KHCA/KCAL Update 12/24/25

December 24, 2025

This message contains confidential information and is intended only for KHCA/KCAL membership. Dissemination, distribution or copying the contents of this email beyond this group is strictly prohibited.

The Latest News

We wish you and your families a joyful holiday season filled with peace, good health, and time to recharge.

KDADS HCBS Background Check Policy update

In case you missed it, we sent an important update yesterday about changes to the KDADS HCBS Background Check Policy that affect Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) providers and employers. The notice outlines updated background check requirements and procedures, including who must complete checks and how often they’re required. Please take a moment to review the details here: https://conta.cc/4pQ62CW.

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

On Wednesday, December 17th, the December AHCA State Affiliate Meeting was held virtually, and several very important subjects were discussed. The meeting began with a discussion of an update on the Federal Education Departments, Federal Loan Eligibility for Nurses and others. Dana Ritchie reminded everyone that the new rules will apply only to new borrowers and the Education Department is required to open the new rules to comment prior to issue a final rule. The Rule is scheduled to be initiated on 7-1-2026. Below are the links to handouts provided at the meeting. READ MORE

The latest Your Top-Line publication for skilled nursing centers in your state are now available!

Your Top-Line is a LTC Trend Tracker℠ publication that includes metrics and graphics outlining skilled nursing center's progress on Five Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative, their journey through the Quality Awards program, and other necessary data to help skilled nursing centers achieve their desired goals.

If you need help downloading your report, please e-mail Jennafer Sumner at jsumner@khca.org

FREE Recurring Monthly Members Only MDS Call

January 14, 2026 @ 10:00 AM

Calendar invited will be sent on January 5, 2026.

We’ve heard from many members about the need for additional support and resources for MDS nurses. In response, KHCA is launching a new monthly Members-Only MDS Call beginning January 14, 2026.

This first call will be guided by two seasoned MDS leaders—Cynthia Pendleton (Americare) and Rachel Dautenhahn (RecoverCare)—who will help facilitate discussion, answer questions, and share best practices.

Because this is a brand-new group, we encourage participants to submit any MDS-related questions in advance. Your input will help shape the conversation and ensure we address the topics most important to you. We’re excited to provide a space for members to connect, collaborate, and strengthen their MDS knowledge.

Submit your MDS question here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SM3JBVN

All submissions will be entered into a drawing for a $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Don’t Miss the 2026 National Quality Award Application Deadline

Next year marks a special milestone – the 30th anniversary of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program! For three decades, this program has helped long term and post-acute care providers strengthen their systems, improve outcomes, and celebrate excellence in care.

If you are planning to apply for a 2026 National Quality Award, please remember that applications are due by January 22, 2026, at 7:00 PM CT. READ MORE

Administration Outlines Plans To Reduce Pharmaceutical Costs Through Medicare

Reuters (12/19, Sunny) reported the Administration on Friday "announced pilot programs to start in 2026 and 2027 that are aimed at reducing out-of-pocket drug costs under the Medicare health care program...to prices on par with economically comparable countries." CMS "said the programs, titled Guarding U.S. Medicare Against Rising Drug Costs (GUARD) and Global Benchmark for Efficient Drug Pricing (GLOBE), would assess a rebate for certain drugs payable under Medicare part D and Part B, respectively, if they exceed the prices paid in other similar countries."

Media Release: Gov. Kelly and Kansas City Chiefs Announce Agreement On Plans for State-of-the-Art Domed Stadium in Kansas

TOPEKA – Gov. Laura Kelly and the Kansas City Chiefs today announced that an agreement has been reached to build a domed stadium and a mixed-use entertainment district, as well as a new team headquarters, training facility and mixed-use development in Kansas. The project will be a massive economic win for the state, with the construction phase alone creating over 20,000 jobs and $4.4 billion in economic impact for Kansas. From there, the stadium will bring over $1 billion in annual impact. READ MORE

Kansas Nursing Facilities and Nursing Facilities for Mental Health Rate Setting 102 Training

Please join as KDADS invites nursing facility administrators, corporate finance and reimbursement staff, cost report preparers, and others to attend a Kansas Nursing Facility Rate Setting 102 webinar in January.

The webinar will be presented by the State’s nursing facility rate setting contractor, Myers and Stauffer, and will dig deeper into the Kansas Medicaid nursing facility reimbursement methodology than the annual rate setting 101 presentations. Specific topics that will be discussed include: nurse staffing ratios, staff retention, Medicaid occupancy, quality measures scoring, and changes of ownership and their potential impact on quality incentive components. The webinar will be repeated at two different sessions— see below links for each WebEx event.

Time will be reserved at the end of each webinar session to address questions from participants.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026, 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM

Thursday, January 8, 2026, 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

If you have questions about the event, or would like to submit related topic suggestions for the webinar please email: kdads.costreports@ks.gov

Education Spotlight

Aging Services Day

Mark your calendar for Aging Services day, January 21, 2026.

Aging Services Day is a collaborative event put together by Kansas Health Care Association/Kansas Center for Assisted Living, LeadingAge Kansas and Kansas Adult Care Executives where Long Term Care Providers gather at the State Capitol to champion the needs of our elderly in Kansas. We will meet in the morning for education at The Beacon then go to the Capitol for a full afternoon of legislative advocacy on issues that are crucial to the LTC Profession with our Kansas Legislators. It’s a powerful opportunity to allow your voice to be heard and influence positive change for LTC providers and the population we care for. Be part of the movement for better aging services. READ MORE

This event is sponsored by: