Your Top Line on LTC Trend Tracker: Projected Impact of Five-Star Survey Changes

​The 2025 third quarter edition of Your Top Line was recently released for skilled nursing members. This report shows your projected two-cycle survey score and state ranking on July 30, 2025.

Background 

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on June 18th that it will be changing the survey cycles and weights with July’s Care Compare refresh. While CMS is dropping the third standard survey, they are keeping three years of complaint and infection control focused surveys. READ MORE

If you need help downloading your report, please e-mail Jennafer Sumner at jsumner@khca.org

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

During this past week, there was a fascinating topic included in the LTC National Infection Prevention Forum related to urinary catheters…including suprapubic catheters. In one of the entries, a training program from AHRQ was included as an attachment. Catheter Care and Maintenance | Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. READ MORE

iQIES Enhancement: System Timeout Increase to 30 Minutes

The CMS security team has authorized an increase of the iQIES system timeout to 30 minutes. Previously, users would be automatically logged out of the system after 15 minutes of inactivity. This change is now in effect. Please note that if users are logged out of iQIES, they are brought back to the last active page upon logging in again. Please note that iQIES users will be logged off after 30 minutes of inactivity.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the iQIES Service Center by email: iqies@cms.hhs.gov or by phone:1-800-339-9313. Or to create a new ticket online, track an existing ticket, or recover your HARP password account, please use our CCSQ Support Central: Self-Service Portal.

TOMORROW! Webinar: Medication Management

7/15/25 - 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.

Members Only Nurse Advisory Committee (NAC) and Facility Standards Call - Friday, July 18, 2025 10:00AM - 11:00AM

Join us at 10:00 AM where Cynthia Pendleton, Facility Standards VP, and Linda Farrar, KHCA Clinical Consultant, will review recent SNF survey findings, followed by Nurse Advisory Committee President, Michelle Novotny, to discuss Nursing Scholarships, hot topics, and the latest happenings.

STATEMENT OF KHCA/KCAL’s ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) POLICY

To foster an environment of candor and the open exchange of ideas, KHCA/KCAL prohibits the recording of meetings by attendees. This includes but is not limited to any use of artificial-intelligence tools or assistants that record and transcribe information. KHCA/KCAL has the right to immediately remove AI tools or assistants present on calls and placed by attendees.

Latest Survey Findings

Reflections

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+1 929-336-6311,,399320222# United States, New York City

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Phone conference ID: 399 320 222#

Providers Have Three Weeks To Complete Revalidation Forms

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (7/10, Marselas) reports, "Providers now have just three weeks to complete revalidation forms that have caused confusion and concern as federal regulators seek to bring clarity to nursing home ownership." CMS "is requiring every federally funded facility in the US to complete an updated revalidation process by Aug. 1." AHCA/NCAL Senior Vice President of Reimbursement Policy John Kane said, "We are urging skilled nursing providers to do everything they can to meet the Aug. 1 deadline. Meanwhile, we continue to implore CMS to ensure that we put patients over paperwork and prevent an access to care crisis." 

REMINDER! 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!)

There is No Age Limit on Adventure — Are You Ready?

Decorate, Appreciate, Celebrate

Ageless Adventures for All

This year’s NALW theme is all about celebrating the spirit of adventure at any age! Whether you’re planning a backyard party, a local field trip, or a special gathering of family and friends, we’ve got you covered.

Explore our collection of themed T-shirts, colorful decorations, and heartfelt gifts designed to make your events unforgettable. Many items are customizable—perfect for adding your community’s name and logo!*

Don’t forget to download the NALW Planning Guide for event inspiration and activity ideas to honor your amazing staff, residents, and volunteers.

Bring your celebration to life—with style, smiles, and a sense of ageless adventure.

Save the date for the 75th Annual Convention & Trade Show! 

More info coming soon! Please note the Tuesday-Thursday dates. (A change from the normal Wednesday-Friday)

🎉 Join us for the 75th Annual KHCA/KCAL Convention & Trade Show!

📍 Kansas Star Event Center

🗓 September 16–18, 2025

We’re excited to celebrate 75 years of excellence in long-term care! The KHCA/KCAL Annual Convention and Trade Show is packed with valuable education, networking, recognition events, and a full day dedicated to vendors in the industry.

Click here to learn more.

Fire and Smoke Door Inspections - 90 Minute Live Webinar

July 23, 2025 1:30pm - 3pm

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. READ MORE

Circles of Wisdom: Integrating Culture Change & Dementia Education for Exceptional Memory Care

Two Options to Attend:

7/17/25 - Wellsville, KS - Click here for more details.

7/22/25 - Overbrook, KS - Click here for more details.

Putting Preparedness into Practice: Using NCAL’s New Emergency Preparedness & Procedure Manual to Build a Stronger Program

7/22/25 - 12:30PM - 1:30PM

Registration is FREE for members!

Click here for more details.

Fire and Smoke Door Inspections - 90 Minute Live Webinar

7/23/25 - 1:30PM - 3:00PM

Click here for more details.

DON Boot Camp

SAVE THE DATES!

11/10/25 - 11/12/25

Olathe, KS

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