Happy Holidays from the AHCA/NCAL Team!

Coalition Letters to Congress on the Medical Expense Deduction

AHCA/NCAL recently signed onto AARP driven House and Senate letters to members of Congress around the medical expense deduction. Specially, the letters urge support for the Medical Expense Savings Act (S. 110/H.R. 2073), which is bipartisan legislation that would make permanent the 7.5 percent threshold for the medical expense deduction. The letters also ask to support an extension of the 7.5 percent threshold in an end-of-year legislative package. Without action, 4.4 million Americans with high medical costs will face an unexpected tax increase when they file their returns in the coming months. For more than 75 years, Americans with high health care costs have been able to deduct medical expenses from their taxes. For the millions of Americans who annually take this deduction, it provides important tax relief which helps offset the costs of acute and chronic medical conditions. This includes costs associated with long-term care, assisted living, and nursing homes.

CMS Speaker confirmed for 2020 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit

The Opening Keynote Speaker for the 2020 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit has been confirmed. David Wright currently serves as the Director of the Quality, Safety & Oversight Group within the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).  Under Wright’s leadership, the Quality, Safety & Oversight Group provides oversight of national accrediting organizations, certifies providers and suppliers for Medicare reimbursement, and shares important quality of care information to the public through various CMS websites, including Quality Certification Oversight Reports, the Integrated Surveyor Training Website, and Nursing Home Compare.  Wright sees this Group’s work as a primary driver for improving health care quality in the United States, which can only be accomplished through meaningful collaboration with all who are impacted by its programs.

Don’t miss Wright’s session and more than a dozen additional education sessions at the 2020 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, March 9-11, 2020 in Texas.  Attendees can earn up to 11.5 CEs and will benefit from valuable networking opportunities with other professionals dedicated to quality in assisted living, long term, and post-acute care.  Reserve your spot before the holidays and register today. The housing deadline for this event is February 7, 2020.

New Training Offers Practical Strategies to Boost Employee Recruitment and Retention

AHCA/NCAL offers a new instructional webinar titled “Pioneering Solutions to the Workforce Crisis.”  This 45-minute webinar developed in collaboration with PHI delivers practical action steps and strategies assisted living and nursing facilities of all shapes and sizes can take to improve their employee and retention efforts. The webinar also covers ways to improve the hiring process and explains supportive supervision and coaching methods that positively impact employee retention. 

The webinar’s learning objectives include:

• Explain the key factors contributing to the workforce shortage
• Identify at least 3 strategies to improve employee recruitment
• Identify at least 3 strategies to improve employee retention
• Explain the impact of supportive supervision on retention
  

The instructor is Sue Misiorski who served as Vice President of Workforce Innovations for PHI and currently serves as the New England Regional Director of Operations for SageLife.  Starting as a CNA, she later held positions as a DON and VP of Nursing in multi-site skilled nursing homes in New England and has supported the construction of several assisted living and nursing facilities.
 
This webinar is part one to a more extensive on-line training for middle managers that will be released in the coming months.  While no CEUs are offered for this webinar, participants can receive a certificate of completion.  The cost of the course is $25 for AHCA/NCAL members and $60 for non-members. 

Follow this link to read more about this educational webinar and to register for the course:  https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/pioneering-solutions-to-the-workforce-crisis#tab-product_tab_overview.

To access ahcancalED and the Pioneering Solutions webinar, members will need to login with their AHCA/NCAL usernames and passwords.  For assistance obtaining AHCA/NCAL usernames and passwords, please e-mail update@ahca.org with your name and facility contact information.

Coming Soon…AHCA’s 2020 PDPM Academy

Now that the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) system is in effect for skilled nursing facilities, AHCA’s existing PDPM Academy resources will be archived at the end of December and no longer updated.

AHCA then will launch its new 2020 PDPM Academy that will provide new tools and resources to help AHCA members navigate challenges, incorporate changes and successfully operate under PDPM.  Resources available through 2020 PDPM Academy will include:

• Virtual in-depth training modules on PDPM best practices (including role-specific modules); 
• Monthly webinars;
• Additional tools and resources; and,
• AHCA’s analyses of CMS’s technical changes and updates to PDPM. 
  

To receive an email notification when enrollment for 2020 PDPM Academy opens, follow this link and enter your name, company name and email address.  Signing up for the early notification is fast and easy.

AHCA members who have questions now about PDPM can send an email to pdpm@ahca.org or call 202-842-4444 and ask to speak to a PDPM Resource Navigator.

‘Sharing Our Wisdom’ Announced as 2020 Theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week

AHCA recently announced “Sharing Our Wisdom” as the 2020 theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW), which will be held May 10-16.  The theme "Sharing Our Wisdom," will celebrate skilled nursing centers, and their residents and staff, by showcasing the insight, purpose, and wisdom to be learned from our seniors, those living with dementia, and people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Residents offer a unique perspective based on their life experiences, reminding us to be present, celebrate the small moments, and value connections.  NSNCW 2020 will focus on the collective wisdom that residents can offer and share.

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.

We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative

AHCA/NCAL began a new social media advocacy initiative earlier 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.

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.

Articles and Resources of Interest

• How’s your Quality Award application coming?
• Looking for a New Year Resolution That Pays: Have Cleary Energy Audit Your Utility Bills in 2020
• AHCA Has the Training New Staff Need to Understand ICD-10 Coding
• The Sources for Generating Electricity Are Changing
• 2020 Quality Summit Features Vital PDPM Sessions
• Plan to Attend the 2020 Independent Owner Leadership Conference
• NCAL/AALNA Caring Together Webinar - Dementia Care: Managing Wandering and the Risk of Elopement

Legislative and Agency Corner

• AHCA Issues Statement on Staffing Bill
• CMS Skilled Nursing Facilities/Long Term Care Open Door Forum
• CDC Releases FAQs about Enhanced Barrier Precautions and Multidrug-Resistant Organisms
• CMS Posts 2020 Annual Update to the Medicare Part B Therapy Code List
• Senate Aging Committee Releases Report on Falls Prevention and Holds Hearing on Strategies to Protect Seniors from Injury

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 2020 Events

• Quality Summit – March 9-11, 2019  
• Independent Owner’s Conference – March 11-13, 2019

2020 Health Care Observances

January 2020 marks, among other observances, National Glaucoma Awareness Month, National Volunteer Blood Donor Month, and National Activities Professional Week (January 19-25).  The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.

Happy Thanksgiving to You and Your Loved Ones from AHCA/NCAL!

New Population Health Management Summit for Long Term and Post-Acute Care Leaders

Join AHCA/NCAL and LTC/PAC providers, health plans, regulators, and investors for a two-day intensive on all the latest in population health management from December 9-10, 2019, at the InterContinental in Washington, D.C. 

• Discuss the ways in which PHM models are improving quality and outcomes while reducing costs
• Learn new strategies to expand and improve your leadership capabilities in PHM
• Network with peers and nontraditional partners
• Gain a deeper understanding of CMS’ view of provider-led PHM efforts

You’ll learn from expert speakers and each other at this unique event. With a focus on leadership, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of PHM strategies that can take your organization to the next level.  Find out more about the summit and register today.

‘Sharing Our Wisdom’ Announced as 2020 Theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week

AHCA recently announced “Sharing Our Wisdom” as the 2020 theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW), which will be held May 10-16.  The theme "Sharing Our Wisdom," will celebrate skilled nursing centers, and their residents and staff, by showcasing the insight, purpose, and wisdom to be learned from our seniors, those living with dementia, and people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Residents offer a unique perspective based on their life experiences, reminding us to be present, celebrate the small moments, and value connections.  NSNCW 2020 will focus on the collective wisdom that residents can offer and share.

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.

Senate Aging Committee Releases Report on Falls Prevention and Holds Hearing on Strategies to Protect Seniors from Injury

Last month, the U.S. Senate Aging Committee held a hearing titled, “Falls Prevention: National, State, and Local Level Solutions to Better Support Seniors.” At the hearing, the Committee unveiled a report that provides evidence-based recommendations on ways to reduce the risk of falling.  More specifically, the Aging Committee’s report made recommendations in four key areas that can be found here in the Committee’s press statement.  The press statement includes that “Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults that incur $50 billion annually in total medical costs.  That number is expected to double to $100 billion by 2030, and the majority of these costs are borne by Medicare and Medicaid.”  You can also read the full testimony of the witnesses and watch a recording of the hearing here.

AARP Report on Caregiving Released during National Family Caregivers Month

On November 14, AARP released Valuing the Invaluable 2019 Update: Charting a Path Forward, finding that 41 million family caregivers provided 34 billion hours of care worth $470 billion in 2017.  The report includes state data on the number of family caregivers, hours of care they provide, and the value of this unpaid care.  It also, among other things, highlights key trends in family caregiving and provides a series of family caregiving related policy recommendations.  You can access the full report, an infographic, and more at www.aarp.org/valuing. 

We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative

AHCA/NCAL began a new social media advocacy initiative earlier 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.

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.

Articles and Resources of Interest

• AHCA/NCAL Elects Board of Governors, Directors at Annual Convention in Orlando
• 71st AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo Call for Presentations 2020
• The LTC Career Center Sale Ends November 30
• 2020 is Just Around the Corner and so is the Launch of AHCA’s 2020 PDPM Academy
• Time’s Running Out to Get Recognized for Your Quality Efforts
• Participate in Research on Care and Resident Safety in AL
• Cybersecurity, Ransomware & Planning Resources
• It Pays to Have Cleary Energy Audit Your Utility Bills…and Keeps Paying

Legislative and Agency Corner

• AHCA Issues Statement Following House Ways and Means Committee Hearing
• CMS Posts 2020 Annual Update to the Medicare Part B Therapy Code List
• HICN Claims Reject
• CMS Update to SNF Billing Specific to Veterans Administration (Demo 31) Claims Under PDPM
• PDPM Status Updates - for AHCA SNF Members

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 and 2020 Events

• Population Health Management Summit in Washington, D.C. – December 9-10, 2019
• Quality Summit – March 9-11, 2019  
• Independent Owner’s Conference – March 11-13, 2019

2019 and 2020 Health Care Observances

December 2019 marks, among other observances, World AIDS Day (December 1^st), National Influenza Vaccination Week (December 1-7), and National Hand Washing Awareness Week (December 1-7).  The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.

New Population Health Management Summit for Long Term and Post-Acute Care Leaders

Join AHCA/NCAL and LTC/PAC providers, health plans, regulators, and investors for a two-day intensive on all the latest in population health management from December 9-10, 2019, at the InterContinental in Washington, D.C.

• Discuss the ways in which PHM models are improving quality and outcomes while reducing costs
• Learn new strategies to expand and improve your leadership capabilities in PHM
• Network with peers and nontraditional partners
• Gain a deeper understanding of CMS’ view of provider-led PHM efforts

You’ll learn from expert speakers and each other at this unique event. With a focus on leadership, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of PHM strategies that can take your organization to the next level.  Find out more about the summit and register today.

AHCA Has Your PDPM Education Solutions

The new payment system known as the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) took effect October 1 transforming the way skilled nursing facilities are reimbursed for Medicare Part A stays.  AHCA offers virtual training on PDPM and ICD-10 coding.
 
AHCA SNF members who did not attend an in-person PDPM Academy training hosted by an AHCA state affiliate earlier this year are encouraged to take AHCA’s Virtual PDPM Training.  Included with the virtual training is access to all materials on AHCA’s PDPM Academy. The PDPM Academy is where updates, tools, webinars and other supporting materials are housed. AHCA SNF members who attend the Virtual PDPM Training will also be able to join in free monthly PDPM Academy webinars hosted by AHCA. 

This training is available to AHCA SNF provider members only. The cost for the training – whether first time or repeated - is $350. The training has been approved for 8 NAB CE credits. 
Virtual ICD-10 Coding training is also available through AHCA and is equally important to PDPM success and bulk purchases are available.  There are two online trainings offered, including:

• AHCA/AHIMA ICD-10 Training for PDPM – Coder is an in-depth course designed for SNF billing staff, MDS staff, Nursing and Therapy staff, and Admissions and Discharge staff.  The course contains seven modules and comes with 16 CNEs for nurses and 16 AHIMA CEs upon successful completion.  The cost is $499 for AHCA members and $599 for non-members. AHCA/AHIMA ICD-10 Training for PDPM – Coder:    ahcancal.org/icd10pdpmcoder
• AHCA/AHIMA ICD-10 Training for PDPM – Non-Coder is a four-hour course developed for individuals who need to lead a successful PDPM transition and is intended for Administrators, DONs, and other management staff.  The course for non-coders comes with 4 CNEs for nurses, 4 AHHIMA CEs or 4.5 NAB approved CEs upon successful completion.  The cost is $199 for AHCA members and $249 for non-members. AHCA/AHIMA ICD-10 Training for PDPM – Non-Coder: ahcancal.org/icd10pdpmnoncoder

Members will need to login with their AHCA/NCAL usernames and passwords to register for any of these courses.  For assistance obtaining AHCA/NCAL usernames and passwords, please e-mail educate@ahca.org with your name and facility contact information. 

AHCA members can also access their facility's personal Top-Line PDPM report here. This report is a snapshot of previous coding practices for ICD-Coding on MDS assessments. Use this step-by-step guide to access your reports.

Key Facts on Nursing Assistants Employed in Nursing Homes

PHI released a report last month entitled, “U.S. Nursing Assistants Employed in Nursing Homes: Key Facts (2019)According to the PHI website, the research brief “provides the latest annual snapshot of U.S. nursing assistants employed in nursing homes, including key demographics and a variety of wage and employment trends.  This year’s research found that 581,000 nursing assistants support older people and people with disabilities in nursing homes.”  The brief also includes that “nursing homes will need to fill nearly 680,000 nursing assistant job openings between 2016 and 2026.” More key takeaways on nursing assistants can be found in the brief here

Tools To Prevent and Address Resident to Resident Mistreatment

AHCA/NCAL’s Survey/Regulatory Community has developed two new tools and a resource list to support assisted living communities and nursing centers prevent and address reported incidents of resident-to-resident mistreatment. The new member tools include a post-incident checklist and a provider self-assessment, as well as a compiled list of AHCA/NCAL resources. While mistreatment may or may not meet the definition of abuse, it would include negative and aggressive physical, sexual, or verbal interactions between long-term care residents that is unwelcome and has high potential to cause physical or psychological distress in the recipient.

Last year AHCA/NCAL published additional tools, also developed by the Survey/Regulatory committee, to support assisted living communities and nursing centers addressing adverse events. This new set of tools builds upon those resources. Members are encouraged to use and adapt these tools in a way that aligns with their unique culture, systems, and needs.

We thank the members of the Survey/Regulatory Committee for their hard work in developing these tools and hope you find them useful in improving organizations’ systems and responses to adverse events. Should you have any questions, please contact educate@ahca.org. 

We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative

AHCA/NCAL began a new social media advocacy initiative earlier 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. 

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.

Articles and Resources of Interest

• Providers Share #WhyICare at Convention
• The Compass MEC Health Plan Delivers the Benefits Employees Want with No Deductibles, Low Copays and Unlimited Free 24/7 access to TELADOC®
• Board Certified RNs Make a Positive Difference in SNF Performance
• Preventing the Spread of Novel or Targeted Multidrug-resistant Organisms (MDROs) in Nursing Homes through Enhanced Barrier Precautions
• Secure Your Umbrella License with the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation
• Delivering the Distinct Feeling of Fall with Mood Media
• Cultural Competence: What it Means for Person-Centered Thinking, Planning, & Practice
• Submit your AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Intent to Apply Early!

  
  

Legislative and Agency Corner

• CMS Confirms Exploring the Possibility of Eliminating MDS Section G Items from SNF 5-Day and OBRA Assessments beginning FY 2021
• CMS Confirms Error in PDPM SNF PPS Interrupted Stay MDS Coding Edit – Provides Work-Around Instructions Until a Software Fix is Released
• CMS Releases August 2019 SNF PDPM/MDS/QRP Provider Training YouTube Videos
• CMS Releases New Training Video Resources for Coding MDS Item GG0130A. Eating
• Updated List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) Database File
• Updates to the OMHA Case Processing Manual

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 Event

• Population Health Management Summit in Washington, D.C. – December 9-10, 2019

2019 Health Care Observances

November 2019 marks, among other observances, National Family Caregivers Month, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, American Diabetes Month (ADM) and National Hospice and Palliative Care Month.  The 2019 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here. 

AHCA/NCAL Convention: Advance Registration Ends Tomorrow

The AHCA/NCAL Convention takes place next month in Orlando, FL. If you have not yet registered, now is the time.  Register today and save.

Bring your squad of long term and post-acute superheroes, and join us for four days of learning and networking that will prepare you for the challenges of the coming year. Choose from over 70 education sessions that focus on PDPM, Requirements of Participation, workforce solutions, clinical care practices, quality improvement, and more. Get answers to your key questions, and walk away with new strategies that will help you improve quality and put better practices into place.

You’ll also have the opportunity to meet with more than 300 vendors in the Expo Hall, see new products and solutions, and share ideas and experiences with others in the industry.  It’s an event not to be missed. Register by September 27th to take advantage of the Advance Registration savings. 

Visit ahcaconvention.org for more details and a complete schedule of events.

AHCA Announces 2019 Award Recipients

The American Health Care Association (AHCA) announced the recipients for the 2019 AHCA Awards program today. Each year, AHCA recognizes the men and women who selflessly care for individuals in long term and post-acute care centers, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) residences. These honorees demonstrate selflessness, compassion, and strive to enhance the lives of seniors and individuals with disabilities in their communities.
The 2019 AHCA Awards recipients are:

• Hero of the Year- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Barbara Smith, Valley Village, Winnetka, California
• Not for Profit Program of the Year: Good Samaritan Society- Ambassador, New Hope, Minnesota
• Not for Profit Trustee Award: Dave Gessel, Mission Health Services, West Valley City, Utah
• Adult Volunteer of the Year: Richard Cole, LACOBA Homes, Inc., Monett, Missouri
• Group Volunteer of the Year: Friends of Good Samaritan Society- Scotland, Good Samaritan Society- Scotland, Scotland, South Dakota
• Young Adult Volunteer of the Year: Railey Connor, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation, Crestview, Florida
  

The Hero of the Year award recognizes an individual who works or volunteers in an ICF/IID facility or HCBS Waiver Homes and has shown commitment and dedication to serving people with ID/DD.
The Not for Profit Program of the Year award highlights a specific program that adds value to the care of individuals within a community.

The Not for Profit Trustee award honors a not for profit trustee committed to faithfully carrying out functions of the board and dedicated to improving the lives of frail and vulnerable individuals.
The Volunteer of the Year program seeks to honor a young adult (under 19), an adult, and a group organization that have served in a volunteer capacity for more than one year and have made a positive contribution to residents and staff of a care center.

Award recipients will be honored at the AHCA/NCAL 70th Convention​ in Orlando on October 16, 2019.

Not for Profit Provider Education Offered at the AHCA/NCAL Convention

On Tuesday, October 15, during the 70th AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, special programming for Not for Profit providers include sessions focused on leadership and accountability, workforce challenges, and survey and certification issues.  You'll also have great opportunities for networking and sharing ideas and experiences.  The Not for Profit Reception caps off the day from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm and is an excellent opportunity to network and catch up with other providers from around the country. It is just one of many special events taking place over the four-day convention in October.  More information can be found here.