November 3, 2025

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The Latest News

Important Updates: Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule and Updated CMS Contingency Plan Memo


CMS Releases CY 2026 Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule Final Rule


Late on Friday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule establishing final payment rate under the Medicare Part B Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and other policy updates for Calendar Year (CY) 2026. The rule will become effective for items and services beginning on January 1, 2026. 


AHCA/NCAL has reviewed the final rule and developed a detailed summary outlining key provisions and impacts on members. Please note this is for members only and requires an AHCA/NCAL log-in to view. 

Key points from the final rule include: 


  • A 3.26 percent increase in the base conversion factor for Medicare Part B services such as outpatient therapy services furnished by SNF providers. 
  • Revised telehealth provisions that help to assure more timely and consistent AHCA/NCAL member resident access to medical services in their residence 24/7/365. 
  • Removal of all time-based outpatient therapy codes from the proposed efficiency adjustment list. 

CMS has also shared a fact sheet about the final rule, a press release, and a fact sheet on the Medicare Shared Savings Program changes in the CY 2026 PFS final rule.   


CMS Issues Updated Memo on Surveys During the Shutdown


Also on Friday, CMS issued an additional revision to a previously released memo on its contingency plans during the federal government shutdown. In the updated memo, CMS is now allowing survey revisits for discretionary denial of payments that are in effect. Learn more in our updated blog post. READ MORE

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar


Even if you are living under a rock or have been on an extended vacation to outer space, you know the Federal government is “shutdown”, meaning limited to “essential operations”. It is a bit risky to address the situation because, hopefully this fiasco will come to an end sooner rather than later, but nursing facilities should be putting some safety nets in place until the shutdown is over, and everyone goes back to work. READ MORE

Round the Clock Respiratory Services

Recover-Care Heartland is proud to announce Round the Clock Respiratory Services at Meadowbrook in Gardner. The ribbon cutting and Grand Opening was held October 28, 2025 and welcomed in a new era of respiratory services, including ventilator dependent care. Click here for more information about the many services they offer. Congratulations to Recover-Care Heartland and Meadowbrook!

Don’t Miss Out: Submit Your Intent to Apply by November 13


​The clock is ticking! The 2026 National Quality Award Intent to Apply is open, and the deadline is fast approaching: November 13, 2025, at 7:00 PM CT. Submitting your ITA is a simple but powerful step that sets your team up for success. READ MORE


Complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way from expert facilitators at our Virtual Bronze Quality Award Workshop. More details can be found by clicking here.

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.

KDHE Secretary Stanek is seeking information related to Health Information Exchange (HIE) participation in Kansas


We’ve been asked to assist in identifying long term care providers in Kansas that are not currently participating in a Health Information Exchange (HIE).


To help with this effort, we’re asking members to take a brief survey to let us know whether or not your community participates in an HIE.


Please take a few moments to complete our short survey.

In Case You Missed It

KDADS Survey Team to Begin Surveys on State-Licensed Communities if Federal Shutdown Continues



KDADS Assistant Commissioner Dawne Altis confirmed at this week’s Joint Provider Surveyor Training that the survey team typically assigned to federal surveys will begin surveying state-licensed only communities starting next week if the federal government shutdown continues.


KHCA/KCAL staff also learned at last week’s AHCA/NCAL National Convention that similar actions are taking place across the country, as skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey teams pause standard surveys during the shutdown.  


Facilities scheduled to be surveyed include Assisted Living, Residential Health Care and Home Plus as well as the continuation of IJ complaint surveys in SNFs as previously reported.


A Message From AHCA: UPDATED- CMS Updates QSO on Contingency Plans for Survey Activity During Shutdown


We have continued to be in communication with CMS staff leadership on concerns about revisits needed related to DDPNAs. We are glad to share that today CMS issued another revised QSO memo that allows for revisits surveys related to DDPNAs. The relevant excerpt is below.


B. Excepted Medicare Functions During the Shutdown


3. Revisit Surveys Approved by Exception and Necessary to Prevent Termination: SA’s may request approval to conduct a revisit when: (a) A provider or supplier has alleged compliance with CMS requirements (pursuant to a prior determination of noncompliance) and (b) The revisit survey is necessary to determine compliance and prevent the scheduled Medicare termination of a provider or supplier or (c) Prevent a statutorily-mandated (three-month) denial of payment for new admissions. If a discretionary denial of payment has been in effect, the revisit may occur provided it meets the same timeframe as allowed for a mandatory DPNA.


We will continue advocacy to support our members. Feel free to let us know if you have any questions.  

FREE CNE November 13th at Noon. ZOOM only


Finding the Good When Good Seems to Not Be Found: Embracing the Changes That Accompany Age.


In cognitive aging, people joke I just study downward sloping lines. And there’s some truth in that. This presentation will talk about some of those physiological changes and declines, but will focus more on places where the lines don’t slope as much or how a person can alter that decline and how Carstensen’s Socioemotional Selectivity Theory of Aging plays out in

practice. LEARN MORE

Education Spotlight

DON Boot Camp


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

Upcoming Education

Virtual Bronze Quality Award Workshop


11/4/2025 - 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM


Click here for more details.

Webinar: Turnover — Staff Engagement Primer


11/5/2025 - 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.

Webinar: F686 - Treatment/Services to Prevent & Heal Pressure Ulcers


11/11/25 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM


Click here for more details.

Webinar: Turnover — The Employee Retention Ecosystem™: How Great Organizations Design Thriving Cultures


11/12/2025 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM


Click here for more details.

Webinar: Compliance & Ethics Program Risk Assessment Essentials


11/18/25 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM


Click here for more details.

Webinar: Turnover — Growing New Nurse Leaders


11/19/2025 - 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM


Click here for more details.

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


12/1/25 - 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

Overland Park, 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

Kansas Health Care Association and the Kansas Center for Assisted Living
1100 SW Gage Blvd. | PO Box 4770 | Topeka, KS 66604
PH: 785-267-6003 FAX: 785-267-0833