December 20, 2023
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The Latest News
NO EVV Requirement for Assisted Living and Home Plus

As we informed you earlier, we have received confirmation from KDADS and KDHE that Assisted Livings and Home Plus who participate the HCBS waiver program will not be required to use the EVV system that is being mandated for other settings. We understood that we would have written clarification last Friday and while that is not the case, we have been in constant communication with KDADS to assure that written policy clarification is on the way. Today, we received notification that KDADS has initiated this policy clarification with KDHE and once the document goes through proper channels a bulletin will be published. We have been told that all three MCO’s are now aware of this directive. Hopefully this will help clear up the confusion. Please let us know right away if you are still being contacted by an MCO or from AuthentiCare so that we may intervene on your behalf. khca@khca.org
The American Health Care Association (AHCA) has unveiled the 2024 theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW).

Drumroll, please – the theme is "Radiant Memories: A Time of Golden Age Radio.” The national observance will take place from Sunday, May 12 to Saturday, May 18, 2024.

Next year’s theme is designed to transport us to an era of timeless memories, echoing the charm and nostalgia of the golden age of radio. As we prepare for a week of celebration and recognition for the incredible care you provide, "Radiant Memories" sets the stage for honoring the stories and experiences that define the heart of skilled nursing care.

We invite you to join us in embracing the spirit of this theme by incorporating elements of the golden age of radio into your planned NSNCW activities.

Available Now
Download "Radiant Memories: A Time of Golden Age Radio” logos available on nsncw.org.

Available in February
In February 2024, AHCA will release a comprehensive planning guide and exclusive products to assist in creating an unforgettable experience.

NSNCW celebrates the essential role that skilled nursing care centers play in providing safe and effective 24-hour nursing care to millions of individuals each year.

Thank you for your dedication to excellence for the residents we serve. Your commitment truly makes every moment shine.

Here’s to an amazing 2024!
Assisted Living Providers May Be Impacted As States Come Into Compliance With HCBS Settings Final Rule, Survey Finds

McKnight’s Senior Living (12/20, Bonvissuto) reports, "Assisted living operators that provide home- and community-based services to residents who are Medicaid beneficiaries could be affected as states continue to come into compliance with the provisions of the HCBS settings final rule, suggests the results of a KFF survey of state Medicaid HCBS programs." Meanwhile, "one expert said that even providers that don’t provide HCBS would benefit from becoming familiar with its provisions." Right now, "18% of assisted living residents rely on Medicaid to pay for daily services, and 61% of all assisted living communities are Medicaid-certified, according to" NCAL. 
Consumer Advocates Urge CMS To Tighten Enforcement Of Nurse Aide Training Initiatives

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (12/19, Henreckson) reports CMS "hasn’t fully embraced the Biden administration’s full agenda for long-term care," but now, consumer advocates are "pushing the agency to tighten enforcement." The Center for Medicare Advocacy put "a spotlight on a 2017 rule that makes it possible for some facilities to maintain nurse aide training and competency evaluation programs through waivers from CMS even after those NATCEPs would have been suspended due to regulatory penalties or extended surveys." However, staffing shortages "have left many in the long-term care sector frustrated by regulations that suspend the programs working to bring more care staff into the workforce." AHCA said, "In the midst of a historic labor crisis, allowing facilities the ability to offer CNA training programs to train crucially needed caregivers is exactly the type of workforce solutions we need. ... Now is not the time to take away critically important workforce development resources and programs, such as in-house CNA training." 
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.
In Case You Missed It
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

Click here for the most recent (December 15, 2023) TrendTracker report. There are some things that may need some attention. The Kansas member facilities have improved on 5-star ratings but still don’t meet the comparison groups of all other facilities (but almost!). The number of deficiencies cited in standard surveys is significantly higher for our member groups. (1.0 is a significant overall number). But the number of substandard quality of care tags is alarming…Kansas 19.5% compared to other facilities in nation at 11.3%. WOW!!! That’s a BIG difference. READ MORE
NCAL Among Organizations Continuing To Support Expanding Veterans’ Options For Long Term Care Act

McKnight’s Senior Living (12/18, Bonvissuto) reports "a coalition of senior living," health care "and veterans organizations collectively provided their continued support in a letter sent Thursday to House and Senate leadership for an assisted living pilot program geared toward serving veterans." NCAL and other organizations "signed a letter advocating for the Expanding Veterans’ Options for Long Term Care Act." The legislation "would establish a three-year pilot enabling some veterans to have their care needs met in an assisted living community rather than a Veterans Affairs home." 
Education Spotlight
RAC-CT Certification In-Person Workshop

1/29/2024 8:00AM - 1/31/2024 5:00PM

Increase your knowledge of clinical assessment and care planning, completion of the MDS, the regulations surrounding the RAI/MDS process, and managing the PDPM by attending an AAPACN Resident Assessment Coordinator-Certified (RAC-CT) certification workshop. Having the RAC-CT credential behind your name shows you are a knowledgeable and capable MDS professional. RAC-CT certification is the nationally recognized gold-standard in resident assessment in the long-term care nursing profession. By earning this credential, individuals have shown their expertise in skilled nursing facility prospective payment system and minimum data set (MDS 3.0) assessment. LEARN MORE & REGISTER HERE
Upcoming Education
Webinar: Deconstructing Immediate Jeopardy Mitigation: Navigating Top Risk Areas: Preventing Elopement: Strategies for Resident Safety

1/9/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Documentation in Depth: Supportive Documentation for Falls and Accidents

1/16/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Survey Trends in Assisted Living

1/18/24 - 1:00PM-2:15PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Care Plans for SSD's

1/23/24 - 1:00PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
RAC-CT Certification In-Person Workshop

1/29/2024 8:00AM - 1/31/2024 5:00PM

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