KHCA/KCAL Update 10/24/25

October 24, 2025

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The Latest News

KHCA/KCAL Staff and Members Gather Nationally to Celebrate Quality and Excellence

KHCA/KCAL staff and Kansas providers recently attended AHCA/NCAL’s National Convention, joining long-term care professionals from across the country to share ideas, celebrate achievements, and advocate for quality care. It was an inspiring week of education, collaboration, and recognition. We were especially proud to celebrate our Kansas Quality Award winners, honoring their commitment to excellence and continuous improvement in resident care. Congratulations to all who represented Kansas so well on the national stage!

Senator David Haley visits Delaware Highlands Assisted Living

Senator David Haley recently visited Delaware Highlands Assisted Living, taking time to tour the community, meet with residents and staff, and learn firsthand about the compassionate care provided in long-term care settings. Visits like these are an important opportunity to showcase the quality of care, dedication of staff, and challenges faced by providers. Inviting your legislators to visit your LTC communities helps build valuable relationships, increases understanding of the issues impacting seniors and caregivers, and ensures that those shaping policy see the real-life impact of their decisions.

If you’d like help arranging a visit with your local legislator, contact KHCA. We’re happy to assist in setting one up.

CMS Recalls Furloughed Staff To Support Open Enrollment

The New York Times (10/23, Abelson, 20.6M) reports CMS said Thursday that "it would temporarily call back all of its furloughed employees on Monday to handle open enrollment for both Medicare and health plans available under the Affordable Care Act." The employees "have been furloughed for three weeks since the government shutdown began." According to an agency spokesperson, the decision was made "to best serve the American people amid the Medicare and marketplace open enrollment seasons."

Soroptimist International of Wichita Live Your Dream

Your assistance is needed in the search for eligible applicants to receive a Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award, which is the signature project of Soroptimist International of the Americas. Soroptimist International of Wichita is one of nearly 1,200 clubs that make up Soroptimist International of the Americas, a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.

Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards are cash awards given to motivated women who are the primary financial supporters of their families. The recipients of the awards are seeking to improve their lives by gaining additional skills, training, or education, but may not have the resources to do so. These cash awards are meant to offset any costs associated with the recipient’s efforts to attain higher education, including tuition, books, supplies, childcare or transportation costs.

Soroptimist International of Wichita has awarded grants ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 to several recipients each year for the last 50 years. One of these recipients will then also have the chance to receive additional awards at District and Region levels of our Soroptimist organization.

The most challenging aspect of this program is getting applications into the hands of eligible women. You can help by sending this flyer to any women you know who strive to attain higher education in the hopes of better supporting themselves and their families. This link provides all the eligibility requirements and step by step instructions to complete the application.

NEXT WEEK! Joint Provider Surveyor Training

10/29/25 - 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM - Lawrence

10/30/25 - 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM - Wichita & Virtual

Click here for more details.

Record-Breaking NCAL Day Gives Assisted Living Professionals Firsthand Look At Living With Dementia

Provider Magazine (10/20, Barreto, 151K) reports this year’s NCAL Day "attendees – a record of more than 300 assisted living professionals – lined up for the unique opportunity to learn more about what it is like to live with" dementia. NCAL Day "featured the Dementia Empathy Experience Program, an interactive and immersive session that puts participants in the shoes of someone living with dementia." NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea, NCAL Director of Policy and Regulatory Affairs Jill Schewe, NCAL Director of Quality Improvement Pam Truscott, "and NCAL Immediate Past Board Chair Gerald Hamilton discussed how the assisted living customer base is changing and how providers can change with it, identified opportunities to strengthen relationships and the impact on improving care, and highlighted how the demands of the profession have changed."

AHCA/NCAL President Calls For Provider Unity To Strengthen Profession

McKnight’s Senior Living (10/21, Bowers) reports, "Long-term care providers must remain united to shape the future of the profession, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living President and CEO Clif Porter said Monday during the opening general session of AHCA/NCAL’s Delivering Solutions 25 Convention & Expo." Porter said, "When we are united, we can influence policy, change minds and get results for our residents and staff unlike any time in our history." NCAL Executive Director LaShuan Bethea "noted that NCAL has been focused on building strong relationships with elected officials at the federal level over the past year." Meanwhile, "Phil Scalo and Mark Maxfield, marking the end of their terms leading the AHCA and NCAL boards, respectively, also spoke at the opening general session."

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.

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