Calendar

LTC Medical Provider Conference

This conference offers invaluable evidence-based sessions on pain management, drug management, and regulatory compliance, which are pivotal in ensuring the highest standards of care for residents in long-term care settings. Additionally, the conference provides a platform for Medical Directors to learn how to bring more value to their roles, improving their ability to lead teams, enhance resident care outcomes, and contribute to the overall success of their organization.

Location

Marriott Hotel
700 Grand Ave.
Des Moines, IA

Schedule

September 22, 2024

10:00 am            Registration Open/Check-In
10:30 am            Bringing Value as a LTC Medical Director
11:45 am             Lunch (provided)
12:15 pm             Chronic Pain Management and Skilled Nursing Homes 
  1:45 pm            Break
  2:00 pm           Collaborating with Pharmacists in Drug Management
  3:30 pm           Break
  3:45 pm           Understanding LTC Compliance and the Survey Process
  4:45 pm           Adjourn

Topic Descriptions

Bringing Value as a LTC Medical Director
Instructor: Dr. V. Simon Mittal, Medical Director
 This informative session will delve into the multifaceted role of a long-term care Medical Director, emphasizing the importance of leadership, quality care, and collaboration. Participants will gain insights into strategies for enhancing patient outcomes, fostering a culture of excellence, and effectively collaborating with multidisciplinary teams. Through real-world case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will learn how to navigate challenges, implement best practices, and drive continuous improvement within their organizations, ultimately bringing significant value to their roles and the residents they serve.

Chronic Pain Management and Skilled Nursing Homes: A Review of Recent Research
Instructor: Dr. V. Simon Mittal, Medical Director
  This session will provide an in-depth exploration of the latest advancements and best practices in chronic pain management treatments within long-term care settings. Focus will be on current best practices, emerging trends, and the critical issue of opioid overuse. Attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively manage chronic pain in elderly patients while mitigating the risks associated with opioid medications. The session will emphasize the importance of a balanced approach that considers both pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, while also addressing common barriers to effective pain management. 

Collaborating with Pharmacists in Drug Management
Instructor: Betsy Reynolds, Consultant Pharmacist
  This session will explore the vital collaboration between medical directors and pharmacists in managing drug therapies in long-term care settings. Discussion will focus on the roles and responsibilities of medical directors and pharmacists, the benefits of inter-professional collaboration, and strategies for optimizing medication management to improve patient outcomes. Case studies and practical examples will illustrate how effective teamwork can enhance drug safety, reduce medication errors, and ensure adherence to best practices and regulatory requirements.

Understanding LTC Compliance and the Survey Process
Instructor: Steve Garrison, Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals & Licensing
  Understanding the latest regulatory requirements helps medical directors ensure their facilities meet all necessary standards, thereby avoiding potential fines and legal issues.  This session will cover information on what a Medical Director can expect from a survey team during an Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) survey.  There will be a discussion on immediate jeopardy meetings, statement of deficiencies, and plan of correction.  The state’s relationship with the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS), and the informal dispute resolution process will also be reviewed.

Continuing Education Information

Des Moines University Medicine and Health Sciences is the accredited provider and has approved this activity for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, American Osteopathic Association credit, nursing contact hours, and continuing education contact hours. The speaker(s) will disclose if any pharmaceuticals, medical procedures, and devices discussed are investigational or unapproved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The determination of educational content and the selection of speakers is the responsibility of the activity director. No ineligible company provided financial support for this continuing education activity. View the accreditation statements and speaker disclosures. If you have questions regarding continuing education credit, please email [email protected].

Registration Fee

IHCA Members:            $99
Medical Directors:       $99

For registration assistance, please contact Mary Shelly at IHCA. [email protected]

Instructor Bios

Steve Garrison is the Health and Safety Division Administrator at the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing.  Steve oversees Food, Fire, and Health Care inspections throughout the state.  Steve has an undergraduate degree from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Science with majors in Spanish, Criminal Justice, and Sociology.  He also has a master’s degree in public administration from Drake University.  Steve has been employed with the State of Iowa for 10 years and has been a supervisor for four of those 10 years.  He’s been in his current role for a year and previously oversaw licensure and investigations for 19 professional licensing boards to include the Board of Nursing Home Administrators.  Prior to his supervisory experience he conducted investigations for the Iowa Board of Medicine, Iowa Dental Board, and child abuse investigations and case management for the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. 

V. Simon Mittal, MD is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine doctor and has been a consultant and Peer Coach with VITAL WorkLife since 2011. He practices internal medicine and is the CEO of a firm that provides medical services to long-term and skilled nursing facilities. He also provides consultation and coaching in the areas of leadership development, career development, strategic planning and talent management. Dr. Mittal completed his medical degree at the University of Texas Medical School at Houston and completed his internship and residency at the Fitzsimons Army Medical Center in Aurora, CO. Dr. Mittal also holds a master’s degree in medical management from the University of Southern California. While in the US Army Dr. Mittal was recognized for innovation with the Surgeon General Award and after 6 years of active service, he joined the Internal Medicine Department at Mayo Clinic Health System in Rochester, Minnesota. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Mittal has held numerous leadership roles in healthcare systems, including Vice President of Medical Affairs, Department Chair of Internal Medicine and Chair of a Medical Executive Committee. He is the CEO and founder of Envisage Health, a coaching and consulting practice designed to provide a platform for organization, practitioner, executive and staff strategic and tactical improvements. Dr. Mittal assists clinicians in practice management, teamwork, communication, leadership and effectively managing stress and burnout.

Betsy Reynolds, PharmD is the Director of Pharmacy Consulting with Method Healthcare, LLC. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC) in 2008. Betsy served as the pharmacist-in-charge of a retail pharmacy for eight years where she was involved in providing clinical services including immunizations and Medication Therapy Management (MTM). In 2009, Betsy began consulting for a long-term care facility and her love of consulting began.  Betsy started the Pharmacy Consulting division of Method Healthcare, LLC in October of 2019. This role includes exploring safer transitions of care, facilitating antibiotic stewardship, managing the use of psychotropics as well as other clinical services. In addition to nursing facilities, Betsy also provides consulting services to multiple ambulatory surgery centers in the Kansas City metro. She is currently a preceptor for both the KU and UMKC School of Pharmacy, serves on the UMKC School of Pharmacy Foundation and the Heartland Chapter of the Parkinson’s Foundation Advisory Board.