KHCA/KCAL Update 8/1/25

August 1, 2025

This message contains confidential information and is intended only for KHCA/KCAL membership. Dissemination, distribution or copying the contents of this email beyond this group is strictly prohibited.

The Latest News

Now Available – AHCA Summary of FY26 SNF Final Payment Rule

AHCA To Host Member Webinar on Thursday

Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the final rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) fiscal year (FY) 2026. AHCA has reviewed the final rule and developed a summary outlining key provisions and impacts on members. Please note this is for members only and requires an AHCA/NCAL log-in to view.

As a reminder, the final rule:

Increased rates by 3.2%, or approximately $1.16 billion, beginning October 1, 2025.
Finalized several substantive changes to the PDPM ICD-10 code mappings.
Removed four items previously adopted as standardized patient assessment data elements under the social determinants of health category beginning with the FY 2027 SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP).
Amended the SNF QRP and Value-Based Purchasing Program reconsideration policies and processes.

Please contact AHCA SVP of Reimbursement Policy John Kane with questions.

SNF PPS Final Rule Webinar: AHCA will be hosting a webinar next Thursday, August 7 at 2:30 PM CST where president and CEO Clif Porter and AHCA team members will provide details on what you need to know about the payment rule. Registration is free for AHCA/NCAL members. Questions about registration, how to join the webinar, or additional assistance request should be sent to educate@ahca.org.

Click here to view AHCA's Members only update from 7/31/25.

As reported by:

McKnight's LTC News

Skilled Nursing News

CMS releases new QSO Memo

CMS releases new QSO Memo indicating that focused Infection control surveys are no longer part of the standard survey process.

Click here to view the full memo.

NOW OPEN – National Quality Award Program Intent to Apply!

The 2026 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is now open! All applicants who plan to apply for an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award are encouraged to submit an ITA by logging into the Quality Award portal before the deadline on November 13, 2025, at 8 PM Eastern.

While not mandatory, applicants who submit an ITA will get a discounted application fee and receive dedicated emails with access to exclusive resources – including webinars with helpful tips, best practices, and reminders to assist you in your application writing process.

Applying for a National Quality Award provides a framework that can be used to prepare for and make critical improvements and serves as a team building activity to engage staff across all levels. Additionally, 2026 marks the Program’s 30th anniversary – an exciting celebration of how far we have come in the quality journey!

Please contact the Quality Award Program staff with questions or if you need assistance.

We want to send a special thank you to our sponsors! The National Quality Award Program is sponsored by AHCA/NCAL Associate Business Members: HealthCap, McKesson, Prevail by First Quality, Rosie, and Incite Workforce Solutions Powered by SnapCare.

SUBMIT YOUR INTENT TO APPLY

CMS Updates Interpretation As To Who Qualifies As Licensed Speech-Language Pathologist

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (7/30, Marselas) reports, "An updated interpretation as to who qualifies as a licensed speech-language pathologist could help some nursing home therapists get back to work." CMS "recently issued a new definition of the term ‘licensed,’ which this spring had been changed to exclude provisional licensees in a benefits policy manual." AHCA "advised providers that they could ‘maintain existing personnel and billing practices related to SLP service provision.’"

AHCA Requests Updated 2025 MA Member Data

AHCA is re-releasing its Medicare Advantage data initiative for 2025. AHCA members are asked to share MA data for August 2025 and/or September 2025 to support continued efforts to assess how plans are implementing new regulations. READ MORE

In Case You Missed It

Upcoming PBJ Deadline August 14

Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal data for April 1 – June 30, 2025, by August 14, 2025. Providers are encouraged to submit data early to allow sufficient time to review and make necessary corrections prior to the deadline. READ MORE

Budget Reconciliation Bill – Detailed Summary Now Available

AHCA/NCAL has developed a detailed summary of the “big, beautiful" budget reconciliation bill passed in early July. Please note the summary is available for members and requires a log in. READ MORE

Important Information about Electronic CLIA Certificates - Transition to Paperless

CMS is improving the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program by switching to electronic fee coupons and CLIA certificates. To take full advantage of these improvements, laboratories and providers that perform laboratory testing have until March 1, 2026, to switch to CMS email notifications and begin receiving electronic CLIA fee coupons and certificates. With this switch, CMS is moving to a completely electronic system. After this date, paper fee coupons and paper CLIA certificates will no longer be available.

By switching to electronic notifications, your laboratory will get:

Email notifications from CMS
Electronic fee coupons*
Electronic CLIA certificate - no more waiting for it to come in the mail*

*This does not apply to CLIA-exempt states or state licensure.

To switch, you must:

Provide written notification to your State Agency by email. Tip: Include your laboratory name, laboratory director or owner’s name, CLIA number, director or designee’s signature to help your State Agency make the switch.

-OR-

Contact your Accreditation Organization, if you’re an accredited laboratory. They can now add or update email addresses for the laboratories they survey.

-OR-

Fill out the CMS-116 application form. To switch to electronic notifications, check the box, “Receive notifications including electronic certificates via email.”

Reach out to your State Agency or Accreditation Organization for assistance. For more details, visit Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).

If you’ve already made the switch, we thank you. No further action is required.

Association releases first-ever guideline on use of blood tests to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease

The Alzheimer’s Association has issued its first clinical practice guideline on the use of blood tests to help diagnose Alzheimer’s disease in people with cognitive impairment. 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

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

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.