August 22, 2025

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The Latest News

HHS Drives Reform to Restore Patient-Centered Care, Announces Request for Nominations of Members to Serve on Federal Healthcare Advisory Committee


The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are establishing the Healthcare Advisory Committee—a group of experts charged with delivering strategic recommendations directly to HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz to improve how care is financed and delivered across Medicare, Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP), and the Health Insurance Marketplace.


"Every American high-quality, affordable care – without red tape, corporate greed, or excessive costs," said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. "This new advisory committee will unite the best minds in healthcare to help us deliver real results, hold the system accountable, and drive forward our mission to Make America Healthy Again."

"This is a moment for action," said CMS Administrator Oz. "This committee will help us cut waste, reduce paperwork, expand preventive care, and modernize CMS programs with real-time data and accountability, all while keeping patients at the center. We are calling on experts across the country to join us in this effort to help us Make America Healthy Again." READ MORE

KHCA’s AIT Program: Celebrating Success and Leadership!


Over the past three years, KHCA’s Administrator-in-Training (AIT) Program has been an incredible success. We’ve had the privilege of working with so many talented individuals who have gone on to become outstanding administrators. Today, we want to take a moment to celebrate them and their hard work, their dedication, and the incredible impact they are making in our communities.


Thank you to all of our AIT graduates for setting the standard for excellence and leadership in long-term care. Your accomplishments inspire us, and we’re proud to be a part of your journey!


  • Danielle Brumbelow
  • Patrick Burke
  • Kriston Dankof
  • Stacie DeGoey
  • Angela Frohlich Phipps
  • Kenisha Gaut
  • Julie Gibson
  • Stephanie Harriman
  • Curtis Hernandez
  • Colleen Hollestelle
  • Shelly Jay
  • Lashon Lawrie
  • Bianca Neal
  • Abigail Schmidt
  • Kristen Shaffer
  • Naana Sifah
  • Shaunna Taylor
  • Tenisha Toney
  • Tracy Voth
  • Kayla Wilhelm
  • Lindsey Wood

 

If you are interested in signing up for KHCA’s AIT program you can find more information on our website: https://www.khca.org/ait-program/ or you can always reach out to Teresa at tkeating@khca.org

Upcoming Sunflower Health Plan Member Advisory Committee (MAC) Meeting


Sunflower Health Plan Member Advisory Committee (MAC) meeting invites Sunflower Health Plan members to share their thoughts, ask questions, and provide feedback on the services they deliver. This is a valuable chance for members to voice concerns, learn about Sunflower services, and help shape how they serve our community.


MAC meetings occur quarterly, and the next one is Wednesday, 9/24/25 at 9am via Zoom. This quarter, we will share information around Workforce Development and Tribal Health. Sunflower members also receive $10 on their My Health Pays reward card for attending. Sunflower members can register for our MAC meeting here:  https://www.sunflowerhealthplan.com/members/medicaid/resources/advisory-council.html

FDA clears first blood test to aid in Alzheimer’s diagnosis


Seniors experiencing memory problems and cognitive decline now have access to a new diagnostic blood test to detect Alzheimer’s disease. Labcorp this week unveiled the first Food and Drug Administration-cleared diagnostic tool to aid in the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, offering older adults a less invasive path to answers about their cognitive health. READ MORE

College saving plans will expand to cover LTC credentialing programs


Certified nurse aides and other direct care workers will soon be able to use money from private 529 savings plans to cover the costs of education, training and credentialing exams. READ MORE

Register for the 75th Annual Convention & Trade Show! 


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.

In Case You Missed It

Important Compliance and Regulatory Reminders


The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General recently released an audit report which reviewed compliance with background checks and abuse-registry requirements in skilled nursing facilities. READ MORE

CLIA Program Switching to Paperless by March 2026


CMS recently announced plans to improve the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program by switching to email notifications and electronic fee coupons, and CLIA certificates. READ MORE

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

Webinar: F609 - Reporting of Alleged Violations


9/9/25 - 1:30PM - 2:30PM


Click here for more details.

Annual Convention & Trade Show


9/16 - 9/15/25 Mulvane, KS


Click here for more details.

Webinar: Communication Practices


9/16/25 - 1:30PM - 2:30PM


Click here for more details.

Virtual Adult Care Home Operator Course


9/30 - 10/13/25


Click here for more details.


DON Boot Camp


SAVE THE DATES!


11/10/25 - 11/12/25

Olathe, KS

Administrator in Training (AIT) Program


Looking for an AIT Program? Click here for more details on KHCA's Program.



Questions? Email Teresa Keating at tkeating@khca.org

Kansas Health Care Association and the Kansas Center for Assisted Living
1100 SW Gage Blvd. | PO Box 4770 | Topeka, KS 66604
PH: 785-267-6003 FAX: 785-267-0833