August 14, 2024

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

AHCA Seeks Sped-Up Timeline In Challenge Against Federal Staffing Mandate

McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (8/13, Marselas) reports AHCA, "LeadingAge and four other parties in a lawsuit challenging the federal nursing home staffing mandate have told the case’s judge they expect a decision to be reached on motions alone and proposed a schedule that could lead to a resolution as early as January." This "motion, filed Friday, reveals AHCA’s intention to seek summary judgment by mid-October." HHS, "along with Secretary Xavier Becerra," CMS, and "Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure also have agreed to the proposed timeline, according to filings reviewed by McKnight’s Long-Term Care News Tuesday."

First facility assessment deadline leaves gaping questions about surveyor intent

After three months of preparation, skilled nursing providers across the country were required late last week to complete their first enhanced facility assessment.

The broader look at resident and staffing needs will be used to support the federal staffing mandate, which has more specific hourly staffing requirements that begin to come into play in 2026. READ MORE

Members Only Nurse Advisory Committee (NAC) and Facility Standards Call – Friday, August 20, 2024 10:00 AM - 11:00AM

Join us at 10:00AM for updates from Linda MowBray, President and CEO, Cynthia Pendleton, Facility Standards VP and Linda Farrar, KHCA Clinical Consultant to review recent SNF survey findings followed by Nurse Advisory Committee President, Michelle Novotny to discuss Nursing Scholarships, hot topics, and the latest happenings.

Latest Survey Findings

Reflections

Microsoft Teams Need help?

Join the meeting now

Meeting ID: 221 355 165 081

Passcode: vCyKap

Dial in by phone

+1 929-336-6311,,844094269# United States, New York City

Find a local number

Phone conference ID: 844 094 269#

2024 Staff Recognition Program

Now is the time to nominate your staff!

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.

CLICK HERE FOR THE NOMINATION FORM

In Case You Missed It

Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar

Based on a new report available from AHCA, it’s time to review the use of antipsychotics for long-stay residents in Kansas because Kansas facilities continue to be significantly over the national average. Below is information related to Kansas statistics. Let’s start with the good news…from 4^th quarter, 2011, since the CMS initiative was started, Kansas facilities have decreased the use of off-label diagnosis from 25.3% to 17.79% in the 1^st quarter of 2024 for an all-time percent change of -29.7%. Congratulations! That being said, the national average is 14.7%, so there is work to do in Kansas. Especially look at the curve up from 2020 until the 1^st quarter of 2023. Yes, some of that time counts for COVID but it’s been over for awhile. And remember…the schizophrenia audits are still going on. READ MORE

State Licensed Only Involuntary Discharge Reporting as Authorized by Kansas Senate Bill 28

This requires all Assisted Living facilities, Residential Healthcare Facilities, Home Plus and Boarding Care Homes to report upon completion of every involuntary discharge of a resident.

For your convenience, we have included a PDF of the PowerPoint here or click here to go to KDADS website.

Education Spotlight