October 28, 2024

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The Latest News

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

This week in McKnights there was a great article written by Renee Kinder titled, “You Can’t Unscramble Eggs: Using Root Cause Analysis to Improve Teamwork”. But she took a little different approach…she says, “there’s a way to prevent this from happening in the first place: Root cause analysis (RCA)…RCA is just as effective for identifying and addressing the systemic issues that hinder teamwork. By integrating RCA into the daily workforce, facilities can address the root causes of breakdowns in interdisciplinary communication and collaboration before they snowball into larger problems.”

What a great new perspective, and isn’t this part the of theory behind the new guidance for QAPI?...be preemptive rather than post-incident…Preemptive Root Cause Analysis (PRCA) with the goal of heading off problems BEFORE they arise. PRCA is now considered “evidenced-based best practice”. READ MORE

HHS Files Proposed Modifications To HIPAA To Strengthen Cybersecurity With Office Of Information And Regulatory Affairs

HealthcareITNews (10/25, Fox, 2K) reported HHS "has filed proposed modifications to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 security rule to strengthen the cybersecurity of electronic protected health information with the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs." According to HealthcareITNews, "the central authority for the review of Executive Branch regulations provided few details, but once the White House reviews HIPAA updates HHS can release its Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for public comment." The "rule will propose modifications to the Security Standards for the Protection of Electronic Protected Health Information under HIPAA and the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act of 2009, according to the abstract."

SSDs and SWs Needed for Research Study

Dr. Amy Roberts from the Department of Family Science and Social Work at Miami University, Ohio, in collaboration with colleagues from Weill Cornell Medicine's Division of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine (PI: Dr. E-Shien Chang), is conducting a study aimed at understanding and addressing negative resident interactions in nursing homes. This study focuses on exploring underlying factors, including race and ethnicity, to develop effective prevention and intervention strategies.

The research team is seeking Directors of Social Services in nursing homes who have experience managing such interactions to participate in a one-on-one interview. The interview will be conducted virtually via Zoom, will take no more than 45 minutes, and your valuable insights will contribute significantly to the study. Participants will receive a $20 Amazon gift card as compensation and the opportunity to pilot a training program at their facility next year.

You can access the form directly through this [link to form ].

For further information or any questions, please feel free to reach out via email rober128@miamioh.edu, or phone at 513-529-6117.

KDADS Regional Roundtable

Topics of discussion 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

Click the desired region below for additional details.

11/4/24 - Southeast Region in Frontenac, KS

11/5/24 - Northeast Region in Overland Park, KS

11/6/24 - Northwest Region in Hays, KS

11/7/24 - Southwest Region in Dodge City, KS

CMS Issues New and Revamped Standards for State Nursing Home Surveyors for 2025

On Wednesday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released plans to update the State Performance Standards System (SPSS) for the 2025 fiscal year. This will involve eliminating two measures from the previous year, introducing a new one, and revamping several others. READ MORE

Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Infections Increasing in Kansas, Especially Among Children

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and KDHE have seen an increase in respiratory infections caused by the bacteria M. pneumoniae nationwide and in Kansas. Emergency department visits for pneumonia have been increasing in Kansas, particularly among children and young adults. Healthcare providers should consider M. pneumoniae as a cause of pneumonia and test when indicated. Macrolides are the first-line treatment for this infection. Some first-line antibiotics used to treat pneumonia, like penicillin, will not treat M. pneumoniae. Use transmission-based precautions (droplet and contact) to reduce spread in health care and community settings. Promote respiratory hygiene and encourage symptomatic individuals to stay at home. Encourage vaccination for influenza and other respiratory viruses to reduce the risk of coinfections. Individual cases of M. pneumoniae are not reportable in Kansas. Report unusual clusters or outbreaks of respiratory illnesses within 4 hours by calling the Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) Epidemiology Hotline at 877-427-7317 or your local county public health department. READ MORE

Submit Your 2025 National Quality Award Intent to Apply

The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award 2025 Intent to Apply (ITA) is open.

We encourage applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2025 to submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, November 14, 2024.

WHY SUBMIT AN ITA?

Commitment to Quality: Demonstrate your organization's dedication to continuous quality improvement to your communities, staff, and residents.
Stay Organized: Help keep your organization focused and organized throughout the application process.
Discounted Application Fee: Applicants who submit an ITA receive a discounted application fee.*
Exclusive Resources: Gain access to exclusive resources to assist with the application process.
Voluntary but Encouraged: While submitting an ITA is voluntary, it is strongly encouraged for long term and post-acute care providers.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS

Join KHCA/KCAL on November 6th at 1:00PM for a Free Bronze Virtual Workshop

If your organization has thought about participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program, this is your opportunity to complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way from expert facilitators. READ MORE

Education Spotlight

Virtual Adult Care Home Operators Course

11/6 - 11/19/2024

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.