July 19, 2024

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The Latest News

Global Technology Outage: Important Update: CrowdStrike Update Impacting Microsoft Systems


We wanted to inform you about an ongoing technology outage that is currently affecting several Electronic Medical Record (EMR) products.


It has been reported that multiple sectors across the U.S., including healthcare, that rely on Microsoft 365 apps are experiencing a significant systems outage. This was caused by a flaw in a routine software update sent out by cybersecurity company, CrowdStrike, for Windows hosts. 


We want to reassure you that this is not a cybersecurity incident but a technical breakdown due to a software update malfunction. CrowdStrike has identified and isolated the issue and deployed a fix. 


Please be assured that no Personally Identifiable Information (PII) or Protected Health Information (PHI) is at risk. This is purely a software update glitch.


Impacted providers are encouraged to check their EMR vendor websites or helpdesks for more information. Impacted providers should also contact their Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) or other payers to see if their claims processing systems were impacted.


AHCA/NCAL will continue to monitor the situation for developments and share guidance. 

A Message from AHCA regarding Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities


AHCA/NCAL has information to help members comply with the final rule titled Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities, under Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act. These two resources will help members understand the new rule: 


1. Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities Member Impact Summary and Table.pdf (ahcancal.org)

2. Nondiscrimination in Health Programs and Activities FAQs.pdf (ahcancal.org)


The rule outlines the responsibilities all health care providers that accept Medicare and/or Medicaid dollars (including assisted living facilities that participate in Medicaid waiver programs) have for compliance and for delivering voice translation services to residents who require such services.


Voice Translation Services

Voyce™ interpretation services connect users to a live, medical interpreter in 240+ languages, including American Sign Language (ASL). View this 2-minute video to better understand how easy Voyce is to use.

 

Voyce provides preferred rates to Incite GPO members, making it easier and more affordable to provide interpreter services within your organization. Incite is AHCA/NCAL’s exclusive GPO partner. AHCA/NCAL members that join Incite are only billed for time spent with an interpreter with discounted rates at $0.75/minute for audio, $0.85/minute for video, and $1.29/minute for ASL. Devices, such as iPads and rolling carts, can also be rented or purchased from Voyce if needed.


About the Incite GPO

AHCA/NCAL members can join the Incite GPO for free regardless of size. There are no minimums or exclusivity requirements for AHCA/NCAL members who join the Incite GPO, and state affiliates do not need to be AHCA/NCAL Incite GPO partners for their members to join the Incite GPO and obtain these discount Voyce rates. In addition, AHCA/NCAL members can join the GPO for the Voyce program only to receive discounted rates on translation services. Incite customers can also access great savings on food, medical supplies, building supplies and other items if they choose to take advantage of those savings. 


Where to Refer Your Members

Members will first need to join the Incite GPO to obtain the discounted Voyce rates. Have members visit www.incitesp.com/ahcancal or reach out to Nick Trankito at nick.trankito@incitesp.com or 813-727-4232 for more information about joining the Incite GPO. This link on the Incite website has more information about Voyce.

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


Unlock Excellence: 2025 Quality Award Applications Are Now Available


The National Quality Award Program is excited to announce the opening of the 2025 application cycle! Access our new and enhanced educational materials on the Quality Award website to set yourself on the path to success.


Prepare for a transformative year with these essential resources:

  • Comprehensive application packets: Bronze for SNFs & ID/DDs, Bronze for ALs, Silver and Gold
  • Month-to-month roadmaps to guide Bronze​, Silver and Gold applicants
  • Kick-off webinar recorded on July 9 (in case you missed it)
  • Criteria video series on ahcancalED


By participating in the Quality Award Program, you can:

  • Gain invaluable external perspectives
  • Receive detailed, constructive feedback
  • Enhance organizational resilience and performance
  • Achieve prestigious recognition


Discover the incredible journeys of past recipients on the Quality Award Stories website. Imagine this could be your story next year!


Seize this chance to demonstrate your dedication to excellence. Visit the Quality Award website now to access the latest materials for the 2025 application cycle.


For any inquiries, contact the Quality Award Program at qualityaward@ahca.org

Click here to learn about our Virtual Gold Award Workshop
Click here to learn about our Virtual Silver Award Workshop
Click here to learn about our Virtual Bronze Award Workshop

Delivering Solutions 24 Early Bird Registration Closes Friday - Register Today!


The Early Bird registration deadline for Delivering Solutions 24, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, ends Friday, July 19. If you have yet to register for this event, reserve your spot now at the maximum discounted rates. REGISTER HERE

In Case You Missed It

2025 KHCA/KCAL Membership Directory


KHCA/KCAL has once again partnered with E&M Consulting, Inc. to produce our Membership Directory. The publication will be available in both print and digital formats. E&M will be managing the project, including advertising sales and layout/graphic design. They are highly professional and produce a high-quality publication, and we ask that you give them a moment of your time. E&M will be contacting all members about the advertising opportunities available. The publication will be mailed to every member – a great opportunity to promote and give your company additional exposure. 


To view the ad rates/options and sign-up online, please visit: https://www.reserveyourad.com/KSHCAKSCAL/


If you have any questions or want to advertise, please contact an E&M sales associate at 800-572-0011 ext. 0104 or advertising@eandmsales.com. As always, your support is greatly appreciated! 

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.

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
  • Topeka - 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

Assisted Living Lunch and Learn: A Deeper Look at FCS/NSA and HSP


Thursday, August 8, 2024

10:00AM - 2:00PM

Olathe, KS


The Functional Capacity Screen (FCS). Who knew such a simple looking document could be so complicated? During this lunch and learn you’ll learn how to accurately complete a Functional Capacity Screen (FCS). Together you’ll collaborate and work through common ‘gray areas’ and how to document them.  Once you’ve tackled the Functional Capacity Screen (FCS), the Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA) and Health Services Plan (HSP) are next!   A completed FCS will be provided to all participants and Joan Hudson, RN-BC, LNHA will walk you through how to take the data from the FCS, add your resident ‘wants’ to the assessment and produce a Negotiated Service Agreement (NSA) to capture all the billable services for your resident.


Joan will also address situations for Negotiated Risk Agreements, NSA Addendums and ideas for completing them. Once the FCS and NSA are done we’ll use the information to create our Health Services Plan (HSP) that describes to our direct caregivers how to provide the services we’ve negotiated for our residents.



This workshop is a great opportunity for Operators and Nurses to work through this process as a team. It’s also a chance for you to make sure you’re on the same page and meeting the requirements as set out by KDADS.


Click here for more details.

Upcoming Education

Joint Provider Fire Marshal


7/22/24 - 8:30AM-4:00PM - Topeka

7/22/24 - 8:30AM-4:00PM - Wichita/Virtual

Assisted Living CNA/CMA Boot Camp


7/26/24 - 8:30AM-4:00PM Topeka, KS


Click here for more details.

Webinar: Fire and Smoke Door Inspections


7/30/24 - 10:30AM-12:00PM


Click here for more details.

Webinar: Abuse & Neglect Policies and Training Compliance


8/7/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM


Click here for more details.

Assisted Living Lunch and Learn: A Deeper Look at FCS/NSA and HSP


8/8/24 - 10:00AM-2:00PM


Click here for more details.

Webinar: Deconstructing Immediate Jeopardy Mitigation: Navigating Top Risk Areas: Reducing Risks Related to Pressure Ulcers


8/13/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM


Click here for more details.

SAVE THE DATES! Annual Convention & Trade Show


9/25 - 9/27/24 Mulvane, KS


Registration coming soon!

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
Kansas Health Care Association and the Kansas Center for Assisted Living
1100 SW Gage Blvd. | PO Box 4770 | Topeka, KS 66604
PH: 785-267-6003 FAX: 785-267-0833