KHCA/KCAL Update 7/10/24

July 10, 2024

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

Nursing Home Groups Respond To Lawmakers’ Criticism Over Federal Staffing Mandate

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (7/9, Marselas) reports "the two largest organizations representing US nursing homes this week fired back against a pair of" lawmakers who criticized the industry’s efforts to block the federal staffing mandate. The article adds, "American Health Care Association President and CEO Mark Parkinson called last month’s accusations by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) ‘offensive,’ arguing that provider organizations are protesting the unfunded mandate because it threatens seniors’ access to care." Parkinson wrote Monday, "We believe we share a common goal: to ensure every senior in America has access to the quality care they need and deserve. ... Reasonable people should be able to discuss policy differences without questioning the motives of one another." AHCA and LeadingAge "noted that they had endorsed...legislation that would increase staffing in nursing homes" and are "involved in a federal lawsuit...that seeks to block the rule."

CMS Provides Information on SNF Provider Enrollment Site Visit Contractors

CMS posted an article regarding the two SNF provider enrollment site visit contractors that have been confusing many members because it is a new process. The article lists the specific names of these site visit contractors and subcontractors, as well as where providers can go for more information. READ MORE

Upcoming iQIES Service Center Hold Times August Deadline

Due to the August Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) quarterly submission deadline, the iQIES Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between now and August 14, 2024.

Please Note: On June 28th, the CMSNet East Gateway became temporarily unavailable for an extended length of time. During this time, all users must switch to the West Gateway in order to complete their submissions. READ MORE

The Sunflower (RE)-Connection - A Publication from KDADS

Fire Watch, by Shawn Alexander
Legislative Updates
A Message From the LTC Ombudsman
Vaccine Clinics
Reminders/Resources
MDS Minute
Reminders/Resources
EBP
Complaint Hotline Updates
Reporting Guidance, State Operations Manual, Appendix PP

Click here to read more.

Report Highlights Care, Compliance Issues Among Kansas Nursing Homes

According to the Kansas Reflector (7/8, Carpenter), "A national coalition’s report says one-fourth of Kansas’ 300 nursing homes were categorized as problem facilities due to substandard care and persistent compliance issues." The summary from the Long Term Care Community Coalition, based on CMS’ "five-star quality rating system, showed 24.6% of nursing facilities in the United States were designated ‘problem facilities’ after receiving a one-star rating." And "in Kansas, 25.2% of nursing homes had that lowly score based on inspection reports, staffing levels and other quality measures." US Sen. Roger Marshall (R-KS) "has sought to reverse the new long-term care regulations embraced by the" Biden Administration. Marshall "co-sponsored a bill that would prohibit the" HHS "from implementing the minimum staffing rule in instances where imposition of the order diminished access to care." This bill was endorsed by groups including the Kansas Health Care Association/Kansas Center for Assisted Living.

2024 Staff Recognition Program

The 2024 Staff Recognition Program is here again, and this is a way for you to honor your staff and volunteers. Our yearly awards ceremony is just a small way of honoring some of the great men and women who care for the elders of our great state! The time taken from your busy schedules to fill out this nomination is very much appreciated.

Winners will be honored at our Annual Convention and Trade Show on Friday, September 27, 2024.

Deadline to submit nominations is Friday, August 23, 2024.

2025 Webinar Planning

As we look forward to education planning for 2025 we will once again utilize our partnership with Proactive Medical for webinars. Please take a moment to complete the survey included here about topics of interest to you and your entire team. Please consider all areas of the building when responding.

FACE of Kansas Scholarship for KHCA/KCAL CNA’s wanting to become CMA’s

The Foundation for Aging and Caring of Elders of Kansas Inc. (FACE of Kansas) is pleased to offer the FACE of Kansas Education Scholarship Program. FACE will award $500 scholarships to qualified future CMA’s who are interested in enrolling in a KDADS approved CMA course in the state of Kansas. Potential recipients must have worked as a CNA for at least 6 months in a KHCA/KCAL member building and plan to continue a career in the Long Term Care Profession.

FACE of Kansas is a non-profit organization dedicated to the improvement of the long-term care homes of Kansas through professional opportunities and education for long-term care providers.

The Foundation for Aging and Care of Elders of Kansas, Inc. (FACE of Kansas) was established in 2006 to provide a community organization to promote quality care in Kansas adult care homes. FACE of Kansas seeks to improve the quality of care and services, and the quality of life for elderly and disabled Americans, through opportunities under which members may exchange ideas and obtain education to improve the knowledge, abilities, and standing of the adult care home profession. Only one scholarship per facility may be awarded per year.

Questions about the scholarship can be directed to khca@khca.org. The criteria and application form can be found by clicking here.

In Case You Missed It

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

According to survey data related to F689, after falls resulting in major injury, elopement is the next most common finding for a high-level deficiency, usually an Immediate Jeopardy tag. The CMS definition of elopement is: “When a resident leaves the premises or a safe area without authorization and/or any necessary supervision to do so without staff knowledge”. Without trying to be too obvious, prevention is the best answer and the answer to prevention is an effective Elopement Assessment then development of interventions to prevent elopement. Here are some key elements to consider for an effective Elopement Assessment. READ MORE

Invitation to Public Input Meetings on FE and PD Waiver Renewals

A message from Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services

We are pleased to invite you to participate in the upcoming public input meetings hosted by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS). These meetings will focus on the renewal of the Frail Elderly (FE) Waiver and the Physical Disability (PD) Waiver. We value your ideas and feedback and encourage you to join us in these important discussions.

Public input meetings will be held virtually and in person throughout July. Please join one of these meetings to hear our ideas for improving the Waivers and to share your own.

We look forward to your participation and the opportunity to hear your valuable insights. Together, we can work towards enhancing the support and services provided to the frail elderly and individuals with physical disabilities in our community.

Please check the documents below for detailed information on the meeting schedules and locations for each waiver.

FE Waiver Public Comment Invitation

PD Waiver Public Comment Invitation

We need your help!

Our AIT Program continues to grow, and we need preceptors!

Current area of needs:

Seneca – one
Wichita area – two
Kansas City area – four
Labette County area - one

If you are a current Preceptor we would love to have you on our list. Please contact Teresa with your Preceptor number at tkeating@khca.org. Are you interested in becoming an AIT Preceptor and shaping the future of the profession? Our team is happy to walk you through that process. Click here for the KDADS information and give Teresa a call at 785-267-6003.

Education Spotlight

Webinar: Fire and Smoke Door Inspections

Tuesday, July 30, 2024

10:30AM - 12:00PM

Kenn Daily, LNHA with Elder Care Systems Group has prepared this door inspection training and an inspection form to be used in meeting the annual fire door inspection requirement. The training packet has been developed to provide guidance and training to ensure that individuals inspecting and testing doors are prepared and qualified.

This webinar is available LIVE only and will not be recorded for distribution.

Click here for more details.

Upcoming Education