KHCA/KCAL Update 10/20/25

October 20, 2025

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The Latest News

KHCA’s AIT Program: Celebrating Success and Leadership!

Over the past three years, KHCA’s Administrator-in-Training (AIT) Program has been an incredible success. We’ve had the privilege of working with so many talented individuals who have gone on to become outstanding administrators.

Today, we want to take a moment to celebrate and congratulate, another AIT and their hard work and dedication, John Blaine. We’re proud to be a part of your journey! Congratulations on passing your exam!

If you are interested in signing up for KHCA’s AIT program you can find more information on our website or you can always reach out to Teresa Keating.

AHCA/NCAL President Touts Freeze On Provider Taxes, Warns Of Long-Term Challenges For SNFs

Skilled Nursing News (10/17, Siddiqi) reported AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Clif Porter "said that among the year’s major wins for the sector – such as the freeze on provider taxes – were hard-won battles." In an interview with Skilled Nursing News ahead of the group’s annual convention, Porter said, "We actually were the only sector in all of health care that was insulated from that policy by having provider taxes frozen," giving credit to "AHCA/NCAL’s work behind the scenes in convincing lawmakers that Medicaid already underfunds nursing home care and further cuts would harm patients." Still, "Porter warned of long-term challenges for skilled nursing facilities, particularly at the state level."

A Message from the Office of the State Fire Marshall: Issues with Recalled Fire Sprinkler Heads

As many of you are aware, on the night of July 13, 2025, a devastating fire occurred at the Gabriel House Assisted and Independent Living Facility in Fall River, Massachusetts, resulting in 10 fatalities and more than 30 injuries, including six firefighters who were injured while rescuing invalid residents from the building.

Although the final investigative report from the Massachusetts State Fire Marshal has not yet been released, preliminary findings indicate that several sprinkler heads found in the facility had been subject to a nationwide recall issued in 2001 and were never replaced. The recall, which affected approximately 35 million sprinkler heads, was issued due to a defective gasket that could prevent activation during a fire. READ MORE

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

As the Federal shutdown continues with media reporting “no end in sight”, standard surveys are on hold. This situation makes it even more important for facilities to continuously monitor the care & services themselves. And that can and should be occurring through the facility’s Corporate Compliance Plan and measures.

Corporate compliance refers to the systems and processes that ensure a nursing home adheres to federal, state, and local regulations, ethical standards, and internal policies. It encompasses everything from billing practices and resident rights to staff training to quality care monitoring and monitoring for data privacy. READ MORE

TOMORROW! Webinar: Hot Topics in LTC Fraud and Abuse

10/21/25 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Click here for more details.

Calling All AIT Preceptors – We Need You in Kansas City and Wichita!

Are you a current AIT Preceptor? We’d love to include you on our official list! Please contact Teresa at tkeating@khca.org and provide your Preceptor number.

Right now, we have an urgent need for six Preceptors in the Kansas City area and three in Wichita. Your expertise and leadership are critical to supporting the next generation of long-term care professionals.

Not a Preceptor yet? There’s no better time to get involved! Becoming an AIT Preceptor is a rewarding way to share your knowledge and help shape the future of the field. Our team is happy to guide you through the process. Click here for KDADS information, and don’t hesitate to call Teresa at 785-267-6003 with any questions.

AHCA/NCAL President And CEO Discusses Organization’s Major Areas Of Focus During Interview

Skilled Nursing News (10/15, Siddiqi) reports, "The nursing home sector hopes to move away from outdated, punitive oversight and toward a more constructive, modern regulatory model in 2026 – an approach Clif Porter, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL, has been tirelessly working to achieve and refers to as ‘rationalized regulation.’" In an interview, Porter discussed rationalized regulation, compliance changes, Medicare Advantage, "and other major areas of focus for AHCA/NCAL in 2025 and beyond."

Pain, antidepressant drug combo associated with higher risk of seizures among nursing home residents, study finds

Nursing home residents who are prescribed a combination of tramadol, a pain medication, and antidepressants have a higher risk of seizures, according to an October study published in Neurology. READ MORE

Education Spotlight

Registration for DON Boot Camp is open!

November 10 - 12, 2025

Olathe, KS

The KHCA Director of Nursing Boot Camp program is designed to support nursing professionals in Long Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities who are preparing for or serving in leadership roles. Whether you are a newly appointed Director of Nursing, an RN with potential to serve in the DON role, or a current DON that is looking for a refresher. The KHCA DON Boot Camp provides the knowledge, tools, and strategies to succeed. READ MORE