March 20, 2024
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As a reminder, the renewal deadline for your KHCA/KCAL membership is March 31st. We strive to give you a highly-valued return on your dues investment, and we look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
The Latest News
Upcoming Change to NHSN Up to Date Definition for LTC COVID-19 Vaccine Reporting

The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) is changing the definition of "up to date" for COVID-19 vaccine reporting in long term care (LTC) beginning Quarter 2 of 2024 (week of April 1, 2024). This change, which reflects the latest guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to ensure the most effective vaccine protection for individuals, especially those aged 65 years and older.

Key Points 
  • The ACIP and CDC provided new recommendations of COVID-19 vaccines for individuals aged 65 years and older. 
  • Those 65 and older are now considered up to date when they have received 2 doses of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, or 1 dose of the updated vaccine in the past 4 months. 
  • For individuals under 65 years, there is no change; they are up to date with 1 dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine since its approval in September 2023. 
  • The updated definition applies to both the NHSN Weekly HCP and Resident Vaccination Forms. 
  • These changes will be implemented at the beginning of Quarter 2 of 2024 (week of April 1, 2024). 

Data Reporting in Quarter 2 of 2024
  • Residents and health care personnel aged 65 and older should ONLY be counted as up to date after receiving a second dose of the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine or if they have received 1 dose in the past 4 months. 
  • Avoid over-reporting: Residents aged 65 and older who have received only 1 dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine more than 4 months ago should NOT be counted as up to date. 

Continue to count residents and health care personnel under 65 as up to date with 1 dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. READ MORE
 
Upcoming Training Webinars
The NHSN Vaccination team will host two webinars to detail these changes to the surveillance definition of being up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Both webinars cover the same information. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the webinar. 

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Hosted by NHSN

Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Hosted by NHSN
Register and Get Inspired at the National Quality Summit

Explore innovative strategies and get inspired at the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, May 20-22, 2024. Discover the keys to transformative leadership and performance excellence. Register today!
In Case You Missed It
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

There have been a lot of questions about billing for vaccinations lately, especially now that residents that have not had the spring update of COVID boost are now not considered “up-to-date” and the NHSN reporting has to reflect that newest recommendation. In anticipation of this week’s AHCA State Affiliate call, AHCA sent out a “SNF Fact Sheet” developed by CMS to assist with billing questions.

Here is a summary from the tool that was provided to us: READ MORE
Operator Registration Renewals have been sent. Renewal Period Opened March 15th

Does your Operator Registration expire this year? If you're unsure, check here. Still need more CEs before the end of April? We've got you covered! Checkout our upcoming education here, including our Assisted Living Conference here.
Shape the Future: Register for Congressional Briefing 🏛 🏛

REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Washington, DC| June 3-4, 2024
Together We Have the Power to Make a Difference!
 
Experience the power of advocacy firsthand at Congressional Briefing in Washington, DC. Meet personally with your elected Representatives in Congress and learn to effectively engage with policymakers. With AHCA/NCAL's guidance, you will gain the skills to advocate for critical issues facing the long term care industry and make your voice heard where it matters most.

In addition to learning about the latest legislative and policy developments, you will also have the opportunity to network with colleagues, hear from renowned speakers, and earn Continuing Education credits.

Register now and join us in Washington, DC in June for this dynamic two-day event.
Education Spotlight
Assisted Living Conference

April 19, 2024
8:00AM - 4:00PM
Lawrence, KS

A full day of education for those working in the Assisted Living, Residential Health Care and Home Plus settings.

Education Topics Include:
  • Igniting Creative Courage – Opening Keynote
  • Update from the Office of the State Fire Marshal
  • Enhancing Senior Care Through Collaborative Partnerships – Jill Schewe, NCAL
  • A New Approach to Recruitment and Retention
  • Navigating Challenging Personalities
  • Creative Engagement
Upcoming Education
Webinar: Deconstructing Immediate Jeopardy Mitigation: Navigating Top Risk Areas: Reducing Risks Related to Quality of Care

4/9/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Leadership for Charge Nurses

4/16/24 - 9:30AM-3:15PM - Salina, KS

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Documentation in Depth: Supportive Documentation for Elopement Risk and Incidents

4/16/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM

Click here for more details.
Webinar: Caring for a New Generation in Assisted Living

4/17/24 - 1:00PM-2:00PM

Click here for more details.
Assisted Living Conference

4/19/24 - 8:00AM-4:00PM - Lawrence, 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