October 7, 2022
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The Latest News
CMS Pulls Back Memo Restricting Use of COVID Tests

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has rescinded QSO-22-25-CLIA, which barred the use of SARS-CoV-2 tests outside of the FDA test’s instructions for use. AHCA/NCAL highlighted the memo in a recent blog post. 

This comes after AHCA/NCAL strongly advocated that this memo should be rescinded as it limited the use of the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card being sent by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to symptomatic individuals. 

This means the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card being sent to long term care providers from the HHS program can continue to be used on both asymptomatic and symptomatic individuals. 

Specifically, CMS indicates that for the duration of the public health emergency, it will not cite facilities with a CLIA Certificate of Waiver when authorized SARS-CoV-2 molecular or antigen POC tests are performed on asymptomatic individuals outside of the test’s authorization. In addition, CMS will not cite nonwaived facilities when modified authorized, cleared or approved SARS-CoV-2 molecular or antigen POC tests are performed in such manner without establishing performance specifications. READ MORE
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

What’s the best way to get ready for the October 24th revisions to Phase 2 & Phase 3 of Appendix PP? It seems we are all scrambling. Probably the wisest first steps to getting ready is to learn all you can about the changes…the same way the surveyors learn about the changes. CMS has provided training in the Quality, Safety, and Education Portal (QSEP) https://qsep.cms.gov/welcome.aspx. This is the site for surveyors and nursing home stakeholders to explain the updates and changes of the regulations and interpretive guidance. The training modules are currently available on the site. READ MORE
Meet KIERA

KanCare's new chatbox, KIERA, is here to help you keep your contact information up to date. READ MORE
In Case You Missed It
LTSS Commissioner Announcement - Kansas Department for Aging and Disabilities Services

Secretary Laura Howard would like to announce that Mandy Flower, currently Assistant Commissioner of Long-Term Services and Supports, has been appointed as Interim LTSS Commissioner effective October 17th, 2022. Mandy began her career at KDADS as the Director of HCBS Initiatives. She will fill the role of outgoing Commissioner Amy Penrod. READ MORE
The Trumpet - A publication from the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal 

The October 2022 issue of The Trumpet is out! Follow the link below for access to important information on our Firefighter Recruitment & Safety Grant.
Grants For Nursing Expansion Grant Program

McKnight’s Senior Living (10/6, Gaivin) reports, "The Department of Labor will beef up its Nursing Expansion Grant Program with $80 million in grants, the department announced Monday." The American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living said, "The funding covers nursing at all levels, including ‘paraprofessional’ staff like (certified nursing assistants), so grant recipients can target the funding to the areas of greatest need. The funding covers recruitment and retention efforts as well, which is important to consider as we look at longer term solutions. This is a great way to build partnerships to develop the continuum of staff in our settings." AHCA / NCAL also "called the funding ‘welcome news,’ but added that ‘much more is still needed to address the nationwide nursing shortage and specifically, the long-term care labor crisis." Administered through "the Labor Department’s Employment and Training Administration, the H-1B Skills Training Grants emphasize training people from historically marginalized and underrepresented populations to bring greater employment equity in underserved communities." 
Campaign Update Call with Laura Kelly & Derek Schmidt - Hosted by KHCA/KCAL Lobbyist Federico//Duerst Consulting Group

GOVERNOR LAURA KELLY CALL:
Thursday, October 6 from 1:30 PM – 2:00 PM CT. 
 
ATTORNEY GENERAL DEREK SCHMIDT CALL:
Wednesday, October 12 from 1:00 PM – 1:30 PM CT
 
REGISTRATION:
Should you, or anyone in your organization choose to join the calls, we ask that you register by clicking here. Call-in information will be sent at a later date, prior to the calls. Participants need only register once and will receive dial-in information for both calls.
Upcoming Education
Virtual Adult Care Home Operators Course

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS OCTOBER 12, 2022

10/16/2022 - 11/1/2022

Click here for more details.
Webinar: The Proficient Infection Preventionist Series: Expert Outbreak Management for the Infection Preventionist

10/18/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Survey Top 10 Citation Series - Survey Success! Avoiding Top Citations. #10 Top Citation: F758 Free from Unnecessary Psychotropic Meds/PRN Use


11/1/2022 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Joint Provider Surveyor Training

11/9/2022 8:30AM-4:00PM (Topeka)
11/10/2022 8:30AM-4:00PM (Wichita & Virtual)

Click here for more details.
DON Boot Camp

11/14-17/2022 8:00AM-4:00PM
Olathe, KS

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. Many more education sessions to come.

Access the new learning platform by clicking here. 

Questions about education can be directed to Polly Berkley VP of Operations and Education.
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