February 6, 2023
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Membership Reminder: As a reminder, the renewal deadline for your KHCA/KCAL membership is March 31st. We strive to give you a highly-valued return on your dues investment, and we look forward to serving you in the year ahead. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your membership status, please contact Kristin Plantz kplantz@khca.org.
The Latest News
Member Only Legislative Update from Friday, February 3, 2023

The 2023 Legislative Session is in full swing . We strive to keep you informed as much as possible. Click here to read Linda's member's only update from last Friday. We will also archive these on our website. They will require the member username and password to view on our website.
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

Back in 2016 the CDC issued clinical practice guidelines related to physicians writing prescriptions for the use of opioids. These guidelines were “updated” in November, 2022. Click here for a link to the report. This guideline addresses four areas:

  • Determining whether or not to initiate opioids for pain
  • Selecting opioids & determining opioid dosages
  • Deciding duration of initial opioid prescription & conducting follow-up
  • Assessing risk and addressing potential harms of opioid use

Click here to continue reading.
Texas, Nebraska Led Nation in Nursing Home Closures in 2022

CMS data show Texas and Nebraska led the nation for most nursing home closures in 2022, with industry advocates citing inadequate Medicaid rates that have not kept pace with a tough economic and operating environment. READ MORE
Flurry of Medicare Advantage regulation likely to hit nursing home coffers 

Federal efforts to rein in Medicare Advantage spending and recoup payments awarded for improper diagnoses will likely lead to even more financial pressure on nursing homes that serve plan beneficiaries, according to experts who monitor managed care.

The latest blow for insurers came Wednesday evening, when the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced its proposed payment notice for 2024. It would effectively cut average pay to MA plans by 2.3% next year when factoring in coding and data conversions. READ MORE
KHCA/KCAL Legislative Day - Monday, February 20th

Meet, greet and converse with your Legislators about issues that are important to you and your community. Visit the House and the Senate and sit in on committee meetings that directly impact long term care providers. Register early so that KHCA/KCAL staff can provide you with assistance in making appointments with the right people to maximize your time at the Capitol. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more and explore the happenings at the State House during the legislative session.

Learning Objectives for Legislative Day are:
  • Understand the value of membership with a trade association.
  • Understand KHCA/KCAL’s political clout.
  • Become familiar with our outside lobby team.
  • Become familiar with the Legislative process.
  • Understand KHCA/KCAL 2023 Legislative agenda.
In Case You Missed It
The latest Your Top-Line publication for skilled nursing centers in your state are now available!

Your Top-Line is a LTC Trend Tracker℠ publication that includes metrics and graphics outlining skilled nursing center's progress on Five Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative, their journey through the Quality Awards program, and other necessary data to help skilled nursing centers achieve their desired goals.
Your Top-Line is available any time you need it.

LTC Trend Tracker stores these publications under your account. Just follow the steps above and select any quarter you wish to review.

If you wish to change which buildings to review, compare to different peer groups, or monitor trends over time, visit "Run a Report" from the left-hand menu bar to start customizing. 
FDA no longer requires positive COVID-19 test to prescribe Paxlovid, Lagevrio

The FDA on Wednesday made it easier for clinicians to prescribe these antiviral drugs in cases where transmission is evident and the patient is at high risk of severe illness. READ MORE
Take Action: Write CMS Today!

Tell CMS how an unfunded staffing mandate would impact access to care for seniors by February 28th!​ No login is necessary. Please encourage all staff members to participate!

Click here for more details.
Access AHCA's Recorded Webinar: Contact CMS: Minimum Staffing Requirements for Skilled Nursing Facilities by clicking here.
Education Spotlight
Assisted Living Conference

A full day of education for those working in the Assisted Living, Residential Health Care and Home Plus settings

TOPICS:
  • The Magic of Connection – Opening Keynote and Humorist Desi Payne
  • Writing a Plan of Correction – Joan Hudson
  • Making Life Meaningful – Amy Siple
  • Stay in Your Lane – Talking through KS Regulations
  • Top Questions the association receives and how to find answers in your Reg Manual – Linda MowBray
  • Workplace Resilience through the power of friendship – Amy Siple

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

We are excited to announce our new AIT Program! All the details can be found here: https://conta.cc/3ixevxG

Questions? Email Teresa Keating at tkeating@khca.org
Webinar: 5-Star Work Plan A to Z: Quality Measure Domain: Part 2

2/8/2023 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Assisted Living Lunch and Learn: Survey Preparedness and Plans of Correction

This class is full. E-mail pberkley@khca.org to be placed on a waiting list.

2/10/2023 10:00AM-2:00PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Deep Dive Into Federal Regulations in a Year: §483.12 Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation

2/14/2023 1:30PM-3:00PM

Click here for more details.
Virtual Adult Care Home Operators Course

2/15/2023 9am 2/28/2023 3pm

Click here for more details.
Webinar: 5-Star Work Plan A to Z: Quality Measure Domain: Part 3

2/15/2023 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
KHCA/KCAL Legislative Day

2/20/2023 11:00AM-2:00PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: 5-Star Work Plan A to Z: Developing a Work Plan for 5-Star Improvement

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

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Approaches for Activities

2/28/2023 1:30PM-2:30PM

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. The SNF in-service on Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation has been updated to reflect Phase 3 information.

Access the new learning platform by clicking here. 

Questions about education can be directed to Polly Berkley VP of Operations and Education.
Attention Assisted Living and Home Plus Providers: FCS Refresher

We have frequent requests for FCS refreshers and people who want to attend the FCS section only of the Operators course. We now have it available on demand in a 75 minute webinar. It’s worth 1.5 CE’s on demand.

$20 Member Discount Code: KHCA018
Click here for more details.
Mark Your Calendar for these 2023 Dates!
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