August 11, 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

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

Based on some recent survey findings, it may be time to discuss what should be included in care plans related to dementia care and services. To start, regulation requires that care plans must be person-centered, comprehensive, individualized and timely…notice that “person-centered” requirement. Remember, the resident is the “locus of care”, per CMS. So every dementia care plan will look different, and every dementia care plan will include the residents’ and the representative’s input and will include the resident’s stated goals for help with any/all cognitive impairments. READ MORE

Upcoming PBJ Submission Deadline and iQIES Service Center Availability Reminder

Due to the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) quarterly submission deadline on August 14, 2025, the iQIES Service Center is anticipating a significant increase in the volume of calls and emails.

Key Highlights

Nursing Home Survey & Certification Launch: On July 14, 2025, the Nursing Home Survey & Certification functionality will launch in iQIES—just one month prior to the PBJ submission deadline. This rollout is expected to result in a substantial influx of new users, potentially leading to longer hold times.
Plan Ahead – Submit Early: To avoid delays or complications with data submission, we strongly encourage all users to submit their PBJ data as early as possible, ideally before July 14. Early reporting ensures smoother processing and minimizes the risk of last-minute issues.

Contacting the iQIES Service Center

There are multiple ways to reach the CCSQ Service Center: READ MORE

Members Only Nurse Advisory Committee (NAC) and Facility Standards Call - Friday, August 15, 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

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 297 116 022 798 7

Passcode: 5cu2pc3V

Dial in by phone

+1 929-336-6311 ,,446696225# United States, New York City

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 446 696 225#

TOMORROW! Webinar: F695 – Respiratory-Tracheostomy Care and Suctioning

8/12/25 - 1:30PM - 2:30PM

Click here for more details.

FINAL REMINDER! 2025 Staff Recognition Program: Now is the time to nominate your staff and volunteers!

Deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, August 13th (NO EXCEPTIONS!)

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.

CLICK HERE TO SUBMIT A NOMINATION

Now Available: SNF PPS Final Rule Webinar Recording

A recording of Thursday's webinar with president and CEO Clif Porter and AHCA team members on the Medicare SNF FY 2026 Final Payment Rule is now available for AHCA/NCAL members.

Please note that a member log-in is required. Questions about accessing the recording or additional assistance requests should be sent to educate@ahca.org.

As a reminder, AHCA also developed a detailed summary (log-in required) outlining key provisions and impacts on members. Please contact AHCA's SVP of Reimbursement Policy John Kane with questions.

Nursing Home Turnover Rates Declined Overall In 2025 While Salaries Rose Slightly, Report Finds

Skilled Nursing News (8/6, Siddiqi) reports, "Turnover rates in U.S. nursing homes declined overall in 2025, while salaries for clinical roles and leaders saw a slight increase," according to "the 2025–2026 Nursing Home Salary & Benefits Report released Tuesday by the Hospital & Health care Compensation Service (HCS)." The report, "supported by AHCA," also "notes that average annual salaries rose across roles in 2025."

Media Release: Governor Kelly Announces Administration Appointments

Board of Adult Care Home Administrators

Purpose: To establish and uphold regulations for licensing adult care administrators, including complaints against administrators.

Jess Easterwood, Wichita
Dawn Veh, Hutchinson (reappointment)
Karen Weber, Overland Park (reappointment)
Kevin Crowley, Wichita (KHCA Board Member)

View the official announcement here.

The Full Brochure is here! *Content and sponsorships subject to change.

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.

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

Please Consider Donating to a Great Cause!

Annually at our Convention & Trade Show The Foundation for Aging & Care of Elders of Kansas (The FACE of Kansas) host a silent auction to raise funds for scholarships. Please consider donating an item or basket to this great cause.

Take this opportunity to showcase your care home and caregiving in Kansas, don’t be afraid to show off! If you or your corporation has something special that you would like to highlight, please let us know...we are accepting all items (not just in baskets!) for this worthwhile cause!

All Proceeds go to the Foundation for Aging & Care of Elders in Kansas, to be used toward education for Direct Care Staff and scholarships for Long Term Care providers.

KHCA Annual Business Meeting

Join us for the Annual Business Meeting, held in conjunction with the Kansas Health Care Association’s 75th Annual Convention and Trade Show.

Date: Thursday, September 18, 2025

Time: 10:00 – 11:00 AM

Location: Kansas Star Event Center, 785 Kansas Star Drive, Mulvane, KS 67110

We encourage all members to attend.

Click here to view meeting reports as they become available. Please note: A member password is required for access.

Education Spotlight

Webinar: Nursing Documentation Practice Expectations

8/27/25 - 2:00PM - 3:30PM

Accurate and thorough nursing documentation is critical in nursing homes, ensuring high-quality resident care, legal protection, regulatory compliance, and effective communication among healthcare providers. This presentation explores the best practices for nursing documentation, highlighting key principles such as clarity, completeness, timeliness, and adherence to regulatory standards. Attendees will learn strategies to improve documentation efficiency while maintaining compliance with healthcare policies, reducing errors, and enhancing resident outcomes. The session will also cover common challenges in nursing documentation and practical solutions to ensure records accurately reflect the care provided.

Whether you’re an experienced nurse or new to long-term care, this presentation will equip participants with essential skills to refine documentation practices and enhance resident care in nursing homes.

Click here to learn more.

Upcoming Education