Tuesday, December 22, 2020
CMS COVID-19 Infection Control for Psychiatric and ICFs/IID
All Psychiatric hospitals, PRTFs and ICF/IIDs should monitor the CDC website for information and resources, and contact the local health department, when necessary (CDC Resources for Health Care Facilities: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019- ncov/healthcare-facilities/index.html).” You can read the full memo here.
AHCA/NCAL Launches Vaccination Campaign
AHCA/NCAL launched a new #GetVaccinated
campaign to encourage long term care
staff and residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine. A communications toolkit
with various materials have been created for providers and state affiliates to
help communicate about the importance of vaccination as well as highlight
progress.
The digital toolkit includes a checklist of ideas, template
letters to use with stakeholders, sample social media, and media prep material.
AHCA/NCAL will continue to update these materials and as new ones as needed, so
be sure to check back for the latest resources!
2021 AHCA NCAL National Quality Award Deadline Next Month
Completing a successful application takes time to prepare. Don't wait. Gather your team and work on your application today!
All applications and application fees must be submitted in the Quality Award portal by 8 pm Eastern on January 28, 2021. Late applications and payments will not be accepted.
ICF/IID Reports
AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2020 updates for use by AHCA/NCAL members (Login Required):
- LTCStats: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with IntellectualDisabilities (ICF/IID) Standard Health Survey Report, June 2020
- LTCStats: Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with IntellectualDisabilities (ICF/IID), Facility and Resident Characteristics, June 2020
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 social media advocacy initiative last 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.
Coronavirus
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.
2021 Health Care Observances
January 2021 marks, among other observances, National Glaucoma Awareness Month and National Volunteer Blood Donor Month. The 2021 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.
Monday, November 23, 2020
Resources to Help 2021 Quality Award Applicants
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program has created free resources to help 2021 Bronze, Silver and Gold Award applicants. Members are encouraged to access The Criteria Series, several videos covering application categories and technical writing to ensure a smooth writing process. Completing a successful application takes time to prepare. Don’t wait. Gather your team and start today. More details can be found here.
Mounting Evidence Points To Serious COVID-19 Risk For Those With ID/DD
ICF/IID Reports
AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2020 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.
HUD Section 232 Program and COVID Webinar
AhcancalED hosted a webinar last week with HUD titled Section 232 Program Overview and Matters Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic. This webinar provided a brief overview of HUD’s Office of Residential Care Facilities (ORCF) and various issues brought on by the pandemic. It included a discussion of relief options, financial treatment of loans and grants and changes in ORCF policy to adapt to the crisis. A recording of the webinar can be found here.
We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative
AHCA/NCAL began a social media advocacy initiative last 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.
Coronavirus
Visit the AHCA/NCAL Coronavirus website daily for the latest information that we have to share with long term care providers about COVID-19. As concerns arise with the emerging coronavirus, officially named COVID-19, we are working nationally with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) to ensure our long term care communities receive necessary supplies and guidance to prevent the spread of this disease.
Articles and Resources of Interest
- New Quality Award Examiner Training Program Designed for Observers
- The LTC Career Center is Where to Find Health Care Talent
- New Housing Concepts Emerge For Adults With Developmental Disabilities
- Even In Adulthood, Autism Challenges Linger For Caregivers
- Learn How to Help Residents and Staff Cope with the Impact of COVID-19 as the Pandemic Continues
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.
2020 Health Care Observances
December 2020 marks, among other observances, American Diabetes Month (ADM) and National Family Caregivers Month. The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
White House Announces Vaccination Distribution Program for LTC Residents
On Friday, October 16, the White House announced the Pharmacy Partnership for Long-Term Care Program—a national vaccine distribution program for long term care residents.
The COVID-19 vaccine
will likely become available in phases over the coming months. To prepare, the
federal government has partnered with CVS and Walgreens to
distribute and administer the vaccine to residents in long term care
facilities. This program is free of charge and covers all of the reporting
requirements associated with the vaccine. Vaccination for health care workers
will be handled by states, and likely take place in early phases of
distribution.
Starting
on Monday, October 19, long term care facilities (nursing homes, assisted
living communities, ICF/IIDs and other congregate settings for older adults)
will have two weeks to register with the CDC on how they want to receive and
administer the COVID-19 vaccine when it becomes available. Nursing homes will be able to register
through the NHSN website, while assisted living communities and other congregate
settings can register through an online survey. Additional information and
sign-up details can be accessed
here.
Administration for Community Living (ACL) Releases New Issues Briefs on Quality Measures
Due November 12: Submit Your 2021 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Intent to Apply Today
The National Quality Award portal is now open, and accepting Intent to Apply submissions for the 2021 program year.
We hope you’ll consider
applying for this important award. Participating in the program has many
benefits:
·
It provides a proven
framework that organizations can use to make improvements in any clinical,
quality or other operational function (i.e. staff engagement, customer
satisfaction, hospital readmissions).
·
It prepares
organizations to meet regulatory requirements and navigate a changing
market.
·
It serves as a team
building activity to engage staff across all levels of the organization.
·
Organizations gain
external recognition, serving as a marketing resource for consumers, referral
sources and other key stakeholders.
·
Participants
receive customized feedback with their top strengths and improvement areas.
Please visit the Quality Award Website to download applications and materials for your respective
award level and to learn how your facility should begin preparing.
Key 2021 Program
Dates:
·
November 12, 2020 –
Intent to Apply Deadline
·
January 28, 2021 –
Application and Fee Deadline
Examiner Program
Applications Available!
If you’re interested in
other ways to get involved, consider becoming an Examiner for the 2021 program cycle. Examiners play a significant role in reviewing Quality
Award applications and impacting quality improvement in organizations across
the country.
Get started today by
visiting ahcancal.org/qualityaward!
For questions, email qualityaward@ahca.org.
ICF/IID Reports
AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2020 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 social media advocacy initiative last 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.
Coronavirus
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.
2020 Health Care Observances
November 2020 marks, among other observances, National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month. The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be found here.
Monday, September 21, 2020
COVID-19 Webinar Series for ID/DD Providers from The Administration for Community Living
The Administration for
Community Living (ACL) has partnered with the HHS Office of the National Coordinator for
Health Information Technology (ONC) to offer a webinar series
focusing on the opportunities and challenges COVID-19 has presented for ID/DD
providers.
Next Webinar: Rethinking ID/DD Transportation Services During the COVID-19 Era - Wednesday, September 30, 2020 from 3 - 4:30 p.m. (EDT)
Registration information and past webinar details can be found on the
ACL website.
CMS to Update County Data for COVID-19 Testing Weekly and Allow Use of State or County Data in Updated Methodology
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid (CMS) has updated the Excel file that flags COVID-19 positive test rates in counties. CMS modified the method for classifying a county as green, yellow, or red and expanded the measure to cover results over a 14-day period in each county instead of seven days.
The revised methodology results in some red counties with rates >10% being reclassified to yellow:
- Green = Counties with test percent positivity <5.0% or with <20 tests in past 14 days
- Yellow = Counties with test percent positivity 5.0%-10.0%; OR with <500 tests and <2,000 tests/100k and >10% positivity over 14 days
- Red = >10.0% and not meeting the criteria for “Green” or “Yellow”
Join Your Colleagues - 71st AHCA/NCAL Virtual Convention Begins October 8
The unrelenting challenges of the pandemic have hit the long term and post-acute care sectors especially hard. Over the last several months, providers have fought tirelessly to provide quality care and protect those that are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
The Virtual Convention & Expo taking place in October will unite providers from all across the country to reflect, learn, and share at this critical time.“Now more than ever we need all levels of our profession to come together to discuss and share best practices, hear and learn from experts, and recognize the heroic work that many have done during this unprecedented time,” says AHCA/NCAL President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Parkinson.
Taking place from October 8 – 31, the Virtual Convention & Expo will offer 24 days of access to:
- 14th Annual NCAL Day
- On-demand and live streaming sessions
- Networking lounges
- Moderated discussions
- Q&As with speakers and panelists
- Expo Hall with more than 70 business partners
- Awards and Recognitions
Over the 24 days of convention, you will have access to education sessions in 17 tracks of learning on key topics relevant to you. There will be a wide range of exciting speakers attending.
So while we may not be gathering in person, the 71st AHCA/NCAL Virtual Convention & Expo is packed with the value, convenience, and connection you’ve come to expect and deserve.
Get details and register today at AHCAConvention.org.
Submit Your 2021 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Intent to Apply Today
Portal Now Open!
The National Quality Award portal is now open, and accepting Intent to Apply submissions for the 2021 program year.
We hope you’ll consider applying for this important award. Participating in the program has many benefits:
- It provides a proven framework that organizations can use to make improvements in any clinical, quality or other operational function (i.e. staff engagement, customer satisfaction, hospital readmissions).
- It prepares organizations to meet regulatory requirements and navigate a changing market.
- It serves as a team building activity to engage staff across all levels of the organization.
- Organizations gain external recognition, serving as a marketing resource for consumers, referral sources and other key stakeholders.
- Participants receive customized feedback with their top strengths and improvement areas.
Key 2021 Program Dates:
- November 12, 2020 – Intent to Apply Deadline
- January 28, 2021 – Application and Fee Deadline
If you’re interested in other ways to get involved, consider becoming an Examiner for the 2021 program cycle. Examiners play a significant role in reviewing Quality Award applications and impacting quality improvement in organizations across the country.
Get started today by visiting ahcancal.org/qualityaward! For questions, email qualityaward@ahca.org.
ICF/IID Reports
AHCA's Research Department has released the following June 2020 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 social media advocacy initiative last 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.
Coronavirus
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.
2020 Health Care Observances
October 2020 marks, among other observances, Breast Cancer
Awareness Month. The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can be
found here.
Wednesday, August 19, 2020
CMS to Return to Normal Survey Process
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Quality, Safety & Oversight (QSO) memo to states August 17 instructing them to return to normal survey process as soon as resources in the state allow and in accordance with states' reopening plans. It also provides guidance on how to resolve pending enforcement actions suspended as a result of prior QSO memos on March 23, 2020 and June 1, 2020 that suspended some survey enforcement actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
CMS intends to resolve suspended enforcement cases and provide guidance for closing them out going forward starting today. This process involves four components that are described in the QSO memo:
Per CMS, questions about a specific enforcement cycle may be addressed with the specific CMS location.
On March 23, 2020, CMS issued the QSO 20-20-All memorandum, which limited survey activity to focused infection control surveys. On June 1, 2020, CMS issued the QSO 20-31-All memorandum that provided survey re-prioritization guidance to transition to more routine oversight and survey activities. This latest memo instructs states to restart all normal surveys as possible.
CMS intends to resolve suspended enforcement cases and provide guidance for closing them out going forward starting today. This process involves four components that are described in the QSO memo:
- Expanding the Desk Review policy for Plans of Corrections (POCs);
- Processing enforcement cases that were started BEFORE March 23, 2020;
- Processing enforcement cases that were started ON March 23, 2020, THROUGH May 31, 2020; and
- Processing enforcement cases that were started ON OR AFTER June 1, 2020.
CMS is also issuing updated guidance for the re-prioritization of routine state survey agency (SA) Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) survey activities, subject to the SA’s discretion, in addition to lifting the restriction on processing CLIA enforcement actions, and issuing the Statement of Deficiencies and Plan of Correction (Form CMS-2567) for CLIA citations.
Providers with questions about past enforcement actions suspended during the pandemic should contact their state survey agency for guidance as there are many scenarios that may not be fully addressed by this memo.
Providers with questions about past enforcement actions suspended during the pandemic should contact their state survey agency for guidance as there are many scenarios that may not be fully addressed by this memo.
Per CMS, questions about a specific enforcement cycle may be addressed with the specific CMS location.
- Long-Term Care questions should be addressed to: DNH_Enforcement@cms.hhs.gov
- CLIA questions should be addressed to: LabExcellence@cms.hhs.gov
General questions for AHCA should be sent to COVID19@ahca.org.
HHS Provider Relief Fund Announcement
On July 31,
the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that the
Medicaid allocation application has been extended to August 28, 2020. Read the full press release here.
Available Now! 2021 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Applications
Application packets for the 2021 National Quality Award Program are now available online. The Quality Award portal opens September 17, 2020 when applicants can begin to submit their payment for the intent to apply and begin to write or submit their applications in the portal.
Consider applying for this prestigious award. Participating in the program has many benefits including:
- Providing a proven framework that organizations can use to make improvements in any clinical, quality or other operational issue (i.e. staff engagement, customer satisfaction, hospital readmissions).
- Preparing organizations to meet regulatory requirements and navigate a changing market.
- Serving as a team building activity to engage staff across all levels of the organization.
- Organizations gaining national recognition
- Serving as a marketing resource for consumers, referral sources and other key stakeholders.
- Participants receiving customized feedback with their top strengths and improvement areas.
Please visit the Bronze, Silver, or Gold application pages to download your respective award level application materials and to learn how your center should begin preparing.
Key 2021 Program Dates:
- September 17, 2020 – Quality Award Portal opens
- November 12, 2020 – Intent to Apply Deadline
- January 28, 2021 – Application and Fee Deadline
If you’re interested in other ways to get involved, consider becoming an Examiner for the 2021 program cycle. Examiners play a significant role in reviewing Quality Award applications and impacting quality improvement in organizations across the country. Examiner program applications will be available on September 17, 2020.
Get started today by visiting ahcancal.org/qualityaward! For questions, email qualityaward@ahca.org.
71st AHCA/NCAL Virtual Convention Offers Essential Opportunity for Providers to Unite
The unrelenting challenges of the pandemic have hit the long term and post-acute care sectors especially hard. Over the last several months, providers have fought tirelessly to provide quality care and protect those that are most vulnerable to COVID-19.
The Virtual Convention & Expo taking place in October will unite providers from all across the country to reflect, learn, and share at this critical time.
“Now more than ever we need all levels of our profession to come together to discuss and share best practices, hear and learn from experts, and recognize the heroic work that many have done during this unprecedented time,” says AHCA/NCAL President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Parkinson.
Taking place from October 8 – 31, the Virtual Convention & Expo will offer 24 days of access to:
Get-Together Thursdays on October 8, 15, and 22 will feature the live sessions, moderated discussions, networking lounges, National Quality Award ceremony, and much more.
Over the 24 days of convention, you will have access to education sessions in 17 tracks of learning on key topics relevant to you. There will be a wide range of exciting speakers attending.
So while we may not be gathering in person, the 71st AHCA/NCAL Virtual Convention & Expo is packed with the value, convenience, and connection you’ve come to expect and deserve.
Get details and register today at AHCAConvention.org.
The Virtual Convention & Expo taking place in October will unite providers from all across the country to reflect, learn, and share at this critical time.
“Now more than ever we need all levels of our profession to come together to discuss and share best practices, hear and learn from experts, and recognize the heroic work that many have done during this unprecedented time,” says AHCA/NCAL President and Chief Executive Officer Mark Parkinson.
Taking place from October 8 – 31, the Virtual Convention & Expo will offer 24 days of access to:
- 14th Annual NCAL Day
- On-demand and live streaming sessions
- Networking lounges
- Moderated discussions
- Q&As with speakers and panelists
- Expo Hall with more than 70 business partners
- Awards and Recognitions
Over the 24 days of convention, you will have access to education sessions in 17 tracks of learning on key topics relevant to you. There will be a wide range of exciting speakers attending.
So while we may not be gathering in person, the 71st AHCA/NCAL Virtual Convention & Expo is packed with the value, convenience, and connection you’ve come to expect and deserve.
Get details and register today at AHCAConvention.org.
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