AHCA/NCAL: CDC Adopts Updated COVID-19 Vaccination Schedule

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently updated its adult and child immunization schedules for the COVID-19 vaccine to align with the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recent recommendations, which include the following: 



• For adults ages 65 and older: COVID-19 vaccination is recommended based on individual-based decision-making (also known as shared clinical decision making). 

• Individuals 6 months to 64 years: COVID-19 vaccination based on individual-based decision making with an emphasis that the risk-benefit of vaccination is highest for those at an increased risk for severe COVID-19 and lowest for those who are not at increased risk (according to the CDC list of COVD-19 risk factors). 

CMS requires nursing homes to offer each resident and staff member the COVID-19 vaccine (once available) unless the immunization is medically contraindicated, or the resident or staff member has already been immunized.

More on Covid-19 Vaccines:

McKnight's LTC News: CDC vaccine advisers add restrictions for receipt of COVID-19 vaccine among adults 65+

Clinical Update Addendum from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

Considering the COVID-19 vaccination information that came out Monday, I am sending you an addendum to the Weekly Update that went out.

For being on government shutdown, it seems there is a lot going on…especially with COVID-19 vaccination recommendations. On Monday, 10-6-25, ACIP recommended that COVID-19 shots only be available for people 65 and older & only be administered through “shared decision-making” with healthcare providers. This overturns a broader recommendation for administration of the vaccine.

On Monday, 10-6-25, Dr. David Gifford added this comment to the LTC National Infection Prevention Forum regarding this development: “HHS today issued a press release saying that CDC adopted the ACIP COVID-19 vaccination recommendations. READ MORE

AHCA/NCAL Names Liz Burns As New Chief Medical Officer

Skilled Nursing News (10/6, Mullaney) reports "Liz Burns, M.D., will be filling the role" of chief medical officer "at the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, effective Oct. 18, 2025." Burns "succeeds David Gifford, M.D., who served as AHCA/NCAL’s chief medical officer for more than a decade." Beginning "early next year, Gifford will take on a part-time role supporting AHCA/NCAL’s Integrated Networks team and the" Center for Health Policy Evaluation in Long Term Care, to which AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Clif Porter said, "His leadership, medical expertise, and analytical acumen will continue to serve our members well." 

Stop routine nursing home surveys on Jewish holidays: AJAS to feds

A major aging services group representing dozens of Jewish-affiliated nursing homes has asked the federal government to direct survey agencies to avoid non-emergency inspections on Jewish high holidays. READ MORE

We Need AIT Preceptors – Especially in Wichita and Kansas City!

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.

We have a particular need for Preceptors in the Wichita and Kansas City areas. Your support is vital — the future of long-term care depends on experienced professionals stepping up to educate and mentor the next generation of leaders.

Interested in becoming an AIT Preceptor and shaping the future of the profession? 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.

Last Chance to Submit Nominations for the 2026/2027 AHCA/NCAL Committees

Nominations for the 2026/2027 AHCA/NCAL Committees close on October 10, and all provider members are encouraged to nominate themselves or a colleague to serve. READ MORE

Long Term Care Trend Tracker Helps Providers Navigate Data

Provider Magazine (9/30, Manning, 151K) reported the "Long Term Care (LTC) Trend TrackerTM," launched in 2013, "is a powerful web-based platform for AHCA/NCAL members" that serves as "a one-stop-shop for providers, consolidating mammoth quantities of information into a single, user-friendly interface." And "as KeShawn Franklin, a project manager at AHCA/NCAL, explained, the tool solves a common problem for providers: ‘People just aren’t aware of where to go to find the data they need,’ she said." 

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

Webinar: F550 - Resident Rights/Exercise of Rights

10/14/25 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Click here for more details.

Assisted Living Lunch and Learn: A Deeper Look at FCS, NSA, and HSP

10/16/25 - 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Click here for more details.

Webinar: Hot Topics in LTC Fraud and Abuse

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

Click here for more details.

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.

Webinar: Turnover — Root Cause Analysis for Nursing Homes

10/29/2025 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM

Click here for more details.

DON Boot Camp

11/10/25 - 11/12/25

Olathe, KS

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