December 11, 2023
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The Latest News
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

Did you get a chance to listen to the CMS Open Door Forum last week? It was full of a lot of information but not many firm facts. The first issue that was discussed was that CMS is in the process of beginning “new survey testing” processes. Over the next several months, surveyors will be testing survey processes across the states. CMS’ David Wright is “urgently” concerned about the timeliness of surveys since every state is behind the CMS requirements for timely surveys. The focus of the new processes will be on “efficiency, consistency, and accuracy”. When answering a question about the changes, the moderator stated the goal is to “be more efficient to get more done quicker”. During this testing process, there will more surveyors in the buildings participating in the testing process to observe the impact of new processes. Of course, one goal for CMS is not to “disrupt” the daily operations of residents’ homes. Additionally, they mentioned that there may be a change in the investigations. When pressed for more details about process changes, none were provided to the providers. So…we will wait and see…

The other issues discussed, along with most of the questions revolved around the upcoming changes to the MDS which will be activated October 1, 2024. 

The other bit of LTC professional news includes the announcement by CMS of focus for LTC surveys. READ MORE
TOMORROW! Webinar: Deep Dive Into Federal Regulations in a Year: §483.70 Administration Requirements

12/12/23 - 1:30PM-3:00PM

Click here for more details.
Kansas Health Institute Webinar: Immunizations for Healthy Aging - Fri, Dec 15, 10-11:30am

This event will focus on understanding vaccinations recommended for older adults. Participants will learn how the immune system changes with age and the role vaccines can play in maintaining health. They will also learn about critical vaccines recommended for older adults and how to address fears and concerns regarding immunizations. LEARN MORE
Are you a current AIT Preceptor or are you interested in becoming one?    
 
If you are a current Preceptor we would love to have you on our list. Please contact Teresa with your Preceptor number at tkeating@khca.org. Are you interested in becoming an AIT Preceptor and shaping the future of the profession?  Our team is happy to walk you through that process. Click here for the KDADS information and give Teresa a call at 785-267-6003.
In Case You Missed It
In Case You Missed Thursday's Breaking News for HCBS Providers

I believe that we have the EVV/AuthentiCare issue resolved. I have verbal confirmation from EVV Project Consultant- Senior Project Manager that in his opinion, their team missed the exemption for our adult care homes that we fought so hard for in 2011 and 2012. Click here for the “About EVV" bulletin that exempts us. The take away is this: READ MORE

Update since yesterday's notice: We are expecting an official notice by Friday, December 15, 2023. I have had a few more emails affirming our position but nothing any more official than what we already know.
Changes to Civil Money Penalties (CMP): Waiver of Hearing, Reduction of Penalty Amount (§ 488.436)

In this rule, we are streamlining an administrative procedure for CMS by adopting a constructive waiver process that will consider a facility to have waived its hearing when CMS does not receive a request for a hearing within the requisite timeframe. The accompanying 35% penalty reduction would remain unchanged, though CMS is committing to review the appropriateness of this policy and the reduction amount in the future. This revision will reduce the administrative burden for CMS and allow the agency to shift resources toward bolstering other oversight and enforcement activities, including providing additional focus on nursing home compliance.

The final rule can be downloaded from the Federal Register by clicking here. 
LTC & Child Care Connection: Follow Up

Adult Care Home Administrators and Operators:

Did you know? Kansas Department of Health and Environment and Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services have a partnership that promotes the development of licensed child care programs in adult care homes while maintaining equitable standards in health, safety and services for both children and adults.
 
Become part of the child care solution in Kansas while increasing opportunities for your staff and residents. If you want to explore opportunities for your community and program, information on next steps can be found here. KDHE looks forward to hearing from you!
CMS Outlines New Survey Testing, MDS Changes for Nursing Homes in 2024

Minimum Data Set (MDS) changes for 2024, along with updates to nursing home surveys were top of mind among representatives of CMS on Thursday, as the agency outlined its plans for next year in an Open Door Forum. READ MORE
1 in 8 older adults use cannabis; experts urge screening

Cannabis use in older adults is on the rise and clinicians should screen for it, according to a new study. A report on people ages 50 through 80 finds that 12% of older adults say they’ve consumed a substance that contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in the past year. Additionally, 4% of people in that age group say they have substances that include THC multiple times a week. THC is the part of the cannabis plant that can affect a person’s mental state. READ MORE
Free Webinar: Elevating the Assisted Living Dining Experience for Less

NCAL and Incite Strategic Partners are hosting a free webinar on Wednesday, December 13 at 1 p.m. CST. This informative session focuses on raising assisted living dining excellence through smarter buying at the best prices and effective culinary practices. READ MORE
Education Spotlight
RAC-CT Certification In-Person Workshop

1/29/2024 8:00AM - 1/31/2024 5:00PM

Increase your knowledge of clinical assessment and care planning, completion of the MDS, the regulations surrounding the RAI/MDS process, and managing the PDPM by attending an AAPACN Resident Assessment Coordinator-Certified (RAC-CT) certification workshop. Having the RAC-CT credential behind your name shows you are a knowledgeable and capable MDS professional. RAC-CT certification is the nationally recognized gold-standard in resident assessment in the long-term care nursing profession. By earning this credential, individuals have shown their expertise in skilled nursing facility prospective payment system and minimum data set (MDS 3.0) assessment. LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE
Upcoming Education
Webinar: Getting Together - Meeting That Work Series: Meetings that Go More Than Skin Deep – Pressure Ulcer/Skin and Weight Loss

12/13/23 - 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Customer Service Concepts for the Crew

12/19/23 - 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Getting Together - Meeting That Work Series: Getting to the Root Cause – Falls and Behavioral Health Meetings

12/20/23 - 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
RAC-CT Certification In-Person Workshop

1/29/2024 8:00AM - 1/31/2024 5:00PM

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

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

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