Friday, May 12, 2023 – Legislative Update
(Reprinted from Hawver's Capitol Report) There’s nobody in the halls now, doors are locked, leadership staff shows up just occasionally, and it’s basically waiting for Kelly’s action on bills…and putting together press releases either thanking or blasting her for her action on them.
But it’s only going to be quiet for a couple months before interim committees start meeting. So, if you visit soon, take the elevators, because if you fell down the stairs, we’re not sure anyone would find you quickly…
KDADS Continues work on FY24 Rates
The deadline is fast approaching for KDADS to submit final rates for FY24 to the Kansas Register for publication. We had hoped to see them on May 22 but it’s looking more like May 29th now.
We will be talking again with KDADS to continue the discussion on distribution of the additional 61.6 million dollars that the Legislature approved as an add-on. It seems that CMS is taking a great deal of time approving State Plan Amendments (SPA) and they may have another way to help get the dollars flowing more quickly. Stand by for additional details.
The End of the PHE – What Does it Mean for Kansas Providers
On Thursday, May 11, 2023, KHCA/KCAL hosted a webinar at KDADS request to discuss the immediate and long-term impact of the Public Health Emergency (PHE). Over 400 individuals registered for the webinar and they were encouraged to submit questions in advance. Although some information provided in the webinar required clarification with CMS, are are appreciative of Scott Bruner, Lacey Hunter and Dawne Altis for sharing their thoughts with us. To view the webinar, click here. For the slides that were presented, click here.
A couple of points of clarification:
F885 Regarding Reporting. QSO Memo 23-13-All is set to expire on 12/31/2024 however CMS is exercising enforcement discretion and will not expect providers to meet the requirement at 42-CFR 483.80(g)(3). To clarify: the requirement to Inform residents, their representatives, and families of those residing in facilities by 5 p.m. the next calendar day following the occurrence of either a single confirmed infection of COVID–19, or three or more residents or staff with new-onset of respiratory symptoms occurring within 72 hours of each other will no longer be expected. All other reporting requirements will remain in effect until December 31, 2024.
F888 Regarding vaccine status for residents and staff. CMS stated that the requirement to establish policies and procedures for staff vaccines (F888) will end soon and they will provide more information at the end of the PHE. At this time, there is no additional information being provided from CMS regarding a specific end date for this.
Deadline to Register for AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing is Today
I am honored and privileged to serve you and thank you for this opportunity.
Linda MowBray
President/CEO
(785) 267-6003
