March 14, 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. Don’t miss these important updates on the HCBS Final Rule process. 

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your membership status, please contact Kristin Plantz kplantz@khca.org.
The Latest News
Requiring the Impossible: Nursing Home Staffing Mandates During a Nationwide Labor Shortage Don’t Work

The Biden Administration plans to establish a federal staffing mandate for nursing homes this year. However, 45 states and the District of Columbia already have staffing requirements that exceed the current federal requirements, and more than two-thirds of states have staffing ratios or minimum hours for each resident per day on the books.
 
Due to a nationwide labor shortage, many nursing homes are struggling to find workers to comply with their state’s current requirements. The results are that nursing homes are having to downsize or limit new admissions; seniors must wait longer or widen their search for care; hospitals become overwhelmed with patients who are unable to be discharged; and current nursing home staff are stretched thin. READ MORE
HCBS Updates for March 2023 

Don’t miss these important updates on the HCBS Final Rule process. 
Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, March 17, 2023 at 10:00 AM

Please join KHCA’s Nurse Advisory Committee President, Teresa Coover on this month’s Members Only NAC Call to discuss Nurse Leadership Conference, Nursing Scholarships, hot topics, and the latest happenings.

Microsoft Teams Meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Meeting ID: 242 343 458 411
Passcode: pQn7fz
Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, March 17, 2023 at 11:00 AM

Please join us for the monthly Members Only Facility Standards Call. Cynthia Pendleton VP of KHCA Facility Standards will lead discussions and Linda Farrar KHCA Clinical Consultant will review recent survey findings.  


Microsoft Teams Meeting
Join on your computer, mobile app or room device
Meeting ID: 254 886 756 384
Passcode: SqKDBR
Assisted Living Lunch and Learn: A Deeper Look at FCS/NSA and HSP

Only 4 spots remain! Don't wait to register!

3/24/2023 from 10am - 2pm in Wichita, KS

Learning Objectives for the lunch and learn sessions are:
  • Review the regulations for FCS/NSA/HSP and how to stay in compliance with each.
  • Complete an FCS/NSA/HSP for a sample resident
  • Review scenarios and how to handle situations that indicate the need for a Risk Agreement.

Click here for more details.
In Case You Missed It
Member Only Legislative Update from Friday, March 10, 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

Let’s revisit Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) for a couple of reasons. First, some facilities in survey have been questioned about Enhance Barrier Precautions (without actually using the term). Providers have been told that surveyors are not surveying to this CDC guidance but questions from surveyors have arisen without using the term “enhance barrier precautions”. AND a facility has now been cited under F880 and within the statement of deficiencies, Enhanced Barrier Precautions are referenced related to multiple residents in the facility diagnosed with Carbapenemase-producing carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CP-CRAB). READ MORE
Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERC)

As you may have heard from your state, CMS had informally instructed State Medicaid Agencies to offset ERC against cost. This position would have resulted in reductions in Medicaid rates. Several states already had begun issuing Medicaid rate letters. This guidance was completely different from CMS’ PPP and PRF guidance – those funds were to be disregarded for Medicaid rate setting.

CMS Action: Today, CMS reversed its position and now is treating ERC as it does PPP and PRF. ERC should be disregarded for purposes of rate setting. 

We will provide you with more information as it becomes available.
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.
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
Spring Joint Provider - Hosted by LeadingAge KS

3/21/2023 9:30AM-4:00PM - Wichita | Live Stream
3/22/2023 9:30AM-4:00PM - Topeka

Click here for more details.
Assisted Living Lunch and Learn: A Deeper Look at FCS/NSA and HSP

3/24/2023 10:00AM-2:00PM - Wichita

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Strategies for Social Services

3/28/2023 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Deep Dive Into Federal Regulations in a Year: §483.20 Resident Assessment & §483.21 Comprehensive Person-Centered Care Plan Requirements

4/11/2023 1:30PM-3:00PM

Click here for more details.
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
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.
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