May 1, 2023
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The Latest News
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

Based on recent survey results in both LTC/SNF, and Assisted Living Centers there is an alarming increase in the number of facilities being cited for drug diversion or inappropriate reconciliation of drugs. And remember, if you discover a discrepancy in your medication reconciliation, you MUST contact local law enforcement in addition to reporting to the state agency and you must complete an investigation even if the facility replaces the diverted drugs.

The National Institute of Health defines diversion as: “the transfer of a controlled substance from a lawful to an unlawful channel of distribution or use…any criminal act involving a prescription drug”.

Note the words: “unlawful” and “criminal”. Not only will the person diverting the drugs be held legally liable, but the facility will also be found non-compliant with regulations related to exploitation of resident property. READ MORE
The Office of the State Fire Marshal Webinar Recording: Fire Safety Book

This session went over the importance and layout of a Fire Safety Book in your facilities. 

Click here for the recording.
Senior Living Advocates Call For Greater Funding To Improve HCBS Access

McKnight’s Senior Living (5/1, Bonvissuto) reports, "Senior living advocates are applauding steps announced by the federal government to ensure equitable access to home- and community-based services provided via the Medicaid program, but they say that funding remains a sticking point for success." On Thursday, CMS "proposed two new rules that would make some HCBS quality measures mandatory, as well as place new performance and reporting responsibilities on states and managed care plans." But "senior living organizations...said they have concerns about inadequate provider reimbursements." According to the article, "The National Center for Assisted Living applauded CMS for ‘taking significant steps’ to ensure equitable access to health care, especially for Medicaid HCBS beneficiaries." NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea said, "We support the agency’s efforts to promote quality assurance, person-centered planning, better pay for direct caregivers and address wait lists for HCBS. ... However, in order to achieve these goals, the linchpin is ensuring that Medicaid is properly funded." 
In Case You Missed It
CMS Releases Major Medicaid Access and Managed Care Rules

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)​​ issu​ed two significant proposed rules for Medicaid and CHIP, related to increasing access to covered services (CMS-2442-P) and improving transparency in managed care (CMS-2439-P). CMS notes that the aim of the rules is to support states in better meeting the access and qu​​ality of care needs of Medicaid enrollees. ​​​There appears to be a particular focus on Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS), but further analysis is needed.

Highlights from the Medicaid Access Rule include:
  • Requirements of States to ensure that Medicaid provider payments in FFS systems are adequate enough to providers to ensure beneficiaries have sufficient access to covered care. The focus is on primary care and HCBS.
  • Publication of and regular updates of Medicaid FFS payment rates for all services on publicly facing state website.
  • Establishment of an advisory group to advise and consult on provider rates for direct care workers.


Highlights from the Medicaid Managed Care Rule include: 
  • Stipulation to states to complete and submit an annual payment analysis comparing managed care plans’ payment rates for certain services as a proportion of Medicare’s payment rate, and for certain home and community-based services, the state’s Medicaid state plan payment rate. 
  • Removal of extraneous regulatory barriers to assist states in using state directed payments to implement value-based payment arrangements and include non-network providers in state directed payments.  
  • Inclusion of several proposals that specify the scope of in lieu of services and settings to better address health-related social needs.


For any questions pertaining to the information above, please contact Martin Allen at mallen@ahca.org or Nisha Hammel at nhammel@ahca.org.
FDA approves pill to treat deadly C. difficile infections

The first-of-its-kind fecal microbiota pill treats recurrent infections caused by Clostridium difficile, an antibiotic-resistant bacterium that’s a danger to nursing home residents. READ MORE
Upcoming iQIES Service Center Hold Times

Due to the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) quarterly deadline, the iQIES Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between now and May 15, 2023. 

Click here for more details.
Education Spotlight
THIS WEEK! Person-Centered Dementia Care - From the Perspective of the Resident - Lunch and Learn

5/4/2023 10:00AM - 3:00PM

This Lunch and Learn course includes the common framework and the stages of Dementia with a focus on improving the quality of care for individuals with dementia living in Long Term Care communities including Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living, and Home Plus settings. Presented by Linda Farrar, RN, LNHA this course will look at how care partners can approach prevention and de-escalation of challenging behaviors and will help you to intervene when behavior escalates. You will know how to recognize, respond and calm the individual using non-pharmacological approaches. 

Learning Objectives:
  • Participants will demonstrate an understanding of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias and the impact on cognitive function.
  • Participants will demonstrate ability to identify key care approaches for stages of dementia promote the highest practicable level of well-being for elders with dementia.
  • Participants will demonstrate understanding of strategies to enhance communication and minimize negative behaviors.

Click here for more details.
Upcoming Education
Spring Sale! Required In-Service Bundles

Assisted Living In-Service Bundle was $157.50 now $65! Click here for more details.

SNF In-Service Bundle was $165 now $99! Click here for more details.
Two On Demand Webinars focusing on Social Services



Access the new learning platform by clicking here. 

Questions about education can be directed to Polly Berkley VP of Operations and Education.
Person-Centered Dementia Care...From the Perspective of the Resident Lunch & Learn

5/4/2023 10:00AM - 3:00PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Deep Dive Into Federal Regulations in a Year: §483.24 Quality of Life Requirements

5/9/2023 1:30PM - 3:00PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Designs Well-Rounded Dietary Departments

5/23/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

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

6/9/2023 10:00AM - 2:00PM
Click here for more details.
MDS - RAI Changes Workshop

6/12/2023 9:00AM - 4:00PM

Click here for more details.
Nurse Leadership Conference

6/13/2023 11:00AM - 6/14/2023 4:00PM

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

We are excited to announce our new AIT Program! Click here for more details.

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