June 19, 2023
This message contains confidential information and is intended only for KHCA/KCAL membership. Dissemination, distribution or copying the contents of this email beyond this group is strictly prohibited.
Follow us!
The Latest News
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

How many of you are concerned about fall rates in your facility? At the most recent AHCA Quality Summit invaluable information was presented on “Evidence Based Fall Prevention”. There is no way all of that information can be included in this update, but there were some important ideas to reduce falls presented that will be shared in this update.

The Joint Commission has identified 6 main organizational issues related to high fall rates. READ MORE
Aetna Better Health of Kansas June Community E-newsletter

Click here to find the June Community E-newsletter from Aetna Better Health of Kansas. The newsletter is provided regularly to individuals working with Community Based Organizations and Provider offices throughout Kansas who assist individuals on the KanCare Medicaid program. The E-newsletter shares news about KanCare benefits offered by Aetna Better Health as well as information from community partners throughout Kansas.
 
Content in this issue includes:
  • New Website
  • Men’s Health Month
  • Pursuing Health Equity
  • Juneteenth
  • Pride Month
  • Kansas Educational Enrichment Program
  • Connect with Aetna
6 Week Series starts this THURSDAY! Restorative Nursing Excellence: Revitalizing Programs and Restoring Function After COVID-19 
Dedication to robust restorative nursing programming will bring countless benefits to your residents, as well as improved facility outcomes. Designed to achieve and maintain optimal physical, mental, and psychosocial functioning, restorative nursing programs are central to health-related quality of life. Unfortunately, restorative nursing is often underutilized due to obstacles providers face in staffing and effectively managing programs. Consider these factors and strategies to re-energize or sustain success in your restorative nursing program… READ MORE
In Case You Missed It
Focus MDS Update of the Week

Since their release on April 3, 2023, the final MDS Item Sets version 1.18.11v2 and the draft MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.18.11 were updated. For the next few weeks, AHCA will be focusing on a different section to highlight changes and what members need to know.

Changes to Section D
Since their release on April 3, 2023, MDS 3.0 version v1.8.11v2 final item sets and draft RAI guidance were updated and substantial changes were made to several sections. Changes to section D include:

  • Revision of the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9©) interview to the PHQ-2 to 9© interview. The PHQ-2 to 9© interview is a validated interview that screens for symptoms of depression and provides a standardized severity score and rating for evidence of a depressive disorder.
  • Incorporation of the Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements (SPADES) pertaining to isolation.

AHCA has created a MDS Section D resource document to help providers breakdown the changes. The information in the resource document outlines key changes to MDS Section D, Coding Instructions/RAI Guidelines for each item, and Actions to Consider for implementation across your facility.

It is important to develop a training plan for your facility to ensure all staff impacted by the changes are trained in them. 

Additional Resources:

Please email regulatory@ahca.org with any questions.
Member Spotlight: Delaware Highland Assisted Living

“National Championship” in partnership with Kansas State University Research Extension (KSRE) Master Gardeners

Two gardeners asked to volunteer in a garden space behind Delaware Highlands Assisted Living Facility (DHAL). The goal was to improve residents’ lives using horticulture projects and activities while maintaining a flower and vegetable garden. After a five-year partnership (between DHAL and KSRE Master Gardeners) this Horticulture Therapy Project is being recognized next week at the International Master Gardener Conference (IMGC2023) as first place winner in a Search for Excellence award, Special Needs category. 
Member Spotlight: Medicalodges, Inc.

Medicalodges Academy: A Pathway to Learning and Earning held a kickoff celebration at Great Bend on Wednesday to announce our first group of apprentices! Representatives from the Chamber of Commerce, Senator Marshall's office and Kansas Health Care Association/Kansas Center for Assisted Living joined Medicalodges and Barton Community College representatives to celebrate and congratulate the inaugural group!

Medicalodges Academy is a registered apprenticeship program that provides workbased learning opportunities for employees who want to expand their education and enhance their career.

We cannot wait to see what the future holds for these fine individuals! Congrats to all!
Education Spotlight
Adult Care Home Operators Course

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON JULY 5TH TO ALLOW TIME FOR SHIPPING REGULATION MANUALS TO EACH PARTICIPANT

7/12/2023 9:00AM - 7/24/2023 10:00AM

This hybrid course is designed to provide you with everything necessary to earn a certificate as an Adult Care Home Operator in the State of Kansas. The class is based on the principles of assisted living as outlined in the KDADS regulation manual and is taught by a variety of presenters that are currently working in the field. The course will be facilitated by Joan Hudson, KCAL Clinical Consultant and Polly Berkley, VP of Operations and Education for KHCA/KCAL. This course provides knowledge and insight on the rules, regulations and responsibilities governing the operation of a state licensed only adult care home. 
Upcoming Education
6 Week Series: Restorative Nursing Excellence: Revitalizing Programs and Restoring Function After COVID-19 

Every Thursday from June 22-July 27 from 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Restorative Nursing Foundations: Program Fundamentals

6/22/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Helps and Hints for Housekeeping

6/27/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Implementing a Successful Restorative Program and Overcoming Common Barriers

6/29/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Restorative Reimbursement: Systems for MDS Coding & Case Mix Accuracy

7/6/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Deep Dive Into Federal Regulations in a Year: §483.30 Physician Services & §483.35 Nursing Service Requirements

7/11/2023 1:30PM - 3:00PM

Click here for more details.
Adult Care Home Operators Course

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON JULY 5TH TO ALLOW TIME FOR SHIPPING REGULATION MANUALS TO EACH PARTICIPANT

7/12/2023 9:00AM - 7/24/2023 10:00AM

Click here for more details.
Administrator in Training (AIT) Program

We are excited to announce our new AIT Program! Click here for more details.

Questions? Email Teresa Keating at tkeating@khca.org
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