tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63963964952786580862024-03-13T07:14:55.898-07:00ID/DD DigestA monthly newsletter for ID/DD ProvidersAHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.comBlogger1204125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-69823415901244764622020-12-22T21:21:00.003-08:002020-12-22T21:21:24.964-08:00Happy Holidays from AHCA/NCAL!<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQG24TYIOZE/X-LTk8lZbjI/AAAAAAAAA98/hhr-HZTKwRQeUjNP40ncq5U0E5Wd_tA0wCLcBGAsYHQ/s800/seasons_greetings2020%2B%2528003%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="666" data-original-width="800" height="333" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQG24TYIOZE/X-LTk8lZbjI/AAAAAAAAA98/hhr-HZTKwRQeUjNP40ncq5U0E5Wd_tA0wCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h333/seasons_greetings2020%2B%2528003%2529.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-51557466575987671992020-12-22T21:19:00.006-08:002020-12-23T09:48:53.919-08:00CMS COVID-19 Infection Control for Psychiatric and ICFs/IID<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUSHPiJWUQk/WUg8RVPfkVI/AAAAAAAAAb4/kGhQeCRHJBoLXjFtOCdxrqwaBLmlsVCngCPcBGAYYCw/s250/Centers_for_Medicare_and_Medicaid_Services_logo.svg.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="87" data-original-width="250" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sUSHPiJWUQk/WUg8RVPfkVI/AAAAAAAAAb4/kGhQeCRHJBoLXjFtOCdxrqwaBLmlsVCngCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Centers_for_Medicare_and_Medicaid_Services_logo.svg.png" /></a></div><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">On December 17, 2020, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS) released a <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-21-07-psych-hospital-prtf-icf-iid.pdf" style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">memo
(QSO-21-07-Psych Hospital, PRTF & ICF/IID)</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> impacting psychiatric
hospitals, Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities (PRTFs) and
Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities
(ICFs/IID). CMS noted in the summary of the memo that the Agency is
“committed to taking critical steps to protect all Americans including those
with intellectual and developmental disabilities to ensure America’s health
care facilities are prepared to respond to the Coronavirus Disease 2019
(COVID-19) Public Health Emergency (PHE). CMS is providing guidance to
these providers to improve their infection control and prevention practices, in
part, to prevent or lessen the need for use of seclusion and restraint as an
infection control intervention. </span><p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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:</span> <span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-">https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-</a>
ncov/healthcare-facilities/index.html).” You can read the full memo <a href="https://www.cms.gov/files/document/qso-21-07-psych-hospital-prtf-icf-iid.pdf">here</a>.</span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-49186974562233119062020-12-22T21:17:00.006-08:002020-12-23T09:50:15.549-08:00AHCA/NCAL Launches Vaccination Campaign<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0ZkQYqj5Us/X-LSzeSB9qI/AAAAAAAAA90/jFRmWS8mrKIk0WMUuFf7l4lPfMQ0x34lACLcBGAsYHQ/s1920/getvaccinated_header.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="382" data-original-width="1920" height="80" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0ZkQYqj5Us/X-LSzeSB9qI/AAAAAAAAA90/jFRmWS8mrKIk0WMUuFf7l4lPfMQ0x34lACLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h80/getvaccinated_header.png" width="400" /></a></div><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">AHCA/NCAL launched a new <a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">#GetVaccinated
campaign</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> 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.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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!</span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-68579377326187709512020-12-22T21:14:00.005-08:002020-12-23T09:51:04.494-08:002021 AHCA NCAL National Quality Award Deadline Next Month<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnvSm7-kV6I/XFHegQEE-dI/AAAAAAAAAqc/vaLi1fK6Lb4Mq0jAXp0Wep9dU3tKQ1PkwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Three%2Bmedals.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="152" data-original-width="320" height="152" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnvSm7-kV6I/XFHegQEE-dI/AAAAAAAAAqc/vaLi1fK6Lb4Mq0jAXp0Wep9dU3tKQ1PkwCPcBGAYYCw/w320-h152/Three%2Bmedals.png" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">2021 Bronze, Silver and Gold Quality Award applicants are
encouraged to access free resources to help with a smooth writing and
submission process.<a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/nationalqualityaward"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">The
Criteria Series</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> are videos that applicants
can access for free that cover application categories and technical writing for
each award level.</span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Completing a successful application takes time to prepare.
Don't wait. Gather your team and work on your application today!</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></p><p><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">All applications and application fees must be submitted in
the </span><a href="https://ahcancal.smartsimple.com/s_Login.jsp"><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Quality
Award portal</span></a><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> by 8 pm Eastern on January
28, 2021. Late applications and payments will not be accepted.</span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-57296375170871778912020-12-22T21:09:00.000-08:002020-12-22T21:09:01.599-08:00ICF/IID Reports<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">AHCA's Research Department has released the following June
2020 updates for use by AHCA/NCAL members (Login Required):</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/research_data/oscar_data/Intermediate%20Care%20Facilities%20MRDD%20Standard%20Health/Forms/AllItems.aspx"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LTCStats: Intermediate Care Facilities for
Individuals with IntellectualDisabilities (ICF/IID) Standard Health Survey
Report, June 2020</span></a></span></li><li><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/research_data/oscar_data/Intermediate%20Care%20Facilities%20MRDD%20Survey%20Reports/Forms/AllItems.aspx"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LTCStats: Intermediate Care Facilities for
Individuals with IntellectualDisabilities (ICF/IID), Facility and Resident
Characteristics, June 2020</span></a></span></li></ul><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you have any questions relating to these
reports, which include important ICF/IID state and national data, please
contact AHCA’s Research Director, </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="mailto:ksreenivas@AHCA.org"><span lang="EN" style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kiran Sreenivas.</span></a></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-40963870571929801712020-12-22T21:07:00.009-08:002020-12-23T09:52:33.305-08:00We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b97hthajQKE/XRDiOn9iBLI/AAAAAAAAAu8/EBlS8q4iIccbezhVTR8Om6c1R7F5KTZRACPcBGAYYCw/s400/Facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="399" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b97hthajQKE/XRDiOn9iBLI/AAAAAAAAAu8/EBlS8q4iIccbezhVTR8Om6c1R7F5KTZRACPcBGAYYCw/w199-h200/Facebook.png" width="199" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div><p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">AHCA/NCAL
began a social media advocacy initiative last year and is encouraging all
members to get involved. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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 </span><a href="mailto:socialmedia@ahca.org"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;">socialmedia@ahca.org</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> to get on
the mailing list.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-add-space: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-87655411578785191382020-12-22T21:03:00.005-08:002020-12-23T09:53:55.009-08:00Coronavirus <p><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FinckddlvtU/XmgAy9QII8I/AAAAAAAAA04/g7yA8A6XSk4l4Mcc6SCU7KHcQ9x2AzrVQCPcBGAYYCw/s500/COVID-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FinckddlvtU/XmgAy9QII8I/AAAAAAAAA04/g7yA8A6XSk4l4Mcc6SCU7KHcQ9x2AzrVQCPcBGAYYCw/s320/COVID-19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Visit the <a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/facility_operations/disaster_planning/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx"><span style="background: white; color: #4d469c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AHCA/NCAL Coronavirus website</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span><p></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-65562015042817404942020-12-22T21:00:00.002-08:002020-12-22T21:00:17.635-08:00Articles and Resources of Interest<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-Cybersecurity-Essentials-for-Long-Term-Care-Providers-Webinar-Now-Available-to-AHCANCAL-Members.aspx"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">New Cybersecurity
Essentials for Long Term Care Providers Webinar Now Available to AHCA/NCAL
Members</span></a></li><li><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/12/17/disability-advocates-urge-people-to-get-vaccinated-against-covid-19/29126/">Disability
Advocates Urge People To Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19</a></span></li><li><span style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-themecolor: text1;"><a href="https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/12/16/how-the-pandemic-has-altered-the-lives-of-children-with-disabilities/29123/">How
The Pandemic Has Altered The Lives Of Children With Disabilities</a></span></li><li><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/Documents/COVID19/AHCANCAL-Overview-Pharmacy-Partnership-LTC.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vaccine FAQs</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/Documents/COVID19/COVID-Testing-Vendors.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Testing Vendors</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Survey-Regulatory-Legal/Emergency-Preparedness/Documents/COVID19/Testing-Requirements-FAQs.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Testing FAQs</span></a></li></ul><p></p>
AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-82218424026250415562020-12-22T20:59:00.000-08:002020-12-22T20:59:01.435-08:00Legislative and Agency Corner<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Provider-Relief-Fund-FAQs-for-Vaccine-Distribution.aspx">Provider Relief Fund FAQs for Vaccine Distribution</a></span></li><li><a href="https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/12/11/new-program-aims-to-train-doctors-on-developmental-disabilities/29069/" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">New
Program Aims To Train Doctors On Developmental Disabilities</a></li></ul><p></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-27317715389413471732020-12-22T20:57:00.001-08:002020-12-22T20:57:11.150-08:00National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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 </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">resources
for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their caregivers. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Information about
future calls, and audio recording of previous ones, can be found </span><a href="http://www.nasuad.org/initiatives/information-and-referralassistance/monthly-calls"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-75873759497808085222020-12-22T20:56:00.002-08:002020-12-22T20:56:32.661-08:002021 Health Care Observances <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">January 2021 marks, among other
observances, </span><a href="https://www.glaucoma.org/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">National Glaucoma Awareness Month</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> and </span><a href="https://www.redcross.org/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">National Volunteer Blood Donor Month</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. The 2021 Healthcare Observances Calendar can
be found </span><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Education-Events/Documents/2021%20Healthcare%20Observances%20Calendar.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-77303563336815026632020-11-23T09:50:00.005-08:002020-11-24T10:02:29.854-08:00Happy Thanksgiving from AHCA/NCAL <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEY211oj8KI/X71KjnCXryI/AAAAAAAAJIk/xODA_xUPrP8cbPPCVyj4qMmw8uMXikYUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/AHCA-NCAL%2BThanksgiving%2BGraphic.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="400" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dEY211oj8KI/X71KjnCXryI/AAAAAAAAJIk/xODA_xUPrP8cbPPCVyj4qMmw8uMXikYUwCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/AHCA-NCAL%2BThanksgiving%2BGraphic.png" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"></div>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-45780045317482506642020-11-23T09:48:00.004-08:002020-11-23T09:48:46.554-08:00Resources to Help 2021 Quality Award Applicants<p></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnvSm7-kV6I/XFHegQEE-dI/AAAAAAAAAqc/vaLi1fK6Lb4Mq0jAXp0Wep9dU3tKQ1PkwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Three%2Bmedals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="152" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnvSm7-kV6I/XFHegQEE-dI/AAAAAAAAAqc/vaLi1fK6Lb4Mq0jAXp0Wep9dU3tKQ1PkwCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Three%2Bmedals.png" /></a></div><br /><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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 </span><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Resources-to-Help-2021-Quality-Award-Applicants.aspx"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">here</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. </span><p></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-42772189877566201532020-11-23T09:46:00.005-08:002020-11-23T09:46:59.704-08:00Mounting Evidence Points To Serious COVID-19 Risk For Those With ID/DD<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FinckddlvtU/XmgAy9QII8I/AAAAAAAAA04/g7yA8A6XSk4l4Mcc6SCU7KHcQ9x2AzrVQCPcBGAYYCw/s500/COVID-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FinckddlvtU/XmgAy9QII8I/AAAAAAAAA04/g7yA8A6XSk4l4Mcc6SCU7KHcQ9x2AzrVQCPcBGAYYCw/w320-h180/COVID-19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">According to a disabiltyscoop.com
article, “People with developmental disabilities who contract COVID-19 face a
higher risk of dying from the virus than just about anyone else, new research
indicates.” The full article can be found </span><a href="https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/11/16/mounting-evidence-points-to-serious-covid-19-risk-for-those-with-idd/29084/"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">here</span></a><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span><p></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-31176456563145185282020-11-23T09:45:00.001-08:002020-11-23T09:45:20.602-08:00ICF/IID Reports<p><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">AHCA's Research Department has released the following June
2020 updates for use by AHCA/NCAL members (Login Required):</span></p>
<blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/research_data/oscar_data/Intermediate%20Care%20Facilities%20MRDD%20Standard%20Health/Forms/AllItems.aspx"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LTCStats: Intermediate Care Facilities for
Individuals with IntellectualDisabilities (ICF/IID) Standard Health Survey
Report, June 2020</span></a></span></li><li><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/research_data/oscar_data/Intermediate%20Care%20Facilities%20MRDD%20Survey%20Reports/Forms/AllItems.aspx"><span style="color: #2b00fe; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">LTCStats: Intermediate Care Facilities for
Individuals with IntellectualDisabilities (ICF/IID), Facility and Resident
Characteristics, June 2020</span></a></span></li></ul><p></p></blockquote>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span lang="EN" style="color: black; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If you have any questions relating to these
reports, which include important ICF/IID state and national data, please
contact AHCA’s Research Director, </span><span style="color: black; mso-color-alt: windowtext;"><a href="mailto:ksreenivas@AHCA.org"><span lang="EN" style="color: #4d469c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Kiran Sreenivas.</span></a></span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-88923075643610594032020-11-23T09:43:00.006-08:002020-11-24T10:22:44.604-08:00HUD Section 232 Program and COVID Webinar<p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpTfA9OkOEM/V_VkgcZh2oI/AAAAAAAAAUo/2qPE_A2Gj3U7Mo0YbH_kchMMeyiWZERqgCPcBGAYYCw/s93/HUD.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="93" data-original-width="93" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KpTfA9OkOEM/V_VkgcZh2oI/AAAAAAAAAUo/2qPE_A2Gj3U7Mo0YbH_kchMMeyiWZERqgCPcBGAYYCw/s16000/HUD.png" /></a></div><br />AhcancalED hosted a
webinar last week with HUD titled <a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/section-232-program-overview-and-matters-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic" target="_blank"><i><span style="color: #4527a0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">Section 232 Program Overview and Matters
Related to the COVID-19 Pandemic</span></i></a><span style="color: #303133; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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 </span><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/section-232-program-overview-and-matters-related-to-the-covid-19-pandemic" target="_blank"><span style="color: #4527a0; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">here</span></a><span style="color: #303133; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-3554219145407407812020-11-23T09:40:00.009-08:002020-11-24T13:04:21.196-08:00We Need You for Our Social Media Initiative<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b97hthajQKE/XRDiOn9iBLI/AAAAAAAAAu8/EBlS8q4iIccbezhVTR8Om6c1R7F5KTZRACPcBGAYYCw/s400/Facebook.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="399" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-b97hthajQKE/XRDiOn9iBLI/AAAAAAAAAu8/EBlS8q4iIccbezhVTR8Om6c1R7F5KTZRACPcBGAYYCw/w319-h320/Facebook.png" width="319" /></a></div><br />
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</p><p></p>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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 <a href="mailto:socialmedia@ahca.org"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt;">socialmedia@ahca.org</a> to get on
the mailing list.</p>
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-73951421861411824532020-11-23T09:39:00.003-08:002020-11-23T09:39:14.646-08:00Coronavirus <p><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FinckddlvtU/XmgAy9QII8I/AAAAAAAAA04/g7yA8A6XSk4l4Mcc6SCU7KHcQ9x2AzrVQCPcBGAYYCw/s500/COVID-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="500" height="180" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FinckddlvtU/XmgAy9QII8I/AAAAAAAAA04/g7yA8A6XSk4l4Mcc6SCU7KHcQ9x2AzrVQCPcBGAYYCw/w320-h180/COVID-19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />Visit the <a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/facility_operations/disaster_planning/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx"><span style="background: white; color: #4d469c; font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">AHCA/NCAL Coronavirus website</span></a><span style="background: white; color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background: white; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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.</span><p></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-1710952172949352572020-11-23T09:37:00.001-08:002020-11-23T09:37:10.492-08:00Articles and Resources of Interest<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/New-Quality-Award-Examiner-Training-Program-Designed-for-Observers.aspx"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">New Quality Award Examiner Training Program Designed for Observers</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/The-LTC-Career-Center-is-Where-to-Find-Health-Care-Talent.aspx"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The LTC Career Center is Where to Find Health Care Talent</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/11/20/new-housing-concepts-emerge-for-adults-with-developmental-disabilities/29093/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">New Housing
Concepts Emerge For Adults With Developmental Disabilities</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/11/13/even-in-adulthood-autism-challenges-linger-for-caregivers/29083/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Even In Adulthood,
Autism Challenges Linger For Caregivers</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Learn-How-to-Help-Residents-and-Staff-Cope-with-the-Impact-of-COVID-19-as-the-Pandemic-Continues.aspx"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">Learn How to Help
Residents and Staff Cope with the Impact of COVID-19 as the Pandemic Continues</span></a></li></ul><p></p>
AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-16348752512716929842020-11-23T09:36:00.001-08:002020-11-23T09:36:13.355-08:00Legislative and Agency Corner<p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/November-is-National-Family-Caregivers-Month.aspx" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">November
is National Family Caregivers Month</a></li><li><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/OSHA-Releases-Frequently-Cited-Standards-Related-to-COVID-19-Inspections.aspx"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">OSHA Releases Frequently Cited Standards Related to COVID-19 Inspections</span></a></li><li><a href="https://www.disabilityscoop.com/2020/11/18/disability-related-hate-crimes-down-fbi-says/29089/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Disability-Related Hate Crimes Down, FBI Says</span></a></li></ul><p></p>
AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-90319390687504339632020-11-23T09:34:00.003-08:002020-11-23T09:34:28.480-08:00National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">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 </span><span lang="EN" style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">resources
for people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias and their caregivers. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Information about
future calls, and audio recording of previous ones, can be found </span><a href="http://www.nasuad.org/initiatives/information-and-referralassistance/monthly-calls"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-41381027485963984702020-11-23T09:33:00.003-08:002020-11-23T09:33:46.754-08:002020 Health Care Observances <p><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">December 2020 marks, among other
observances, </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><a href="https://www.diabetes.org/community/american-diabetes-month">American Diabetes
Month (ADM)</a> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">and </span><a href="https://acl.gov/news-and-events/downloads-and-multimedia/NFCM"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">National Family
Caregivers Month</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">. The 2020 Healthcare Observances Calendar can
be found </span><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/events/Documents/2020%20Healthcare%20Observances%20Calendar.pdf"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12.0pt;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-15501742376062246602020-10-20T15:58:00.000-07:002020-10-20T15:58:07.750-07:00White House Announces Vaccination Distribution Program for LTC Residents<p><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">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.</span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The COVID-19 vaccine
will likely become available in phases over the coming months. To prepare, the
federal government has partnered with <b>CVS</b> and <b>Walgreens</b> 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. <o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">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.</span></span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> 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 <a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/White-House-Announces-Vaccination-Distribution-Program-for-LTC-Residents.aspx"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">accessed
here</span></a>. </span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-42157086133612538602020-10-20T15:57:00.003-07:002020-10-20T15:59:57.023-07:00Administration for Community Living (ACL) Releases New Issues Briefs on Quality Measures<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XaaT4w9oEE/X49pdDACGlI/AAAAAAAAA70/_vnk_4KDPhYXkc5YNQkl40rpRCt8ZXW_QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1200/acl.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="1200" height="83" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9XaaT4w9oEE/X49pdDACGlI/AAAAAAAAA70/_vnk_4KDPhYXkc5YNQkl40rpRCt8ZXW_QCLcBGAsYHQ/w200-h83/acl.png" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt;">Full details regarding quality measures for
home and community based care and the issues briefs can be accessed on </span><a href="https://acl.gov/news-and-events/announcements/new-issue-briefs-quality-measures-home-and-community-based-services" style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">the
ACL website</span></a><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 12pt;">.</span></span><p></p><p style="text-align: right;"><br /><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;"><br /></span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6396396495278658086.post-32065911742762124282020-10-20T15:57:00.000-07:002020-10-20T15:57:22.763-07:00Due November 12: Submit Your 2021 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Intent to Apply Today<p><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnvSm7-kV6I/XFHegQEE-dI/AAAAAAAAAqc/vaLi1fK6Lb4Mq0jAXp0Wep9dU3tKQ1PkwCPcBGAYYCw/s320/Three%2Bmedals.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="152" data-original-width="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WnvSm7-kV6I/XFHegQEE-dI/AAAAAAAAAqc/vaLi1fK6Lb4Mq0jAXp0Wep9dU3tKQ1PkwCPcBGAYYCw/s0/Three%2Bmedals.png" /></a></div><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="color: #444444;">The </span><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">National Quality Award portal</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> is now open, and accepting Intent to Apply submissions for the
2021 program year. </span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">We hope you’ll consider
applying for this important award. Participating in the program has many
benefits:<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #444444;">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).<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #444444;">It prepares
organizations to meet regulatory requirements and navigate a changing
market. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #444444;">It serves as a team
building activity to engage staff across all levels of the organization.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #444444;">Organizations gain
external recognition, serving as a marketing resource for consumers, referral
sources and other key stakeholders.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #444444;">Participants
receive customized feedback with their top strengths and improvement areas.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">Please visit the </span><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Quality Award Website to download</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> applications and materials for your respective
award level and to learn how your facility should begin preparing.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">Key 2021 Program
Dates:</span></b><span style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #444444;">November 12, 2020 –
Intent to Apply Deadline<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;"><!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #444444; font-family: Symbol; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="color: #444444;">January 28, 2021 –
Application and Fee Deadline <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">Examiner Program
Applications Available!</span></b><span style="color: #444444;"><o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">If you’re interested in
other ways to get involved, consider becoming an </span><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/Examiners.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">Examiner for the 2021 program cycle</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">. Examiners play a significant role in reviewing Quality
Award applications and impacting quality improvement in organizations across
the country. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p style="background: white;"><span style="color: #444444;">Get started today by
visiting </span><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Quality/National-Quality-Award-Program/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">ahcancal.org/qualityaward</span></a><span style="color: #444444;">!
For questions, email </span><a href="mailto:qualityaward@ahca.org" target="_blank"><span style="color: #2b00fe;">qualityaward@ahca.org</span><span style="color: black;"></span></a><span style="color: #444444;">.<o:p></o:p></span></p>AHCA IDDD NFPhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148649590348988622noreply@blogger.com0