KHCA/KCAL Update 7/23/25

July 23, 2025

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The Latest News

Facing new CMS pressure, providers should audit mental health diagnoses, prescriptions: expert

Nursing homes should be auditing documentation for all residents with mental health disorders to ensure their diagnoses are compliant with new federal guidance, a well-known clinical reimbursement recommended Tuesday. READ MORE

Quality In Assisted Living Collaborative Seeking Feedback On Emergency Preparedness Guidelines

McKnight’s Senior Living (7/23, Bowers) reports, "The Quality in Assisted Living Collaborative – the coalition including the American Seniors Housing Association, Argentum, LeadingAge and the National Center for Assisted Living as well as the National Association for Regulatory Administration – has developed emergency preparedness guidelines for assisted living and is seeking feedback on them." Providers, "regulators, policymakers, advocacy organizations and other interested parties have until Sept. 8 to provide input that will be considered by the QALC’s Emergency Preparedness Workgroup as the next step in the guideline development process."

National Assisted Living Week: September 7-13, 2025: "Ageless Adventure"

This year's theme for National Assisted Living Week® is "Ageless Adventure." Please click here for resources - including a planning guide, promotional resources, products, and graphics - to celebrate "Ageless Adventure" during NALW this year. Participants are asked to share their celebrations throughout the week on social media with #NALW.

Share Your Story

Every day, long term care residents, caregivers, family members and community members are doing extraordinary things. To showcase these efforts and the unique individuals in long term care, we want to hear your stories.

Your story could be featured on AHCA/NCAL’s social media channels and other campaigns when submitted here.
Your story could be featured on KHCA/KCAL's social media channels and other campaigns when submitted here or tag us on your social media channels and we are happy to share!

Join the #ProgressParade: Celebrate, Share, and Support Residents’ Journey Through Care

AHCA/NCAL's #ProgressParade, the new social media campaign that celebrates residents and patients who reach meaningful milestones in their therapy program, is a powerful way to showcase the many ways that residents and patients thrive within long term care. READ MORE

In Case You Missed It

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

F761 Labeling and Storing Drugs and Biologicals has again surged to the third most frequently cited deficiency nationally. This requirement is deceptively straightforward so it is curious that it has become a pitfall during surveys.

The regulation requirements are pretty simple. The facility must ensure: READ MORE

CMS puts nutrition problems in nursing homes under the microscope

As nursing homes face increased scrutiny over their food operations, the need for them to improve nutrition and food preparation for residents has never been greater. Tensions that have risen recently include increased scrutiny from regulators, the potential for food-borne illness, and resident complaints. READ MORE

Get Ready for the 2026 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards

AHCA/NCAL is pleased to announce the opening of the 2026 National Quality Award Program application cycle. This is a special year, as 2026 marks the Program’s 30th anniversary! Don’t miss your chance to join your peers on this quality journey as we celebrate three decades of excellence. READ MORE

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!)

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION

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.

Education Spotlight

RAC-CT Certification Virtual Workshop

8/12/25 - 10:00AM - 4:30PM

Increase your knowledge of clinical assessment and care planning, completion of the MDS, the regulations surrounding the RAI/MDS process, and managing the PDPM by attending an AAPACN Resident Assessment Coordinator-Certified (RAC-CT) certification workshop. Having the RAC-CT credential behind your name shows you are a knowledgeable and capable MDS professional. RAC-CT certification is the nationally recognized gold-standard in resident assessment in the long-term care nursing profession. By earning this credential, individuals have shown their expertise in skilled nursing facility prospective payment system and minimum data set (MDS 3.0) assessment.

Click here for more details.

Scholarship opportunity: The individual or facility will cover the full cost upfront, and KHCA will reimburse 50% upon successful course completion. Submit your application here.