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. |
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As a reminder, the renewal deadline for your KHCA/KCAL membership is March 31st. We strive to give you a highly-valued return on your dues investment, and we look forward to serving you in the year ahead.
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A Message from the President & CEO Linda MowBray: Our Kansas Commitment
Week eleven has come to a close and first adjournment (scheduled for April 5, 2024) or “Drop Dead Day” is right around the corner.
The agency budget bills have passed both chambers and are now headed to a conference committee.
As a reminder, the House approved a full rebase and $19.58 per Medicaid day add-on for a total budget of 945.3 million with new money being 52 million all funds of which 20.9 million are State General Funds (SGF). Also included is an increase to the HCBS rate.
The Senate version provides for a total budget of 913.6 million with new money being 20.3 million all funds of which 8.1 million are SGF.
The conference committee will hammer out the differences, but we are in a great position for no less than $10.00 per day for a Medicaid add on.
We met with KDADS Tuesday March 19, 2024, for a preliminary look at the July 1, 2024, nursing home rates. Click here to see the current and two possible future models based on the legislative add on. The individual facility rates will be available April 4, 2024.
Should you have questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me. As always, I am grateful for the opportunity to serve you.
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KHCA/KCAL wants to remind members that the renewal deadline for your KHCA/KCAL membership is March 31. From legislative outcomes to quality improvement initiatives, our team is working to help you strengthen your operations with advocacy, expert guidance, survey and regulatory support, education and so much more. We strive to give you a high valued return on your dues investment, and we look forward to your renewal so we can continue serving you in the year ahead. For questions about your membership, please contact kplantz@khca.org or jsumner@khca.org. |
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Top US health official takes more heat over nursing home staffing standards
For the second time in a week, Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra faced a grilling on Capitol Hill over federal regulators’ plans to impose a nurse staffing minimum on all US nursing homes.
Becerra testified Wednesday before the House Ways and Means Committee, which in late February agreed to advance legislation designed to block the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from imposing such a rule. As with that vote, the reception of Becerra and his defense of the proposed standards split along party lines. READ MORE
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CMS Implements Enhanced Barrier Precautions Effective April 1, 2024
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued QSO-24-08-NH yesterday regarding the implementation of enhanced barrier precautions (EBPs) in nursing homes to prevent the spread of multi-drug resistant organisms. While EBPs were introduced by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2019, they were not included in guidance for State Survey Agencies. This memo issues formal guidance under F880 Infection Prevention and Control to SSAs and long term care facilities on the use of EBP, aligning with the existing national standards effective April 1. READ MORE
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AHCA/NCAL CEO Mark Parkinson Recognized With Career Achievement Award
McKnight’s Long-Term Care News (3/22, Marselas) reports American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living President and CEO Mark Parkinson won this year’s Career Achievement Award at the latest McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards on Thursday. McKnight’s says, "After 13 years at the helm of the nation’s largest nursing home advocacy organization, Parkinson in February announced he will retire early next year. Accompanying him at the Pinnacle Awards were fellow 2024 honoree and AHCA/NCAL Senior Vice President of Government Relations Clif Porter and several staff members who made the trip from Washington, DC."
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Upcoming Change to NHSN Up to Date Definition for LTC COVID-19 Vaccine Reporting
The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) is changing the definition of "up to date" for COVID-19 vaccine reporting in long term care (LTC) beginning Quarter 2 of 2024 (week of April 1, 2024). This change, which reflects the latest guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to ensure the most effective vaccine protection for individuals, especially those aged 65 years and older.
Key Points
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The ACIP and CDC provided new recommendations of COVID-19 vaccines for individuals aged 65 years and older.
- Those 65 and older are now considered up to date when they have received 2 doses of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine, or 1 dose of the updated vaccine in the past 4 months.
- For individuals under 65 years, there is no change; they are up to date with 1 dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine since its approval in September 2023.
- The updated definition applies to both the NHSN Weekly HCP and Resident Vaccination Forms.
- These changes will be implemented at the beginning of Quarter 2 of 2024 (week of April 1, 2024).
Data Reporting in Quarter 2 of 2024
- Residents and health care personnel aged 65 and older should ONLY be counted as up to date after receiving a second dose of the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine or if they have received 1 dose in the past 4 months.
- Avoid over-reporting: Residents aged 65 and older who have received only 1 dose of the 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine more than 4 months ago should NOT be counted as up to date.
Continue to count residents and health care personnel under 65 as up to date with 1 dose of the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine. READ MORE
Upcoming Training Webinars
The NHSN Vaccination team will host two webinars to detail these changes to the surveillance definition of being up to date with COVID-19 vaccines. Both webinars cover the same information. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the webinar.
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Hosted by NHSN
Tuesday, April 2, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. CT
Hosted by NHSN
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Register and Get Inspired at the National Quality Summit
Explore innovative strategies and get inspired at the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, May 20-22, 2024. Discover the keys to transformative leadership and performance excellence. Register today!
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Shape the Future: Register for Congressional Briefing 🏛 🏛
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
Washington, DC| June 3-4, 2024
Together We Have the Power to Make a Difference!
Experience the power of advocacy firsthand at Congressional Briefing in Washington, DC. Meet personally with your elected Representatives in Congress and learn to effectively engage with policymakers. With AHCA/NCAL's guidance, you will gain the skills to advocate for critical issues facing the long term care industry and make your voice heard where it matters most.
In addition to learning about the latest legislative and policy developments, you will also have the opportunity to network with colleagues, hear from renowned speakers, and earn Continuing Education credits.
Register now and join us in Washington, DC in June for this dynamic two-day event.
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Webinar: Deconstructing Immediate Jeopardy Mitigation: Navigating Top Risk Areas: Reducing Risks Related to Quality of Care
4/9/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM
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Leadership for Charge Nurses
4/16/24 - 9:30AM-3:15PM - Salina, KS
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Webinar: Documentation in Depth: Supportive Documentation for Elopement Risk and Incidents
4/16/24 - 1:30PM-2:30PM
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Webinar: Caring for a New Generation in Assisted Living
4/17/24 - 1:00PM-2:00PM
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Assisted Living Conference
4/19/24 - 8:00AM-4:00PM - Lawrence, KS
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Administrator in Training (AIT) Program
Looking for an AIT Program? Click here for more details on KHCA's Program.
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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
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