The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center has released a notice strongly encouraging health care organizations to upgrade their devices due to a vulnerability. Known as “Citrix Bleed,” this vulnerability has been ongoing since August 2023 and could allow hackers to access private health care information by bypassing passwords and multifactor authentication. 

Citrix released a patch for this vulnerability in early October, but these compromised sessions will still be active after a patch has been implemented. Administrators should follow Citrix’s guidance to upgrade their devices and remove any active or persistent sessions with the following commands: 

Additional recommended actions for investigating any potential Citrix Bleed exploits have been provided by NetScaler. Further technical details, threat activity, and indicators of compromise can be obtained here and here . Users and administrators are strongly encouraged to review these recommended actions and upgrade devices to prevent serious damage. 

As a reminder, everyone must remain vigilant – DO NOT click on suspicious emails, especially over the holidays. AHCA/NCAL will provide additional updates as available.

Last week the discussion centered around reporting potential abuse, neglect, exploitation or mistreatment. And as promised, this week the discussion will revolve around performing an effective and thorough investigation for incidents of alleged, reported or suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation or mistreatment. Federal guidelines require that a facility must have evidence that all allegations of abuse, neglect, misappropriation of resident property or mistreatment of a resident, including injuries of unknown source, have been thoroughly investigated. In addition, the facility must take action to prevent further potential abuse while the investigation is in progress. READ MORE

The next CMS SNF/LTC Open Door Forum is scheduled for Thursday, December 7 from 1-2 PM Central. Advance registration is required. Register Today

Implementing changes to the Minimum Data Sets (MDS) will have large implications for operators beyond quality assessments, and with a possible direct impact on Five Star Ratings in the coming months. READ MORE

Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has been recognized by Modern Healthcare as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare of 2023. This is Parkinson’s fourth year in a row to receive this honor. 

This prestigious recognition program acknowledges and honors individuals who are deemed by their peers and the senior editors of Modern Healthcare to be the most influential figures in the industry in terms of leadership and impact. Being selected as one of the most influential people in health care signifies Parkinson's continued efforts to make a lasting change and to fulfill the AHCA/NCAL's mission of improving lives by delivering solutions for quality care.

E&M Consulting, Inc. is working on producing our Membership Directory. The publication will be available in both print and digital formats. E&M is currently contacting all members about advertising opportunities available. The publication will be mailed to every member – a great opportunity to promote and give your company additional exposure.

To view the ad rates/options and sign-up online, please visit: https://www.reserveyourad.com/KSHCAKSCAL/

If you have any questions or want to advertise, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 0104 or advertising@eandmsales.com. As always, your support is greatly appreciated! 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a food safety alert regarding an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to cantaloupes. Long term care (LTC) communities should do the following, according to the CDC: 

The CDC reported it is concerned about this outbreak because illnesses are severe, and residents in LTC communities have gotten sick. Please send any questions to regulatory@ahca.org. 

Skilled Nursing News (11/30, Stulick) reports, "The past year or two have seen big wins in terms of increased Medicaid funding for nursing homes – a welcome relief as the sector faces staffing shortages amid a looming minimum staffing proposal, higher inflationary costs and rising acuity of resident needs." AHCA/NCAL "has advised operators to advocate for themselves as states conduct routine Medicaid rebasing, especially in the aftermath of a shift from therapy-based reimbursement to case-mix, Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) versions to better align with Medicare." AHCA/NCAL Reimbursement Policy Senior Vice President Martin Allen explained, "We know that Medicaid periodically rebases in a situation like a pandemic. We have to be very careful about the dollars associated with the next rate cycle – case mix index is associated with that as well." Moreover, AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson "said last year that it was a ‘big priority for 2023’ to get all 50 states to revisit and ultimately adjust their Medicaid rates." Skilled Nursing News examines the processes underway in several states. For instance, "Florida’s next legislative session starts in January to determine any other additional Medicaid funding, Kristen Knapp, senior director of strategy and communications for the Florida Health Care Association, told SNN." Also, "Minnesota has been getting an 8% increase on average each year. But, each boost is considered a one-time situation, according to Patti Cullen, CEO and president of the Care Providers of Minnesota." And the California Association of Health Facilities pointed to legislation offering "an opportunity to have rates rebased based on the ability to meet certain workforce standards." 

4 Week series (Every Wednesday for four weeks starting November 29-December 20 from 1:30 - 2:30)

Join us for a 4-week webinar series running from November to December 2023, focusing on skill-building for successful and productive team meetings. This series covers standards and content of effective and efficient facility meetings including: Daily clinical/stand up, UR/Medicare, Triple Check, Falls, Weight Loss/Nutrition at Risk, QAPI, Skin/ PU, Behavior and includes monitoring tools, video examples and policy templates.

November 29th: Daily Clinical and QAPI Meetings Mastery (it's not too late if you sign-up for the series you can still receive the recording)

Sign-up for one course or sign-up for the whole series!

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Looking for an AIT Program? Click here for more details on KHCA's Program.

Questions? Email Teresa Keating at tkeating@khca.org

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