January 3, 2025

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The Latest News

Reminder-Virtual KDADS Regional Round Tables January 7th, 2025


Please join survey certification and credentialing commissioner Lacey Hunter and assistant commissioner Dawne Altis for a virtual session of Adult Care Home regional round tables, January 7th, 2025, from 10am-12pm.

Topics will include:

  • State Licensed Only Involuntary Discharge Reporting (Assisted Living, Residential Health Care, Home Plus)
  • Changes to CCRC since July 1, 2024
  • Receivership - what is it and how do you apply for it
  • Top deficiencies cited • Survey consistency
  • CMPs and Other Enforcement
  • NATCEP Bans and Waiver Process 
REGISTER HERE

A Message from the Office of the State Fire Marshal: Cold Weather Preparedness


Each winter, Kansans can count on at least one major winter storm. KSFM would like to remind facilities that while resident or patient safety is always top priority, facilities must also remain in compliance with CMS and Life Safety Code Requirements. When extreme cold conditions are forecast, take the time to review your Emergency Preparedness plan. Make sure that all information is up to date and ensure that all staff are prepared and know what actions to take during an emergency. READ MORE

Annual CNA/HHA Employment Verification— Begins January 1, 2025- Deadline March 31, 2025


*First- To update your current employee list, as well as update a person’s CNA/HHA certification, you will need to go to your employment list.

To do this please follow these steps:

Go to www.ksnurseaidregistry.org

Select “Facility Access”

Enter Facility ID number (Can be located on your facilities license, Example: N000000)

Once logged on select “Employment Verification Page”


*Next-On the right-hand side there are “Yes and No” buttons for each employee. Please follow the guidelines, to determine which option would need to be selected per individual.


Active Certified Individuals-- select “Yes” if the CNA or HHA has worked at your facility at least 8HRS the prior or current calendar year, even if they are no longer working at your facility. This will renew their CNA/HHA for additional two years.


Certified Individuals not working as an aide- leave the “Yes” and “No” unchecked if individual is currently working at your facility but in a non-certified position and did not work at least 8HRS as an CNA or HHA within the prior or current calendar year. This will keep them on the employee list and hours worked won’t be reported towards their certification.


Non-Certified—Two options available, if currently employed you can select “Yes” or leave “Yes” and “No” unchecked. Both options will keep an individual on the employee list.

Certified/Non-Certified --select “No” if the individual did not work at your facility the last calendar year or currently working. This will remove an individual from the employee list.

***At the very bottom make sure you select “Update and save changes” before you exit the page.

Any questions, please email kdads.certification@ks.gov

President Biden Signs the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act Into Law


​President Biden signed the Senator Elizabeth Dole 21st Century Veterans Healthcare and Benefits Improvement Act into law on January 2, 2025. This bill creates a pilot program for eligible veterans to receive assisted living care. NCAL is part of a broad coalition of senior advocacy, veterans service, homeless prevention, and health and aging services organizations that has long supported the bill.  


We thank NCAL provider members for their advocacy over the past several years on this matter and their efforts to get this important pilot program across the finish line. Read more about NCAL provider member and coalition advocacy around the bill here


You can read more about this pilot here, under section 127.  

Senior Living Leaders Discuss Potential Challenges For Providers In 2025


McKnight’s Senior Living (1/3, Bowers) reports on responses from "leaders of organizations serving the" senior living industry that were "consulted for insights into potential challenges that will face providers in the new year." For instance, NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea said, "I believe a foreseeable challenge facing assisted living will be managing the growing needs of a population that is entering assisted living with more chronic conditions. ... This means that assisted living communities must adapt to help residents manage these chronic conditions effectively." Bethea added, "Population health management will be essential in helping seniors stay healthy and also enabling providers to offer more personalized and preventative care for seniors who require assisted living services," highlighting the role of integrated technology such as wearables. 

Alzheimer’s Association releases new dementia diagnosis guidelines 


The Alzheimer’s Association has updated its guidelines for diagnosing dementia, leaving them broad but giving room to integrate new and upcoming developments in dementia diagnosis. READ MORE

Upcoming Education Offering with Interim Healthcare Topeka: Long-term Care Medicaid and Division of Assets


This will be on ZOOM or in-person on January 9th at 12L00PM

Emily Donaldson, CELA with Stevens and Brand L.L.P.

Will speak on: Long-term Care Medicaid and Division of Assets.

This will be 1.0 CEU.


Link for ZOOM:  https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtc-CuqTkpHtel6Z7VwY2RgQ87uaoBEqsm


In-person RSVP to:  ajpatterson@interimhealthcare.com

Call for presentations


An essential service to our association is offering high quality training and education to our members. We invite you to join us in our commitment to delivering timely, relevant, and engaging information as we prepare for our 2025 Education Calendar.


We are looking for topics that fit skilled nursing, assisted living, home plus and residential health care communities.


Click here to learn more on our needs and how you can submit a proposal.

In Case You Missed It

Managed Care Organization Contract Implementation


As we approach the Jan. 1, 2025 implementation of the new KanCare managed care contracts, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) would like to provide some helpful information for our members, providers and stakeholders.


The contracts are on track to go live on Jan. 1, 2025. There will be no interruptions in access to services for our members, or in claims payment and the provision of services to members for our providers.


You can find a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document containing answers to questions about the MCO contract implementation on the KanCare website for members and providers.


Members who have questions or concerns can call their managed care organization using the information on the KanCare website: https://www.kancare.ks.gov/apply-now/health-plans.


If provider concerns arise, please reach out to the appropriate MCO contacts first. Information on contacting MCOs is located on the KanCare website: https://www.kancare.ks.gov/providers/become-a-provider.


Thank you for your dedication to serving Kansas Medicaid members. We look forward to your continued partnership in the implementation of the KanCare MCO contracts.


Lauren Evans, MA

Medicaid External Affairs Director

Kansas Department of Health and Environment

1000 SW Jackson, Ste 540

Cell phone: (785) 207.8503

Office phone: (785) 296.3426

lauren.evans@ks.gov

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar


All of the changes regarding CMS Regulatory Guidance are overwhelming. Cynthia Pendleton, RN/BSN/LNHA has provided a wonderful tool for your Infection Preventionist to use related to the new changes. These changes take place January 1, 2025, so no time to waste. READ MORE

Upcoming iQIES Service Center Hold Times February Deadline Reminder


Due to the Payroll Based Journal quarterly deadline, the iQIES Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between January 2, 2025, and February 14, 2025. READ MORE

Free Education Opportunities through the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities


Click here for more info.

"Tapestry of Life" Announced as Theme for 2025 National Skilled Nursing Care Week® 


National observance to take place May 11–17, 2025


The American Health Care Association (AHCA) is pleased to announce "Tapestry of Life" as the theme for next year’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week® (NSNCW), which will kick off on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11.


About the Theme



"Tapestry of Life" highlights the meaningful stories that make up each person’s journey in skilled nursing care. From residents and families to caregivers and other staff, everyone adds a unique thread that is woven into this vibrant tapestry. This theme celebrates the connections, resilience and strength that unite us all. READ MORE

Education Spotlight

Adult Care Home Operator Course


February 12-25, 2025



This hybrid course is designed to provide you with everything necessary to prep you to become a Registered 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. The course fee includes a minimum of 45 hours of instruction, electronic program handout materials (to print if you wish) and a printed Operators manual. LEARN MORE

Upcoming Education

Free Webinar - Preparing for Upcoming CMS Guidance Changes starting February 24, 2025: Key Updates and Action Items for Compliance


On Demand


Click here for more details.

Webinar: F689 - Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices


1/14/25 - 1:30PM-2:30PM


Click here for more details.

Webinar: LTC Provider Lawsuit Primer


1/21/25 - 1:30PM-2:30PM


Click here for more details.

Webinar: Survey Trends in Assisted Living


1/23/25 - 1:00PM-2:15PM


Click here for more details.

Adult Care Home Operator Course - February 2025


2/12/25 - 2/25/25


Click here for more details.

Life Safety Code Boot Camp


2/26/25 - 2/27/25


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