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.