December 23, 2024

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The Latest News

Quality Care Assessment (QCA, or Bed Tax) Payments

A Message from Sheri Jurad, KDADS Director of NF/ACH Programs

Attention Kansas Nursing Facilities:

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) is thrilled to announce a new, more convenient option to make Quality Care Assessment (QCA, or Bed Tax) payments. Electronic payments are now available through the State Treasurer’s Office Collection Remittance System (CRS).

Starting in 2025, KDADS will begin rolling out access to nursing facilities to easily initiate payments online; streamlining transactions with a secure and efficient process.

In the coming months, Kansas nursing facility administrators will receive an email notice with more details on how to get started. Our goal is to enroll approximately 100 providers per month starting January 2025.

*Continue making QCA payments as usual, until User access has been approved in the CRS.

We look forward to working with you in 2025.

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

KHCA had a great Facility Standards/Nurse Advisory Committee meeting last Friday and we discussed the changes in the upcoming Rules of Participation (Appendix PP), including the inclusion of the CDC guidelines for EBP (Enhanced Barrier Precautions). After the meeting, I was gently and courteously reminded by a KFMC Infection Preventionist of the recent APIC/AAPCN guidance on EBP at: https://apic.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/2024-Implementing-Enhanced-Barrier-Precautions-in-Long-Term-Care.pdf. This guidance will assist providers, specifically, Infection Preventionists to fully implement the newest guidance. This information was provided in the December Reflections but since CMS is putting new guidance to surveyors in place in February, perhaps it would be good to review that guidance. This guidance also has some training scenarios for use of staff education.

The guidance includes instructional sections including: READ MORE

Congress Averts Shutdown, Passes a Spending Package

What It Means For Long Term Care

As you may have seen in the news, Congress needed to pass a government spending package by midnight Friday, December 20 in order to keep the federal government running. Fortunately, a deal was reached to extend current government spending through what’s called a continuing resolution (CR). Late on Friday, the House passed the bill, followed by the Senate. This means the federal government will remain open and is funded through March 14, 2025.

This final compromise is a bit of a mixed bag for long term and post-acute care. Some of the health care policies we had hoped to see in an end-of-the-year spending package were included, while others were not due to a last-minute scramble by lawmakers to find a compromise and avert a government shutdown ahead of the holidays. Here’s how this deal impacts long term and post-acute care:

Telehealth waivers: The Medicare telehealth flexibilities that have been available since the pandemic have been extended for three months, through March 31, 2025. We will continue to advocate for a more long-term or permanent extension of these telehealth flexibilities; we know how beneficial they can be, especially for residents and providers in rural areas.
Physician fee cut will go through: The package does not address the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) cut that was in this year’s final rule. This means come January 1, average payment rates under the PFS will be reduced by 2.83%. This includes Part B therapy and other services to skilled nursing patients. This is disappointing to be sure—we worked with a coalition of nearly 130 organizations to try to prevent these cuts.
Extension of the Work Geographic Index Floor: This section extends the 1.0 work geographic practice cost index floor used in the calculation of payments under the Medicare PFS through March 31, 2024. Without this relief, Medicare Part B payment for providers in many geographic locations, particularly in rural and underserved locations, would have faced significant payment cuts that could have reduced beneficiary access to needed services.
No Medicare sequestration: Congress has waived the “pay-as-you-go” rule, also known as PAYGO. This budget rule automatically triggers cuts to Medicare and other entitlement spending when Congress passes legislation that increases spending, so as not to expand the deficit. A waiver of this rule means SNFs avoid potential cuts to Medicare, which is good news for the sector.
Staffing mandate: While we had hoped lawmakers would repeal the nursing home staffing mandate through this end of the year budget package, it was not included in the final deal. We are optimistic that this may be an opportunity in 2025, as repealing the staffing mandate would save the government $22 billion over 10 years—a helpful pay-for as Congress looks for government efficiencies.

With the passage of the CR, Congress wraps up its work for the year, and we prepare for a new Congress and administration in 2025. Given the turnover in Washington, it will be crucial to tell our story, so that lawmakers understand what we do and the impact of federal policies. Please consider hosting a facility tour for your member of Congress in 2025, and reach out to Matt Smyth with our grassroots team for assistance.

We look forward to winning in Washington next year. Until then, happy holidays!

OIG Urges CMS To Include More Information About Providers’ Reporting Practices

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (12/23, Johnson) reports, "More than 20% of skilled nursing facilities did not comply with Medicare guidelines that require the disclosure of related-party transactions, an audit [PDF] from the Office of Inspector General has revealed." And "as a result, the investigators are recommending to" CMS "that it compel Medicare administrative contractors to include more information about providers’ reporting practices." The OIG report released Wednesday "found that of 14 SNFs examined in a non-statistical sample, three did not adequately divulge one or more related parties on their Medicare cost reports. And seven incorrectly reported their costs, ultimately accounting for more than $1.7 million in overstated costs."

CMS launches nursing home staffing campaign with nurse recruiting websites

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services debuted a pair of new web pages Dec. 16 aimed at helping nursing homes and state inspection agencies recruit and educate new nurses.

The effort is not a provision of the agency’s staffing mandate but rather a separate initiative that was introduced at the time of the final staffing rule release. It is a complementary push to aid providers and regulators struggling with nursing shortages even as CMS is demanding greater staffing levels. READ MORE

Upcoming Education Offering with Interim Healthcare Topeka: Long-term Care Medicaid and Division of Assets

This will be on ZOOM or in-person.

Emily Donaldson, CELA with Stevens and Brand L.L.P.

Will speak on: Long-term Care Medicaid and Division of Assets.

This will be 1.0 CEU.

Link for ZOOM: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZAtc-CuqTkpHtel6Z7VwY2RgQ87uaoBEqsm

In-person RSVP to: ajpatterson@interimhealthcare.com

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.

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

"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