November 15, 2023
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The Latest News
CMS finalizes transparency rule targeting REITs, private equity owners

Nursing homes will be required to report more details about their ownership structure and type under a final rule issued today by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Service.

The rule imposes many of the ownership transparency measures outlined in a February proposal and defines both private equity and real estate investment trust owners. Nursing homes will have to disclose the involvement of such owners upon initial enrollment and revalidation and during any change of ownership. READ MORE

Last Chance to Submit Your Intent to Apply for 2024 National Quality Award - DEADLINE IS TOMORROW!

The National Quality Award Program recognizes and celebrates the tireless efforts of long term care providers who commit to a journey of delivering high-quality care, fostering innovation, and enhancing the lives of residents and staff. Take this step towards making a positive impact on the lives of your residents and staff and being a beacon of excellence by submitting your 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply before the deadline on Thursday, November 16 at 7:00 PM CT!
Nursing Home Staffing Exemptions Feel Impossible to Obtain, While CMS Criteria Remains Unclear

Nursing homes could receive a hardship exemption for the minimum staffing proposal – but the devil is in the details here – and looks like qualifying for it is going to be tough. READ MORE
Members Only Nurse Advisory Committee (NAC) and Facility Standards Call – Friday, November 17, 2023 10:00 AM - 11:00AM

Join us at 10:00AM where Linda MowBray will provide a Legislative update. Cynthia Pendleton, Facility Standards VP, Linda Farrar, KHCA Clinical Consultant will review recent SNF survey findings followed by Nurse Advisory Committee President, Teresa Coover to discuss Nursing Scholarships, hot topics, and the latest happenings.


Microsoft Teams Meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Meeting ID: 275 458 120 443
Passcode: cPoYir
KCAL District 4 Round Table

Friday, November 17, 2023
1:30PM - 3:30PM
Brookdale Salina Fairdale
2251 E. Crawford Street, Salina, KS 67401


Assisted Living Round Table with Kansas Center for Assisted Living Board Members
  • Joye Gfeller - District 4 VP
  • Brett Pu - KCAL Secretary/Treasurer and NCAL State Leader

Includes all Assisted Living, Home Plus, and Residential Health Care Communities in District 4. (See image for counties included in this district.) 

Learn more here.
In Case You Missed It
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

I want to share an article from the October 2023 Newsletter from the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities. Many residents in nursing facilities experience Major Depressive Disorder. Here is the article in the newsletter. Perhaps it can be used for mandatory training for your staff related to Behavioral Health. There is also important information in this article that your practitioners could use in a rationale statement for continuation of antidepressants related to depression. Also, please note the section on “Treating MDD in Nursing Facility Residents” as that section can offer suggestions for non-pharmacological interventions if they are adapted to resident individualization. READ MORE
CMS imposes hiring freeze, warns of nursing home survey reductions without budget increase 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services instituted a partial hiring freeze in July, and a top official said state survey agencies could take a hit if Congress can’t reach a federal budget deal. 

CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure told participants at an event in Washington, DC, on Wednesday that the agency’s operations will be in peril if the fiscal standoff continues, news first reported by Politico, a media publication focused on Congress and federal agencies. READ MORE
Education Spotlight
Virtual ICD-10 Coding Workshop

12/4/2023
8:30AM - 4:00PM

Diagnosis coding accuracy is paramount to appropriate payment under PDPM, as ICD-10 Diagnosis codes & other patient characteristics are used as basis for classification in determining MCR payment. The 5-day MDS establishes the PDPM payment category for the entire Medicare stay which is why it is so important to have good processes in place for establishing the principal diagnosis and having information to support coding all active diagnosis prior to the 5-day assessment reference date.

This program will include information regarding the Official ICD-10 Coding Guidelines, best practices for accurate ICD-10-CM code assignment, how to avoid common coding mistakes, and the importance of principal diagnosis identification.
Upcoming Education
Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Departmental Collaboration and Teamwork

11/28/23 - 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Getting Together - Meetings That Work Series: Enhancing Team Meetings: Daily Clinical and QAPI Meetings Mastery  

11/29/23 - 1:30PM-2:30PM

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

DEADLINE FOR REGISTRATION IS November 22, 2023

11/29 - 12/12/23

Click here for more details.
Virtual ICD-10 Coding Workshop

12/4/2023 8:30AM - 4:00PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Getting Together - Meeting That Work Series: UR / Medicare & Triple Check Meetings

12/6/23 - 1:30PM-2:30PM

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