December 2022
December 2022
December 29, 2022
- Major study links nursing home staff vaccinations to lower resident deaths, calls for updated booster guidance
December 28, 2022
- A Special Holiday Message from LaShuan Bethea
- Travel Nurses Across US Pushing Back Against Pay Cuts
- Influenza Vaccination Data Reporting
- Flu Decreasing In Many Parts Of US, CDC Says
December 27, 2022
- Governor Kelly Announces Kansas State Fire Marshal Doug Jorgensen to Retire
- A Message from the President & CEO Mark Parkinson: CONGRESS PASSES 2023 BUDGET, SNFs Left Alone; Wind Down of Enhanced FMAP to States
December 22, 2022
- A Publication from the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal: The Trumpet
- U.S. releases Tamiflu doses from national stockpile as demand surges
- 2022 Survey Trends to Guide 2023 Survey Success
December 21, 2022
- Why Residents Should Get the Bivalent Booster
- Commentary Presents Wish List, Resolution Ideas For LTC Stakeholders Including AHCA
December 20, 2022
- A Message from the President & CEO Mark Parkinson: A Slow Recovery in 2022; Providers and State Associations Shine
- CDC: More nursing homes now can obtain, provide single-dose COVID vaccines
December 19, 2022
- White House Releases Winter Playbook for LTC
- White House declares nursing home staff can now help with booster shots
- SAVE THE DATE: National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call on Thursday January 5, 2023 at 2pm Central Time
- KMAP Web Updates
December 16, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Payroll Based Journal Reports
- Entering the Winter Season, How Many Nursing Facility Residents and Staff are Up to Date with Their COVID-19 Vaccines?
- White House reveals winter COVID-19 plans, more free tests
- Biden Administration Announces Winter Preparedness Plan
December 15, 2022
- Updated recommendations regarding the management of persons with influenza
- Nursing Homes Look To Boost COVID-19 Vaccination Uptake Among Residents, Staff As Cases And Hospitalizations Rise
- Operating pressures, clinical add-ons bringing more small providers to value-based models
December 14, 2022
- HRSA Begins Provider Relief Fund Repayment Notification
- Biden Administration Weighing Federal Minimum Staffing Mandate For Nursing Homes
- Provider lobbyists and lawmakers speed up pleas for help with physician fee cuts
- Hit these 3 targets to avoid respiratory outbreaks, U.S. COVID czar tells nursing homes
December 13, 2022
- Webinar Recording Now Available: Preparing for Respiratory Viruses featuring Dr. Ashish Jha
- Skilled Nursing Care Centers: Join the Long Term Care Data Cooperative Today
- “We Can Do This” COVID-19 Public Education Campaign
- OSHA Finalizes Draft Of New COVID-19 Permanent Standard For Health Care Workers
- Attention to those involved in the CARE Process
December 12, 2022
- Census and ability to admit new residents
- A Reminder Message from the Office of the State Fire Marshal: Fire Watch
- AHCA Announces “Cultivating Kindness” Theme For National Skilled Nursing Care Week 2023
- House Subcommittee Releases Final Report On Coronavirus Crisis
- AHCA CEO: Value-Based Care ‘Most Exciting’ Development of His 30-Year Skilled Nursing Career
- Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, December 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM
December 9, 2022
- CDC Vaccine Webinar: Clinical Guidance and Patient Education for Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Attention to those involved in the CARE Process
December 8, 2022
- Expert Offers Suggestions To Reduce Risk Of Tech-Induced Minimum Data Set Errors
- REMINDER! HCBS Final Settings Rule Public Comments Notification – Nov. 29 – Dec. 29, 2022
December 7, 2022
- CMS Releases Managed Care Prior Authorization Proposed Regulation
- Complete AHCA/NCAL’s State of the Industry Survey
- AHCA/NCAL’s Mark Parkinson Included In The Hill’s 2022 List Of Top Lobbyists
- Healthcare worker vaccination mandate could end after a military vax withdrawal
- Free Webinar: Preparing for Respiratory Viruses featuring Dr. Ashish Jha
December 6, 2022
- A Special Message from Pam Truscott, NCAL Director of Quality Improvement
December 5, 2022
- CMS Hosts SNF/LTC Open Door Forum on December 8
- AHCA, Other Organizations Ask Congress To Prevent PAYGO Sequester From Taking Effect
December 2, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- NCAL Regulatory Resource Center To Provide Key Hub For Providers, State Affiliates, Executive Says
December 1, 2022
- Biden Nursing Home Agenda Progresses as Industry Prepares for 2023
NCAL Urges Lawmakers To Back Measure Expanding Veterans’ Access To Assisted Living
Tips for Successful IDR/IIDR
Congress may give providers 2-year relief on CMS physician fee cuts
A Publication from the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal: The Trumpet
November 2022
November 2022
November 30, 2022
- HCBS Final Settings Rule Public Comments Notification – Nov. 29 – Dec. 29, 2022
- NSHN Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for LTC Facilities
- Where is your McKnight’s email?
November 29, 2022
- Your Association’s Advocacy at Work
- NCAL Executive Director Discusses Importance Of Mentorship, Future Of Long-Term Care Industry
November 28, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- TOMORROW! NHSN Refresher Webinar
- Rise in Acuity, Regulatory Changes Create Complicated Risk Environment For Nursing Home Providers
- Nursing Home Industry Applauds Biden Administration’s Efforts To Increase Uptake Of Updated COVID-19 Boosters
November 23, 2022
- White House announces big nursing home COVID-19 vaccination push and providers push back
- New CMS guidance nudges nursing homes to offer COVID shots, timely treatments
- COVID-19 Rapid Response Staffing Support
November 22, 2022
- Biden Administration Announces Campaign to Improve COVID-19 Bivalent Booster Uptake
- CARE Upload Tool Information
- KDHE has Point of Care COVID Tests Available to you
- Ramp Down Plan for Battelle Midwest Coordination Center testing in LTCF
- NHSN Refresher Webinar
- AHCA/NCAL Changing How LTC Sector Shares, Gathers Data Through Long Term Care Data Cooperative
November 21, 2022
- AHCA’s New PDPM Module On Long Term Care TrendTracker Platform Discussed
- In major win for insurer, court rules Genesis must absorb costs of multiple COVID suits
- KMAP Web Update
November 18, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Telehealth Visits for Kansans with a Positive COVID-19 Test and COVID Tests Available to you
- 22 states petition CMS to repeal COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers
- Remaining ‘High and Unchanged’ For A Decade, OIG Report Slams Nursing Home Psychotropic Use
November 17, 2022
- CMS Posts Additional Medicare Program Integrity Manual Updates
- Parkinson Discusses AHCA’s Efforts To Improve Seniors’ Lives
- November Reflections & Survey Findings
November 16, 2022
- Biden Administration Plans To Implement Minimum Staffing Requirement For Nursing Homes
- Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, November 18, 2022 at 10:00 AM
November 15, 2022
- CMS Posts Medicare Program Integrity Manual Updates – Changes Affect SNF Enrollment, CHOWs, and Reenrollment Beginning January 2023
- What the Eventual End of the Public Health Emergency Will Mean For Nursing Home Operators
- SNFs Must Stop Underutilizing DNSs In Order To Thrive In Value-Based Care
- Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, November 18, 2022 at 10:00 AM
November 14, 2022
- State lawmakers consider cutting CNA training hours, hiking Medicaid pay to address staffing woes
- White House to extend PHE designation through April, reports say
- AHCA/NCAL Executive Discusses Importance Of Adopting Population Health Approaches For LTC Providers
- November Reflections & Survey Findings
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- CARE/PASRR Office Hours with KDADS Staff
November 11, 2022
- Reminder: SNF QRP Submission Deadline is November 15
November 10, 2022
- The latest Your Top-Line publication for skilled nursing centers are now available!
- Providers ‘on notice’ as CMS pressures states to shift Medicaid pay metrics
- NCAL’s 2022 Assisted Living State Regulatory Review Released
November 9, 2022
- As bivalent booster uptake lags, health officials urge seniors to get vaccinated
- Expert Discusses How Care Providers Can Reduce Fall Risk In Their Communities
- REMINDER! INTENT TO APPLY IS DUE NEXT WEEK!
November 8, 2022
- Reducing Respiratory Viral Infections this Winter
November 7, 2022
- HCS AL Study Deadline Extended
- Operators Working To Provide Affordable Assisted Living Care Amid Shifting Demographics
- CDC’s opioid prescribing update recognizes seniors, people with dementia
November 4, 2022
- 2022 Francy Keearns Wall of Honor Recipient
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- From Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Providers warned about preparing for new HIPAA Regs
- Semmelweis Times, a newsletter from the KDHE HAI/AR Section
November 3, 2022
- iQIES Provider Security Officials Onboarding for MDS
- Hotline Intake Information for the Month of October
- KMAP Web Updates
- Evergreen Living Request for Proposal
November 2, 2022
- AHCA/NCAL Requests Extension of Public Health Emergency
- Long-Term Care Facilities Across US Working To Develop More Certified Nursing Assistants
- CMS Leader Says Providers Can Expect Greater Nursing Home Transparency
November 1, 2022
- Nurse-impersonator case underlines dangers of background check lapses
- Study Suggests 1 In 10 US Adults Over 65 Has Dementia
- KMAP Web Updates
- Biden’s Call For Marijuana Reform Could Be Turning Point for Skilled Nursing Facilities
October 2022
October 2022
October 31, 2022
- Reminder! CMS Requiring iQIES Account Registration for MDS Submission Process for 2023
October 28, 2022
- INTENT TO APPLY
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- CMS Daily Digest Bulletin
October 27, 2022
- CMS Releases Memos on Fire Safety Evaluation System and Revised COVID-19 Staff Vaccination Requirements
- ARAP Email that went out 10/26/22
- Maintenance Impacting AHCA/NCAL Member Logins
October 26, 2022
- Focus F-Tag Update: Updated CMS Resources
- Focus on diagnostic stewardship to reduce unnecessary antibiotics, study finds
October 25, 2022
- NOW AVAILABLE! The Long Term Care Survey manual, Phase 3!
- Elder Justice Act, SNF Resident Rights & AL Resident Rights Posters
October 24, 2022
- Biden Administration Announces New Regulations For Low-Performing Nursing Homes
- CMS Daily Digest Bulletin
- Abuse, drug citations likely to jump with new nursing home rules live
October 21, 2022
- CMS Releases Revisions to the Special Focus Facility Program
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Nursing Scholarship Application
October 20, 2022
- UPDATED Focus F-Tag of the Week: §483.10-Resident Rights
- Novavax Monovalent COVID-19 Booster Approved
- Biden Administration Urging Health Care Providers To Prepare For End Of COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
October 19, 2022
- Focus F-Tag of the Week: §483.95-Training Requirements
- What Nursing Homes Should Consider As CMS’s Requirements of Participation Deadline Nears
- Attention those involved in the CARE/PASSAR process
October 18, 2022
- Joint Provider Surveyor Training – Topeka & Wichita
- Final Rule Stakeholder Call – Notice
October 17, 2022
- Polly Berkley elected to Secretary of the National Long-Term Care Meeting Professionals
- CARE/PASSAR office hours with KDADS Staff
- ‘We will not go back’ to early pandemic restriction, CMS leader says
- CMS Daily Digest Bulletin
- Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, October 21, 2022 at 10:00 AM
- Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, October 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM
October 14, 2022
- HHS Extends Public Health Emergency Through January 12
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- House Introduces Bill That Would Add New Public Health Emergency Requirements For Long-Term Care Facilities
October 13, 2022
- KHCA/KCAL Staff and Board Members at AHCA/NCAL Convention in Nashville
October 12, 2022
- Focus F-Tag of the Week: §483.60-Food and Nutrition Services
- Nursing Home Workforce, Medicare Advantage, Therapy Pay in Focus on Capitol Hill
- Bivalent COVID-19 Booster Approval for children ages 5 to 11 years of age
October 11, 2022
- Are you on KDADS’ List?
- AHCA/NCAL President Says Long-Term Care Is Going To Survive Pandemic
- White House: COVID treatments should be part of ‘routine’ clinical care at nursing homes
October 10, 2022
- Do you follow us on social media?
October 7, 2022
- CMS Pulls Back Memo Restricting Use of COVID Tests
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Meet KIERA
October 6, 2022
- LTSS Commissioner Announcement – Kansas Department for Aging and Disabilities Services
- The Trumpet – A publication from the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal
- Grants For Nursing Expansion Grant Program
October 5, 2022
- Focus F-Tag of the Week: §483.95 – Training Requirements
October 4, 2022
- ARE YOU ON THIS LIST? KDADS IS LOOKING FOR YOU!
- National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call on Thursday, October 6, 2022
- Campaign Update Call with Laura Kelly & Derek Schmidt – Hosted by KHCA/KCAL Lobbyist Federico // Duerst Consulting Group
- Updated Contact Person at KDADS for CARE team
October 3, 2022
- Recording of Webinar: CDC & CMS COVID-19 Guidance Changes
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Hurricane Ian Relief Fund
September 2022
September 2022
September 30, 2022
- ‘Powerful Data’ Could Inform CMS’ Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards
September 29, 2022
- New CDC Guidance for Health Care Facilities
- Focus F-Tag of the Week – §483.12- Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
- CMS Rescinds Enforcement Discretion for POC Antigen Tests Not FDA Approved for Asymptomatic Use
September 28, 2022
- Convention has officially kicked off!
- On the menu: New CMS food service manager rules kick in October 1
- During AHCA-NCAL Webinar, Dr. Deborah Birx Discusses Impact Of COVID-19, Other Infectious Diseases On Long-Term Care Facilities
September 27, 2022
- Webinar: CDC & CMS COVID-19 Guidance Changes
- Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services CMS Daily Digest Bulletin
- Provider Relief Fund Reporting Period 3 Due This Friday
September 26, 2022
- CMS Updates Testing and Visitation Guidance, Aligning with Latest CDC Guidance
September 26, 2022
- CDC Releases Updates to COVID-19 Infection Prevention and Control Guidance
September 23, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- KDHE/DHCF Trainings – First week of October In-Person transition to Virtual
September 22, 2022
- SAM.gov tips
- Provider Relief Fund Reporting Period 3 Due September 30
- House report attacks, nursing homes fight back over allegations of deficient staffing, care and safe practices as pandemic hit
- Proposed Legislation To Require Nursing Homes To Publicly Report Medical Director Information
- F686 Pressure Ulcers—Where Facilities Go Wrong
September 21, 2022
- Focus F-Tag of the Week – §483.21(b)(3)- Comprehensive Care Plans
- Information from AHCA on Pending MDS Section G and Other Changes to OBRA Assessments and Impact on Medicaid Case-Mix States Beginning October 1, 2023
- KDHE/DHCF Fall 2022 – Additional Course Added to Medicaid Training Opportunities
September 20, 2022
- House Subcommittee Hearing To Address Impact Of COVID-19 On Nursing Homes, Discuss Reforms
- VOTE NOW! AHCA/NCAL’s Mark Parkinson a Finalist for Modern Healthcare’s Most Influential People
September 19, 2022
- AHCA/NCAL Launches New Education Program To Boost Trust Between Leaders, Staff In Long-Term Care Facilities
September 16, 2022
- CMS Call on Emergency Preparedness on September 27
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- KDHE Webinar follow-up: New Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities
- Nursing homes would report medical director data to CMS under new bill
September 15, 2022
- AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is Open September 15 – November 15
- Clarification on CMS Expectations of QIOs
- New nursing home staffing headache? CMS and GAO agree new requirements needed for infection preventionists
- HHS Region 7 Virtual Office Hours
September 14, 2022
- Our Website is getting a new look!
- Focus F-Tag of the Week: §483.25-Quality of Care
- VOTE NOW! AHCA/NCAL’s Mark Parkinson a Finalist for Modern Healthcare’s Most Influential People
September 13, 2022
- Reminder: CMS Requiring iQIES Account Registration for MDS Submission Process for 2023
- Excerpts from the KDHE Meeting with Associations and Advocacy Groups
- Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, September 16, 2022 at 10:00 AM
- Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, September 16, 2022 at 11:00 AM
September 12, 2022
- National Assisted Living Week
September 9, 2022
- Answers to a few questions on filing for the Nursing Facility ARPA funds (the 15 million dollars)
- Nursing Facilities and Debt Collection Practices
- Final Rule Update
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar: Check out these common questions from Surveyors
- Elder Justice Act, SNF Resident Rights & AL Resident Rights Posters
- KDHE/DHCF Fall 2022 Medicaid Training Opportunities
- KMAP Web Updates
September 8, 2022
- CMS Call on Emergency Preparedness on September 13
- White House Foresees COVID Boosters as an Annual Shot, Plans Nursing Home Outreach
- Focus F-Tag of the Week: §483.40-Behavioral Health Services
- CMS Drops ‘Enormous’ MDS Changes in Surprise Move
- Providers Anticipate Receiving New COVID Boosters in Days, Following CDC Panel’s Approval
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Booster Approved
- 2023 Education Survey
- Monovalent mRNA COVID-19 vaccines are NO LONGER authorized for use as boosters in people ages 12 years and older
- CMS Daily Digest Bulletin
- HCBS Final Rule Transition Guidance Session PowerPoint
August 2022
August 2022
- Update on NF 15 Million-Dollar ARPA Dollars
- Focus F-Tag of the Week – §483.70-Administration
August 30, 2022
- CMS Requiring iQIES Account Registration for MDS Submission Process for 2023
- QSO Memo 22-15-NH & NLTC & LSC
- Register for KDHE Webinar: New Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) Guidance for Long-Term Care Facilities
- COVID-19 Bivalent Vaccine Booster Approval
- KHCA/KCAL Convention Kick Off and Opening Keynote Presented by Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of AHCA/NCAL
- CMS Bulletin Presses States on Medicaid Nursing Home Spending
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Operating Expenses Surpass Staffing Obstacles As Operators’ Most Pressing Concern, Survey Reveals
- Nursing Home Stakeholder Call on August 29
ACIP Recommendations for 2022-2023 Season
- Retention 911: Reviving, Inspiring, Engaging, Retaining!
- Focus F-Tag of the Week: §483.80-Infection Control
- OIG to Audit Nursing Homes’ use of Related Parties
- Feds’ Antipsychotics Program Fails to Reduce Prescriptions in Assisted Living
- KDHE Follows CDC Recommendations for Primary Series of Novavax COVID- 19 Vaccine in Adolescents Ages 12-17 Years
- CMS bulletin presses states on Medicaid nursing home spending
- Parkinson Says Proposed Minimum Staffing Levels Could Work Under Certain Conditions
- Parkinson Predicts Nursing Home Census Recovery May Exceed Pre-Pandemic Levels In 2024
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- TOMORROW! Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, August 19, 2022 at 11:00 AM
- Registration is open for the Annual Convention & Trade Show!
- Focus F-Tag of the Week – §483.30 – Physician Services and §483.35 Nursing Services
- KMAP Web Updates
- Kansas State Board of Nursing Newsletter
- Update on NF 15 Million-Dollar ARPA Dollars
- Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, August 19, 2022 at 11:00 AM
- CDC Eases COVID-19 Guidance, But New Recommendations For Nursing Homes Yet To Come
- Reminder: SNF QRP Submission Deadline is August 15
- A Message from the AHCA/NCAL President & CEO Mark Parkinson: Advancing CDC Guidance Reliefs
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- CMS Contractors To Begin Staging Facility Visits To Help Establish Federal Minimum Staffing Levels
- Assisted Living Communities To Receive Free COVID-19 Testing Through Expanded CDC Program
- Reminder: SNF QRP Submission Deadline is August 15
- Unpacking the RoP Interpretive Guidance: LTC Implementation Essentials
- SCAM ALERT!
- Focus F-Tag of the Week: §483.15 – Admission, Transfer, and Discharge
- CARE Contact List
- Simple Strategies for August 2022 – HQIN Newsletter
- What is the latest on the $15M for staffing for NFs that was approved by the 2022 Legislature?
- AHCA/NCAL Requests Extension Of Public Health Emergency
- Long-Term Care Providers Urged To Take Safety Measures To Prepare For Potential Monkeypox Spread
- Assisted Living Communities To Receive Free COVID-19 Testing Through Expanded CDC Program
- New Report Projects Without Assistance, Nursing Home Workforce Recovery Will Not Occur Until At Least 2026
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- A Publication from the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal: The Trumpet
- CMS Study On Federal Nursing Home Staffing Minimum To End In December
- Provider Relief Fund Reminders
- KS-HAN New MPX Provider Resource
- A Message from the AHCA/NCAL President & CEO Mark Parkinson:CMS REVERSES COURSE ON PAYMENT RULE. YOU DID IT! WHAT’S NEXT?
- Focus F-Tag of the Week: §483.85 Compliance and Ethics – F895
- Semmelweis Times, a newsletter from the KDHE HAI/AR Program
- SNF and LTC Open Door Forum on August 4
- KDHE Preparing to ship 2nd rounds of Antigen Tests to Long Term Care Communities
- CMS Acts to Improve the Safety and Quality of Care of the Nation’s Nursing Homes
- Why CMS’s Final Payment Rule Meets Nursing Home Providers ‘More Than Halfway’
- Lawmakers Introduce Bill That Would Require Study On Potential Price Gouging By Temporary Staffing Agencies During Pandemic
- The latest Your Top-Line publication for skilled nursing centers are now available!
- AHCA Summary of FY 2023 SNF Final Payment Rule
- A Message from AHCA/NCAL – Inspirational Video Submissions Needed
- August Medicaid Training with KDHE/DHCF
July 2022
- CMS Issues FY 2023 SNF Final Payment Rule
- CMS Final Rule Gives Nursing Homes 2.7% Pay Bump, PDPM-Related Cuts to Be Phased In
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Nursing Home Nurses Averaged Double-Digit Pay Raises This Year, Report Shows
- CMS Daily Digest Bulletin
- Reporting Relief: NHSN Updates Therapeutics Pathway
- CMS Unveils Updated Nursing Home Quality Rating System
- In case you missed yesterday’s “Catching up on COVID” webinar with KDADS and KDHE
- Risk Management Strategies for the DON
- Weekly Member Spotlight: Oakview Estates
- Well-Coordinated Teamwork Key To Managing Burden Of COVID-19, Nursing Home Workers Say
- Resources Available to Assist 2023 Quality Award Applicants
- Focus F-Tag of the Week
- The Case For And Against a Nursing Home Industry Crisis
- TOMORROW: Statewide webinar – Catching Up on Health Care Facility COVID-19 Precautions and Treatment in this Highly Fluid Time
- NHSN Clarifies Definition of Up to Date Vaccination in COVID-19 Vaccination Modules
- CMS Releases First-Ever Home- and Community-Based Services Quality Measure Set
- FACT SHEET: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Response to the Monkeypox Outbreak
- Detecting the Root Cause of Infection Events
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- 2022 Q2 Survey Trends from KDADS
- Statewide webinar – Catching Up on Health Care Facility COVID-19 Precautions and Treatment in this Highly Fluid Time
- Novavax COVID-19 vaccine CDC endorsed and available soon for people 18 Older
- Kansas State Board of Nursing Update
- Reminder: Upcoming HCBS Compliance Portal Technical Assistance – July 28, 2022 11am-12pm
- Weekly Member Spotlight: Medicalodges Coffeyville on Midland
- Focus F-Tag of the Week
- AHCA Warns Biden Nursing Home Staffing Mandate Could Cost $10B, Displace 20% Of Residents
- Report: Increasing Nursing Home Staffing Minimums Estimated at $10 Billion Annually Unfunded Staffing Mandate Could Displace 18 Percent of Nursing Home Residents
- KDHE/DHCF August 2022 Medicaid Training – Four Opportunities
- Reminder: Upcoming HCBS Compliance Portal Technical Assistance – July 28, 2022 11am-12pm
- HHS Extends Public Health Emergency Through October 15
- Nursing Home Groups Offer Resources For Preparing For Active Shooter Incidents
- AHCA Calls For Federal, State Training Programs As Survey Finds 60% Of Nursing Homes Have Closed New Admissions Due To Staffing Issues
- Long-Term Care Providers Urged To Address Trauma-Informed Care For Residents With Dementia
- Reminder: Upcoming HCBS Compliance Portal Technical Assistance
- New OSFM Education Consultant
- In a COVID-19 related staffing crisis? Contact KFMC for help…
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- SAMHSA Trauma Informed Interview
- Looking for options for required Staff In-Service?
- Federal Workforce Funding To Improve Skilled Nursing, Assisted Living Staffing Levels, Officials Say
- National Stakeholder Call with CMS Administrator on July 19
- Weekly Member Spotlight: Brookdale Tallgrass, Wichita
- CDC Updates Guidance on Enhanced Barrier Precautions for Nursing Homes
- AHCA/NCAL Warns To Not Interfere With Resident Coverage Choices After Provider Is Fined Nearly $8M
- Monkeypox Waste Guidance Documents
- Precedent-setting arbitration ruling could lead to more nursing home lawsuits
- Biden team secures 3.2M doses of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine ahead of FDA action
- Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, July 15, 2022 at 10:00 AM
- Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, July 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM
- National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call This Wednesday
- Thousands of nursing homes face lower Five-Star ratings with changes to staffing stars
- 2022 Staff Recognition Program Nomination
- CMS Reemphasizes State Surveyors Not Required To Be Vaccinated Against COVID-19
July 6, 2022
- AHCA/NCAL Issues Statement On Members Of Congress Expressing Concerns Over Proposed Payment Cuts For Nursing Homes
- Now Available – Detailed Overview of New and Updated CMS Guidance
- Lawmakers, AHCA Urge CMS To Phase-In Nursing Home Cuts
- 2022 Staff Recognition Program Nomination
- PCC Conference Announcement
July 5, 2022
- Part-time option means more juggling for infection control staff
- Governor Laura Kelly Announces Administration Appointments
July 1, 2022
- More from CMS via their Daily Digest Bulletin last night: CMS Issues Significant Updates to Improve the Safety and Quality Care for Long-Term Care Residents and Calls for Reducing Room Crowding
- CMS To Incorporate Payroll Based Journal Staffing Figures Into Staff Compliance Investigations
- ATTENTION ALL HCBS PROVIDERS WHO HAVE NOT COME INTO COMPLIANCE WITH THE SETTINGS FINAL RULE
- KDADS to hold public comment period for proposed amendments to several HCBS Waivers
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar. Includes Linda’s comments and summary so far on Phase 3 ROP
June 2022
June 30, 2022
- KMAP Publishes 2023 HCBS Rates
- CMS Releases Revised Nursing Home Surveyor Guidance
- Important Information regarding the use of GenBody Tests
- 2022-23 PEAK Advisory Group Members
June 29, 2022
- BREAKING: CMS releases updated Phase 3 guidance
June 28, 2022
- OIG: Nursing Home Staff Vaccination Rates Reach 91%, Though Variation By Region Continues
- Deadline Approaching: Submit an AHCA/NCAL Award Nomination!
June 27, 2022
- Member Highlight from Sunflower Care Home – Emporia, KS
- AHCA Documentary Wins Capital Emmy Award
- SNF workforce ‘far below’ pre-pandemic levels but finally showing signs of life
- Pandemic “Ripple Effects” Keeping Hospital Beds Occupied
June 24, 2022
- Have you received a letter recently from the OIG?
- Fourth COVID shot better protects LTC residents against omicron, study shows
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Effort To Expand Access To Palliative Care Gains Bipartisan Support
June 23, 2022
- National Assisted Living Week 2022 Celebrates “Joyful Moments”
- All Hands on Deck: How Staffing Pressures Have Challenged Overextended MDS Coordinators
June 22, 2022
- AHCA Survey: Nursing Homes Across Nation Facing Severe Staffing Shortages
- HCBS Final Settings Rule Public Comments Notification
- Starting From Within: How Nursing Home Operators Can Tackle Fewer Applicants, Draining Turnover
- Women at ‘significantly’ higher risk of long COVID, researchers find
- Deadline Approaching: Submit an AHCA/NCAL Award Nomination!
June 21, 2022
- 2022/2023 Future Leader
- Experts Hope AHCA Data Cooperative Will Improve LTC Care Delivery
- COVID-19 Infections Up At Nursing Homes As Pace Of Booster Shots Slows
- Providers Fear More Flu Vaccine Reporting Burdens
- Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) – An Overview and Insights on Updated Program Eligibility
June 20, 2022
- National Quality Award applications are available
June 17, 2022
- CMS Rescinds Prior QSO on Vaccination Expectations for Surveyors Performing Federal Oversight
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
June 16, 2022
- CMS Releases Memo on Staff Vaccination Requirement Compliance
- Long-Term Care Industry Supports Legislation Expanding Veterans’ Access To Cost-Effective Assisted Living
- How the Nurse Practitioner Has Become ‘Front and Center’ as I-SNPs Demand More Complex Care
- KMAP Web Updates
June 15, 2022
- Stay Current on Resident and Staff COVID-19 Vaccinations
- Hiring ‘handcuffs’ would come off under new measure to end CNA training lockouts
- Senators Reintroduce Bill Improving Nursing Home Vetting, Training Options
June 14, 2022
- Three Bills Look To Address Health Care Worker Shortage
June 13, 2022
- CMS Official Confirms Agency Considering Direct Care Spending Minimums for Nursing Homes
- Skilled Nursing Operators Submit Thousands Of Comments Opposing CMS Reimbursement Cuts
- No Members Only Nurse Advisory Call & Facility Standards Call This Month!
- Maintain Back-up Generators – Electric Service During High Demand Periods This Week
- HCS Home Care/Hospice Studies
June 10, 2022
- Stay Current on Resident and Staff COVID-19 Vaccinations
- Did you receive a shipment of COVID tests from KDHE?
- Worry grows as providers grapple with stronger booster recommendations
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Who Will Care?
- June Healthcare Coalition Newsletter
June 9, 2022
- Expert Discusses Tactics To Help SNFs Retain Newly Licensed Nurses
- Lawmaker Introduces Bill That Would Require Government To Study Effects Of Staffing Agencies Across Health Care
- Attention Assisted Living Providers! HB 2477 allows State Licensed Only Adult Care Homes (Adult Day Care, Assisted Living, Boarding Care Homes, Home Plus and Residential Health Care Facilities) and the KDADS to continue to allow for Temporary Nurse Aides until January 20, 2023
June 8, 2022
- Lawmakers Launch New Congressional Caucus With Focus On Long-Term Care Sector
- Membership Directory & Buyer’s Guide
June 7, 2022
- Attention Assisted Living Providers! HB 2477 allows State Licensed Only Adult Care Homes (Adult Day Care, Assisted Living, Boarding Care Homes, Home Plus and Residential Health Care Facilities) and the KDADS to continue to allow for Temporary Nurse Aides until January 20, 2023
- With 41% leap in nursing home costs, ‘doing nothing’ not an option: AHCA
- More Than 500 Long Term Care Advocates Gather on Capitol Hill To Advocate for Residents, Staff
- Nearly Three Quarters Of US Nursing Homes At Risk Of Closure Due To Staff Shortages, AHCA Survey Finds
- Survey: More Than Half of Assisted Living Providers Say Their Overall Workforce Situation Has Worsened
June 6, 2022
- Congressional Briefing
- Providers demand federal action as temporary nurse aide waiver comes to an end
- Clarification of In-Service Training Waiver Requirement Terminating June 6, 2022
- ‘Counterintuitive to the Goal:’ Impending Five-Star Staffing Measures Don’t Address Ongoing Labor Challenges
June 3, 2022
- Survey: Nursing Homes Still Facing Staffing & Economic Crisis
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- As revenue slips, study aims to calculate true cost of agency staffing
- AHCA/NCAL State Heads Highlight Major Industry Challenges
- Policymakers Reportedly Must Prioritize Long-Term Care Industry Workers
June 2, 2022
- Notice of Final Nursing Facility Medicaid Rates for State Fiscal Year 2023; Methodology for Calculating Rates, and Rate Justifications; Response to Written Comments; Notice of Intent to Amend the Medicaid State Plan
- NHSN Revisions to COVID-19 Module Pathways
- Skilled Nursing Providers To Press Lawmakers For Staffing, Revenue Solutions
- As skilled nursing ‘teeters,’ leaders look to DC for help on pay rule and more
- Supporting Caregivers’ Emotional Needs to Avoid Burnout
June 1, 2022
- PEAK Temporary Criteria Changes Announcement
- PEAK Advisory Group: Call for New Members
- Opioids, Antidepressants Replacing Antipsychotics In Nursing Homes, Study Suggests
May 2022
May 31, 2022
- Comments on proposed pay rule pile up as deadline approaches
- CMS issued a revision to QSO Memo 20-41 ALL that applies to all provider types concerning EP training
- Nursing Homes See Movement on Staffing Agency Reform
- KDADS Workforce Incentive Program Update
- CMS To Focus On Providers With Higher COVID-19 Rates Following 2022 Spike
May 27, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Quality Nursing Home Improvements Cannot Happen Without First Making Investments In Workforce, Expert Says
- June 2022 Issue of Prevention Highlights
May 26, 2022
- AHCA Documentary Honored With Three Telly Awards and Capital Emmy Award Nomination
- CDC: 25 percent of seniors develop long-COVID symptoms
- Rising Inflation, Increased Labor Costs Multiplying Risk Of Closure For SNFs Across US, Analysis Shows
- CMS Issues Provisions In Compliance Deadline For HCBS Final Rule
May 25, 2022
- New Report Highlights Resident Impact of Ongoing Economic Crisis in Nursing Homes
- Submit a Nomination for the AHCA/NCAL Awards Today!
May 24, 2022
- Transfer of Ownership: BD Veritor Analyzers
- Distressed or ready to reset? At LTC 100, execs share thoughts on 2022 outlook
May 23, 2022
- Legislative Update – a President’s Message
- KDHE to ship POC Antigen tests to all LTC Communities. Last day to opt out is May 26th
- KCAL District 1 Round Table
- Letter re KDHE Home Health Regulations effective 5/20/22
- Missing or Wrong Data at Admissions Costs SNFs Millions
May 20, 2022
- KDADS issues memo with Information Regarding the Termination of Federal 1135 Blanket Waivers and Kansas House Bill 2477
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Monkeypox Virus Infection in the U.S. and Other Non-Endemic Countries
- All-Occupancy Rates Up Across Senior Living, With Assisted Living Recovering More Quickly Than Independent Living, Data Show
May 19, 2022
- Parkinson Discusses Strategies To Help Long-Term Care Providers Move Forward Amid Pandemic Challenges
- Experiment Over: Future of Nursing Home 3-Day Stay Waiver in Doubt Post-PHE
- Office of the State Fire Marshall Prevention Training Videos
- Forget the add-on role: Here’s who really wants that infection preventionist job
May 18, 2022
- HHS To Extend COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- Propane and Propane Storage – Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 10:00 AM
- Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, May 20 2022 at 10:00 AM
- Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM
May 17, 2022
- Governor signs Mega Budget bill securing an additional 15 million for Nursing Home Providers
- LTC Staff to Receive Free Behavioral Health Training in New Federal Program
- Study Raises Concerns About REIT Ownership Of SNFs
May 16, 2022
- 1 million LTC staff unboosted as COVID cases tick up, AARP analysis shows
- Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, May 20 2022 at 10:00 AM
- Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, May 20, 2022 at 11:00 AM
- Complete AHCA/NCAL’s State of the Industry Survey
- In first nursing home visit, CMS admin gets straight talk on agencies, pay and performance
- KFMC and the KS partnership to Improve Dementia Care to facilitate a 6 week webinar series
- Empathy in Nursing: Communicating with Compassion Webinar 5/19/22
May 13, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Proposed Bipartisan Legislation Would Require Long-Term Care Providers To Create Workplace Violence Prevention Plans
- Nurse Shortage Has Reached “National Crisis” Level As Many Consider Leaving The Profession, Survey Finds
May 12, 2022
- NHSN Deadline for COVID-19 Vaccination Data Approaching
- AHCA/NCAL, Other National Groups Urge HHS To Extend COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
- 2023 National Quality Award Applications Available Now
May 11, 2022
- A Message from the President & CEO Mark Parkinson: Submit Comments on the SNF Payment Rule to CMS
- NHSN Deadline for COVID-19 Vaccination Data Approaching
- 2023 National Quality Award Applications Available Now
May 10, 2022
- CMS Daily Digest Bulletin
- HRSA PRF Reporting Extensions for Periods 1 & 2 for Providers in Extenuating Circumstances
May 9, 2022
- NHSN users received an email from the CDC updating them on changes coming
- FDA Limits Use of Johnson and Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine to Certain Individuals
- A Message From the Office of the State Fire Marshal: Nuclear Exposure Emergency Plans
- Getting Started with Adult Dental Benefits
- A message from your Acting HHS Regional Director, CAPT Scott Conner
May 6, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Nursing Home Providers Brace For “Very Real Challenges” As First Set Of COVID-19 Waivers End
- NCAL Reveals “Joyful Moments” As Theme For This Year’s National Assisted Living Week
May 5, 2022
- Top Line Reports Now Available
- Inside the Race to Certify Temporary Nurse Aides as End to Waiver Nears
- Severe COVID-19 linked to cognitive loss equal to 10 IQ points, researchers say
- In Case You Missed It (April 26 National Stakeholder Call with the CMS Administrator)
- KDHE Re-Launches their newsletter
May 4, 2022
- KDHE to Offer Medicaid Training
- AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit Registration Deadline is Tomorrow!
May 3, 2022
- Expert Claims There Is “Remote” Chance CMS Will Delay PDPM Cuts
- Healthcare Coalition Partners of KS Newsletter
- 2022 AHCA/NCAL Awards Programs Now Open!
May 2, 2022
- Minimum staffing measure not the way to improve quality, ‘not too worried’ Ensign leader says
- AHCA/NCAL Launch Diversity Executive Leadership Program
April 2022
April 29, 2022
- KHCA/KCAL President/CEO Update from earlier this afternoon
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Amid reform rush, ‘potentially disastrous’ 5-Star update lurks, leader cautions
- Parkinson Discusses Push For More Congressional Support For Long-Term Care Residents, Staff
- CMS encourages facility operators to phase out any unneeded PHE waivers
April 28, 2022
- CMS Releases Proposed Medicare Eligibly and Coverage Changes
- KDADS Workforce Incentive
April 27, 2022
- ACTION ALERT – Budget Bill
- AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit Registration Deadline Approaching Next Week!
April 26, 2022
- KHCA/KCAL President/CEO Legislative Update from 4/25/22
- TOMORROW! National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call–Wednesday, April 27
- No aspirin for heart disease prevention after 60, U.S. advisers say
- Kansas’ shortage of long-term care facility staff fourth worst in nation
- Zoom Session for CMS COVID-19 Waivers – Fire Safety and Life Safety
April 25, 2022
- President & CEO Legislative Update
April 22, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Recording Available! Tips for Commenting to CMS on FY 2023 SNF Proposed Payment Rule Webinar
- AHCA Report Finds More Than 300 Nursing Homes Shuttered Amid Pandemic And Says Further 400 Facilities Could Close This Year
- No Cost Resident to Staff Aggression Training Opportunity Coming to Wichita
April 21, 2022
- CMS Considering Requiring Nursing Homes To Spend Minimum Amount Of Medicaid Reimbursement On Direct Care Workers
- Webinar Recording Now Available: The recording of last Thursday’s AHC/NCAL member webinar detailing the FY 2023 proposed payment rule is now available.
- Kansas State Board of Nursing Update
April 20, 2022
- Ownership changes go public in fresh CMS move
- A Message from the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal
April 19, 2022
- KHCA/KCAL President/CEO Update from 4/18/22
- Governor Laura Kelly Signs CNA Training Bill: SB 453 allowing LPNs to be instructors for CNA courses under the supervision of RN
- WEBINAR REMINDER: Tips for Commenting to CMS on the FY 2023 SNF Proposed Payment Rule
- McKnight’s O’Connor: Long-Term Care Industry Poised For Long-Term Growth
- Zoom Session for CMS COVID-19 Waivers – Fire Safety and Life Safety
- A Publication from the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal: The Trumpet
- Sitewide Savings at AHCAPublications.org – Save 20% on all books*
April 18, 2022
- President & CEO Legislative Update
April 15, 2022
- AHCA To Ask CMS To Spread Medicare Reimbursement Cuts Over Three Fiscal Years
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Removing Barriers to Health Care
- Experts Urge Caution As Nursing Home COVID-19 Deaths Decline
- Attention HCBS Providers: KDADS Workforce Incentive Program Update
April 14, 2022
- AHCA To Provide Infection Control Training Through Online Platform
- KMAP Web Updates
- Future of the CNA: Nursing Home Reform Efforts, Staffing Crisis Drive Changes in Key Role
- LTSS Webinar: Caregiver Support – April 27
April 13, 2022
- Known KMAP Portal Issue Notice – Resolved
- Reminder: Register for Tomorrow’s Webinar on the FY 2023 SNF Proposed Payment Rule
- CMS Pushes for Mandatory Flu Vax Monitoring Among Nursing Home Staff
April 12, 2022
- From The Reimbursement Policy Team: CMS Issues FY 2023 SNF Proposed Payment Rule
- ATTENTION Assisted Living, Residential Health Care and Home Plus HCBS Providers: Bonus payments to HCBS direct-care workers
- KHCA/KCAL President/CEO Update from 4/11/22
- SSA Declines to Survey for F888 Compliance – Vaccine Mandate
- Zoom Session for CMS COVID-19 Waivers – Fire Safety and Life Safety
- Known KMAP Portal Issue Notice
- Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, April 15 2022 at 10:00 AM
- Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, April 15, 2022 at 11:00 AM
- Vote Now! AHCA Documentary Honored as Telly Award Finalist
April 11, 2022
- President’s Message: Wrap up to the Regular Session
April 8, 2022
- Next Steps for Facilities Using 1135 Waivers including Nurse Aid Training and Certification
- The Office of the State Fire Marshal weighs in on COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Specific Providers.
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
April 7, 2022
- Update to COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Blanket Waivers for Specific Providers
April 6, 2022
- BREAKING NEWS: U.S. nursing home system ‘ineffective,’ ‘unsustainable,’ National Academies report says
- CMS Releases Revised Guidance on Vaccine Mandate IFR
- KDADS April 2022 CARE News
April 5, 2022
- KHCA/KCAL President/CEO Update from 4/4/22
- CMS Chief holds second 1-on-1 with providers as reform looms
- HHS to Provide $110 Million to Strengthen Safety Net for Seniors and People with Disabilities
- Capital Providers Push Back On Biden Administration’s Opposition To Private Investment In Skilled Nursing
April 4, 2022
- Kansas Legislative Briefing for the Week of April 4, 2022
April 1, 2022
April 1, 2022
- KHCA/KCAL Nurse Advisory Committee Approves 100% Paid Scholarship for AHCA/NCAL Infection Preventionist Specialized Training
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
March 2022
March 31, 2022
- Upcoming Changes as KDHE Transitions to COVID-19 Endemic Response
- Parkinson Warns About Impacts Of Rising Interest Rates, Inflation On Nursing Homes
- HCBS Final Settings Rule Public Comments Notification
- HCS Nursing Home Study Underway
March 30, 2022
- Parkinson offers ‘obvious solution’ to staffing problems, occupancy outlook and financing answers
- AHCA Chief Medical Officer Discusses Innovative Solutions To LTC Staffing Crisis
- AHCA/NCAL Highlights Nursing Home Quality Improvements During COVID-19 Pandemic
- Second COVID-19 Booster Authorized and Recommended for Certain Individuals
- The Transformative Power of Happiness
March 29, 2022
- From the desk of Lacey Hunter, KDADS Commissioner for SC&C: KDADS and KDHE Facility Surveyors will not be Enforcing Vaccine Mandate
- KHCA/KCAL President/CEO Update from 3/28/22
- Summary of the President’s FY 2023 Budget Proposal
- Industry Groups Concerned Biden Nursing Home Reform Focused On Penalties Could Endanger Industry
- Upcoming NHSN Long-term Care Release March 2022
- KMAP Web Update
March 28, 2022
- Kansas Legislative Briefing for the Week of March 28, 2022
March 25, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Statement on Medicare Advantage, Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet
- AHCA/NCAL Report Disputes Biden Administration’s Claims Against Nursing Home Care During COVID-19 Pandemic
- CMS Daily Digest Bulletin
- Feds mull swift sanction of 2nd coronavirus booster
March 24, 2022
- Call for Data: Professional Liability Benchmark Report for Senior Living and Long-Term Care Providers
March 23, 2022
- Senate Bill 453 “Open the CNA training pipeline”
- Attn All Performing testing for COVID-19 under a CLIA Waiver
- SHIELDS UP
- Providers may face emergency if PHE ends prematurely: AHCA
- From the Office of the State Fire Marshal: Emergency Door Release
- AHCA/NCAL Asks Becerra To Extend COVID-19 Public Health Emergency Through 2022
- Provider Relief Fund Updates: Phase 4 Awards Continue and Reporting Period 1 Challenges
- Free Charting the LifeCourse Framework Learning Opportunities
- Active Shooter Preparedness Webinar – April 14, 2022 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
March 22, 2022
- KHCA/KCAL President/CEO Update from 3/21/22
- “Do you have a moment, I have a request I need you to handle discreetly”
- Oral Antivirals Now Available to LTC Facilities to Treat COVID-19
- CMS: Quality measure threshold changes coming
- AHCA/NCAL Report Finds SNF Quality Of Care Has Risen Over Last Decade
- Parkinson calls on providers to fight Biden’s ‘offensive’ reform plans
March 21, 2022
- Kansas Legislative Briefing for the Week of March 21, 2022
March 18, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- From the Office of the State Fire Marshal: The webinar recording for Kitchen Fire Suppression is now available here. Handouts can be found here.
March 17, 2022
- Start Now: Provider Relief Fund Reporting Period 2 Deadline March 31
- AHCA/NCAL Criticizes MedPAC’s Recommendation To Cut SNF Base Pay By 5%
- Don’t blame nursing homes for the deaths of residents in a pandemic
March 16, 2022
- Congress Extends Telehealth Waivers
March 15, 2022
- KHCA/KCAL President/CEO Update from 3/14/22
- Members Nurse Advisory Committee Call – Friday, March 18, 2022 at 10:00 AM
- Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, March 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM
March 14, 2022
- Kansas Legislative Briefing for the Week of March 14, 2022
March 11, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant, Linda Farrar
- Extension of State Funded Labs for COVID-19 testing through May 15th
- CMS in ‘Full Court Sprint’ to Carry Out Biden’s Nursing Home Reforms
March 10, 2022
- CMS Updates Nursing Home Visitation and Testing Guidance
- OSHA vows more infection control monitoring at SNFs
- Long-Term Care Providers To Receive Funding For Minimum Staffing Requirement, CMS Administrator Says
- Zoom Call with the Office of the State Fire Marshal: Wednesday March 16
- No Cost Resident to Staff Aggression Training Opportunity
March 9, 2022
- TOMORROW! CMS National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call – March 10 @ 2:00PM Central
- Clarification from KDHE on Updated TB Forms
- AHCA/NCAL Seeks Meeting With Biden, HHS Officials To Discuss Plans To Boost Oversight Of Facilities
March 8, 2022
- ACTION ALERT – Support Fully Funding Nursing Homes for FY2023
- KHCA/KCAL President/CEO Update from 3/7/22
- Free at home tests
- Recording Available! AHCA/NCAL Post-State of the Union Member Webinar
- Updated TB Forms
March 7, 2022
- Kansas Legislative Briefing for the Week of March 7, 2022
March 4, 2022
- CMS assures it wants provider input before issuing staffing, other rules
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- The Checkup – March State-Wide HCC Publication
- HCBS Final Settings Rule Public Comments Notification
March 3, 2022
- Minimum staffing plan ‘unrealistic and impossible,’ nursing home chief says
- Weekly COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter from KDHE
- Happening TOMORROW: AHCA/NCAL Post-State of the Union Member Webinar
March 2, 2022
- AHCA Releases Report Highlighting Unprecedented Economic Crisis in Nursing Homes
- Happening This Friday: AHCA/NCAL Post-State of the Union Member Webinar
March 1, 2022
- A Message from the AHCA/NCAL President & CEO Mark Parkinson: President to Criticize SNFs in State of the Union
- State of the Union Address Nursing Home Vision
February 2022
February 28, 2022
- CMS wallops nursing homes with planned staffing requirements and increased penalties
- CDC’s New COVID-19 Community Level Prevention Measure Recommendations DO NOT APPLY to Health Care Settings or Visitors
- Extended survey delays threaten providers
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- RECORDING: 2/24/2022 Anti-Virals and Therapeutics for COVID presented by KDHE
February 25, 2022
- Kansas Legislative Briefing for the Week of February 25, 2022
February 24, 2022
- HRSA to Make More than $560 Million in PRF Payments
- Weekly COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter from KDHE
- Nursing Homes, Hospitals Experiencing Massive Financial Burden As Contract Travel Nursing Agencies Raise Costs
February 23, 2022
- How SNFs ‘held their ground’ during omicron surge
- COVID-19 Testing in Kansas Long-Term Care Facilities Responses to Questions from LTC Webinar February 18, 2022
- Oxygen Storage Release
- February 2022 Issue of Prevention Highlights
- AHCA/NCAL Urges Congressional Leadership To Take Further Steps To Protect Long Term Care Residents
February 22, 2022
- Stories for Careers in Aging Week
- PEAK 2.0: New Podcast Available
- FREE Webinar: Various Anti-Virals and Therapeutics for COVID Hosted by LAK
February 21, 2022
- Power Strips in Health Care Webinar – Recording
- Webinar: Applying Healthcare Customer Service Best Practices – Wednesday, March 2nd at 11am CT
February 18, 2022
- Are you wondering if your BinaxNOW Tests are still good?
- AHCA/NCAL To Continue Efforts To Combat Nurse Staffing Agency Practices
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Likely ‘years’ before nursing shortage is solved: expert
February 17, 2022
- Biden Administration Requests Additional $30M In COVID-19 Relief Funding
- Call for Presentations
February 16, 2022
- A Reminder from KDADS about Battelle testing option
- CMS Provides Precaution Guidelines For Unvaccinated Staff
- Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, February 18, 2022 at 10:00 AM
- Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, February 18, 2022 at 11:00 AM
February 14, 2022
- Important HRSA Updates and Technical Assistance Session on Thursday
- Bill Aims To Reduce Paperwork, Expand Uses For Provider Relief Fund Payments
- Power Strips in Healthcare
February 11, 2022
- Guidance on Implementing Additional Precautions for Unvaccinated Staff Under CMS Vaccine Mandate
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Data Show Long-Term Care Workforce Challenges Remain At “Crisis” Level, AHCA/NCAL Says
- COVID-19 has long-term cardiovascular effects, ‘stunning’ study results reveal
February 10, 2022
- CMS warns states: Survey fully or suffer consequences
- Aetna Better Health of Kansas February Community E-newsletter
February 9, 2022
- Industry Experts Call For Reimagining Of Assisted Living
- FREE Webinar: Various Anti-Virals and Therapeutics for COVID – Hosted by LAK
February 8, 2022
- A Message from KDHE – Critical information regarding future lab testing availability & discontinuation of funding
- HCBS Final Settings Rule Public Comments Notification
- A Message from the KDADS CARE Team
- The latest Your Top-Line publication for skilled nursing centers are now available!
February 7, 2022
- Kansas Legislative Briefing for the Week of February 7, 2022
February 4, 2022
- CDC’s new COVID-19 guidance requires 10-day isolation for infected nursing home residents
- Ventilation FAQs
February 3, 2022
- CMS Updates Nursing Home Visitation FAQs
- CDC Releases Updated Infection Prevention and Control Guidance
- HHS To Ship 5M COVID-19 Tests To Long-Term Care Operators Struggling With Shortages
February 2, 2022
- KSBN Update that reviews the provisions of HB 2477
- More Nursing Homes Facing Longer Wait Times For COVID-19 Test Results
February 1, 2022
- CMS Issues Letter on the Importance of COVID-19 Staff Vaccinations
- KHCA/KCAL President/CEO Update from 1/31/22
- TOMORROW! CMS and CDC National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call
- FDA Approves Moderna COVID Vaccine
- AHCA/NCAL, AHA Ask White House To Investigate Staffing Agency Prices
January 2022
January 31, 2022
- Kansas Legislative Briefing for the Week of January 31, 2022
- Happening Wednesday: CMS and CDC National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call
January 28, 2022
- HRSA Continues Phase 4 Funding Release
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
January 27, 2022
- CMS Releases Updated Guidance and Resources to Surveyors
- Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL President & CEO, Gives Forecast on Omicron
- Lawmakers urge investigation of staffing agencies, price gouging claims
- Nursing Homes Face “Tone Deaf” Staff Reporting Mandates Amid Record Worker Shortage, AHCA/NCAL Says
- TOMORROW! Resident Review Level II NF and NFMH Training
January 26, 2022
- CMS Requires Surveyors To Be Fully Vaccinated
- Tuesday, February 8, 2022 from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. – KDADS LTC Provider Webinar on Staff Vaccination Regulatory Oversight and Enforcement, with time for Q &A
- To Advance Information on Quality of Care, CMS Makes Nursing Home Staffing Data Available
January 25, 2022
- New State Health Officer
- Resident Review Level II NF and NFMH Training
January 24, 2022
- Kansas Legislative Briefing for the Week of January 24, 2022
- Updated Isolation and Quarantine for Health Care Workers
January 21, 2022
Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill to Extend Executive Orders, Providing Relief for Health Care Workers
Access to Free Temporary Nurse Aide (TNA) Course
Governor Kelly Deploys Kansas National Guard to Assist with COVID-19 Response
Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
Is COVID-19 Waste Considered a Bio Hazard?
The COVID-19 Public Health Emergency and your Medicaid Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
COVID-19: Vaccine Access in Long-term Care Settings
There’s Still Time: Recommend the Flu Shot
January 20, 2022
- Recording of Webinar: Implementing the CMS Vaccine Mandate is ready
- A warning if you accepted Provider Relief Funds: Prepare to be audited
January 19, 2022
- Critical Blood Shortage Impacting Kansas Hospitals
- Recall for Royal Sovereign Air Conditioners
- The AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit is Back! Registration Now Open!
January 18, 2022
- President’s Message
- CMS QSO Memos to Enforce Vaccine Mandate in 49 States and District of Columbia
- Updated CMS FAQ and Visitation Infographic Now Available
- Public Health Emergency Extended
January 14, 2022
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Members Only Nurse Advisory Call – Friday, January 21, 2022 at 10:00 AM
- Members Only Facility Standards Call – Friday, January 21, 2022 at 11:00 AM
January 13, 2022
- U.S. Supreme Court Issues Vaccine Mandate Decisions
- Weekly COVID-19 Vaccine Newsletter from KDHE
- Kansas State Board of Nursing Update
- CMS to add two more ICD-10 Codes starting April 1, 2022
- National Stakeholder Call with the CMS Administrator (1/18/21)
January 12, 2022
- KDHE issues quarantine and isolation guidance to more align with CMS
- Webinar Happening Tomorrow
- Now Available: Resource on Avoiding Common NHSN Data Reporting Errors
- Simple Strategies to Stay on Top of Resident Changes
January 11, 2022
- CMS Updated Nursing Home Visitation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Fines, fines, fines… we are not fine
- Biden-Harris Administration Requires Insurance Companies and Group Health Plans to Cover the Cost of At-Home COVID-19 Tests, Increasing Access to Free Tests
- CMS Adds Staffing Measures to Five Star
- Parkinson Asks HHS To Extend COVID-19 Public Health Emergency
January 10, 2022
January 7, 2022
- The Governors new Executive Order (E.O. 22-02) that was issued yesterday 1/6/2022 allows for use of Temporary Nurse Aides once again
- Clinical Update from KHCA Consultant Linda Farrar
- Despite outsider-driven COVID outbreaks, providers face continued demand for risky visits
- Governor Laura Kelly Issues 15-Day Disaster Declaration, Two Executive Orders to Aid Kansas Hospital and Adult Care Home Capacity
January 6, 2022
- COVID-18 Stakeholder Update From KDHE
- Important COVID-19 Surge Information from Kansas Hospital Medical Directors
January 5, 2022
- CMS and CDC National Stakeholder Call Tomorrow, Thursday, January 6, 2022 at 2 PM CT – RSVP by 4:00 PM CT TODAY
- A Message from the KDADS CARE Team
- AHCA/NCAL’s Parkinson Named Most Influential
January 4, 2022
- Update on Phase 4 Provider Relief Fund and ARP Rural Payments
- A Message From the Office of the State Fire Marshal
- KSFM Release on Fire Code Requirements for SNF Exterior Construction
- Recording Available: Nursing Home Forum on COVID-19 Boosters
Archived Updates
COVID-19-related websites
Here are links to websites which contain Kansas COVID-19 information:
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment COVID-19 website, where you can click on a map and see coronavirus statistics for each county as well as state numbers. Click here.
Gov. Laura Kelly’s Facebook page, which contains the videos from her COVID-19 news conferences. Click here.
U.S. Rep. Ron Estes, R-Kan., has a coronavirus website: Click here.
The Community Care Network of Kansas has assembled a COVID-19 resource page that is updated frequently. Click here.
Kansas COVID-19 Vaccination Overview: The COVID-19 vaccine dashboard is updated Monday, Wednesday and Friday by 12:30 p.m.
Click here.
COVID Vaccine
Recording of Webinar: Implementing the CMS Vaccine Mandate is ready
The archived recording of Implementing the CMS Vaccine Mandate is now ready for you to view at your convenience.
Click here and log in using your AHCA/NCAL username and password.
Once the page opens, click on the “View Archived Recording” button on the right hand side of the page. The presentation will open in a new window for you to view and hear the program.
Click on the Handout tab to download your copy of the handouts and other available materials.
For questions or support, please email educate@ahca.org
Recording Available: Nursing Home Forum on COVID-19 Boosters
On December 30, 2021, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra and the United States Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy, in partnership with AHCA/NCAL, Leading Age and the Service Employees International Union (SEIU), hosted a virtual forum to discuss the importance of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses to protect residents, staff and their loved ones from COVID-19.
The Secretary and the Surgeon General addressed many of the questions you and your staff have been asking about COVID-19 boosters and provided clear and informative responses.
AHCA/NCAL encourages you to view the recording and share it with your staff.
Recording of Webinar: Office Hours: CMS Interim Final Rule on Vaccine Mandate is ready
The archived recording of Office Hours: CMS Interim Final Rule on Vaccine Mandate is now ready for you to view at your convenience.
Click here and log in using your username and password.
Once the page opens, click on the “View Archived Recording” button on the right hand side of the page. The presentation will open in a new window for you to view and hear the program.
Click on the Handout tab to download your copy of the presentation slides.
For questions or support, please email educate@ahca.org
CMS Will Not Enforce Vaccine Mandate During Preliminary Court Injunctions
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a QSO memo advising state survey agencies they should not enforce the Interim Final Rule (IFR) regarding the vaccine mandate or requirements for policies and procedures in certified Medicare/Medicaid providers and suppliers while there are court-ordered injunctions in place pending additional clarity from the courts. This includes nursing facilities, hospitals, dialysis facilities, and all other provider types covered by the rule. The agency notes health care facilities, of course, may voluntarily choose to comply with the IFR.
The government has appealed the preliminary injunctions, and with the ongoing litigation, the Court-ordered injunctions could be reversed at any time. AHCA/NCAL recommends members continue to encourage staff to get COVID-19 vaccines and prepare for a vaccine mandate so that if the government’s arguments prevail, policies and procedures can be quickly implemented. AHCA/NCAL will provide additional details as soon as anything changes.
In addition, nursing homes are still required to meet the demands of the May 2021 IFR on educating and offering the COVID-19 vaccine to staff and residents, which includes tracking vaccination status of all staff.
The Association recognizes the importance of COVID-19 vaccines in reducing outbreaks and saving lives and encourages providers to continue to schedule booster clinics to protect residents and staff. Members can find free resources on encouraging uptake on AHCA/NCAL’s #getvaccinated website.
A recording of yesterday’s Office Hours on the Vaccine Mandate hosted by AHCA/NCAL will be available soon. Additionally, a recording of the Association’s webinar on religious and medical exemptions is now available. READ MORE
Booster Shots for Residents and Staff
Making sure our residents and staff receive the booster dose against COVID-19 remains the best way to combat the continued spread of the Delta variant and protect one against the eventual spread of the Omicron variant. READ MORE
COVID-19 Vaccine Mandate for Staff on Hold Nationwide 12/1/21
The United States District Court in the Western District of Louisiana has issued a nationwide injunction preventing the federal government from implementing the CMS vaccine mandate for health care staff. This injunction applies to all states which were not covered by the injunction issued yesterday in ten states, ensuring that the entire nation is covered.
In its memorandum ruling, the District Court in the Louisiana case found that the federal government did not have the authority to issue such a mandate. READ MORE
AHCA/NCAL Release Statement on Vaccine Mandate Injunction
Judge Issues Preliminary Injunction in Ten States for CMS Staff Vaccine Rule – 11/29/21
On Monday, November 29, a Federal judge in the Eastern District of Missouri issued a preliminary injunction in the case filed by Missouri and nine other states against the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) staff vaccine mandate interim final rule. This ruling applies only to the following ten states: Alaska, Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wyoming.
There are also three other active cases filed by Texas, Florida, and a different, 14-state group (Louisiana, Montana, Arizona, Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Utah, West Virginia, Ohio, and Kentucky). The Florida request for a preliminary injunction was denied in District Court last week and an appeal has been filed. We expect rulings in the other two cases before December 6.
What does this mean?
The rule is put on temporary hold in the ten-state group led by Missouri and CMS is prevented from taking any enforcement action. There will likely be an appeal of the preliminary injunction and it may be reversed. For other states, the CMS rule is still scheduled to go into effect on December 6. Medicare providers should continue to plan and work toward a December 6 implementation date as the amount of planning and work should not be left to the last minute.
Resources to help with this mandate including template policy and procedures are available at AHCA/NCAL’s coronavirus website, located under the vaccine heading at the bottom.
READ MORE
CMS: Surveyor Vaccine Mandate Guidance is Forthcoming
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is working on developing vaccine mandate guidance for surveyors, the government agency said during a stakeholder call on Tuesday. READ MORE
CMS’s Staff Vaccine Mandate: Implementing Religious & Medical Exemptions
CMS’s Staff Vaccine Mandate: Implementing Religious & Medical Exemptions “in case you missed it” recorded session can be found here once it is available. As of 4PM today, the recording has not been posted.
New Template Policies and Procedures Available on CMS Staff Vaccine Mandate
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) published an Interim Final Rule (IFR) requiring Skilled Nursing Facilities, Nursing Facilities, and ICF-IIDs to establish a policy ensuring that all eligible staff be vaccinated for COVID-19 or request a medical or religious exemption.
The implementation dates for this rule are as follows:
Phase 1 – December 6, 2021: Staff must have received at least the first dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine or a one-dose COVID-19 vaccine.
Phase 2 – January 4, 2022: Staff must be fully vaccinated, except staff who have been granted exemptions, or those whom COVID-19 vaccination must be temporarily delayed as recommended by the CDC due to clinical precautions and considerations.
It’s important that providers put a policies and procedures in place NOW to come into compliance with these requirements. To assist members, AHCA/NCAL has developed a template policies and procedures (P&P) that members can personalize to meet their needs. Note that this P&P document will be updated once CMS has released its interpretive guidance.
Incase you missed today’s webinar from Husch Blackwell on CMS Interim Final Rule: Hard Vaccine Mandate for Healthcare Facilities
The link used to register for the event (https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/3520123/57620190C5F2D7093727DDB3517C87B7) is the same link used to access the recording. For anyone who didn’t previously register, you just need to complete the registration form to access the recording.
November 4, 2021
The Biden-Harris Administration Issues Emergency Regulation Requiring COVID-19 Vaccination for Health Care Workers
Click here to view full press release.
CMS held a webinar this afternoon to review the new regulation, who it applies to and how they will enforce it. This webinar was recorded and we expect it to be posted to the CMS website soon. We will send you that link when it becomes available.
Items to note:
Phase 1 of the plan requires that (for those the regulation applies to) have processes and plans for vaccinating all eligible staff in place by December 5th and that all staff (current and new) have their first vaccine by December 5th. You must have a process/plan for exemptions and tracking/documenting vaccinations by December 5th as well.
Phase 2 of the plan requires that all staff have all shots for full vaccination by January 4, 2022.
Also of note in the presentation was that CMS clearly indicated this rule does not apply to assisted living or HCBS providers. We are confirming if the OSHA requirement applies to assisted livings of 100 or more employees. KHCA/KCAL staff will work with KDADS on what their plan is for State Licensed Only Communities in Kansas (AL, Home Plus, Residential Health Care and Adult Day Care) and we will communicate with you as soon as we know.
We do expect an FAQ document on this requirement and will share with you once we a gain access to it.
AHCA/NCAL Issue Statements on Release of CMS, OSHA Regulations on Vaccination Rules, Schedule Member Webinar
EEOC Updates Technical Guidance on Vaccine Mandates
The Equal Employment Opportunity Council (EEOC) updated its technical guidance to provide more information on religious exemptions for COVID-19 vaccine mandates.
Three key points to note:
Employees and applicants must inform their employers if they seek an exception to an employer’s COVID-19 vaccine requirement due to a sincerely held religious belief, practice, or observance.
Title VII requires employers to consider requests for religious accommodations but does not protect social, political, economic views, or personal preferences of employees who seek exceptions to a COVID-19 vaccination requirement.
Employers that demonstrate “undue hardship” are not required to accommodate an employee’s request for a religious accommodation.
Click here for more details.
Booster Shot Resources
AL-Booster-Shot-Clinic
GETVAX-booster-handout
Template-Letter-Booster-Family
Template-Letter-Booster-Staff
KDHE Webinar on Vaccine Distribution
The link to the recording of today’s KDHE Webinar on Vaccine Distribution can be found here.
Click here to view the PowerPoint Slides.
AHCA/NCAL has created Key Talking Points for the COVID-19 Vaccine to help you with communications in your buildings
Click here to view the talking points.
AHCA/NCAL has created Sample Resident Consent and Staff Consent forms for the COVID-19 Vaccine for your use
Resident Consent Form
Staff Consent Form
FDA Approves Emergency Use Authorization for COVID-19 Vaccine – 12/12/20
Click here for more details.
AHCA/NCAL Webinar: Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics Recording Available – 12/10/20
The recording to yesterday’s AHC/NCAL webinar, Preparing for COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics is now available. The webinar covered what providers need to do now to prepare for vaccine clinics and tips to promote high vaccination rates in buildings.
All documents referenced in the webinar are accessible under the “Resources” tab. Additional resources can be found on the AHCA/NCAL website. Please email COVID19@ahca.org with any questions.
AHCA/NCAL will be hosting two “office hours” webinar sessions next week to answer your questions about how to get ready and promote high vaccination rates in your building. Additional information on these webinars is below.
Access the recording by clicking here.
Pharmacy Partnership for Long Term Care Program – Overview and Frequently Asked Questions 12/10/20
The following FAQ was provided on yesterday’s Preparing for the COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics webinar with AHCA/NCAL. In case you weren’t able to make the call, you might find this FAQ helpful. We expect it to be updated again with additional information that resulted from yesterday’s webinar.
The COVID-19 Vaccine is on the way. Have you had conversations with your staff?
Click here to view some tactics from AHCA/NCAL for Effectively Communicating with your staff.
Answers to frequently asked questions (so far) about the COVID-19 Vaccine from AHCA/NCAL’s Dr. David Gifford
Click here for more details.
AMDA’s new COVID vaccine PowerPoint can help answer resident, staff concerns
A new toolkit created by industry clinicians aims to help long-term care operators directly address the questions staff members, residents and their families are asking about COVID-19 vaccines and getting vaccinated.
The kit includes a PowerPoint presentation that healthcare providers can share with employees and residents to stay a step ahead of concerns. It also contains a sample medical director’s letter about vaccines, which can be sent to families.
Click here for more details.
Clarification from KHDE’s Director of Legislative Affairs, Liz Dunn on Prioritization of Vaccine Recipients 12/9/20
1. High risk health care workers are at the top of the vaccine distribution list but so far we have only seen references to hospital staff, department of corrections staff and EMS workers. Are long term care workers also included in this category? Long term care facilities (staff and residents) have been allocated vaccine and clinics for them will begin at the end of the month. This is the earliest it can happen because they are opted into the National Pharmacy Program to be administered by CVS and Walgreens. This is the earliest that program can move into action based on the Federal – Private Partnership.
2. Does the term “long term care facility residents” include all adult care home residents in Kansas, such as assisted living and homes plus? This includes Skilled Nursing Facilities, Includes assisted living, CCRC, personal care homes, residential care, adult family home, adult foster home, IDD, HUD 202, Veteran’s homes
Per the federal partnership agreement and if the facilities/organizations completed the sign up as directed by the federal instructions
3. Our members also provide independent living and senior housing on their campuses. In what category do those residents fall? If they do not fall into the listed groups above, they will be included in the appropriate age or medical condition phases in the future as the vaccine is available.
Liz Dunn
Director of Legislative Affairs
Kansas Department of Health and Environment
Liz.Dunn@ks.gov
CMS Resources
CMS Updates Nursing Home Visitation FAQs 2/3/22
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released an updated version of the Nursing Home Visitation Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
The updates provide important clarifications, such as:
Suggestions on how to conduct visits that reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Best practices for improving air quality to reduce risks during visitation.
Ways a facility can improve and/or manage air flow during visitation.
Availability of funding for environmental changes, which reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Facilities can request CMP reinvestment funds to purchase portable fans and portable room air cleaners with HEPA filters.
Visitor testing as a condition of entering a facility.
Click here to read McKnight’s reporting article.
CMS increases oversight of nursing home survey process and expands nursing home visitation policy in 2 new guidances (Updated 11/12/21)
Nursing homes should allow visitation for residents “at all times,” while state surveyors received steps on how to address a backlog of complaint and recertification surveys under two separate memos issued Friday by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services on Friday. READ MORE
Memo: Nursing Home Visitation – COVID-19 (REVISED)
Memo: Changes to COVID-19 Survey Activities and Increased Oversight in Nursing Homes
CMS QSO Memo Announcing updates for LTC Emergency Regulatory Waivers issued in response to COVID-19 (updated 5/10/21)
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-21-17-nh.pdf
CMS QSO Memo on Testing (revised 4/27/21)
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-38-nh.pdf
CMS QSO Memo on Nursing Home Visitation (revised 4/27/2021)
https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-20-39-nh-revised.pdf
CMS Memo on Nursing Home Visitors – September 17, 2020
CMS released a new QSO memo (20-39-NH) that greatly improves the ability for nursing home residents to receive visitors. In short, it allows for more outdoor and indoor visits, including parameters where indoor visits are required to be permitted. CMS also announced that they will allow for CMP funds to be used to help visitation through the purchase of tents and clear barriers (e.g., Plexiglas).
Click here to read more.
CMS Issues COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet
CMS announced the posting of a COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet. The purpose of the tip sheet is to help providers understand the CMS public reporting strategy for the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) to account for CMS quality data submissions that were optional and excepted from public reporting due to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).
Click here to read more.
CMS Posts New County COVID-19 Positive Test Rates
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) posted today a new excel file dated 9-8-20 that flags positive test rates in counties. Each county highlighted in green, yellow and red should be used to dictate your routine testing frequency of staff that is based on data from August 27 – September 2, 2020. Rates of county positivity are posted here. Please use this new file in place of the prior file in setting your routine testing frequency.
Please note the following while reviewing the new file:
✅ Green counties must test staff 1 x per month
📒 Yellow counties must test 1 x per week
🚩 Red counties must test 2 x per week
If your county increased in color, please change your testing frequency today. If your county decreased in color, you must continue to test at last week’s frequency until you have two county reports at a lower color.
CMS has indicated they will post an updated file on the 1st and 3rd Mondays of each month. We recommend you continue to check for updates weekly as this is a new process.
Members should refer to the following resources for more information:
AHCA Summary of CMS’ Testing Requirements
AHCA Guidance on How to Get Started with Testing
CMS Issues Updated FAQs for Medicare Fee-for-Service Providers
CMS recently updated its FAQ document for Medicare fee-for-service providers to address several provisions related to COVID-19, including CARES Act funding and cost reporting implications.
Click here for more details.
CMS’ New COVID-19 Testing Requirements Effective September 2, 2020
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has issued an interim final rule with requirements for routine COVID-19 testing in nursing homes. This rule goes into effect on September 2, 2020. AHCA/NCAL has developed several resources to help members understand and meet these new requirements.
Click here for more details.
CMS Launches National Training Program
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced the launch of its national nursing home training program for frontline nursing home staff and nursing home management. The training, called “CMS Targeted COVID-19 Training for Frontline Nursing Home Staff & Management,” is available now on the CMS Quality, Safety & Education Portal. Participants will receive a certificate upon completion of the program, which consists of five specific modules designed for frontline clinical staff and ten designed for nursing home management.
In addition, CMS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will also have subject matter experts available on bi-weekly webinars from August 27, 2020, through January 7, 2021, from 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. Central to answer questions. Participants must register for these question and answer sessions on the Zoom webinar registration page here.
At the time of the original announcement about the training in July, CMS noted that providers would be required to participate in an online infection control training program to be eligible for enhanced funding. Based on the latest announcement, participation in this training currently is voluntary and not tied to any funding. Nonetheless, AHCA encourages all providers to take advantage of these courses as they are developed based on challenges and findings CMS and CDC strike teams have found when visiting nursing homes with outbreaks. When CMS or HHS makes any announcement about mandated training tied to funding, we will notify members.
For more information about the training, click here. While registering for the training is not required, AHCA encourages providers to do so.
Please email COVID19@ahca.org if you have any questions, or visit ahcancal.org/coronavirus for more information.
CMS Issues Additional Guidance on Staff Testing and Reporting Requirements
Tuesday we reported that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued an interim final rule with a comment period that revises regulations in several areas for long term care facilities and other providers.
As highlighted this rule establishes a new requirement for long term care facilities for COVID-19 testing of residents and staff. CMS did not establish a specific frequency or criteria for testing in the rule but listed potential criteria that will be considered and addressed further in guidance.
The regulations are effective immediately upon their publication at the Office of the Federal Register. Most of the new regulations are applicable only for the duration of the COVID-19 public health emergency. CMS is providing a 60-day comment period for public input on these requirements.
Read here a more detailed analysis and summary of additional provisions in the rule.
AHCA continues to advocate for access to, and systems to support, reliable testing with rapid results for skilled nursing facility residents and staff.
CMS Issues New Reporting and Testing Requirements for Nursing Homes
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued an interim final rule with comment period that revises regulations in several areas for long term care facilities and other providers. Importantly, this rule establishes a new requirement for long term care facilities for COVID-19 testing of residents and staff. CMS did not establish a specific frequency or criteria for testing in the rule but listed potential criteria that will be considered and addressed further in guidance.
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CMS Announcements
Independent Informal Dispute Resolution (IIDR) Process Pages from Ftag 884 letter 2567 example
Current Emergencies
https://www.cms.gov/About-CMS/Agency-Information/Emergency/EPRO/Current-Emergencies/Current-Emergencies-page
FAQ
https://www.medicaid.gov/state-resource-center/downloads/covid-19-faqs.pdf
Nursing Home COVID-19 Data and Inspections Results Available on Nursing Home Compare – June 4, 2020
Today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is posting the first set of underlying coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) nursing home data. On April 19, 2020, CMS announced the requirement that nursing homes to inform residents, their families, and their representatives of COVID-19 cases in their facilities. In addition to this, nursing homes are required to report COVID-19 cases and deaths directly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and today CMS is making this data publicly available. As part of today’s announcement CMS is also posting the results from the targeted inspections announced on March 4, 2020, to allow inspectors to focus on the most serious health and safety threats like infectious diseases and abuse during the pandemic. This is part of the Trump Administration’s historic transparency efforts to ensure residents, families and the general public have information about COVID-19 in nursing homes.
Full press release
CMS Update – COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facility Guidance April 2, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are issuing new recommendations to State and local governments and long-term care facilities to help mitigate the spread of the 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19). Click here for details
Communal Dining Guidance – Revised March 15, 2020
https://www.khca.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2020/03/Communal-Dining-Approaches_to-implement-QSO-14-NH-3-15-20-3.pdf
CDC Resources
CDC Releases Updated Infection Prevention and Control Guidance 2/3/22
The CDC has updated two health care infection prevention and control guidance documents. READ MORE
CDC Issues New Visitation FAQs – 12/27/21
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) today issued a new set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on the revised nursing home visitation guidelines outlined in memo, “QSO-20-39-NH REVISED .” The American Health Care Association/ National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) and other associations have been advocating for clarity and flexibility on the most recent visitation guidance, particularly as the Omicron variant spreads across the United States this holiday season, when visits are frequent.
AHCA/NCAL has highlighted the most frequent questions from members in CMS’s four-page FAQs. We encourage providers to read the document in its entirety. READ MORE
CDC Updates Return to Work Criteria for Health Care Providers – 12/27/21
The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) today announced updates to their guidance on Managing Health Care Personnel with COVID-19 Infection or Exposure. This new guidance provides a shortened return to work criteria for both infections and exposure that incorporates a testing strategy in some circumstances. READ MORE
Frequently asked questions with answers from the CDC
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Please remember to document all of your request for PPE.
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CDC Interim Guidance on Rapid Antigen Tests
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This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new interim guidance on rapid antigen testing for COVID-19. The key points that members should be aware of include:
- The two rapid antigen tests on the market (BD Veritor and Quidel Sofia2, which are being sent to all nursing homes by CMS) are currently intended for use in diagnostic testing of symptomatic patients within five days of symptom onset.
- Through this new guidance, CDC expands use of these rapid antigen tests to include use as screening tool in congregate settings (such as a nursing home) for staff and residents.
- All long term care facilities must defer to state or local guidance on their use. If no such guidance exists, you may consider following CDC guidance.
- Evaluating the test results must be done in context with the person’s symptoms and how likely COVID-19 is in the group of people getting the tests, which is usually similar to the community’s rate of COVID-19.
- Providers who are utilizing these antigen test devices must undergo proper training and be able to demonstrate competency and completion.
It’s very important that providers who are utilizing the point of care antigen test device understand this new CDC guidance. AHCA/NCAL has developed a more comprehensive summary here that members can utilize. AHCA/NCAL has also added information on how to access training for both antigen devices (BD Veritor and Quidel Sofia2) to its summary of important steps providers must take in preparing to use these testing devices. Additionally, CMS is expected to update the list of nursing homes receiving the point-of-care (POC) antigen tests later today (Thursday, August 20). CMS provides a zip file (an excel file) with the names of all the nursing homes to receive either the Quidel Sophia-2 or BD POC antigen tests. You can also find this list on Data.CMS.gov under the paragraph “Supporting COVID-19 Testing.”
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- New language highlights the importance of facilities having a testing plan in place, following state and local guidance, as well as CMS’ recommended reopening process.
- When conducting repeat viral testing in response to an outbreak (defined as one or more confirmed cases), facilities should repeat testing for all previously negative resident between 3 to 7 days, until testing identifies no new cases among residents or HCP for at least 14 days.
- The CDC does not recommend testing the same individual more than once in a 24-hour period.
- New guidance around contact tracing has been included.
- The CDC highlights that state and local officials may decrease frequency of testing in areas with minimal to no community transmission.
- Clinicians are encouraged to consider testing for other causes of respiratory illness, such as influenza
Per the CDC, this guidance can also apply to other long-term care facilities, including assisted living.
Assign One or More Individuals with Training in Infection Control to Provide On-Site Management of the IPC Program.
- CDC states this should be a full-time role for at least one person in facilities that have more than 100 residents or that provide on-site ventilator or hemodialysis services. Smaller facilities should consider staffing the IPC program based on the resident population and facility service needs identified in the facility risk assessment.
- Note, CMS requirements for Infection Preventionists has not changed.
On May 19, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated several of their webpages to be reflective of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) updates on reopening guidance. The three webpages that were updated include:
Testing Guidance for Nursing Homes
Performing Facility-wide SARS-CoV-2 Testing in Nursing Homes
Preparing for COVID-19 in Nursing Homes – Core Practices
Below is a summary of what was changed. Review your infection prevention & control procedures to ensure they are consistent with the latest guidance.
Tiered recommendations to address nursing homes in different phases of COVID-19 response
Added a recommendation to assign an individual to manage the facility’s infection control program – this is new. CDC strongly feels that “Facilities should assign at least one individual with training in IPC to provide on-site management of their COVID-19 prevention and response activities”, because of the breadth of activities for which an Infection Prevention & Control (IPC) program is responsible, including developing IPC policies and procedures, performing infection surveillance, providing competency-based training of HCP, and auditing adherence to recommended IPC practices.
Added guidance about new requirements for nursing homes to report to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN)
Added a recommendation to create a plan for testing residents and healthcare personnel for SARS-CoV-2. Note, AHCA/NCAL provided recent guidance on testing which incorporate the latest from CDC.
Additional descriptive information for certain areas like universal source control, hand hygiene, optimization of PPE, and the COVID unit section based on common questions received including:
Removed language to move residents with symptoms or suspect COVID to an observation unit, if one was available, as this has been a point of confusion and has not been feasible for most facilities.
CDC recommends creating a COVID unit for residents with confirmed COVID and, if possible, an observation area for new admissions with no known COVID history (those with known COVID would go to COVID unit), but recommend that if possible those with symptoms or suspect COVID-19 go to a private room. Testing should be prioritized for these individuals and, if positive, they would move to a COVID unit. PPE should be worn.
Considerations for Memory Care Units in Long-term Care Facilities
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/memory-care.html
CDC Updates COVID-19 Symptoms
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have updated their list of COVID-19 symptoms. The symptoms now include cough and shortness of breath or difficulty breathing or at least two of the following symptoms: fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and new loss of taste or smell.
With the addition of these symptoms, AHCA/NCAL has updated their relevant resources, including our screening checklist for essential personnel and visitors, as well as our sample daily log for personnel. If you created your own screening tools, you should update to include the additional symptoms. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Preparedness Checklist for Nursing Homes and other Long-Term Care Settings
Click here for details.
CDC Issues New Guidance on PPE – March 18, 2020
CDC issued new guidance on the use of masks, gowns and face shields including suggestions on what to do if in crisis shortages and when your supplies are exhausted. Click Here For Details
Pre Request PPE Checklist/Decision Tree
Instructions for Requesting Medical Material
HCC Medical Resource Request
ICS 213 Verification Form (1)
KS Medical Material Request Form
Healthcare Coalitions Map and Resources
Competency Check – PPE
PPE Poster
CDC Updated Criteria for Return to Work
On April 13, 2020, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new interim guidance on return to work criteria for healthcare personnel (HCP) with confirmed or suspected COVID-19. Centers are to use the test-based strategy as the preferred method for determining when HCP may return to work. If test-based strategy cannot be used, the non-test-based strategy may be used for determining when HCP may return to work. HCP with laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 who have not had any symptoms should be excluded from work until 10 days have passed since the first date of their positive COVID-19 diagnostic test, assuming they have not subsequently developed symptoms since their positive test.
LTCF COVID-19 Module
Click here for details.
KDADS
www.kdads.ks.gov – KDADS Web Applications – Department for Aging and Disability Services Website.
An update from KDADS on the Unified Testing Strategy
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Lab listings on page one have been updated and there have been some changes to statewide capacity. There is also some FAQ included.
This is the information that KDADS Deputy Secretary Scott Brunner reviewed on today’s member’s only call.
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As a Reminder: Providers looking to create special care units, wings or off-site facilities
Providers looking to create special care units, wings or off-site facilities are asked to complete the following checklist and submit your request to KDADS at COVIDchecklist@ks.gov
Presentation Deck from November 20, 2020 Adult Care Home Testing Informational Call
This deck covers
Process of getting in touch with your lab
Counties to lab allocations, so that you can determine which lab has been assigned to your County
Lab contact information
Checklist of items to cover, when calling labs
FAQs
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at KDADS.reopening@ks.gov
Recording from Nov. 10, 2020 Unified Testing Strategy Webinar
Click here for a link to the recording.
Click here for a link to the handouts.
KDADS has posted Nursing Facility and Assisted Living Reopening Requirements and Recommendations
Click here to view KDADS’ requirements and recommendations.
KHCA/KCAL, LeadingAge Kansas and KACE hosted three webinars with KDADS’ Deputy Secretary Scott Brunner and Deputy Secretary Janis DeBoer to review this plan and answer your questions. All webinars were recorded and are below for your viewing.
This information is for Assisted Living, Home Plus and Residential Health Care
This information applies to Nursing Facilities.
Civil Money Penalty Grant Funding for Long-Term Care – Technology Initiative in Response to COVID-19
KHCA/KCAL Informational E-mail – https://conta.cc/2YH4oKn
Information from KDADS: https://www.kdads.ks.gov/funding-opportunities
Guidance for Training Programs for Certified Nurse Aides – March 24, 2020
KDADS will allow hours worked as a CNA Trainee II to count for the 25 hours of hands on training needed to complete the training course. Click Here to read the memo.
A Letter from KDADS – Level of Care Assessments – March 18, 2020
Throughout the COVID-19 emergency period, to encourage social distancing and stop the spread of the pandemic, KDADS asks providers and participants to limit participation in congregate settings or activities. As such, KDADS will allow Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) and Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) flexibility with level of care (LOC) assessments. Click here to learn more.
Letter from the Ombudsman – March 14, 2020
The State LTC Ombudsmen has enacted a virtual visitation policy for all LTC Ombudsmen, effective immediately and until further notification. All LTC Ombudsmen will refrain from entering LTC facilities. All LTC Ombudsmen will switch to “virtual” visiting by phone, email, and web-based technologies.
https://www.khca.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/95/2020/03/ombudsman-letter-3.20.pdf
KDHE's Resource Center
KDHE Resource Center
https://govstatus.egov.com/coronavirus
Recording from Nov. 10, 2020 Unified Testing Strategy Webinar
Click here for a link to the recording.
Click here for a link to the handouts.
COVID-19 Outbreak Locations
As of September 9, 2020, KDHE is publishing the names of active COVID-19 cluster locations that meet a certain threshold. The list is available on the KDHE COVID dashboard (https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/160/COVID-19-in-Kansas) on the “Cluster Summary” tab. The list of active cluster locations will be updated on Wednesdays.
COVID-19 in Long-term and Residential Care Settings
https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1130/COVID-19-in-LTCFs-Presentation–4-29-20
https://vimeo.com/416053627
Q&A from 4/29/2020 KDHE & CDC COVID-19 Long-Term Care Webinar
https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1185/QA—LTC-Webinar-PDF—4-29-2020
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Disease Information for Healthcare Facilities in Kansas
https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1127/Current-COVID-19-Disease-Info-PDF—5-5-20
COVID-19 – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Cheat Sheet
https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1174/PPE-Cheat-Sheet-PDF—5-12-20
Crisis Prioritization for Optimizing the Supply of Facemasks and Respirators during COVID-19
https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1175/Respiratory-Protection-Prioritization-Cheat-Sheet-PDF—5-12-20
Healthcare Facility Cleaning and Disinfection Guide
https://www.coronavirus.kdheks.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1195/Healthcare_Facilities_Cleaning_Guide-05-19-20
Strategies for Optimizing Facemasks for Healthcare Facilities in Kansas
AHCA/NCAL Updates
Updates on COVID-19 resources including information from the CDC and AHCA/NCAL, guidance and strategies for speaking with employees, and a template with talking points for the media and much more.
Click here to view these updates.
Fire Marshal
A Message from the Office of the State Fire Marshal – 11/30/21
Re: CMS Mandate on Vaccination
OSFM has started to receive request from facilities for our staff to sign waivers and/or show proof of vaccination before entry. I just wanted to share with everyone that the new CMS mandate that requires vaccination for Covid to enter a CMS funded facility does not pertain to OSFM staff or the inspections we do. READ MORE
A Message from the Office of the State Fire Marshal – 10/6/20
Our office has been getting questions on heaters to put on the patios of SNF. Here is our response. If you have any questions, please reach out. (785) 296-0659, ashley.rogers@ks.gov
Plastic Sheets as Barriers for COVID Corridors – 10/1/20
As the OSFM starts back on inspecting nursing homes and hospitals, we know that we will run into facilities that use plastic sheets as barriers for COVID in the corridors. Under normal circumstances, this would not be allowed and would cause a citation. However, as we know, this year is anything but normal.
We have contacts CMS to verify whether or not the plastic barriers would be allowed. We will not be citing the plastic barriers due to the 1135 waiver being in place.
Click here for an official copy of this notice on OSFM letterhead.
Healthcare Release from the Office of the State Fire Marshal
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1135 Blanket Waiver- Life Safety Code Requirements
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The document that has blanket waivers was updated today and now includes provisions for fire drills and a few other items in the LSC. Please review and utilize the information provided by the Kansas Office of the State Fire Marshal here.
You may contact our Life Safety Consultant who is on a temporary engagement with KHCA for additional clarification or to answer and specific questions.
Stan Szpytek | President – Fire and Life Safety, Inc.
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A Message from Brenda McNorton, Chief of Inspections with the Office of the State Fire Marshal- April 10, 2020
Good Afternoon All,
OSFM has been fielding questions from facilities concerning the inspection, testing and maintenance of LSC system during this time when you may have restricted visitors.
We are sending out the information from CMS. They advised facilities in Memorandum QSO-20-14– under section “Additional Guidance” number 7:
Facilities should review and revise how they interact vendors and receiving supplies, agency staff, EMS personnel and equipment, transportation providers (e.g., when taking residents to offsite appointments, etc.), and other non-health care providers (e.g., food delivery, etc.), and take necessary actions to prevent any potential transmission. For example, do not have supply vendors transport supplies inside the facility. Have them dropped off at a dedicated location (e.g., loading dock). Facilities can allow entry of these visitors if needed, as long as they are following the appropriate CDC guidelines for Transmission-Based Precautions.
Please contact the facility in advance of your arrival for information on the appropriate CDC guidelines for Transmission-Based Precautions
This is the only guidance we have concerning this issue. Some have asked if they do not let vendor in to conduct the inspection what repercussions will the facility face once we are back doing inspections. Until CMS provides guidance we do not have an answer.
Thank you for all your questions, we will do our best to keep everyone informed.
Thanks,
Brenda McNorton
Chief of Inspections
Office of the State Fire Marshal
800 SW Jackson Suite 104
Topeka, KS 66612
Other Resources
