financial reports may be viewed at the Illinois State Board of Elections. Individuals can contribute a maximum of $11,600 and corporations/associations a maximum of $23,200 in any election cycle. Click here to learn more.
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Education, Training & Events |
HNI Event Series: Illinois' Healthcare Workforce Challenges
COVID-19 has pushed Illinois’ healthcare workforce to the brink. But the state’s healthcare workforce was challenged before the pandemic, and an aging population will further increase demand.
What’s being done to address shortages exacerbated by COVID-19, and what changes will outlast the crisis? What more needs to be done?
A panel of experts will address these questions and more at an in-person Health News Illinois event on Nov. 16 in Chicago at MATTER in the Merchandise Mart.
Masks and COVID-19 vaccination are required. Seating will be limited to ensure spacing.
Panelists:
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Angela Schnepf, CEO, LeadingAge Illinois
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Marvin Lindsey, CEO, Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois
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Monique Reed, Vice President, ANA-Illinois
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Hana Hinkle, Director, UIC Medicine Rockford's National Center for Rural Health Professionals
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Joe Dant, CEO, Edward Hospital
When:
Tuesday, Nov. 16
8:30 am to 10:00 am
(program starts at 9:00 am)
Where:
MATTER
222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza #1230
Chicago
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