December 20, 2024

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The Latest News

Remaining United and Strong in 2025

The past 12 months have been incredibly busy and eventful. With everything that’s happened, it’s exciting to share that we have remained united and strong. There’s no better place to be as we move full speed ahead into 2025.

It is important to recognize and thank the AHCA and NCAL Boards - and in particular, AHCA Board Chair Phil Scalo. Phil had the task of finding a new President and CEO to replace the irreplaceable Mark Parkinson. Working with large parts of the membership, Phil led the search process that involved some amazing candidates with whom I am humbled to be associated. It was a true honor to be selected, and I am confident Phil will continue to lead us on the path to a successful future. He has also tirelessly focused on member outreach this year, which will lead to record growth in 2025. A big thank you goes to Phil and everyone who volunteers their time on the Boards.

Today we released our 2024 Annual Report, which outlines AHCA/NCAL’s overarching goals over the past 12 months, as well as our success and achievements. I’d like to share some highlights from the report, as well as some important updates that illustrate the commitment of AHCA/NCAL to support the work you do every day. READ MORE

Beware of Malicious Fake reCAPTCHAs and QR Code Scams

Cybercriminals are increasingly using fake reCAPTCHA prompts and QR codes on websites to deceive users into executing harmful commands.

What You Need to Know

Fake reCAPTCHAs: Attackers are imitating Google’s reCAPTCHA verification process to appear legitimate. These fake prompts may direct you to perform unsafe actions, such as pasting commands into your system’s Run dialog.
QR Code Scams: These codes may lead to malicious websites that present similar fraudulent instructions.

The Danger of Pasting Commands into "Win + R"

One specific tactic involves tricking users into copying a line of code and pasting it into the Win + R dialog box (accessed by pressing the Windows key + R). Please remember that pasting unverified code into Win + R can give attackers control of your system, potentially leading to data theft or ransomware infections.

Important Reminder:

Legitimate reCAPTCHAs never ask you to paste anything into the Run dialog.
Be cautious of any website that prompts you to perform such actions.
Verify the authenticity of websites before taking any action, especially if unusual requests are involved.

What You Can Do:

Think Before You Paste: Never paste commands from untrusted sources into the Run dialog or any command prompt.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a suspicious website or receive unusual instructions, please notify us immediately.
Educate Your Team: Share this information with your colleagues to ensure everyone is aware of the risk.

For more information on this type of attack: Fake CAPTCHA initiates malware | safecomputing.umich.edu

Call for presentations

An essential service to our association is offering high quality training and education to our members. We invite you to join us in our commitment to delivering timely, relevant, and engaging information as we prepare for our 2025 Education Calendar.

We are looking for topics that fit skilled nursing, assisted living, home plus and residential health care communities.

Click here to learn more on our needs and how you can submit a proposal.

"Tapestry of Life" Announced as Theme for 2025 National Skilled Nursing Care Week®

National observance to take place May 11–17, 2025

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) is pleased to announce "Tapestry of Life" as the theme for next year’s National Skilled Nursing Care Week® (NSNCW), which will kick off on Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 11.

About the Theme

"Tapestry of Life" highlights the meaningful stories that make up each person’s journey in skilled nursing care. From residents and families to caregivers and other staff, everyone adds a unique thread that is woven into this vibrant tapestry. This theme celebrates the connections, resilience and strength that unite us all. READ MORE

AHCA, LeadingAge make final argument in legal fight over staffing mandate

McKnights Long-Term Care News (12/17, Marselas) reported, The nation’s two largest nursing home advocacy groups have called anew on a federal judge in Texas to toss a nationwide staffing mandate, calling it “manifestly unreasonable.”

Skilled Nursing News (12/17, Stulick) reports, "The American Health Care Association, LeadingAge and other nursing home stakeholders involved in the lawsuit against the federal minimum staffing mandate filed their final argument against the rule late on Friday, asking a federal judge to deny the federal agency’s cross-motion for summary judgement." Furthermore, "the removal of Chevron deference was brought up as well in the plaintiffs’ final argument, and that CMS can’t use its ‘general gap-filling authority’ to override Congress." AHCA and plaintiffs argued, "Congress has not left any gap to fill. ... Indeed, even in the heyday of Chevron deference, it was understood that when ‘Congress has directly spoken to the precise question at issue … that is the end of the matter,’ as the agency ‘must give effect’ to Congress’ instructions, not invent its own."