July 12, 2024

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The Latest News

State Licensed Only Involuntary Discharge - A Message from KDADS via The Sunflower Connection

Through budget proviso, the Legislature created for State Fiscal Year 2025 a requirement for all assisted living facilities, residential healthcare facilities, home plus and boarding care homes to submit a report to KDADS upon the completion of every involuntary transfer or discharge of a resident. The reports shall not include personally identifiable information and shall include: (1) The date when notice of transfer or discharge was provided; (2) the date when the resident left the facility; (3) the type of facility where the resident was transferred or discharged; (4) the reason that required the transfer or discharge of the resident pursuant to K.A.R. 26-39-102(d); (5) if the resident was transferred or discharged pursuant to K.A.R. 26-39- 102(f), the reason that required such transfer or discharge; (6) if the resident filed a complaint regarding the notice of transfer or discharge; and (7) any other relevant information required by the secretary. Any facility that fails to submit a report within 60 days of the completion of the transfer or discharge or resolution of a formal complaint shall be subject to a civil penalty. KDADS will compile the information into a report for the 2025 Legislature.

You can send questions about reporting to KDADS.InvoluntaryDischarge@ks.gov.

Watch your e-mails as there will be more information provided via e-mail in the near future.

Adult Care Home Involuntary Discharge Survey: KAMIS Viewer KDHE Quick Reference (ks.gov)

2025 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule: Provisions of Interest to AHCA/NCAL Members

On July 10, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a proposed rule for Medicare payments under the Physician Fee Schedule (PFS) and other Medicare Part B issues. The Medicare Part B payment policies directly and indirectly impact multiple types of services furnished to residents of short- and long-stay nursing homes, assisted living communities, and residences for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

These services include those from physicians, nurse practitioners, physical and occupational therapists, speech-language pathologists, and portable x-ray and laboratory service providers. When finalized, these policies would become effective January 1, 2025.

Links for more information:

AHCA/NCAL is currently reviewing the proposed rule and has identified several policy changes that could impact the long term and post-acute sector. Highlights of many of these potential policy changes are available to members HERE (login required).

The Association will be submitting comments by the end of the comment period that concludes September 9, 2024.

For more information and comment suggestions, please contact Dan Ciolek at dciolek@ahca.org about the PFS and Medicare Part B issues, and Nisha Hammel at nhammel@ahca.org about the MSSP provisions.

Severe Illnesses Associated with Diamond Shruumz Products

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), America’s Poison Centers, and state and local partners are investigating reports of severe acute illnesses potentially associated with consuming Diamond Shruumz™ products marketed as containing a proprietary blend of mushroom. As of July 8, 2024, 58 total illnesses, including 30 hospitalizations, have been reported in 27 states with ongoing efforts to identify other potential cases. Among hospitalized case-patients, several required intubation, mechanical ventilation, and admission to an intensive care unit. There is one potentially associated death under investigation. In Kansas, KDHE is investigating two possible cases associated with this outbreak. READ MORE

FREE CNE August 8th: ZOOM Only. Noon-1pm. Exploring Substance Abuse in Older Adults

Substance use in older adults is occurring at increased levels. This webinar will explore the fundamentals of substance use in older adults and effective Motivational Interviewing strategies to support these clients. READ MORE

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.

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.

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.

A Certificate of Completion for Training for Swinging Door Inspections will be provided to all attendees who complete the 90-minute webinar.

Click here for more details.

Upcoming Education