KHCA/KCAL Update 11/26/25

November 26, 2025

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The Latest News

Happy Thanksgiving from KHCA/KCAL

As we head into the holiday, we want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each of you. Thank you for the dedication, compassion, and professionalism you bring to long-term care every day. Your commitment makes a meaningful difference for residents, families, and communities across Kansas.

We are truly thankful for your partnership and the important work you do. Wishing you and your team a safe, restful, and happy Thanksgiving.

In observance of the U.S. federal holiday, our office will be closed on Thursday, November 27th and Friday, November 28th. We will be back in the office Monday, December 1st to serve our members needs.

CMS Memo Outlines State Recovery Actions Post-Government Shutdown

On November 24, 2025, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued QSO-26-02, which outlines how states are to proceed now that the federal government has reopened. The memo notes that on November 12, 2025, Congress enacted Public Law 119-36, which provides a continuing resolution through January 30, 2026. The appropriation also gave retroactive authority back to October 1, 2025.

Throughout the memo, CMS answered several questions it has received from State Agencies on how to return to normal functions.

Some important responses include: READ MORE

Skilled Nursing Leaders Renew Calls To Eliminate Three-Day Stay Rule Amid New CMS Inpatient Procedure Changes

Skilled Nursing News (11/24, Mullaney) reports "skilled nursing leaders are renewing calls to eliminate the three-day stay rule in light of a policy change that" CMS "finalized last week." Specifically, the agency "is moving ahead with plans to phase out the inpatient-only (IPO) list, which details the procedures that Medicare covers only if the beneficiary receives the care as a hospital inpatient." AHCA/NCAL SVP of Reimbursement Policy John Kane said, "Regardless of their inpatient or observation designation, seniors must be able to access post-acute care in a skilled nursing facility when they need it without fear of considerable out-of-pocket costs."

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (11/24, Marselas) reports Kane added, "We will continue to advocate for policies that eliminate the antiquated policy of the three-day stay, and prevent any Medicare beneficiaries from falling through the cracks."

CMS unmoved by report calling for end of antipsychotics measure

Days after a national report called on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to eliminate an antipsychotics quality measure because it limits access to treatment for some dementia patients, the agency maintained that curbing the “overuse” of such drugs remains a top priority. READ MORE

REMINDER: License Expiration Grace Period Survey

In response to concerns voiced in the House Special Committee on Government Oversight KSBN is seeking interest and needs for a grace period for nurse’s license expiration date. They would appreciate your feedback. The data will be reported to the decision-makers to assist in possible legislative changes to the Kansas Nurse Practice Act. It is a short survey and can be completed fast. Thank you for your consideration in completing this survey to assist in legislative decisions.

COMPLETE THE SURVEY HERE

In Case You Missed It

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 licensed nursing home administrators.

Today, we want to take a moment to celebrate and congratulate, another AIT and their hard work and dedication, Amy Cottrell. 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.

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

Based on the increased scrutiny of discharges and transfers, this will be a discussion related to discharge “against medical advice” (AMA). F627 Transfer and Discharge discusses AMA in two places and notes, “As appropriate, facilities should follow their policies, or state law as related to discharges which are Against Medical Advice (AMA). Note: These situations only apply when a resident expresses their wishes to be discharged earlier than outlined in the care plan. These situations do not apply if a facility offers to discharge a resident to a location which does not meet their health and/or safety needs, and the resident agrees (this would constitute noncompliance).” READ MORE

Education Department To Limit Loan Eligibility Rules For Nursing, Other Degree Programs

McKnight’s Senior Living (11/24, Gaivin) reports, "Degrees for nursing and some other programs no longer are classified as ‘professional’ degrees under new federal loan eligibility rules, according to the Department of Education, meaning that those who pursue those degrees will be ineligible for higher federal loan limits and some loan forgiveness programs." AHCA/NCAL Associate Vice President of Workforce and Constituency Services Dana Ritchie said, "At a time when our country desperately needs more nurses, this is a missed opportunity. Nurses are the beating heart of long-term care, and advanced practice nurses, like nurse practitioners, are helping to revolutionize our sector."