Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Happy Holidays from the AHCA/NCAL Team!


Coalition Letters to Congress on the Medical Expense Deduction

AHCA/NCAL recently signed onto AARP driven House and Senate letters to members of Congress around the medical expense deduction. Specially, the letters urge support for the Medical Expense Savings Act (S. 110/H.R. 2073), which is bipartisan legislation that would make permanent the 7.5 percent threshold for the medical expense deduction. The letters also ask to support an extension of the 7.5 percent threshold in an end-of-year legislative package. 

Without action, 4.4 million Americans with high medical costs will face an unexpected tax increase when they file their returns in the coming months.  For more than 75 years, Americans with high health care costs have been able to deduct medical expenses from their taxes. For the millions of Americans who annually take this deduction, it provides important tax relief which helps offset the costs of acute and chronic medical conditions. This includes costs associated with long-term care, assisted living, and nursing homes.

CMS Speaker confirmed for 2020 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit

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


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

New Training Offers Practical Strategies to Boost Employee Recruitment and Retention


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

The webinar’s learning objectives include:

  • Explain the key factors contributing to the workforce shortage
  • Identify at least 3 strategies to improve employee recruitment
  • Identify at least 3 strategies to improve employee retention
  • Explain the impact of supportive supervision on retention
The instructor is Sue Misiorski who served as Vice President of Workforce Innovations for PHI and currently serves as the New England Regional Director of Operations for SageLife.  Starting as a CNA, she later held positions as a DON and VP of Nursing in multi-site skilled nursing homes in New England and has supported the construction of several assisted living and nursing facilities.
 
This webinar is part one to a more extensive on-line training for middle managers that will be released in the coming months.  While no CEUs are offered for this webinar, participants can receive a certificate of completion.  The cost of the course is $25 for AHCA/NCAL members and $60 for non-members. 

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

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

ICF/IID Reports

AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2019 updates for use by AHCA/NCAL members (Login Required):
If you have any questions relating to these reports, which include important ICF/IID state and national data, please contact AHCA’s Research Director, Kiran Sreenivas.

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

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

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

We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative

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

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

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

Articles and Resources of Interest


Legislative and Agency Corner

National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities

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

Upcoming 2020 Events

2020 Health Care Observances

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

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

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


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


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

  • Discuss the ways in which PHM models are improving quality and outcomes while reducing costs
  • Learn new strategies to expand and improve your leadership capabilities in PHM
  • Network with peers and nontraditional partners
  • Gain a deeper understanding of CMS’ view of provider-led PHM efforts
You’ll learn from expert speakers and each other at this unique event. With a focus on leadership, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of PHM strategies that can take your organization to the next level.  Find out more about the summit and register today.

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


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

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

AARP Report on Caregiving Released during National Family Caregivers Month


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

ICF/IID Reports


AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2019 updates for use by AHCA/NCAL members (Login Required):
If you have any questions relating to these reports, which include important ICF/IID state and national data, please contact AHCA’s Research Director, Kiran Sreenivas.

We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative


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

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

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

Articles and Resources of Interest



Legislative and Agency Corner


National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities


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

Upcoming 2019 and 2020 Events


2019 and 2020 Health Care Observances


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

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

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


Join AHCA/NCAL and LTC/PAC providers, health plans, regulators, and investors for a two-day intensive on all the latest in population health management from December 9-10, 2019, at the InterContinental in Washington, D.C. 
  • Discuss the ways in which PHM models are improving quality and outcomes while reducing costs
  • Learn new strategies to expand and improve your leadership capabilities in PHM
  • Network with peers and nontraditional partners
  • Gain a deeper understanding of CMS’ view of provider-led PHM efforts

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

Submit your AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Intent to Apply Early!


The Intent to Apply (ITA) for the 2020 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award application cycle is now open in the Quality Award Portal.
 
Why should I submit an Intent to Apply Payment?

While not mandatory, applicants who submit an ITA will save money on their overall application fee and receive extra educational resources. No paperwork or application is needed to submit the Intent to Apply.

ITA Payments by Award Level

Bronze - $75
Silver - $150
Gold - $300

Please note:
  • We encourage all applicants to review the application packet in full before submitting an ITA payment. Application packets are available at ahcancal.org/qualityaward.
  • Check back to Quality Award website for the 2020 Survey Eligibility for all award levels. This will be updated periodically as Nursing Home Compare releases updated data 

How do I submit an Intent to Apply?

Log in to the Quality Award Portal here to submit your ITA. To access help documents for the Quality Award Portal, click here.  The deadline to submit an ITA is November 7, 2019 at 8 p.m. Eastern Time. More information about the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program and key dates are available at ahcancal.org/qualityaward.

We hope you will take the next step to continue your quality journey this coming year by submitting an ITA. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award team at qualityaward@ahca.org.

Key Facts on Nursing Assistants Employed in Nursing Homes


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

ICF/IID Reports


AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2019 updates for use by AHCA/NCAL members (Login Required):
If you have any questions relating to these reports, which include important ICF/IID state and national data, please contact AHCA’s Research Director, Kiran Sreenivas.

We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative


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

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

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

Articles and Resources of Interest


Legislative and Agency Corner


National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities


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

Upcoming 2019 Event


2019 Health Care Observances


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

Wednesday, September 25, 2019

AHCA/NCAL Convention: Advance Registration Ends Tomorrow

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

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

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

AHCA Announces 2019 Award Recipients


The American Health Care Association (AHCA) announced the recipients for the 2019 AHCA Awards program today. Each year, AHCA recognizes the men and women who selflessly care for individuals in long term and post-acute care centers, and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (ID/DD) residences. These honorees demonstrate selflessness, compassion, and strive to enhance the lives of seniors and individuals with disabilities in their communities.
The 2019 AHCA Awards recipients are:
  • Hero of the Year- Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities: Barbara Smith, Valley Village, Winnetka, California
  • Not for Profit Program of the Year: Good Samaritan Society- Ambassador, New Hope, Minnesota
  • Not for Profit Trustee Award: Dave Gessel, Mission Health Services, West Valley City, Utah
  • Adult Volunteer of the Year: Richard Cole, LACOBA Homes, Inc., Monett, Missouri 
  • Group Volunteer of the Year: Friends of Good Samaritan Society- Scotland, Good Samaritan Society- Scotland, Scotland, South Dakota 
  • Young Adult Volunteer of the Year: Railey Connor, Crestview Health & Rehabilitation, Crestview, Florida

The Hero of the Year award recognizes an individual who works or volunteers in an ICF/IID facility or HCBS Waiver Homes and has shown commitment and dedication to serving people with ID/DD.

The Not for Profit Program of the Year award highlights a specific program that adds value to the care of individuals within a community.

The Not for Profit Trustee award honors a not for profit trustee committed to faithfully carrying out functions of the board and dedicated to improving the lives of frail and vulnerable individuals.

The Volunteer of the Year program seeks to honor a young adult (under 19), an adult, and a group organization that have served in a volunteer capacity for more than one year and have made a positive contribution to residents and staff of a care center.

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

ID/DD Provider Education Offered at the AHCA/NCAL Convention

On Tuesday, October 15, during the 70th AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, special programming for ID/DD providers include sessions focused on leadership and accountability, workforce challenges, and ethics.  You'll also have great opportunities for networking and sharing ideas and experiences.  It is just one of many special events taking place over the four-day convention in October.  More information can be found here.

AHCA Committee Nominations Open


September 17 through October 21, AHCA members in good standing may nominate themselves or another member to serve on an AHCA committee for the 2020/2021 appointment term.  All AHCA members are encouraged to participate in this process.  Please submit your nomination for up to three committees by completing a Survey Monkey.  We appreciate your willingness to serve in any capacity and are committed to do everything we can to honor your committee selections.  

All 2020/2021 committee appointments will be for a two-year term beginning January 1, 2020.  Appointments are finalized by the AHCA Board of Governors Chair.  In order to keep committee sizes at optimal levels, applicants are likely to be assigned to just one committee.  Please visit the AHCA website for a list of committee descriptions. 

Please contact Christy Herle with questions about the process.  We hope you take this opportunity to be an active member!

Helpful Emergency Preparedness Resources


This month marks, among other observances, National Preparedness Month. National Preparedness Month, recognized each September, provides an opportunity to remind us that we all must prepare ourselves and our families now and throughout the year.  This month the focus will be on planning, with an overarching theme: “Prepared, Not Scared.”  Take this time to review your facility and community-based risk assessment/hazard vulnerability.  AHCA/NCAL has an emergency preparedness website with helpful information and resources you might be interested in.

In general, having an emergency kit that includes food, water, and at least a week of medications is a smart idea.  Include
this card, completed with your vital medical information, and if you have a communication-related disability, this card can help first-responders assist you in the way that is best for you.  Include a flashlight and extra batteries, and first aid supplies.  Ready.gov has an emergency kit checklist that is helpful.  Here is a checklist specific for kids.  If you have any questions around emergency preparedness, please contact Erin Prendergast (SNF Providers) or Dana Halvorson (ICF/IID Providers).

ICF/IID Reports


AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2019 updates for use by AHCA/NCAL members (Login Required):

 If you have any questions relating to these reports, which include important ICF/IID state and national data, please contact AHCA’s Research Director, Kiran Sreenivas.

We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative


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

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

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