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):

• LTC Stats: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID) Standard Health Survey Report, June 2019
• LTC Stats: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ICF/IID), Facility and Resident Characteristics, June 2019

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

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

Legislative and Agency Corner

• Updated List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) Database File
• FDA, FTC Crack Down On Unproven Autism Treatments
• Trump Special Ed Chief Calling It Quits

National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities

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

Upcoming 2019 Event

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

2019 Health Care Observances

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