Join IHCA tomorrow, May 22, in Atlantic for its final May District Meeting event designed to strengthen collaboration and enhance knowledge across key administrative areas. This event will feature targeted education on accounts receivable and collections, human resources essentials and Medicaid eligibility training. Attendees will gain practical tools to help navigate today’s complex care environment. This event is approved for 3.0 CEUs for social services staff, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the IHCA Foundation will award up to 77 scholarships this year to support individuals pursuing or advancing their careers in long-term care. The IHCA Foundation’s 2025 scholarship program applications will close next week. Don't miss this incredible opportunity; submit your application today!
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The 2025 Iowa legislative session concluded last week, and IHCA is proud to share a strong slate of outcomes that advance access to care, protect providers from harmful legislation and secure vital investments in the long-term care profession.
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Effective June 4, 2025, Iowa’s licensed practical nurses (LPNs) will be allowed to perform initial and ongoing nursing assessments under revised administrative rules adopted by the Iowa Board of Nursing. While registered nurses (RNs) will still be responsible for the overall plan of care, this change marks a significant expansion of LPNs’ scope of practice — a move long advocated by IHCA to ease staffing burdens in long-term care settings. However, assisted living programs must continue following existing rules that require RNs to complete initial and significant change evaluations (assessments). While IHCA continues to advocate for change in these rules, assisted living programs employing LPNs should not adjust their policies until further notice.
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The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently disclosed that it would no longer apply independent contractor classification standards finalized last year under President Joe Biden when determining employee versus independent contractor status in Fair Labor Standards Act investigations. "This guidance does not change existing regulations but reflects how the department is allocating enforcement resources during the review of the 2024 rule," the DOL said.
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IHCA's Maintenance Essentials - Electrical and Life Safety Systems education event on June 10 will equip facility professionals, technicians and safety personnel with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to work confidently with electrical systems and life safety technologies. This event is approved for 4.0 CEUs for nursing facility administrators, assisted living managers and environmental services staff.
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IHCA's Rooted to Rise – Women in Long-Term Care Conference on June 18 will be a dynamic gathering designed to uplift, connect and empower women across all roles in the long-term care continuum. Through a series of thought-provoking sessions, participants will explore essential themes of leadership, personal wellness, effective communication and purposeful living. This unique event will bring together voices from across the field and beyond to foster growth, resilience and community - highlighting the invaluable contributions women make every day. This event, sponsored by Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc., Blue Stone Therapy, Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy and btx, is approved for 6.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators, assisted living managers, department heads, social services and activities.
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IHCA's Serving Up Excellence in Long-Term Care – Dietary Conference on June 26, sponsored by Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc., will offer a holistic approach to enhancing nutritional care and food service delivery in long-term care. Sessions will highlight interdisciplinary collaboration, safety and resident-centered dining. Attendees will explore innovative strategies for improving texture-modified diets, optimizing hydration, elevating food presentation and identifying systemic challenges within dietary operations. Interactive discussions, a facility tour from IHCA member Scottish Rite Park and hands-on learning will equip participants with valuable tools to support both clinical excellence and an enhanced quality of life for their residents. This conference is approved for 4.0 CEUs for dietary staff, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Members are reminded that nominations for AHCA/NCAL’s 2025 Awards Program are currently being accepted through May 30. This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 30, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, IHCA has launched a new Mental Health Mondays webinar series. The final webinar of the series, "Depression and Anxiety Management for Older Adults," will take place next Monday, May 19. Each webinar offers 1.0 CEU, with up to 3.0 CEUs available for those who attend the entire series. Webinars will be available both live and on-demand for registered participants.
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IHCA’s May SE and SW District Meetings will take place next Tuesday and Thursday in Coralville and Atlantic. Each meeting will feature targeted education on accounts receivable and collections, HR essentials and Medicaid eligibility, along with a district business meeting over lunch. Attendees can earn 3.0 CEUs while gaining practical tools for managing today’s administrative challenges in long-term care.
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Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have broadened the scope of work where technology can save time and produce largely accurate results. One specific application where AI could be helpful to post-acute leaders is in the formulation of a plan of correction in response to a regulatory survey. Although AI creations are typically precise, leaders are reminded to use an AI draft as a starting point.
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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) invites you to join its upcoming virtual town halls focused on aging and disability services. These sessions are an opportunity to share updates, hear your feedback and answer questions. A provider town hall will be held virtually today at 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
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This year, Iowa Total Care is hosting five in-person Provider Summits across multiple regions in Iowa, making it easier for providers to join in their area. Each summit will feature key updates, educational sessions and plenty of opportunities to connect directly with subject matter experts from across Iowa Total Care.
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The IHCA Foundation is offering two different scholarship opportunities for new and experienced directors of nursing, made possible by Care Initiatives. All IHCA Foundation scholarship applications are due in two weeks; apply today!
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Governor Kim Reynolds has signed the Dietitian Licensure Compact (HF 532) to enhance access to nutrition services in long-term care settings by allowing licensed/registered dietitians to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses. Through this compact, dietitians can apply for a “compact privilege” to work across state lines, reducing the need for multiple licenses and simplifying administrative processes. Governed by The Council of State Governments, the Dietician Licensure Compact is in the beginning stages of activation and compact privileges have not yet been issued. Members should be aware of the 12–24-month implementation timeline before compact privileges are in effect.
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IHCA's Maintenance Essentials - Electrical and Life Safety Systems education event on June 10 will equip facility professionals, technicians and safety personnel with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to work confidently with electrical systems and life safety technologies. This event is approved for 4.0 CEUs for nursing facility administrators, assisted living managers and environmental services staff.
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Join IHCA for an exciting and enriching Activity Professionals Workshop on June 17, designed to inspire and empower activity professionals in senior living communities. This dynamic event, sponsored by the Iowa Council of Activity Professionals, will offer a variety of sessions focused on refreshing your approach to activity programming, navigating key regulations and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. This workshop is approved for 5.0 CEUs for activity professionals and nursing facility administrators.
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IHCA's three-part on-demand webinar series, Cybersecurity Essentials for Long-Term Care - Protecting Yourself, Your Facility and Your Residents, sponsored by CLA, will help you fortify your digital fortress by focusing on cybersecurity hygiene, ransomware resilience and defending against business email compromise. This on-demand course is approved for 3.0 CEUs for activity professionals, dietary staff, social services staff, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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Members are reminded that nominations for AHCA/NCAL’s 2025 Awards Program are currently being accepted through May 31. This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 31, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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IHCA’s May NW District Meeting will take place tomorrow, May 8, in Storm Lake. Each meeting will feature targeted education on accounts receivable and collections, HR essentials and Medicaid eligibility, along with a district business meeting over lunch. Attendees can earn 3.0 CEUs while gaining practical tools for managing today’s administrative challenges in long-term care. Additional meetings will be held later in May in Coralville and Atlantic.
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, IHCA has launched a new Mental Health Mondays webinar series. The next webinar of the series, "CMS Revised Surveyor Guidance - Behavioral and Mental Health Supports," will take place next Monday, May 12. Each webinar offers 1.0 CEU, with up to 3.0 CEUs available for those who attend the entire series. Webinars will be available both live and on-demand for registered participants.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the April 16 and April 30 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include a newly noticed rule related to uniform waiver standards and an adopted and filed rule related to model rules for contested cases before licensing boards and settlements.
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Iowa Medicaid will stop enrolling Individual Consumer Directed Attendant Care (ICDAC) providers effective July 1, 2025, due to noncompliance with IRS tax rules, as identified by CMS. While this change does not directly impact IHCA members, individuals currently providing ICDAC services may seek employment with agency CDAC providers, including IHCA member agencies. Current ICDAC providers must transition to agency employment or the Consumer Choices Option (CCO) program by Nov. 30, 2025. Services can continue through Dec. 31, 2025, and transition planning should begin during annual service meetings.
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Leaders at IHCA member organizations can now apply for the Iowa Total Care Executive Health Care Leadership Institute Scholarship, which covers the full registration fee for IHCA’s premier leadership training program. Designed specifically for long-term care professionals, IHCA's Executive Health Care Leadership Institute blends core leadership skills with the technical expertise needed to thrive in today’s care settings. Nine scholarships are available, and applications are open through May 31.
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Members are reminded that nominations for AHCA/NCAL’s 2025 Awards Program are currently being accepted through May 31. This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 31, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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AHCA/NCAL is asking providers from skilled nursing facilities, assisted living programs and intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) facilities to complete a ten-minute survey to better understand how issues in Washington might impact your facility(ies). Respondents will be asked about several topics, including Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, workforce and financials, among others. Please complete the survey by 7:00 p.m. this Friday, May 9.
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, IHCA is launching a new Mental Health Mondays webinar series, held on the first three Mondays in May. The series will explore critical mental health topics in long-term care, including self-care strategies, CMS guidance on behavioral health supports and managing depression and anxiety in older adults. Each webinar offers 1.0 CEU, with up to 3.0 CEUs available for those who attend all three. Webinars will be available both live and on-demand for registered participants.
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IHCA’s May District Meetings kick off next week with events on May 6 in Cedar Falls and May 8 in Storm Lake. Each meeting will feature targeted education on accounts receivable and collections, HR essentials and Medicaid eligibility, along with a district business meeting over lunch. Attendees can earn 3.0 CEUs while gaining practical tools for managing today’s administrative challenges in long-term care. Additional meetings will be held later in May in Coralville and Atlantic.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware that BD and its subsidiary Bard Access Systems have issued a letter to affected customers recommending certain unused PowerPICC intravascular catheters be removed from where they are used or sold. Additionally, in-use PowerPICC intravascular catheters have updated instructions for use: 4 Fr. Single Lumen PowerPICC and SOLO and non-SOLO versions.
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The John W. and Kimberly D. Grubb Registered Nurse (RN) Scholarship is for employees of an IHCA member organization pursuing an accredited RN degree. One $3,000 scholarship and eight $2,000 scholarships are available. These scholarships are for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications for all IHCA Foundation scholarship opportunities will close in one month; submit your application today!
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Nominations are now open for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Awards Program, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 31, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. An event is planned for this Friday in Ankeny with additional town halls held this weekend in Hiawatha, Des Moines and Marion. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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Gather your friends, family or coworkers and form a team to participate in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s event near you. As the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, it’s more than just a walk — it’s a powerful movement. Join the Alzheimer’s Association in taking steps toward a future without Alzheimer’s disease. This article provides a summary of 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's dates and locations.
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IHCA's May District Meeting events in Cedar Falls, Storm Lake, Coralville and Atlantic will offer targeted education on accounts receivable and collections, human resource essentials and Medicaid eligibility training — equipping attendees with practical tools for success in today’s complex care environment. In addition to valuable learning opportunities, the district business meetings will be held during a working lunch, creating space for meaningful discussion and peer networking. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn and lead within your district. These events are approved for 3.0 CEUs for social services staff, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers, and are sponsored by BCG Data Services, HPSI Purchasing Services, VGM Education/CE Solutions, NuCara LTC Pharmacy and Home Medical and IHCA Provider Solutions Enrollment Support.
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The Quarter 2 2025 assisted living (AL) and residential care facility (RCF) survey trend reports are now available in the IHCA Resource Center. These reports are member-only resources that provide listings of the most common regulatory insufficiencies. Please share these reports with the individuals at your program involved with managing survey quality, as they are a helpful resource when planning for future surveys. Congratulations to the 22 IHCA AL and RCF members that recently achieved an insufficiency/deficiency-free survey!
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Iowa Total Care has announced new enhancements to Availity Essentials, effective April 21, 2025. Key updates include the ability to submit claim corrections directly from the claim status page, an improved Remittance Viewer with advanced search and filter options, and integrated InterQual review functionality within authorization requests. Live training sessions will be held today and tomorrow regarding these features.
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The IHCA Foundation is now offering two different scholarship opportunities for new and experienced directors of nursing, made possible by Care Initiatives. Scholarship applications are open now through May 31.
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Nominations for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Awards Program are now open! This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. Nominations are due May 30, 2025.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny and Council Bluffs with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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IHCA's Assisted Living Management Certification (ALMC) Program will be held in person next Monday, April 21, through Thursday, April 24. This program, sponsored by Consonus Pharmacy, fulfills the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing’s (DIAL's) regulation requiring new assisted living program managers to complete a management class within six months of hire, including at least six hours on Iowa rules and laws. This education is approved for 24.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Join IHCA next Wednesday, April 23, for its in-person Assisted Living Regulatory Class, sponsored by NuCara LTC Pharmacy and Home Medical. The purpose of this class is to provide assisted living nurses and directors with the Iowa assisted living laws, rules and regulations. Due to an increase in attendees, this event will now take place at the Monroe Event Center located directly across the street from the IHCA office. This in-person course is approved for 7.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Nominations for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Awards Program are now open! This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. Nominations are due May 30, 2025.
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently made changes to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to align with statutory language, and updated the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Privacy Notice. In addition, starting on April 3, 2025, E-Verify and E-Verify+ have updated the citizenship status selection during case creation to reflect this statutory language.
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The IHCA Foundation is offering up to 34 scholarships of $1,500 each for employees of IHCA member organizations pursuing accredited programs in nursing, health care administration, or physical/occupational therapy for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications are open through May 31, 2025, and require a completed form, essay, transcript or acceptance letter, and a letter of recommendation. Several additional scholarship opportunities are also available for students and professionals in long-term care.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. An event is planned for this Friday in Ankeny with additional town halls held this weekend in Iowa City and Hiawatha. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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IHCA’s on-demand webinar, Effective Strategies for Successful Surveyor Interactions, offers practical guidance for long-term care staff on navigating survey processes and responding to surveyor requests and allegations. It features a panel of experts who share real-world strategies for managing challenging survey situations and maintaining compliance. This on-demand webinar is approved for 1.0 CEU for administrators, activity professionals, dietary staff, department heads, environmental services, nurses and social services staff.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the March 19 and April 2 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include a newly noticed rule related to specialized managed care programs and adopted and filed rules related to health care employment agencies, early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment, facility assessments and more.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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The MolinaCares High School Scholarship, made possible by the MolinaCares Charitable Foundation, is made for Iowa high school seniors who are in their senior year of high school during the 2024-2025 academic year and interested in pursuing a nursing career in long-term care. Nine $2,000 scholarships are available. Applications are due May 31.
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Registration for IHCA's 2025 May District Meetings is now open. These events will have a business office focus and will include Medicaid eligibility training with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. More details will be available soon. Register now to secure your spot! These events are sponsored by BCG Data Services, HPSI Purchasing Services, VGM Education and NuCara LTC Pharmacy.
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Join IHCA for an exciting and enriching Activity Professionals Workshop on June 17, designed to inspire and empower activity professionals in senior living communities. This dynamic event, sponsored by the Iowa Council of Activity Professionals, will offer a variety of sessions focused on refreshing your approach to activity programming, navigating key regulations and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. This workshop is approved for 5.0 CEUs for activity professionals and nursing facility administrators.
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The IHCA Foundation is now accepting applications through May 31 for 77 scholarships designed to support and advance careers in long-term care, including nursing, administration, physical and occupational therapy, as well as professional development courses. IHCA members are encouraged to apply and to share these exciting opportunities with their staff who are looking to further their education or boost their professional growth.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny, Lake Mills, Orient, Thompson, Forest City and Waterloo, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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IHCA’s Spring Conference begins this afternoon, with the opening general session beginning at 1:00 p.m. This two-day, in-person event, presented by BCG Data Services, is our second largest event of the year. With over 30 sessions covering key topics such as CMS guidance changes, Medicaid eligibility, quality improvement, clinical trends and workplace culture – plus specialized sessions for activity professionals and home health staff – this is a must-attend event for IHCA members.
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have released joint technical guidance to help employers ensure their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs comply with federal anti-discrimination laws. If your organization has a DEI program in place, it’s important to review this new guidance to evaluate whether your initiatives align with federal compliance standards.
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Registration for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, scheduled for April 7-9 in Atlanta, closes tomorrow, March 27. The event includes the rescheduled 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony — originally postponed due to Hurricane Milton — on April 7 from 4:45–5:45 p.m. IHCA encourages 2024 Quality Award recipients to attend and be recognized nationally. Special registration rates are available for Quality Award recipients and examiners.
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The IHCA Foundation is offering 77 scholarships this year to help individuals interested in pursuing or advancing their career in long-term care. Scholarship opportunities are available for current long-term care employees seeking to advance their health care or leadership skills, as well as high school seniors who are pursuing an education in health care. Scholarship applications will open next Monday, March 31, and close on May 31, 2025.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny and Iowa City with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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IHCA’s Spring Conference on March 26-27 is next week! This two-day, in-person event, presented by BCG Data Services, is our second largest event of the year. With over 30 sessions covering key topics such as CMS guidance changes, Medicaid eligibility, quality improvement, clinical trends and workplace culture – plus specialized sessions for activity professionals and home health staff – this is a must-attend event for IHCA members.
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Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released clarification on reporting requirements for recipients of Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Recruitment and Retention (R&R) grant funds. Recipients must submit quarterly expenditure reports and are encouraged to fully expend their grant funds by March 31, 2025, though an extension until March 31, 2026, is available if needed. Final expenditure reports are due by April 30, 2026.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny and Council Bluffs with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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The 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony, postponed due to Hurricane Milton, has been rescheduled for April 7, 2025, during the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit in Atlanta. IHCA encourages all 2024 Quality Award recipients to register by next Thursday, March 27, to be honored nationally at this event, with discounted registration rates available for recipients and examiners.
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The Alzheimer’s Association has developed two online programs to better inform assisted living staff on how to provide care for persons with dementia. A research study funded by the National Institute on Aging is evaluating the two programs. Led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, the study will work with 126 assisted living communities to evaluate the essentiALZ and Project ECHO training. To be considered as a participant, visit dementiacaretraining.org.
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IHCA's Business Office Manager On-Demand Training Series provides comprehensive training to help business office managers effectively handle the complex financial and administrative responsibilities of long-term care facilities. Led by industry experts, the series covers critical topics such as accounts receivable, revenue cycle management, Medicaid and Medicare essentials, collections, payroll reporting and human resources. Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance their facility’s operational efficiency and financial success.
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IHCA’s Spring Conference on March 26-27 is just two weeks away! This two-day, in-person event, presented by BCG Data Services, is our second largest event of the year. With over 30 sessions covering key topics such as CMS guidance changes, Medicaid eligibility, quality improvement, clinical trends and workplace culture – plus specialized sessions for activity professionals and home health staff – this is a must-attend event for IHCA members.
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Under the OSHA Standard 1904.41 - Electronic submission of Employer Identification Number (EIN) and injury and illness records to OSHA, certain employers are required to electronically submit their EIN and injury and illness records to OSHA. A cornerstone of this effort is the Injury Tracking Application (ITA), introduced through the "Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses" rule. This article explores OSHA recordkeeping, the ITA’s role and its implications for LTC employers, including key metrics like the Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate.
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The 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony, originally scheduled for last fall in Orlando, was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. AHCA/NCAL has rescheduled the ceremony to take place during the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, happening April 7–9 in Atlanta. The 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored during the Quality Award Recognition Ceremony on Monday, April 7. Discounted registration rates are available for 2024 Quality Award recipients and examiners, as well as for those only attending the Quality Award Ceremony and Reception. Registration will close on March 27.
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The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is currently recruiting qualified nurses to serve on item review and item writing panels for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) examinations. Interested volunteers may apply directly on their website. Volunteers who participate on these panels are an integral part of the item development process. NCSBN is especially seeking nurses who are currently supervising newly licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs).
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A multi-state outbreak of Listeria infections has been linked to supplement shakes, with 38 cases, 37 hospitalizations and 12 deaths reported across 21 states. Many affected individuals lived in long-term care facilities or were already hospitalized. Lyons Magnus has recalled its ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes, and facilities should dispose of these products, clean contaminated surfaces and monitor residents for symptoms of Listeria infection.
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The Alzheimer’s Association has developed two online programs to better inform assisted living staff on how to provide care for persons with dementia. A research study funded by the National Institute on Aging is evaluating the two programs. Led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, the study will work with 126 assisted living communities to evaluate the essentiALZ and Project ECHO training. To be considered as a participant, visit dementiacaretraining.org.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. An event is planned for this Friday in Ankeny, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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It's not too late to join IHCA's four-part Leadership Foundations webinar series, featuring Jerald Cosey. The second webinar of the series, Leadership Foundations – The Trust Framework, will be held next Wednesday, March 12, and will explore the power of empathy in leadership. Please note, you must watch the recording of the first session in order to attend the remaining live sessions. The remaining live sessions will not be recorded.
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The 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony, originally scheduled for last fall in Orlando, was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. AHCA/NCAL has rescheduled the ceremony to take place during the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, happening April 7–9 in Atlanta. The 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored during the Quality Award Recognition Ceremony on Monday, April 7. Discounted registration rates are available for 2024 Quality Award recipients and examiners, as well as for those only attending the Quality Award Ceremony and Reception. Registration will close on March 27.
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The Alzheimer’s Association has developed two online programs to better inform assisted living staff on how to provide care for persons with dementia. A research study funded by the National Institute on Aging is evaluating the two programs. Led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, the study will work with 126 assisted living communities to evaluate the essentiALZ and Project ECHO training. To be considered as a participant, visit dementiacaretraining.org.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Manchester, Greenfield, Ankeny and Waterloo, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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IHCA’s Spring Conference on March 26-27 is just three weeks away! This two-day, in-person event, presented by BCG Data Services, is our second largest event of the year. With over 30 sessions covering key topics such as Medicaid eligibility, quality improvement, clinical trends and workplace culture – plus specialized sessions for activity professionals and home health staff – this is a must-attend event for IHCA members.
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Looking for a flexible, state-approved training option to qualify your staff as activity professionals? Check out IHCA's on-demand Activity Professionals Qualification Course! Sponsored by the Iowa Council of Activity Professionals, this course meets Iowa’s Department of Inspection, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) requirements, ensuring your team is fully prepared to lead engaging, person-centered activity programs in nursing facilities and residential care facilities.
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Ensure your facility's safety and compliance by attending one of IHCA's 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences next week. The Cedar Rapids event will be held March 3-4, and the event in Jefferson will take place March 5-6. Approved for 7.5 CEUs, these events are designed for environmental service managers, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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IHCA's Spring Conference is just one month away! If you haven’t secured your accommodations yet, book your room by tomorrow, Feb. 27, to take advantage of the exclusive discounted rate. IHCA’s Spring Conference on March 26-27 is our second largest event of the year! With over 30 sessions covering key topics such as Medicaid eligibility, quality improvement, clinical trends and workplace culture – plus specialized sessions for activity professionals and home health staff – this conference, presented by BCG Data Services, is a must-attend event!
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The Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP) is awarding five free Spring Conference registrations exclusively to activity professionals! Please encourage your activity team to enter by showcasing your facility’s most impactful activities and events from the past year in an engaging "highlight reel." Submissions, which may include videos, photos, testimonials, etc., should be sent to IHCA's Education Director Hannah Freund at
[email protected] by this Friday, Feb. 28.
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A research team at the University of Iowa is working to enhance dementia care through an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) digital tool designed to support family caregivers in managing pain for individuals with dementia. To ensure the tool meets the needs of caregivers and health care professionals, researchers are seeking participants with expertise in pain management for people with dementia to share their insights.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny, Coralville and Iowa City, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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Stay ahead of the latest advancements and best practices in dementia care by attending Enhancing Dementia Care: Caring with Confidence tomorrow, Feb. 20. This hybrid event meets the State of Iowa’s dementia specific criteria for 6.0 contact hours for certified nursing assistants, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services staff, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Ensure your facility's safety and compliance by attending one of IHCA's 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. The conference in Cedar Rapids will be held March 3-4, while the Jefferson conference will take place March 5-6. Approved for 7.5 CEUs, these events are designed for environmental service managers, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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A research team at the University of Iowa is working to enhance dementia care through an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) digital tool designed to support family caregivers in managing pain for individuals with dementia. To ensure the tool meets the needs of caregivers and health care professionals, researchers are seeking participants with expertise in pain management for people with dementia to share their insights.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events will take place in Burlington, Ankeny, Lake Mills, Thompson, Forest City, Waterloo and Council Bluffs this Friday, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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Grow your skills and spring into quality improvement at IHCA’s two-day, in-person 2025 Spring Education Conference. This conference, sponsored by BCG Data Services, will take place Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27 at Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona and will offer over 30 timely sessions made specifically for long-term care professionals. This conference is approved for up to 10.0 CEUs for activity directors, nurses, social services staff, administrators, department heads, assisted living managers and home health professionals.
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The Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP) is awarding five free registrations to IHCA activity professionals to attend IHCA’s Spring Conference! To enter to win, showcase your facility’s most impactful activities and events from the past year by creating an engaging highlight reel! Please send your “highlight reel,” which may include videos, photos, testimonials, etc., to IHCA's Education Director Hannah Freund at
[email protected] by next Friday, Feb. 28, for a chance to win a free registration to the IHCA Spring Conference.
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IHCA's Certified Medication Aide Course, approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL), is designed to equip nurse aides and CNAs with the skills needed to safely administer non-parenteral medications in nursing facilities and related settings. This on-demand course, sponsored by Trio Pharmacy and Consonus Pharmacy, emphasizes safe medication administration and ensures participants are well-prepared to handle and administer medications to residents.
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Stay ahead of the latest advancements and best practices in dementia care by attending Enhancing Dementia Care: Caring with Confidence next Thursday, Feb. 20. This conference, offered in a hybrid format, meets the State of Iowa’s dementia specific criteria for health care professionals who work in Iowa nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Sponsored by Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy, this event is approved for 6.0 CEUs for CNAs, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services staff, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Join us for IHCA Day on the Hill, sponsored by Medline, on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Your participation is critical, as legislators need to hear directly from you about the challenges you face and the funding necessary to continue serving Iowa’s most vulnerable populations. Please RSVP for this event by this Friday, Feb. 14.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events will take place in Ankeny and West Des Moines on Friday, with additional forums held across the state on Saturday and Monday. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions, and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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Ensure your facility's safety and compliance by attending one of IHCA's 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. The conference in Cedar Rapids will be held March 3-4, while the Jefferson conference will take place March 5-6. Approved for 7.5 CEUs, these events are designed for environmental service managers, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Grow your skills and spring into quality improvement at IHCA’s two-day, in-person 2025 Spring Education Conference. This conference, sponsored by BCG Data Services, will take place Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27 at Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona and will offer over 25 timely sessions made specifically for long-term care professionals. This conference is approved for up to 10.0 CEUs for activity directors, nurses, social services staff, administrators, department heads, assisted living managers and home health professionals.
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The Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP) is awarding five free registrations to IHCA activity professionals to attend IHCA’s Spring Conference! To enter to win, showcase your facility’s most impactful activities and events from the past year by creating an engaging highlight reel! Please send your “highlight reel,” which may include videos, photos, testimonials, etc., to IHCA's Education Director Hannah Freund at
[email protected] by Feb. 28 for a chance to win a free registration to the IHCA Spring Conference.
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IHCA is launching a four-part live webinar series designed to help long-term care leaders foster trust in their teams and organizations. Led by Jerald Cosey, founder of J.Cosey Speaks, "Leadership Foundations – The Trust Framework," will offer a unique opportunity to learn actionable leadership strategies rooted in research from Harvard experts. The series will focus on the three primary drivers of trust: empathy, logic and authenticity, and will provide practical tools to strengthen leadership capabilities and improve team dynamics. This IHCA webinar series begins next Wednesday, Feb. 12, and is approved for 6.0 CEUs for activity professionals, nurses, social services, environmental services, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Grow your skills and spring into quality improvement at IHCA’s two-day, in-person 2025 Spring Education Conference. This conference, sponsored by BCG, will take place Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27 at Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona and will offer over 25 timely sessions made specifically for long-term care professionals. This conference is approved for up to 10.0 CEUs for activity directors, nurses, social services staff, administrators, department heads, assisted living managers and home health professionals.
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This year’s AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program has seen an incredible surge in participation from Iowa providers! A total of 85 Iowa applications were submitted — 25 more than last year — marking a record-breaking year for our state. We are proud of each applicant for taking this important step in their quality journey.
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The 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony, originally scheduled for last fall in Orlando, was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. AHCA/NCAL has now rescheduled the ceremony to take place during the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, happening April 7–9, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead. The 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored on the evening of Monday, April 7, during the Quality Award Recognition Ceremony. Discounted registration rates are available for 2024 Quality Award recipients and examiners, as well as for those only attending the Quality Award Ceremony and Reception.
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Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have identified an error in 1099-MISC tax forms sent to providers who received fee-for-service (FFS) payments in calendar year 2024. Forms postmarked Jan. 27, 2025, were issued with incorrect payer information and should be disregarded. Providers who received a form listing TIN XXXXX4568, payer name: Iowa Department of Human Services, and address: 1305 East Walnut will receive a corrected version.
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As an IHCA member, you have access to IHCA’s provider network – Iowa Health Care Quality Partners (IHCQP) – a collaboration of over 200 long-term and post-acute care providers. This network has been helping members for years by streamlining administrative processes, improving contract terms and providing valuable resources to support quality care.
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Several legislative town halls are scheduled across Iowa this Friday and Saturday, offering an opportunity to engage with state lawmakers. Events will be held in Allison, Ankeny, Manchester, Eldridge and other locations statewide, featuring discussions on key legislative issues. Attendees can hear directly from state representatives and senators on topics impacting their communities.
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Join us for IHCA Day on the Hill on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Your participation is critical, as legislators need to hear directly from you about the challenges you face and the funding necessary to continue serving Iowa’s most vulnerable populations. Please RSVP for this event by next Friday, Feb. 14.
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Ensure your facility's safety and compliance by attending one of IHCA's 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. The conference in Cedar Rapids will be held March 3-4, while the Jefferson conference will take place March 5-6. Approved for 7.5 CEUs, these events are designed for environmental service managers, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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The Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP) is awarding five free registrations to IHCA activity professionals to attend IHCA’s Spring Conference! To enter to win, showcase your facility’s most impactful activities and events from the past year by creating an engaging highlight reel! Please send your “highlight reel,” which may include videos, photos, testimonials, etc., to IHCA's Education Director, Hannah Freund, at
[email protected] by Feb. 28 for a chance to win a free registration to the IHCA Spring Conference.
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IHCA’s on-demand Assisted Living Medication Manager Course, approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL), provides individuals the necessary tools to effectively and safely administer many medications encountered in assisted living and residential care facility programs.
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Accommodations are now available for IHCA’s 2025 Convention and Trade Show, taking place Sept. 21-24 at the Des Moines Marriott Hotel, located at 700 Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Attendees can enjoy a discounted rate of $143 per night (plus tax) for single or double occupancy rooms.
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Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently announced the release of the 2024 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Quality Self-Assessment. The HCBS Provider Quality Self-Assessment (form 470-4547) can be found on the Iowa DHHS website and is due this Friday, Jan. 31. The form has been updated and prior years’ versions will not be accepted. A complete and accurate self-assessment must be received no later than Jan. 31, 2025. Failure to submit by Jan. 31, 2025, will jeopardize an organization’s Medicaid enrollment, including managed care contracts, and may result in a sanction of payment suspension.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the Jan. 22 issue of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include newly noticed nursing board rules regarding education programs, continuing education, nursing practice and more.
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Join us for IHCA Day on the Hill on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Your participation is critical, as legislators need to hear directly from you about the challenges you face and the funding necessary to continue serving Iowa’s most vulnerable populations. Please RSVP for this event by Friday, Feb. 14.
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This article provides an overview of upcoming town halls. Events are planned for this Friday in Waverly, Monticello and Baxter, with additional town halls next week in Greene, Des Moines and New Hampton.
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Accommodations are now available for IHCA’s 2025 Convention and Trade Show, taking place Sept. 21-24 at the Des Moines Marriott Hotel, located at 700 Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Attendees can enjoy a discounted rate of $143 per night (plus tax) for single or double occupancy rooms.
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Navigating the world of long-term care (LTC) can feel overwhelming, especially with the variety of terms and acronyms unique to this field. To make things easier for professionals, caregivers and others involved in long-term care, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new webpage designed to clarify frequently used terms and acronyms.
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Members participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program are reminded that applications must be submitted to the Quality Portal no later than 7:00 p.m. CST tomorrow, Jan. 23.
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The Quarter 1 2025 assisted living (AL) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA website. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most common regulatory insufficiencies. Please share this report with the individuals at your program involved with managing survey quality, as it is a helpful resource when planning for future surveys. Congratulations to the 18 IHCA assisted living members that recently achieved an insufficiency-free recertification survey!
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The U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA require employers in most industries to record workplace injuries on their 300 logs within seven days of the incident. The summary of this log, 300A, is required to be posted for employee review from Feb. 1 to April 30 each year. This posting is for the calendar year immediately preceding the year of posting (the posting in February 2025 is the log for calendar year 2024). Furthermore, most senior living communities are required to submit data from their 300 logs and 300A to OSHA by March 2.
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On Jan. 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued two Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles describing changes in the 2025 immunization schedule for children, adolescents and adults. Changes related to older adults include new and updated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV).
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The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) recently launched DIALED IN, a podcast series designed to educate the public about the department’s work and its impact on Iowa’s health care and licensing industries. The podcast explores a variety of topics, from nursing home surveys and CMS performance measures to fraud investigations, administrative hearings and the health facility complaint process. Each episode provides valuable insights into how DIAL operates and addresses important issues affecting Iowans.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the Jan. 8 issue of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include newly noticed Human Services Department rules regarding nursing facilities, facility assessments, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled (ICFs/ID) and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT).
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Last Tuesday evening, Governor Reynolds gave her Condition of the State Address, where she discussed the strengths of the state and her policy initiatives for this session. This article contains an overview of her health care related recommendations and initiatives, as well as upcoming town halls.
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The Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grant is open to eligible employers and accepting applications on iowagrants.gov until Wednesday, Feb. 19. The announced grant will provide $3 million in total funding to create new pipelines of workers to help fill high-demand occupations in the health care sector. Eligible high-demand occupations include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, direct support professionals, physical therapy assistants/technicians and more. An informative webinar for interested applicants will be held tomorrow, Jan. 23, at 11:30 a.m.
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Ensure your facility's safety and compliance by attending one of IHCA's 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. The conference in Cedar Rapids will be held March 3-4, while the Jefferson conference will take place March 5-6. Approved for 7.5 CEUs, these events are designed for environmental service managers, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Join IHCA next Wednesday, Jan. 22, for its virtual Workforce Management Conference. This program will explore strategies to address workforce challenges, including staff recruitment, retention and engagement and is approved for 5.0 CEUs for department heads, directors of nursing, nurse leaders, administrators, assisted living managers and home health directors.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the Dec. 11 and Dec. 25 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include newly noticed Human Services Department rules regarding eligibility, application for assistance, rent reimbursement, specialized managed care programs and more.
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As of Jan. 1, 2025, Iowa Medicaid will no longer cover over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 test kits. CMS ended coverage for OTC COVID-19 test kits on May 11, 2023.
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The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program application submission deadline is quickly approaching. Applications must be submitted to the Quality Portal no later than 7:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. IHCA encourages members to finalize and submit applications at least three days before the deadline to avoid any technical difficulties or delays caused by unforeseen circumstances.
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IHCA is launching a four-part live webinar series designed to help long-term care leaders foster trust in their teams and organizations. Lead by Jerald Cosey, founder of J.Cosey Speaks, "Leadership Foundations – The Trust Framework," will offer a unique opportunity to learn actionable leadership strategies rooted in research from Harvard experts. The series will focus on the three primary drivers of trust: empathy, logic and authenticity, and will provide practical tools to strengthen leadership capabilities and improve team dynamics. This IHCA webinar series begins Feb. 12 and is approved for 6.0 CEUs for activity professionals, nurses, social services, environmental services, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Join IHCA on Wednesday, April 23, for its in-person Assisted Living Regulatory Class. The purpose of this class is to provide assisted living nurses and directors with the Iowa assisted living laws, rules and regulations. The focus of the class will be a review of the assisted living regulations and monitoring process, the role of the nurse and health care assistant in assisted living settings and medication management. This course is approved for 7.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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IHCA assisted living members are encouraged to complete a three-minute survey to assist the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in understanding the electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health records (EHR) utilization among assisted living providers. Feedback is due by Jan. 31 and will help guide NCAL in ongoing EMR/EHR discussions with potential vendors in the LTC Data Cooperative.
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Stonehill Communities, an IHCA member, is a participating provider in the CMS Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model program. Located in Dubuque, Stonehill is one of three providers in Iowa selected for this innovative initiative and will launch its program on July 1, 2025.
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As we kick off the new year, IHCA is excited to announce that the IHCA Education Center has been renamed the Brighton Consulting Group (BCG) Education Center. While the center now carries a new name, it remains the same trusted location members have come to know at the IHCA office, 1775 90th Street in West Des Moines. This change reflects the deep appreciation IHCA holds for Brighton Consulting Group and its long-standing dedication to the association and Iowa’s long-term care providers.
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Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the maximum residential care facility (RCF) per diem rate increased from $36.82 to $37.60. There will be no increase in the flat per diem rate at this time. The flat per diem rate remains at $17.86. Additionally, the personal needs allowance for RCF assistance recipients increased from $123.00 to $126.00 per month, effective Jan. 1, 2025.
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On Dec. 18, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued Policy Clarification #PC00028, which reduces the allowable managed care organization (MCO) payment recoupment period to two years. The new policies, which apply to all MCO claims, took effect Jan. 1, 2025. IHCA is happy to have worked with the department on this needed change to the managed care system, providing needed relief on the administrative side of many provider’s operations.
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The 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony, originally planned for last fall in Orlando, was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. AHCA/NCAL has recently announced it has been rescheduled to take place during the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, held April 7–9, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead. The 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored on the evening of Monday, April 7, during the Quality Award Recognition Ceremony.
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Join IHCA on Wednesday, Jan. 22, for its Workforce Management Conference. This conference will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually. The conference will explore strategies to address workforce challenges, including staff recruitment, retention and engagement. This hybrid conference is approved for 5.0 CEUs for department heads, directors of nursing, nurse leaders, administrators, assisted living managers and home health directors.
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IHCA's Assisted Living Management Certification (ALMC) Program will be held in person on Monday, April 21, through Thursday, April 24. The ALMC program fulfills the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing’s (DIAL's) regulation requiring new assisted living program managers to complete a management class within six months of hire, including at least six hours on Iowa rules and laws. This education is approved for 24.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Recently, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued Policy Clarification #PC00028, which reduces the allowable managed care organization (MCO) payment recoupment period to two years. The new policies, which apply to all MCO claims, take effect Jan. 1, 2025. IHCA is happy to have worked with the department on this needed change to the managed care system, providing needed relief on the administrative side of many provider’s operations.
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Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently announced the release of the 2024 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Quality Self-Assessment. The HCBS Provider Quality Self-Assessment (form 470-4547) can be found on the Iowa DHHS website and is due Jan. 31, 2025. The form has been updated and prior years’ versions will not be accepted. A complete and accurate self-assessment must be received no later than Jan. 31, 2025. Failure to submit by Jan. 31, 2025, will jeopardize an organization’s Medicaid enrollment, including managed care contracts, and may result in a sanction of payment suspension.
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Iowa has been selected as one of 20 states where the Unified Program Integrity Contractor (UPIC), CoventBridge, will conduct an audit of the Iowa Medicaid managed care programs (MCPs). The audit will include the managed care organizations (MCOs) and the prepaid ambulatory health plans (PAHPs). CoventBridge may request documentation from providers during the audit. The lifecycle of this audit is expected to be 13 months. Providers are required to comply with the requests for the documentation and the timeframes established by CoventBridge.
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Iowa Medicaid will distribute $1.7 million in funding to eligible providers through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Disaster Relief and Recovery Grant. This grant aims to support HCBS providers in counties impacted by disasters with their relief and recovery efforts. Eligible providers can apply for up to $200,000 in grant funds by completing the online application, open now through Dec. 29, 2024. Note: Since the article's original publication on Dec. 11, additional counties have been added to the list of eligible areas.
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Stay ahead of the latest advancements and best practices in dementia care by attending Enhancing Dementia Care: Caring with Confidence. This conference, offered in a hybrid format, meets the State of Iowa’s dementia specific criteria for health care professionals who work in Iowa nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This conference is approved for 6.0 CEUs for CNAs, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services staff, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Iowa Medicaid intends to distribute $1.7 million to eligible providers from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Disaster Relief and Recovery Grant. This grant is intended to provide funding to disaster affected HCBS providers operating in disaster affected counties to assist with relief and recovery efforts. Eligible providers may request up to $200,000 in grant funds by completing the online grant application now through Dec. 29, 2024.
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CMS will host training sessions on several key provisions of the Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services Final Rule (Access Rule) to ensure that all partners fully understand the various home-and community-based services (HCBS) provisions within the rule and have an opportunity ask questions and provide feedback. The first webinar, "Grievance Systems," will take place today, Dec. 11, at 2:00 p.m.
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Iowa Total Care now has Availity Essentials as its secure provider portal. On Nov. 18, 2024, providers became able to submit authorizations and access other payer resources via Availity Essentials.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the Nov. 13 and Nov. 27 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include newly noticed rules regarding workforce development, as well as an adopted and filed rule regarding employer records and reports.
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Join IHCA on Wednesday, Jan. 22, for its Workforce Management Conference. This conference will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually. This education program explores strategies to address workforce challenges, including staff recruitment, retention and engagement. This conference is approved for 5.0 CEUs for department heads, directors of nursing, nurse leaders, administrators, assisted living managers and home health directors.
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Members that are considering implementing a Population Health Management (PHM) model in the future are encouraged to learn the fundamentals now through AHCA’s/NCAL’s PHM Innovation Lab. Phase I of the lab contains free member-only foundational resources designed to introduce nursing facility, assisted living and intermediate care facility members and their staff to the wide array of PHM models available today and in the future.
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IHCA's Bronze Quality Award Workshop will take place next Tuesday, Dec. 3. This is your opportunity to complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way. This in-person workshop is approved for 5.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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With the 2025 Medicaid rebase quickly approaching in the upcoming legislative session, grassroots engagement is more critical than ever. IHCA's collective goal is to have all 150 state legislators visit a nursing facility before the end of the year. This is especially important with many new legislators taking office, as it provides an opportunity to educate them on the basics of rebasing, revenue sources and rising costs — key points to lay the groundwork for budget conversations during the session. To support your efforts, IHCA has compiled a suite of resources below to help facilitate productive discussions with legislators.
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IHCA’s 2025 education calendar is now available and features education opportunities for skilled nursing facilities, assisted living programs, home health agencies and continuing care retirement communities. Stay up to date on the key skills needed to serve your residents, tenants or patients with more than 65 education events in 2025 provided by IHCA. Additionally, IHCA’s on-demand education platform is accessible 24/7 and features 50+ courses covering regulatory, clinical, leadership and reimbursement topics, as well as in-service training and certification programs.
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IHCA and ICAL members have access to a wealth of online education through AHCA/NCAL. Online courses feature live and pre-recorded events, toolkits and resources, covering a wide range of timely topics. CEUs are also available, depending on the course. Check out these programs currently available through AHCA/NCAL.
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