October 20, 2023

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Member's Only Password Change for website Username: KHCAKCAL New Password: Heartland2023

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. If you need help downloading your report, please e-mail Jennafer Sumner at jsumner@khca.org

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AHCA CEO: ‘Enormous Problems’ for Rural Skilled Nursing Providers Demand Innovation Rural nursing homes will survive, but they are currently facing severe problems that will require creative solutions, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living CEO and President Mark Parkinson said Wednesday. READ MORE Also reported by McKnight's Long-Term Care News

Senators warn of ‘unintended consequences,’ closed VA nursing homes if staffing mandate is enacted  A pair of US Senators have asked the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to stop the proposed federal staffing rule for nursing homes, saying that “unintended consequences” of the mandate could force the closure of veterans’ facilities. READ MORE Also reported by Skilled Nursing News

Adult ADHD tied to dementia risk, study finds Adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are almost three times more likely to develop dementia compared to their peers, a new study suggests. Taking medication could help, as there wasn’t a higher risk for dementia in people with ADHD who took medication, according to the study. READ MORE

KMAP Web Update The KMAP Public Portal has been updated with General Bulletin 23265 regarding the Annual Attestation Requirement. A standard broadcast message has been added to alert providers. A standard RA banner message will appear on the weeks of October 23 and 30. Let me know if you have any questions regarding this update.

Contact CMS regarding the Proposed Rule on Minimum Staffing! SUBMIT COMMENTS HERE

Have you ever wondered about getting involved in the National Quality Award Program? Here are three ways you can get involved and show your support today! LEARN MORE HERE

In Case You Missed It

Federal Staffing Mandate May Exacerbate "Nursing Home Deserts" According to Skilled Nursing News (10/17, Stulick), "As nursing home closures continue across the country, ‘nursing home deserts’ are expanding, and the proposed federal staffing mandate is expected to exacerbate the problem." In particular, rural and small markets "are facing drastic access issues, with more than 30 additional counties recently being listed as ‘nursing home deserts’ by the" American Health Care Association.

CMP Grant Opportunity for Visitation Air Flow and Quality Improvement As of Feb. 2, 2022, certified nursing facilities may apply for up to an additional $3,000 of CMP Nursing Home Visitation Aid Grant funds for the purchase of indoor portable fans and/or indoor portable air cleaners with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA, H-13, or -14) filters to increase or improve air quality for resident in-person visitation. Please review the FAQ document for details and complete the application form.       How to Receive Payment: Facilities must provide receipts at the time of invoicing (not at the time of application). The invoice submitted to KDADS.CMPRP@ks.gov must not exceed the quantity and cost of each item approved and must not exceed the total amount of funding approved. For example, if a facility applied for three portable fans, the facility cannot invoice for four portable fans. Invoices cannot exceed actual spending as reflected by a facility's receipt(s). Submit all applications to: KDADS.CMPRP@ks.gov

OSHA Basics: What is OSHA  ​​In recent years, nursing homes and assisted living communities across the Unites States have come under increased scrutiny from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA, a branch of the Department of Labor, is the U.S. government agency tasked with enforcement of workplace safety, setting standards, conducting inspections, and promoting health and safety training for employees. READ MORE

Education Spotlight

DON Boot Camp New for 2023! DON Boot Camp Re-Vamp! This program has been specifically created for Nurses that are new to the Director of Nursing Position, RN’s with the potential for serving in the DON position and nurse managers in Long Term Care/Skilled nursing facilities. We’ve collected input from Nurses that have attended in the last few years and have incorporated new and additional topics. Great for new DON’s and for those that want a refresher.  Segment 1: Roles and Responsibilities of the DON Segment 2: Clinical Excellence Segment 3: The Regulatory and Survey Process Segment 4 Leading Clinical Improvement Segment 5: Staffing and Human Resource Management Segment 6: Overview of the Business Operations of the Nursing Department

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Upcoming Education

Webinar: Mission Possible: SNF Department Head Briefing - Steering Survey Success 10/24/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM Click here for more details.

Webinar: The Main Attraction: Activities That Work: Designing and Formatting the Activity Program 10/25/2023 1:30PM - 2:30PM Click here for more details.

Fall 2023 Joint Provider Surveyor Training

11/15 - 11/16/2023 9:00AM - 3:50PM Topeka Registration – November 15th Wichita Registration – November 16th Virtual Registration – November 16th Click here for more details.

Virtual ICD-10 Coding Workshop 12/4/2023 8:30AM - 4:00PM 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 khca@khca.org |  www.khca.org