We Need You for Our New Social Media Initiative

AHCA/NCAL is beginning a new social media advocacy initiative this year and is encouraging all members to get involved.  The effort focuses on improving the overall image of the post-acute and long term care profession by sharing positive stories and pushing back on pieces that attempt to tie all providers to isolated negative events.

AHCA/NCAL will be sending interested members tips for getting more involved on social media, best practices for posting content, sample posts, and a roundup of positive stories about the profession on a regular basis. Individuals who want to get involved should email socialmedia@ahca.org to get on the mailing list. AHCA/NCAL is encouraging all members to get involved.

The campaign also will include a rapid response to stories that are unfairly negative about the profession or do not accurately portray the reality of post-acute and long term care.  AHCA/NCAL hopes to build on these successes as the year continues. With thousands of buildings nationwide who touch the lives of millions of people, there is the chance to seriously affect the way the profession is viewed and treated by lawmakers and the media.



CMS Issues New PDPM Related MDS Draft Data Specifications Effective October 1, 2019

On February 5, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) posted on their MDS 3.0 Technical Information Webpage a new draft version (V3.00.0) of the MDS 3.0 Data Specifications.  This version is scheduled to become effective October 1, 2019.  These specifications are used for software developers and vendors to update SNF PPS grouper, MDS, electronic health record, and billing systems to align with annual updates to the MDS-RAI (yet to be issued) and SNF PPS billing requirements. 

Note that there are many significant changes, to align with the transition to the new Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) from the Resource Utilization Groups, Version 4 (RUG-IV) to the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM).  These changes include the removal of eight RUG-IV assessment item sets (NS, NSD, NO, NOD, SS, SSD, SO, SOD), the addition of two new PDPM assessment item sets (IPA – Interim Payment Assessment and OSA – Optional State Assessment), and item additions in Sections A, GG, I, J, O and Z. See this link for the draft MDS 3.0 Item Sets v1.17 for October 1, 2019) that were issued on January 3.  The MDS draft data specifications also accommodate the utilization of the PDPM grouper (not issued yet), which also begins on October 1, 2019.

In addition, a new version (V1.04.0) of the MDS 3.0 CAT Specifications was posted.  This version is also scheduled to become effective October 1, 2019.  The specification for CAT 12 (Nutritional Status) has been updated in accordance with the changes in V3.00.0 of the MDS 3.0 Data Specifications.

Congressman Horsford to Speak at AHCA/NCAL’s ID/DD Hill Fly-in Event Next Month!

AHCA/NCAL’s Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) Residential Services Providers will be in Washington, D.C., for AHCA/NCAL’s annual Hill Fly-In event on Wednesday, March 6, 2019. Participants will hear from Congressional speakers and others, including Congressman Steven Horsford of Nevada.  The event runs from 8 am – 10:15 am ET.  After the morning event is over, the ID/DD providers will head to Capitol Hill to discuss critical issues, including Medicaid.  If you have any questions relating to this event or would like to attend (it is free to attend, and breakfast and lunch are provided), please don’t hesitate to contact AHCA’s Senior Director of Not for Profit & Constituent Services, Dana Halvorson.

‘Live Soulfully’ Announced as 2019 Theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) recently announced “Live Soulfully” as the 2019 theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW), which will be held May 12-18.  The theme “Live Soulfully” will celebrate skilled nursing centers, and their residents and staff, by showcasing how they achieve happy minds and healthy souls.  Whether it’s planting, cooking, reading or listening to music, these centers pay it forward by helping individuals find happiness to improve quality of life.  Centers will be encouraged to participate by hosting activities that display how they “Live Soulfully” and share their stories and experiences on social media. 

“Each and every person in our profession makes an impact on the lives of our residents,” said AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson. “National Skilled Nursing Care Week celebrates our centers and caregivers for their tireless everyday work caring for others.”

Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967, NSNCW, formerly known as National Nursing Home Week, recognizes the essential role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America’s frail, elderly, and disabled.  Skilled nursing care centers and members of the public can download NSNCW promotional materials at www.ahcancal.org/NSNCW and are encouraged to share activities, ideas, and experiences for the observance on social media using the hashtag, #NSNCW.  AHCA will issue a planning guide and product catalog in late February.  For more information on National Skilled Nursing Care Week, visit www.ahcancal.org/NSNCW​.

Articles and Resources of Interest

• We Want Your Feedback About LTC Trend Tracker – longtermcareleader.com
• Independent Owner Leadership Conference Takes Place Next Month – longtermcareleader.com
• Long Term Care and the Law Conference February 27-March 1, 2019 – longtermcareleader.com
• Participate in the Behavioral Health Salary & Benefits Study – longtermcareleader.com
• Avoid the #1 Survey Citation Now & Be Ready for the Phase III Infection Prevention Requirements This November – longtermcareleader.com
• Take Advantage of Your “AHCA/NCAL Member Only” Discounts on FedEx Express® Services through PartnerShip® – longtermcareleader.com
• Take Advantage of Your Exclusive AHCA Member Benefits – longtermcareleader.com

Legislative and Agency Corner

• CMS Emergency Preparedness Update – longtermcareleader.com
• CMS Final Rule Adjusting CMPs for Inflation – longtermcareleader.com
• OSHA Finalizes Rule Eliminating Some Reporting Requirements for Large Employers – longtermcareleader.com
• Nursing Home Compare Quarterly Refresh with SNF QRP Data Now Available – longtermcareleader.com

National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities

The National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD) holds a monthly call or webinar concerning topics of interest to those who work in the field of aging and disability.  One of the past calls focused on resources for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their caregivers.  Information about future calls, and audio recording of previous ones, can be found here.

Upcoming 2019 Events

• Long Term Care and the Law Conference – February 27 – March 1, 2019
• AHCA’s ID/DD Hill Fly-In Event – March 6, 2019 (contact dhalvorson@ahca.org for further info)
• AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit (Tampa, FL) – March 18 – 20, 2019
• AHCA/NCAL Independent Owner Leadership Conference 2019 (Tampa, FL) – March 20 – 22, 2019    
• AHCA/NCAL 70th Annual Convention & Expo – October 13-16, 2019

2019 Health Care Observances

March 2019 marks, among other observances, National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month, Brain Injury Awareness Month, National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month, and National Nutrition Month.  The 2019 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.