IHCA encourages members to attend upcoming legislative town halls as a practical way to support grassroots advocacy and connect directly with elected officials. These local forums provide an opportunity to share real-world perspective on how legislation impacts long-term care and reinforce IHCA’s 2026 priorities. Upcoming events include town halls and legislative forums in Ankeny, Iowa City, Eldridge, Newton, Hiawatha, Harlan and Clarinda.
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The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is seeking qualified nurses to serve on item writing and review panels for the NCLEX-PN and NCLEX-RN exams, which are designed to assess the knowledge and skills needed for safe, entry-level nursing practice. The influence of post-acute nursing is essential to the applicability of the NCLEX exam for nurses. Participation allows nurses to influence the exam’s applicability, contribute to the profession, earn continuing education credit and network nationally and internationally. Volunteer opportunities are held in Chicago, with travel expenses covered.
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The Hospital and Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) is currently collecting data for its annual Nursing Home Salary and Benefits Study, with questionnaires due May 11 and the final report scheduled for publication in July. The study provides comprehensive benchmarking on salaries, bonuses, hourly wages, staffing metrics and benefits across more than 100 long-term care positions, helping providers strengthen compensation and workforce strategies. Participation is free, and participants can purchase the final report at a discounted rate. HCS is also conducting a CCRC Salary and Benefits Study, with a participation deadline of April 20 and results expected in June.
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More than 50 long-term care leaders gathered at the Iowa Capitol last week for IHCA Day on the Hill, presented by Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc., to meet with legislators and advocate for the profession. Members shared how policy decisions impact residents, staff and communities while highlighting IHCA’s 2026 priorities, including workforce solutions, home- and community-based services and sustainable funding for long-term care. The event provided an important opportunity for policymakers to hear directly from providers delivering care across Iowa.
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IHCA encourages members to attend upcoming legislative town halls as a practical way to support grassroots advocacy and connect directly with elected officials. These local forums provide an opportunity to share real-world perspective on how legislation impacts long-term care and reinforce IHCA’s 2026 priorities. Upcoming events include town halls and legislative forums in Burlington, Ankeny, Montrose, Iowa City, Waterloo, Eldridge, Council Bluffs, Denison, Cedar Rapids and Urbandale.
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IHCA encourages members to attend upcoming legislative town halls as a practical way to support grassroots advocacy and connect directly with elected officials. These local forums provide an opportunity to share real-world perspective on how legislation impacts long-term care and reinforce IHCA’s 2026 priorities. Upcoming events include town halls and legislative forums in Ankeny, Red Oak, Glenwood, Eldridge and Dubuque.
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Several key bills affecting long-term care providers and IHCA members have advanced in the 2026 Iowa legislative session, including measures related to Medicaid elderly waiver services, certified medication aides, claims payment and audits, guardianship, property tax, Certificate of Need and rural access. These proposals could impact operations, workforce capacity, reimbursement and access to care across skilled nursing, assisted living and other care settings. IHCA continues to monitor and engage with lawmakers to support policies that strengthen the workforce, improve provider sustainability and ensure high-quality care for Iowans.
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IHCA’s Spring Conference, presented by BCG, will be held March 25–26 at The Meadows Events & Conference Center in Altoona. Sessions will focus on leadership, workforce, compliance, reimbursement and quality improvement, with up to 10.0 contact hours available for a range of care professionals. Limited rooms remain at Prairie Meadows Hotel, with an additional room block available at the Comfort Inn Altoona across the street.
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IHCA’s Day on the Hill on March 4 will bring long-term care leaders to the Iowa Capitol to meet directly with legislators and share how policy decisions impact residents, tenants, patients, staff and communities across Iowa. This event, sponsored by Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc., plays a key role in advancing IHCA’s advocacy priorities during the legislative session. Please RSVP by this Friday, Feb. 27, to secure your spot.
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IHCA encourages members to attend upcoming legislative town halls as a practical way to support grassroots advocacy and connect directly with elected officials. These local forums provide an opportunity to share real-world perspective on how legislation impacts long-term care and reinforce IHCA’s 2026 priorities. Upcoming events include town halls and legislative forums in Waterloo, Iowa City, Eldridge, Council Bluffs, Wilton, Oskaloosa, Coralville, Bettendorf, Urbandale, DeWitt, Marion and Ankeny.
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Skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities and ID/DD centers must maintain a respiratory protection program to comply with OSHA and CMS requirements, ensuring employee and resident safety from airborne hazards. AHCA/NCAL and MCA Consulting are offering a comprehensive Respiratory Protection Plan toolkit and training, including customizable templates, forms and videos to help providers achieve compliance. The resource is being offered via a discounted three-year subscription, giving facilities everything needed to meet federal respiratory protection and emergency preparedness standards.
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The Hospital and Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) is inviting continuing care retirement community (CCRC) providers to participate in its 2026 CCRC Salary and Benefits Study, which collects data on compensation, benefits and staffing trends across more than 100 positions. Survey responses are due April 20, and the CCRC Report will be published in June. There is no cost to participate, and participants may purchase the results at the reduced price of $200, versus the $400 nonparticipant rate. A separate Nursing Home Salary and Benefits Study is scheduled to begin in early March.
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Iowa officials, including Gov. Kim Reynolds, announced the launch of the new Health Care Professional Incentive Program, backed by nearly $8 million in first-year funding to recruit and retain medical professionals in high-need and rural counties. The program offers income bonuses or federal student loan repayment to eligible health care providers who commit to working in underserved areas for up to five years full-time or seven years part-time. The initiative consolidates five previous state incentive programs into one streamlined effort to strengthen Iowa’s health care workforce pipeline and improve access to care. The application deadline is March 31, 2026.
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Senior living providers are invited to participate in the 2025 State of Seniors Housing Annual Survey, which will collect data on independent living, assisted living, nursing facilities and continuing care retirement communities, and will compile the results into a report. Participating organizations will receive a complimentary copy of the report, which includes financial results, staffing metrics, resident turnover, and other key performance indicators. Completed surveys are due by March 31, 2026.
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IHCA’s Day on the Hill on March 4 will bring long-term care leaders to the Iowa Capitol to meet directly with legislators and share how policy decisions impact residents, tenants, patients, staff and communities across Iowa. This event, sponsored by Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc., plays a key role in advancing IHCA’s advocacy priorities during the legislative session. Members are encouraged to RSVP by Feb. 27 and review IHCA’s 2026 Legislative + Policy Agenda in advance.
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IHCA encourages members to attend upcoming legislative town halls as a practical way to support grassroots advocacy and connect directly with elected officials. These local forums provide an opportunity to share real-world perspective on how legislation impacts long-term care and reinforce IHCA’s 2026 priorities. Upcoming events include town halls and legislative forums in Winterset, Ankeny, Murray, Webster City, Fairfield, Spencer, Fredericksburg, Newton, Eldridge, Cedar Rapids, Harlan, Allison, Dubuque, Waterloo and Iowa City.
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Iowa Medicaid and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have announced the FFY 2025 SUPPORT Act reporting survey, which collects data on providers’ compliance with required Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP) checks before prescribing controlled substances to most Medicaid members. The survey supports Iowa’s annual Medicaid Drug Utilization Review reporting to CMS and applies to prescribing practices from October 2024 through September 2025. Providers must complete the survey by March 31, 2026.
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IHCA’s Day on the Hill on March 4 will bring long-term care leaders to the Iowa Capitol to meet directly with legislators and share how policy decisions impact residents, tenants, patients, staff and communities across Iowa. This event, sponsored by Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc., plays a key role in advancing IHCA’s advocacy priorities during the legislative session. Members are encouraged to RSVP by Feb. 27 and review IHCA’s 2026 Legislative + Policy Agenda in advance.
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IHCA encourages members to attend upcoming legislative town halls as a practical way to support grassroots advocacy and connect directly with elected officials. These local forums provide an opportunity to share real-world perspective on how legislation impacts long-term care and reinforce IHCA’s 2026 priorities. Upcoming events include town halls and legislative forums in Ankeny, Forest City, Waterloo, Roland, Denver, Algona, Denison, Davenport and Parkersburg.
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Registration is now open for IHCA’s Spring Conference, presented by BCG, taking place March 25–26 in Altoona. This two-day event will offer practical, Iowa-specific education across leadership, workforce, compliance, reimbursement and quality, with up to 10.0 contact hours available for a wide range of long-term care professionals. The discounted hotel room rate is available through Feb. 27.
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The SING system received an overdue upgrade, going live on Jan. 25, with the old platform set to sunset on Feb. 28. Members must use the new SING portal for results, which are only available for 30 days, and access requires setting up an OKTA account through their agency admin. The old system remains available only for retrieving past submissions, and organizations are advised to download all necessary results before the deadline.
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IHCA’s Day on the Hill on March 4 will bring long-term care leaders to the Iowa Capitol to meet directly with legislators and share how policy decisions impact residents, tenants, patients, staff and communities across Iowa. This event, sponsored by Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc., plays a key role in advancing IHCA’s advocacy priorities during the legislative session. Members are encouraged to RSVP by Feb. 27 and review IHCA’s 2026 Legislative + Policy Agenda in advance.
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IHCA encourages members to attend upcoming legislative town halls as a practical way to support grassroots advocacy and connect directly with elected officials. These local forums provide an opportunity to share real-world perspective on how legislation impacts long-term care and reinforce IHCA’s 2026 priorities. Upcoming events include town halls and legislative forums in Ankeny, Sumner, Emmetsburg, Ida Grove, Dubuque, Storm Lake and Nashua.
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The Iowa Insurance Division’s Senior Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) reminds Iowans of upcoming Medicare deadlines, including the March 31, 2026, deadline to make changes during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period. Iowans affected by cancelled Medicare Advantage or Part D plans have until Feb. 28, 2026, to enroll in new coverage, with some eligible for guaranteed issue Medigap policies. SHIIP offers free, confidential counseling to help beneficiaries understand their options and make informed decisions.
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OSHA has two key injury and illness recordkeeping compliance deadlines for 2026. Employers must post the OSHA Form 300A (Summary of 2025 Work-Related Injuries and Illnesses) by Feb. 1, 2026, and keep it posted through April 30, 2026. Required data must also be submitted electronically through OSHA’s Injury Tracking Application by March 2, 2026, depending on establishment size and industry. OSHA and AHCA/NCAL resources are available to help long-term care providers determine coverage and complete recordkeeping and reporting requirements.
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Retirement facilities in Iowa that require an entrance fee prior to a resident’s move-in, including continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), are required to register annually with the Iowa Insurance Division. Registration or renewal must be completed by March 1, 2026 and must comply with Iowa Code Chapter 523D and Iowa Administrative Code Chapter 191-102, including the use of required disclosures and contracts. Both new and returning filers must submit the appropriate filing forms and pay the $100 state filing fee, along with any additional processing fees assessed by State Based Systems (SBS). Early submission is encouraged to avoid delays, and assistance is available through the Iowa Insurance Division or the SBS Help Desk.
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The 2026 Iowa legislative session is underway, and IHCA is advocating at the Capitol for policies that support long-term care providers across the state. IHCA’s priorities include strengthening the CNA and CMA workforce pipeline, improving access to care through a more sustainable Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Elderly Waiver and securing funding to support critical long-term care services. To connect directly with legislators on these issues, mark your calendar for IHCA Day on the Hill, happening March 4, 2026.
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As we kick off 2026, IHCA President and CEO Brent Willett reminds members that work in long-term care isn’t a tragedy — it’s a calling that requires resilience, skill and professionalism. He reaffirms IHCA’s commitment to elevating the work of providers and advocating for the fairness, respect and recognition the profession has earned.
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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. 12, Nov. 26 and Dec. 10 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include regulatory analyses related to Medicaid waiver services, conditions of participation for providers of medical and remedial care, adopted and filed rule related to conditions of eligibility, newly noticed rules related to assisted living programs, health care facility audits, adult day care and more.
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IHCA's hybrid Technology and Innovation Summit, to be held tomorrow, Dec. 4, and sponsored by Williams & Company P.C., will focus on how artificial intelligence (AI), automation and emerging technologies are transforming the long-term and senior care landscape. Through expert presentations, real-world examples and provider insights, attendees will explore practical strategies for implementing technology that improves care quality, reduces staff burden, enhances efficiency and ensures compliance. This summit is offered in a hybrid format and is approved for 4.5 contact hours for administrators, assisted living managers, nurses, social services staff and department heads.
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Iowa Medicaid and Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have issued IL 2717 outlining annual fraud- and abuse-prevention submission requirements for providers or entities receiving $5 million or more in Medicaid payments during a federal fiscal year. Eligible providers must maintain specific written policies and submit the required Attestation of Compliance form (470-5506) by Jan. 31, 2026. Failure to comply may result in sanctions, including suspension or termination from the Iowa Medicaid program.
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CMS has approved a one-year temporary extension and amendment of the "Iowa Wellness Plan" section 1115 demonstration. This approval allows the state to continue operating the demonstration through 2026 and sunsets the waiver of non-emergency medical transportation on Dec. 31, 2026.
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IHCA's hybrid Technology and Innovation Summit to be held next Thursday, Dec. 4, and sponsored by Williams & Company P.C., will focus on how artificial intelligence (AI), automation and emerging technologies are transforming the long-term and senior care landscape. Through expert presentations, real-world examples and provider insights, attendees will explore practical strategies for implementing technology that improves care quality, reduces staff burden, enhances efficiency and ensures compliance. This summit is offered in a hybrid format and is approved for 5.5 contact hours for administrators, assisted living managers, nurses, social services staff and department heads.
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Iowa Medicaid is aligning with the requirements for the coordination of benefits to ensure when a member has both Medicaid and commercial insurance (primary payer), Medicaid is the payor of last resort. Payments cannot exceed the Medicaid allowable amount or the amount paid by commercial insurance. This is known as the Lesser of Logic. This policy is effective for claims received by managed care organizations (MCOs) and dental plans on or after Dec. 1, 2025. Implementation for Fee-For-Service claims will occur at a later date and additional guidance will be provided. This logic has been applied to Medicare claims since July 1, 2017, and will be extended to commercial claims received on or after Dec. 1, 2025, for claims received by MCOs and dental plans.
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The One Big Beautiful Bill Act introduces major Medicaid changes that will significantly affect Iowa’s long-term care providers, including reduced retroactive coverage beginning in 2027, more frequent eligibility redeterminations and new asset and home equity limits in 2028. While the law delays the federal staffing mandate, it also adjusts how states can finance Medicaid, creating additional operational and administrative considerations for providers. Facilities will need to prepare for shorter coverage windows, increased renewal activity and upcoming eligibility rule changes.
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IHCA's hybrid Technology and Innovation Summit on Dec. 4, sponsored by Williams & Company P.C., will focus on how artificial intelligence (AI), automation and emerging technologies are transforming the long-term and senior care landscape. Through expert presentations, real-world examples and provider insights, attendees will explore practical strategies for implementing technology that improves care quality, reduces staff burden, enhances efficiency and ensures compliance. This summit is offered in a hybrid format and is approved for 5.5 contact hours for administrators, assisted living managers, nurses, social services staff and department heads.
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IHCA is seeking member feedback through its 2025 Member Satisfaction Survey to help guide future initiatives in education, communication and member support. Members are encouraged to complete the short, 15-minute survey by this Friday, Nov. 14, using the link that corresponds with their sector. The results will help IHCA enhance the value and effectiveness of its programs and services.
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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. IHCA is actively reviewing the new regulatory analyses and plans to make requests for modifications as necessary and communicate out important changes as they become finalized. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the Oct. 15 and Oct. 29 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include regulatory analyses related to adult day care, assisted living programs and Certificate of Need, as well as a newly noticed rule related to personal needs allowance.
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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has released an updated version of form 470-2115 – Authorization to Disclose Personal Health Information (PHI) Form for Eligibility Verification Purposes. This form replaces the previous version of form 470-2115 – Authorization for the Department to Release Information. Effective immediately, any prior versions of form 470-2115 on file that have not yet expired cannot be honored for the release of information. Facilities and individuals must use the new form to authorize the release of information to Iowa DHHS. Providers should ensure they are using the updated form moving forward to avoid delays in eligibility verification or information requests.
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On Nov. 10, Iowa Total Care released an updated Provider News Alert regarding prior authorization (PA) requirements, originally published on Nov. 3. The revised alert includes key updates regarding additional details on behavioral health PA requirements, inclusion of a new maternal health item and code changes effective Feb. 1, 2026. Aside from these updates, the information remains consistent with the version previously issued. Providers are encouraged to review the full alert carefully to ensure compliance with the updated effective date and new requirements.
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IHCA's hybrid Technology and Innovation Summit on Dec. 4, sponsored by Williams & Company P.C., will focus on how artificial intelligence (AI), automation and emerging technologies are transforming the long-term and senior care landscape. Through expert presentations, real-world examples and provider insights, attendees will explore practical strategies for implementing technology that improves care quality, reduces staff burden, enhances efficiency and ensures compliance. This summit is offered in a hybrid format and is approved for 5.5 contact hours for administrators, assisted living managers, nurses, social services staff and department heads.
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Iowa Total Care announced updates to its prior authorization (PA) requirements effective Nov. 3, 2025, aimed at reducing administrative burden and improving access to care. The revisions include removing certain PA requirements, standardizing rules across service categories and markets and refining criteria for services. Providers are encouraged to review the updated code list and contact their provider relations specialist with any questions.
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IHCA is seeking member feedback through its 2025 Member Satisfaction Survey to help guide future initiatives in education, communication and member support. Members are encouraged to complete the short, 15-minute survey by Friday, Nov. 14, using the link that corresponds with their sector. The results will help IHCA enhance the value and effectiveness of its programs and services.
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IHCA's eight-part Dementia Care On-Demand Training Series is crafted to address the multifaceted aspects of dementia care, encompassing not only the medical and cognitive dimensions but also the emotional, social and ethical considerations that play a vital role in providing holistic care. This training series provides the tools and insights needed to create a supportive and enriching environment for individuals with dementia, fostering dignity, respect and a sense of well-being and is approved for 8.0 contact hours for nurses, activity professionals, social services staff, environmental services staff, department heads, administrators, assisted living managers and home health professionals.
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Medicare's open enrollment period is here! Visit Medicare.gov/plan-compare now through Dec. 7 to compare all your coverage options.
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IHCA has provided a breakdown of how the federal government shutdown impacts survey activity across different care settings. Please review the relevant section(s) for your organization. All providers are encouraged to stay proactive and compliant during this period to avoid future enforcement complications.
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IHCA has been made aware of delays affecting providers and Medicaid beneficiaries in the completion of level of care assessments conducted by Telligen. We have been in contact with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) regarding this issue. DHHS has confirmed that it is aware of the backlog and is monitoring assessment completion rates on a weekly basis. To help address the delays, all assessments with due dates prior to July 1, 2025, will be conducted virtually. This protocol will be applied consistently across all waiver types and assessment categories.
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Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) has expanded virtual options for the written portion of the CNA competency exam, adding a second online pathway beyond the one launched in June 2025. Nurse aide candidates — regardless of training program location — can now register and complete the written exam from home or work. The skills evaluation remains in person at approved sites for now, with DIAL exploring remote skills testing; IHCA will share updates when available.
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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 Sept. 17 and Oct. 1 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include regulatory analyses related to personal needs allowance, investigatory authority and procedures of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit and newly noticed rules related to Medicaid enrollment, personal needs allowance and more.
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Thank you to those who joined us at IHCA's 2025 Convention and Trade Show! CEUs from this event have now been uploaded to your IHCA profile. Please take some time to verify that you received credit for all of the sessions you attended. If you find that you are missing any certificates, please send a list of the sessions that are missing to
[email protected].
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IHCA will host a one-hour webinar, "Time to Lead – Prioritizing What Matters," this Friday, Oct. 3, with leadership expert Jerald Cosey. The session will equip long-term care leaders with tools to manage the “firefighting” cycle, prioritize strategic goals and build a resilient leadership mindset. Sponsored by Brighton Consulting Group, the webinar is approved for 1.0 contact hour and will be available on-demand after the live session.
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Effective Oct. 1, 2025, Iowa Total Care has provided a list of manufacturers that will be terminated from the Medicaid Drug Rebate Program (MDRP) and will no longer be covered. For additional information regarding the MDRP changes please email the Iowa Total Care pharmacy team at
[email protected].
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IHCA's on-demand Cybersecurity Essentials Series, sponsored by CLA, will help you fortify your digital fortress by focusing on cybersecurity hygiene, ransomware resilience and defending against business email compromise. Attendees will learn to identify online behaviors that can lead to increased exposure, identify common threats, gain insights into the latest ransomware threat landscape and develop and refine incident response plans. This on-demand course is approved for 3.0 contact hours for activity professionals, dietary staff, social services, nurses, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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