June 27, 2025

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The Latest News

Big news! We’re thrilled to announce the 2025 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award recipients!

This year, two Kansas communities have earned this prestigious recognition—the second step in the journey toward excellence through our National Quality Award Program.

We cannot wait to celebrate you in Vegas!

Colwich Gardens Assisted Living - Colwich, KS
Sisters of Charity of Leavenworth Ross Hall - Leavenworth, KS

Join us in celebrating their incredible commitment to continuous improvement and quality care! READ MORE

A BIG thank you to everyone who joined us for the KHCA/KCAL Nurse Leadership Conference!

We’re so grateful to all the incredible nurse leaders, vendors, and speakers who made this event such a meaningful and inspiring experience. From powerful sessions to new friendships and fresh ideas—you brought the energy, the passion, and the heart.

It’s always amazing to be reminded of the strength and dedication within our long-term care community. Thank you for leading with purpose and making a difference every day. We can’t wait to see you all again soon!

Alert: Medicare Fraud Scheme Involving Phishing Fax Requests

CMS has identified a fraud scheme targeting Medicare providers and suppliers. Scammers are impersonating CMS and sending phishing fax requests for medical records and documentation, falsely claiming to be part of a Medicare audit.

Important: CMS doesn’t initiate audits by requesting medical records via fax. Protect your information. If you receive a suspicious request, don’t respond. If you think you got a fraudulent or questionable request, work with your Medical Review Contractor to confirm if it’s real. READ MORE

Changes to Five-Star rating system a dealmaker’s delight

Both facility buyers and sellers may be rewarded by recently announced changes to the Care Compare nursing home ratings website. The updates should result in more accurate and faster dealmaking, experts say. READ MORE

2025 Staff Recognition Program: Now is the time to nominate your staff and volunteers!

This is your opportunity to recognize the outstanding staff and volunteers who dedicate themselves to caring for the elders of our great state. Our annual awards ceremony is just one way we celebrate the compassion, commitment, and excellence they bring to their work every day. We deeply appreciate the time you take out of your busy schedule to submit a nomination—your effort helps shine a light on those who truly make a difference.

Winners will be honored at our Annual Convention and Trade Show on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

Deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, August 13th (NO EXCEPTIONS!)

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION

KHCA/KCAL District 1 Round Table

Tuesday, July 8, 2025 from 10:30AM - 12:30PM in Shawnee, KS

KHCA/KCAL Board Members would like to invite you to the KHCA/KCAL District 1 Round Table hosted by Suzie Sexton, Brett Pu, Jeremy Whitt, Miles Nease, Fred Pitzel and KHCA/KCAL President and CEO Linda MowBray. (See image for counties included in this district.) We will discuss hot topics in your area and answer any questions that you might have. Come join us for some heavy appetizers and refreshments. Also, if you attend you can sign up to win one of the $50 gift cards or a $100 gift card. Bring your business cards!

We welcome your discussion topics. Please email your suggestions to Teresa Keating.

Location:

Johnson County Library – Monticello

22435 W. 66^th St.

Shawnee, KS 66226

You do not have to be a KHCA/KCAL Member to attend and there is no cost.

RSVP:

If you plan to attend this meeting, please RSVP to the KHCA/KCAL office by emailing Teresa Keating (tkeating@khca.org). Please indicate your name, community and a phone number.

Call for Letters of Interest for KHCA Open Board Positions

We are currently accepting applications for two open board positions:

District IV Vice President- Representing Smith, Jewell, Republic, Washington, Marshall, Osborne, Mitchell, Cloud, Clay, Riley, Pottawatomie, Lincoln, Ottawa, Dickinson, Geary, Ellsworth, Saline, Morris, Rice, McPherson, Marion and Chase County

Government Affairs Vice President – Focusing on legislation and regulations that would be favorable to the residents and providers of long-term health care.

If you are passionate about contributing to the Associations leadership and growth, we encourage you to apply.

To apply, you will need to submit:

Letter of interest
Letter of recommendation from a colleague
Resume

Your letter of interest should include:

Your Name and Contact Information
The Board Position You Are Applying For
Why You Are Interested in Serving on the Board
Your Vision and Goals for the Role

Please submit your letter to khca@khca.org by end of business day on July 7, 2025. Letters of interest will be reviewed by current KHCA board members and appointment will be made at the July 11^th board meeting.

Staffing mandate knockout embodies ‘evolution’ to new rule-making era

Last week’s completion of a one-two punch to the Biden administration’s nursing home staffing mandate is a clear indicator that high-profile rulings by the US Supreme Court may increasingly shape the provider regulatory landscape for years to come. READ MORE

Health Insurance Providers Announce Initiative To Streamline Prior Authorization Process

Skilled Nursing News (6/23, Siddiqi) reports "more than 40 health insurance providers announced a joint initiative on Monday and met with Trump administration officials to overhaul and streamline the prior authorization process by reducing administrative burdens on health care providers," but "there remains a big question mark over whether the move will ease pain points for nursing homes." AHCA/NCAL Vice President of Reimbursement Policy & Population Health Nisha Hammel said, "We appreciate that insurers are recognizing the current challenges with the prior authorization process and are taking steps to meet federal requirements as well as set their own standards for making improvements."

Also reported by Skilled Nursing News

Winter-Spring 2025 • Volume 6 • Issue 1

Click here to read more.

Percentage Of LTC Workers Planning To Leave Industry Has Dropped Over Past Three Years, Report Says

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (6/24, Berklan) reports the "5th Annual Senior Care Survey Report: Workforce 360" shows that "despite increasing workloads and persistent stress, the percentage of long-term care workers planning to leave the industry has fallen by about 25% over the last three years." Meanwhile, "the percentage of senior care workers saying improved work-life balance would help retain them has doubled."

Education Spotlight

Adult Care Home Operator Course

7/16 - 7/29/25

This hybrid course is designed to provide you with everything necessary to prep you to become a Registered Adult Care Home Operator in the State of Kansas. The class is based on the principles of assisted living as outlined in the KDADS regulation manual and is taught by a variety of presenters that are currently working in the field. The course will be facilitated by Joan Hudson, KCAL Clinical Consultant and Polly Berkley, VP of Operations and Education for KHCA/KCAL. This course provides knowledge and insight on the rules, regulations and responsibilities governing the operation of a state licensed only adult care home.

Click here for more details.

Upcoming Education