June 23, 2023
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The Latest News
AHCA/NCAL Announces Nine Recipients Of 2023 Silver Quality Awards - Congratulations to Avita Senior Living at Rolling Hills in Wichita for being the sole Kansas Recipient!

We cannot wait to celebrate you!

Click here to read more.
Focus MDS Update of the Week

Since their release on April 3, 2023, the final MDS Item Sets version 1.18.11v2 and the draft MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual version 1.18.11 were updated. For the next few weeks, AHCA will be focusing on a different section to highlight changes and what members need to know.

Changes to Section GG
Since their release on April 3, 2023, MDS 3.0 version v1.8.11v2 final item sets and draft RAI guidance were updated and substantial changes were made to several sections. Changes to section GG include:

  • Incorporation of four items from Section G (discontinued):
  • GG0115-Funtciontal Limitation in Range of Motion
  • GG0120 Mobility Devices
  • GG0130I Personal Hygiene
  • GG0170FF Tub/Shower Transfer
  • Revision of coding definitions for GG0100:
  • Updated coding definitions for Independent and Dependent to clarify that either the resident or the helper completed all the activities as well as updated the definition for Need Some Help to clarify that help was needed to complete any activities. 
  • Expansion of GG0130 and GG0170 to allow for data collection on all assessments:
  • Admission, quarterly, PPS, discharge, IPA, and Part A PPS discharges. 

AHCA has created an MDS Section GG resource document to help providers breakdown the changes. The information in the resource document outlines key changes to MDS Section GG, Coding Instructions/RAI Guidelines for each item, and Actions to Consider for implementation across your facility.

It is important to develop a training plan for your facility to ensure all staff impacted by the changes are trained in them. 

Additional Resources:

Please email regulatory@ahca.org with any questions.
In Case You Missed It
New Medicare Billing Rule For COVID-19 Vaccines To Take Effect July 1

Provider Magazine (6/20, Simon, 151K) reports that "one of the most important developments" following the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency "is that as of July 1, 2023, a provider’s consultant pharmacy will no longer be able to bill Medicare for the administration fees associated with COVID-19 vaccines given to patients receiving Medicare Part A coverage." Instead, the "responsibility will fall back to providers." The "change applies to Medicare Part A patients, whose vaccinations are covered under Medicare Part B." But "for custodial patients receiving Medicare Part D coverage...pharmacies will still be able to handle the billing process." The article highlights new data reporting requirements and other factors of the new billing rule. 
NCAL Among Groups Joining National Association For Regulatory Administration To Develop Industry Resources, Guidance

McKnight’s Senior Living (6/21, Bowers) reports, "Four national associations advocating for assisted living providers are joining with the National Association for Regulatory Administration to develop guidance for the industry and resources for operators, regulators, policymakers and other stakeholders." This "effort involving Argentum, the American Seniors Housing Association, LeadingAge and the National Center for Assisted Living was announced Tuesday." Part of the groups’ "advocacy efforts in the past have been focused on keeping the regulation of the assisted living industry at the state level, which ‘encourages innovation and diversity of care models that promote customized care to each resident,’ NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea said." 

Staying informed about upcoming changes to the Minimum Data Sets (MDS) will be vital for skilled nursing operators come October, when the new changes are implemented. These changes include more finely-tuned definitions and more data collection. READ MORE
Education Spotlight
Adult Care Home Operators Course

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON JULY 5TH TO ALLOW TIME FOR SHIPPING REGULATION MANUALS TO EACH PARTICIPANT

7/12/2023 9:00AM - 7/24/2023 10:00AM

This hybrid course is designed to provide you with everything necessary to earn a certificate as an Adult Care Home Operator in the State of Kansas. The class is based on the principles of assisted living as outlined in the KDADS regulation manual and is taught by a variety of presenters that are currently working in the field. The course will be facilitated by Joan Hudson, KCAL Clinical Consultant and Polly Berkley, VP of Operations and Education for KHCA/KCAL. This course provides knowledge and insight on the rules, regulations and responsibilities governing the operation of a state licensed only adult care home. 
Upcoming Education
6 Week Series: Restorative Nursing Excellence: Revitalizing Programs and Restoring Function After COVID-19 

Every Thursday from June 22-July 27 from 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Helps and Hints for Housekeeping

6/27/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Implementing a Successful Restorative Program and Overcoming Common Barriers

6/29/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Restorative Reimbursement: Systems for MDS Coding & Case Mix Accuracy

7/6/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Deep Dive Into Federal Regulations in a Year: §483.30 Physician Services & §483.35 Nursing Service Requirements

7/11/2023 1:30PM - 3:00PM

Click here for more details.
Adult Care Home Operators Course

REGISTRATION CLOSES ON JULY 5TH TO ALLOW TIME FOR SHIPPING REGULATION MANUALS TO EACH PARTICIPANT

7/12/2023 9:00AM - 7/24/2023 10:00AM

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