July 9, 2025

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The Latest News

New PBJ updates clarify tracking of remote workers

Updates to Payroll Based Journal reporting methods issued last week by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services make it more important than ever that nursing homes not accidentally report hours worked by staff or consultants while off-site.

New language added to the Long-Term Care Facility Policy Manual explicitly states that for nursing staff, “all nursing hours must be worked onsite to be reported in PBJ.” READ MORE

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.

SHOP HERE

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.

REMINDER: August 1 Mandatory SNF Provider Enrollment Revalidation Deadline

Skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers enrolled in Medicare or Medicare/Medicaid must submit a mandatory off-cycle provider enrollment revalidation by August 1, 2025, or risk having enrollment suspended or revoked.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued this mandatory process last September and extended the deadline following AHCA/NCAL advocacy efforts for relief on the extensive new reporting requirements.

AHCA/NCAL continues to advocate for additional relief. However, as this deadline still stands, it is important for SNF providers notified by their MAC to ensure completion of the revalidation submission process by August 1. CMS recently issued a reminder in its MLN Connects newsletter and will soon send reminders through MACs to SNF providers that are required to complete the process by this deadline but have not yet done so.

AHCA/NCAL Resources

AHCA/NCAL offers a variety of SNF provider enrollment resources available on the Reimbursement webpage under Resources and Documents. SNF providers should also review the two most recent AHCA/NCAL office hours calls – March 28 and April 4 – that reflect the updated changes to the sub-regulatory guidance. The call recordings and downloadable slides are available.

Please contact 855Revalidation@ahca.org with any questions.

CMS Resources

SNF providers can find detailed sub-regulatory guidance information on the new organizations and individual parties required to be reported on the CMS website. CMS also offers a step-by-step screenshot of instructions on completing an application via the Medicare Provider Enrollment, Chain, and Ownership System (PECOS).

If you need support with PECOS, please contact the External User Services (EUS) Help Desk via email or call (866) 484-8049. Hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 7 AM – 7 PM Eastern.

Providers unsure about whether they are required to submit the revalidation information should contact their MAC provider enrollment helpdesk.

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

For some reason, F677 continues to be frequently cited on surveys…both standard surveys and complaint surveys. The regulation says: “§483.24(a)(2) A resident who is unable to carry out activities of daily living receives the necessary services to maintain good nutrition, grooming, and personal and oral hygiene”. The guidance goes on to say, “The existence of a clinical diagnosis shall not justify a decline in a resident’s ability to perform ADLs unless the resident’s clinical picture reflects the normal progression of the disease/ condition has resulted in an unavoidable decline in the resident’s ability to perform ADLs.“ F677 is a part of the Quality of Life requirements and is closely linked to F676 which addresses maintaining residents’ abilities in ADLs…in other words effective restorative nursing programs. READ MORE

Governor Kelly Announces Administration Appointments

Board of Nursing

Purpose: To protect the public’s health, safety, and welfare of the citizens of Kansas through the licensure and regulation process of the nursing professions.

Melissa Oropeza, Kansas City (reappointment)
Belinda Katz, Bucklin
Tosha Fields, Cimarron
Steve Peterson, Topeka

Click here to read more.

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

Education Spotlight

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