KHCA/KCAL Update 4/21/25

April 21, 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

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

On April 16, 2025, CMS released a new resource for providers on the survey process and common request providers may receive during surveys. CMS states the toolkit is intended to help providers navigate the survey process effectively. READ MORE

THIS FRIDAY! Assisted Living Conference

4/25/25 - 8:30AM - 4:00PM

Click here for more details.

Leaked White House Document Reveals Proposed Cuts Related To Nursing Homes

Skilled Nursing News (4/18, Stulick) reported, "A leaked budget document from the White House shows nursing home-related changes, notably potential elimination of health care workforce programs focused on geriatrics and other aging services, and a prioritization of survey and certification funding." The "pre-decisional" document is titled, "The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) 2026 Discretionary Budget Passback," and was released by Inside Medicine. Meanwhile, on Monday, "12 House Republicans voiced concerns over cuts to the Medicaid program" in a letter saying, "We cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations." This move is "applauded by nursing home associations including" AHCA/NCAL. Michael Bassett, senior vice president of government relations for AHCA/NCAL said, "Reducing Medicaid financing programs like provider taxes threatens to reduce Medicaid coverage for nursing home residents and should be a dealbreaker for all lawmakers."

Legacy even in defeat? Nursing home experts anxious about next moves on staffing efforts

Two weeks after a judge struck down federal staffing standards for all US nursing homes, questions about the rule’s future continue to swirl within the industry.

Will the government appeal the District Court’s ruling in Texas and continue to fight for regulations that would force nursing homes to create more than 100,000 new jobs in coming years? READ MORE

In Case You Missed It

A Message from the President & CEO Linda MowBray: Our Kansas Commitment

The Legislature is done for 2025, but work continues with Interim Committees

Over the next few weeks, before the start of the Legislative Interim Committee meetings, KHCA will be working with LeadingAge Kansas and KACE to discuss what changes we want to work to remake the NF rate methodology including incentives ahead of next session. We want to create a system that provides reliable, stable and predictable funding so we are not forced to go back to the Legislature each year and plead for more money.

There will be a special Legislative committee meeting this summer where we will be able to discuss our ideas with key legislators and draft a funding bill prior to next year’s session. Additionally, we will be discussing the IDR process and transparency concerns.

We met with KDADS this week for our quarterly stakeholder meeting. Many documents and statistics from the first quarter of 2025 were reviewed. Click the links below to see those reports.

2025 YTD County Region Count

2025 YTD Comprehensive Revtag

2025 YTD - ALF-RHCF-HP

25Q1 Comprehensive Revtag

25Q1 - ALF-RHCF-HP

SLO Discharge Reporting 7.1.24 through 3.31.25

Quarter 1_2025 Licensure and Enforcement Update

January 2025 Complaint Intakes

February 2025 Complaint Intakes

March 2025 Complaint Intakes

ACH Resurvey Trends 2025

Of note, keep your eye out for the Sunflower Connection. It is expected to be out by the first of May. Highlights include introductions to the new regional survey managers and information on submitting IDR documentation online instead of providing paper copies. Good news for those of you who have had to make the last-minute drive to Topeka to ensure your materials were received on time.

We also met with KDH&Es Medicaid eligibility team. They are reporting that they currently have 52 nursing facility applications over 45 days old and 96 HCBS applications over 45 days old. If you are having issues with determinations, please reach out to us and we will try to facilitate a resolution.

Finally, KDH&E will begin sending out renewal reminders at 60 days instead of 30. In April, you will receive a list of individuals up for renewal by May 15, 2025, and a second list for redetermination that are due on June 15, 2025. KDH&E hopes this extra time will allow providers to assist their clients getting the application and documentation turned in on time.

Thank you for trusting us to be your voice in the legislature and with the State. As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you.

Linda MowBray, President/CEO

lmowbray@khca.org

(785) 267-6003

Follow Up Resources from today’s NAC and Facility Standards Call

Republican contingent’s stance against Medicaid cuts gaining traction

Congress may be on break for the Easter holiday, but continued behind-the-scenes maneuvers are making deep cuts to Medicaid appear less likely — sparking cautious optimism among aging services providers.

A dozen House Republicans on Monday sent a letter to House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) and the chair of the committee that controls Medicaid spending saying they “cannot and will not support a final reconciliation bill that includes any reduction in Medicaid coverage for vulnerable populations.” READ MORE

Do You Need to Demonstrate Gerontological Nursing Competency?

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Kansas Age-Friendly Nursing Workforce Forum

June 9, 2025

Topeka, KS (Virtual Option Available)

10:00AM - 2:00PM

This learning event will join leaders and educators from nursing programs with directors and

administrators from nursing homes and long-term care facilities across Kansas to explore and plan for integrating age-friendly didactic and clinical education with the care of older adults who reside in care facilities. This collaborative partnership between education and employment is designed to increase the number of nurses who chose this practice after graduation. READ MORE

Your invitation to hear Howard Kurtz at Congressional Briefing

June 9-10, 2025 | Capital Hilton | Washington, DC

Join us for an insightful keynote by Howard Kurtz at Congressional Briefing. With decades of experience as a distinguished journalist, Kurtz offers invaluable perspectives on today’s media landscape.

As the host of Media Buzz on FOX News, Kurtz covers a broad range of topics, including politics, technology, business, and culture. He is also a regular guest on The O'Reilly Factor and Special Report, and previously hosted CNN’s Reliable Sources for 15 years. In addition, he has held prominent roles as the Washington bureau chief for Newsweek and The Daily Beast, and as a reporter for The Washington Post.

Beyond hearing from thought leaders like Howard Kurtz, Congressional Briefing provides a unique opportunity for you to engage directly with policymakers, share your stories, and advocate for the issues that affect long term care. Register today!

Education Spotlight

Advantage Wound Certification Course

May 14 - 15, 2025

8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Wichita, KS

Early Bird Members $279 | Early Bird Non-Members $319

** Until April 30th

Members: The Nurse Advisory Committee has approved 16 full scholarships from the Joan Hamel Scholarship Fund for KHCA/KCAL nurses to attend. Learn more here.

Become an Advantage Certified Wound Nurse with this In Person Course.

Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Education