June 26, 2023

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The Latest News

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar Continuing with last week’s update related to reducing fall risks for residents, AHRQ emphasizes that fall risk must be interdisciplinary, including nursing staff, direct care staff including restorative nursing staff, physicians, pharmacists, and most important, residents and family members, and it must be individualized to each resident. The main points for AHRQ fall program includes: READ MORE

Lawmakers Urge CMS To Ease Administrative Requirements Under Medicare Advantage McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (6/26, Marselas) reports, "Close to 300 members of Congress are urging federal regulators to do more to reduce burdensome Medicare Advantage requirements that can slow delivery of care to nursing home and other patients." The group of "61 senators and 233 Representatives signed a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services urging the agency to continue its recent efforts to" reduce administrative duties for providers. The article adds, "Chief among the proposals highlighted in the Wednesday request was a call for a real-time mechanism supporting quick electronic prior authorization (PA) decisions for routinely approved services."

AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program Presents Unique Opportunity For Providers NCAL Quality Improvement Director Pam Truscott wrote in Provider Magazine (5/30, 151K), "In a caregiving landscape that has shifted significantly, the one constant is the commitment of long term care providers to continue delivering the highest quality care for residents." This "has never been more apparent than through the record number of applications received for this year’s AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, a rigorous three-level process that evaluates an organization’s capacity and capabilities against nationally recognized standards for excellence." The assessment "means your organization has a unique opportunity to participate in a meaningful quality-improvement journey to help identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas for development." Truscott concluded, "NCAL has made quality improvement a priority and is working closely with assisted living members on this important effort."

Webinar TOMORROW: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Helps and Hints for Housekeeping 6/27/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM Click here for more details.

In Case You Missed It

AHCA/NCAL Announces Nine Recipients Of 2023 Silver Quality Awards - Congratulations to Avita Senior Living at Rolling Hills in Wichita for being the sole Kansas Recipient! We cannot wait to celebrate you! Click here to read more.

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 GG 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 GG include: Incorporation of four items from Section G (discontinued): GG0115-Funtciontal Limitation in Range of Motion GG0120 Mobility Devices GG0130I Personal Hygiene GG0170FF Tub/Shower Transfer Revision of coding definitions for GG0100: Updated coding definitions for Independent and Dependent to clarify that either the resident or the helper completed all the activities as well as updated the definition for Need Some Help to clarify that help was needed to complete any activities.  Expansion of GG0130 and GG0170 to allow for data collection on all assessments: Admission, quarterly, PPS, discharge, IPA, and Part A PPS discharges.  AHCA has created an MDS Section GG resource document to help providers breakdown the changes. The information in the resource document outlines key changes to MDS Section GG, 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: AHCA Education: MDS Updates Effective 10/1/2023 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Training SNF Understanding Changes to the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.18.11 Training Webinar SNF Section GG: Summary of Guidance Changes Coding GG0170C. Lying to Sitting on Side of Bed 2023 SNF Guidance Training Program Please email regulatory@ahca.org with any questions.

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: 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 khca@khca.org |  www.khca.org