Beginning in March 2025, the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) will host a three-part series of virtual one-hour sessions. These sessions are free to attend and are offered in four different cohorts. Join the COE-NF for the opportunity to learn industry best practices from other nursing facilities and behavioral health subject matter experts.
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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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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) has announced new education events for the month of February. In addition to resources and education, the COE-NF continues to provide tailored technical assistance, including individualized plans, to assist facilities with specific behavioral health needs and training as needed.
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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 Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) is seeking nominations for the 2025 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. The Governor’s Award recognizes Iowa health care facilities that offer unique or innovative activities to enhance the quality of care or quality of life for their residents. Residents and family members may nominate an Iowa-licensed long-term care facility for the award. Facilities may not nominate themselves for this recognition. To be considered for a 2025 Governor’s Award, nominations must be postmarked by March 15, 2025.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on the compare tool on Medicare.gov and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the April 2025 refresh. Providers have until Feb. 14, 2025, to review their performance data.
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Due to the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) quarterly deadline, the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between now and Feb. 14, 2025.
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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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The American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing's (AAPACN’s) QM Rescue Guide helps facility leaders review and improve their facility’s quality measures (QMs). This downloadable PDF guide provides an overview of QMs, including how they are measured, how to review each measure from a clinician’s standpoint and the steps necessary to improve outcomes. AHCA members receive exclusive AAPACN member pricing on the guide, which is 50% off AAPACN non-member prices.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) January 2025 newsletter is now available. Topics in this issue include tips to enhance your nursing facility's behavioral health services with the COE-NF Needs Assessment Tool, effective communication for direct care staff, a Behavioral Health Ambassador Program Guide, upcoming complimentary training opportunities and more.
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The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) User's Manual v17.0 and accompanying Risk Adjustment Appendix File are now available. The MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual V17.0 became effective on Jan. 1, 2025, and contains detailed specifications for the MDS 3.0 QMs. The updated guidance will not have a significant impact on measure calculations. However, IHCA recommends providers familiarize themselves with the calculations to maximize quality measure performance.
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The updated Nursing Home Care Compare Technical Users’ Guide has been posted on the CMS Five-Star Quality Rating System Page. Effective with the January 2025 refresh, CMS will unfreeze four quality measures that were frozen beginning with the April 2024 refresh. These measures were updated to accommodate recent changes to the Minimum Data Set. Individual centers will be able to see the impact of these changes in mid-January in their Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) Five-Star Preview Reports.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) is offering free training opportunities in January for all nursing facility staff. Training topics include strategies for supporting residents with a serious mental illness and utilizing methadone to treat residents for pain and opioid use disorders in nursing facilities.
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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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Due to the Payroll Based Journal quarterly deadline, the Internet Quality Improvement Evaluation System (iQIES) Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between Jan. 2, 2025 and Feb. 14, 2025.
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The December 2024 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2026 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now available to download via the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES).
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Every quarter, LTC Trend Tracker is updated with current data. Last week, an updated Your Top-Line report was published. This report includes metrics and graphics outlining your facility's unique progress on Five Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative and other necessary data to help your facility reach its desired goals. You are encouraged to review the report to monitor your organization’s performance. As a reminder, LTC Trend Tracker is a complimentary resource available to all IHCA members.
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Telligen has relaunched its Nursing Home Quality Essentials Spotlight Series, focusing on infection prevention and control. Telligen will offer two 30-minute sessions each week tailored to long-term care providers. Each session will spotlight a new aspect of infection prevention, with actionable insights and strategies to integrate directly into daily practices. The first session will be held tomorrow, Nov. 21.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities' November 2024 newsletter is now available. Topics in this issue include National Native American Heritage Month and Veterans Day training resources, best practices for nursing home facility assessments, a new podcast episode regarding ways to ease transitions of care for patients with a serious mental illness, November office hours, upcoming training opportunities and more.
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Don’t miss your chance to get a head start in participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program! This is the final reminder to submit your Intent to Apply (ITA) by tomorrow, Nov. 14, at 7:00 p.m. Please note submitting an ITA is optional, but recommended. The last day to submit your Quality Award application is Jan. 23, 2025. Also, don't miss your opportunity to complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way by attending IHCA’s Bronze Award Application Workshop on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
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The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program sets high standards for excellence in long-term, post-acute and assisted living care. Join the list of Iowa’s active Quality Award recipients now! Members wishing to learn more about the program are encouraged to register for IHCA’s upcoming Bronze Application Workshop on Dec. 3. Members already engaged in the Quality Award journey are reminded to submit an Intent to Apply by Thursday, Nov. 14, by 7:00 p.m. and take part in a program that values excellence and continuous improvement.
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IHCA encourages you to take part in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program by submitting your Intent to Apply by Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7:00 p.m. This program, built on the Baldrige Performance Excellence Criteria, offers a path to elevate performance and achieve excellence in post-acute, long-term care and assisted living.
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Now is the time for member facilities to commit to the 2025 Quality Award Program process! AHCA/NCAL is hosting a National Quality Award Intent to Apply Submit-Along webinar tomorrow, Oct. 17, at 1:00 p.m. During this webinar, AHCA/NCAL staff will lead a step-by-step demonstration of the process to submit an Intent to Apply in the Quality Award Portal.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the January 2025 refresh.
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IHCA's Bronze Quality Award Workshop will take place next Tuesday, Oct. 15. 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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Now is the time for member facilities to commit to the 2025 Quality Award Program process! AHCA/NCAL is hosting a National Quality Award Intent to Apply Submit-Along webinar next Thursday, Oct. 17. During this webinar, AHCA/NCAL staff will lead a step-by-step demonstration of the process to submit an Intent to Apply in the Quality Award Portal.
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On Sept. 27, officials from the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) presented the second of two 2024 Governor's Awards for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities to Eldora Specialty Care, an IHCA member.
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Due to the November Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) quarterly submission deadline, the Internet Quality Improvement & Evaluation System (iQIES) Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between now and Nov. 14, 2024.
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CMS recently released several key resources for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027 Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) to assist providers with program compliance. Additionally RTI International, on behalf of CMS, is hosting a public, virtual listening session to gather feedback on the possible expansion of Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment data collection to include all residents receiving short-term skilled care in a SNF, regardless of payer. This listening session will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
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CMS is offering an updated web-based training course that provides a high-level overview of how data elements are used to construct quality measures across post-acute care settings. The course also covers the relationship between these data elements and Quality Reporting Program quality measures, the calculation of quality measures and how to access reports and use quality measure data for quality improvement.
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Congratulations to IHCA member Eldora Specialty Care on receiving the 2024 Governor's Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. This award recognizes Iowa-licensed health care facilities that offer unique or innovative activities to enhance the quality of care or quality of life for their residents, and facilities are nominated by residents and family members.
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The AHCA/NCAL 2025 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) and Quality Award Portal are now open! IHCA encourages members that plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2025 to submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. IHCA will host two separate workshops this fall on Oct. 15 and Dec. 3 to assist members in their quest to submit qualified applications for the 2025 application cycle.
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AHCA/NCAL's 2025 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) period is now open. AHCA/NCAL encourages members who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2025 to submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 14, 2024. Applicants who submit an ITA will receive a discounted application fee.
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IHCA is excited to announce the opening of the National Quality Award Program 2025 application cycle. Additionally, IHCA will host a Bronze Quality Award Workshop on Oct. 15.
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The National Quality Award Program invites you to augment your commitment to quality by starting your journey with the Bronze Award level. The Bronze Award helps applicants build a solid foundation for ongoing quality improvement, which is further developed at the Silver and Gold Award levels. Join IHCA on Oct. 15 for its Bronze Award Workshop to deepen your understanding of the Bronze criteria.
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Last week, CMS updated publicly reported CMS Five Star ratings for nursing homes on Nursing Home Compare. Members are reminded that staffing measures were frozen during the April 2024 update and are now refreshed with new methodologies. In addition, several Minimum Data Set (MDS) quality measures will remain frozen until January 2025 to allow data to be processed using new sections of MDS 3.0, as identified in QSO-24-14-NH.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the October 2024 refresh. Providers have until next Wednesday, Aug. 14, to review their performance data.
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Congratulations to the 19 long-term care leaders who graduated from IHCA's 2023-2024 Executive Health Care Leadership Institute on July 12! This year-long leadership program provides Iowa long-term care workers with the leadership fundamentals and specific technical skills needed to provide care in post-acute care settings.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the October 2024 refresh. Providers have until Aug. 14, 2024 to review their performance data.
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AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program has launched its 2025 application cycle! Access the new and enhanced educational materials on the Quality Award website to set yourself on the path to success. Additionally, IHCA will host its Bronze Award Workshop on Oct. 15. If you have thought about participating in the Quality Award Program, this is your opportunity to complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way.
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CMS is providing notifications to facilities that were determined to be out of compliance with Quality Reporting Program (QRP) requirements for CY 2023, which will affect their FY 2025 Annual Payment Update (APU). Non-compliance notifications are being distributed by the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and were placed into skilled nursing facilities’ CASPER folders in the Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (QIES) on July 3, 2024. Facilities that receive a letter of non-compliance may submit a request for reconsideration to CMS via email no later than 11:59 pm, Aug. 14, 2024.
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Congratulations to Good Samaritan Society - Le Mars, Sibley Specialty Care, Silvercrest Garner Farms and Sunrise Terrace Nursing and Rehabilitation Center on receiving AHCA/NCAL's 2024 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award. These organizations have consistently met increasingly rigorous performance standards to elevate the quality of care within their organizations. IHCA is proud to see its members go above and beyond to continue providing top-notch care.
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Join Quality Award staff for essential information and insights to start your 2025 application journey off with precision and efficiency. This webinar, held next Tuesday, July 9 at 1:00 p.m., will outline crucial deadlines, pivotal dates and resources tailored to enhance applicant support. Program staff will highlight new educational tools, share updates to existing resources and close the webinar with a question and answer session.
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Due to the August Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) quarterly submission deadline, the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between now and Aug. 14, 2024.
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IHCA's Bronze Quality Award Workshop will take place on Oct. 15. Attendees will gain a better understanding of what examiners are looking for, learn how to use the award criteria as an improvement tool and determine how to use the award process to focus, align and accelerate performance excellence efforts. This workshop is approved for 5.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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A big congratulations to the 33 Iowa long-term care facilities that received the AHCA/NCAL 2024 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award. Achievement within this National Quality Award program is a testimony of IHCA members' commitment to continuous quality improvement and providing top-notch care for Iowans.
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Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2589 regarding Iowa Solutions for Aging with Independence...
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) May 2024 Newsletter is now available. Topics in this issue include a Mental Health Awareness Month toolkit, a new COE-NF Lived Experience Podcast, a nursing facility guidance update regarding the federal minimum staffing standards, upcoming office hours, new resources developed to educate care teams about behavioral health conditions, upcoming training opportunities and more.
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CMS security policy requires deactivation of user roles for inactive accounts. To align with CMS security policies, the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) will begin implementing an inactive user policy this month. This will allow CMS to continue to ensure that its system is safe and secure.
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In honor of National Skilled Nursing Care Week, AHCA/NCAL’s National Quality Award Program proudly highlights the exceptional dedication to quality care and performance excellence demonstrated by Quality Award recipients. For members aspiring to join the ranks of Quality Award recipients or those interested in learning more about quality improvement through the Quality Award journey, please “tune-in” to the Quality Award webpage and register to attend the 2025 Quality Award Program Kick-Off Webinar on July 9, 2024, at 1:00 p.m.
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Although the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) can be complicated, providers should focus on a few more familiar areas to maximize their performance and achieve the utmost available return.
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Earn up to 8.75 CEUs at the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit 2024 on Monday, May 20, through Wednesday, May 22, in San Antonio, TX. The goal of the Quality Summit 2024 is to offer innovative ideas, strategies and inspiration to help you provide the highest quality of care to your residents. This year's education sessions are based on the seven categories of the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, the cornerstone of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program.
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In September 2023, CMS released a memo outlining anticipated updates to Care Compare. Members are reminded that many of these changes will be present in this week’s refresh of Care Compare. Related to the October 2023 Minimum Data Set revisions, quality measures (QMs) and staffing ratings will be adjusted. Additionally, CMS has revised the staffing rating methodology related to providers who fail to submit complete or erroneous staffing data.
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The April 2024 refresh of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data is now available on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC).
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Due to the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) quarterly deadline, the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between April 1, 2024, and May 15, 2024.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the July 2024 refresh. Providers have until May 15, 2024 to review their performance data.
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COE-NF’s April 2024 Newsletter is now available. Topics in this issue include free Behavioral Health Action Network cohort learning opportunities, National Minority Health Month and Alcohol Awareness Month resources, nursing facility guidance regarding alcohol use and elopement, alcohol use disorder bite-size learning, ways nursing facilities can promote substance use recovery, Managing Substance Use Disorders in Nursing Facilities and CARES Serious Mental Illness office hours, details regarding an upcoming four-part series: Schizophrenia in LTC with Dr. Abhilash Desai, MD, upcoming free COE-NF training session opportunities and more.
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Earn up to 8.75 CEUs at the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit 2024 on Monday, May 20, through Wednesday, May 22, in San Antonio, TX. The goal of the Quality Summit 2024 is to offer innovative ideas, strategies and inspiration to help you provide the highest quality of care to your residents. This year's education sessions are based on the seven categories of the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, the cornerstone of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) recently released a tool to inform facility leadership in the development of an accurate and up-to-date facility assessment. Although not required, IHCA encourages nursing facilities to complete the COE-NF’s Behavioral Health Needs Assessment to identify opportunities to advance compliance and improve resident care.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) is offering seven free training opportunities in April. These free trainings will cover suicide risk assessments, preventing implicit bias, trauma-informed care, suicide prevention and more.
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Due to the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) quarterly deadline, the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between April 1, 2024, and May 15, 2024. IHCA has provided information on the variety of methods to contact the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ) Service Center.
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Earn up to 8.75 CEUs at the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit 2024 on Monday, May 20, through Wednesday, May 22, in San Antonio, TX. The goal of the Quality Summit 2024 is to offer innovative ideas, strategies and inspiration to help you provide the highest quality of care to your residents. This year's education sessions are based on the seven categories of the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, the cornerstone of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program.
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Earn up to 8.75 CEUs at the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit 2024 on Monday, May 20, through Wednesday, May 22, in San Antonio, TX. The goal of the Quality Summit 2024 is to offer innovative ideas, strategies and inspiration to help you provide the highest quality of care to your residents. This year's education sessions are based on the seven categories of the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence, the cornerstone of the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) is offering six free training opportunities in March. These educational opportunities include Understanding Race-Based, Historical and Intergenerational Trauma in Nursing Facility Residents on March 19, Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide Prevention Training on March 20, Opioid Overdose and Naloxone Administration on March 21 and more.
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Telligen QI Connect recently released a list of upcoming education opportunities happening in March. Education opportunities include a Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) 101 Mini Collaborative webinar and Nursing Home Quality Essentials - Dental Hygiene, Oral Care and Infection Prevention webinar happening tomorrow, March 7, Ensuring Medicaid for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD) Treatment Through the Care Continuum on Friday, March 8 and more.
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CMS is hosting a webinar on Monday, March 26, at noon to educate providers of current changes to the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) and to help providers achieve a full Annual Payment Update (APU) (i.e. avoid the 2% reduction in the annual Medicare APU).
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities’ (COE-NF) February 2024 Newsletter is now available. Topics in this issue include a nursing facility guidance update, free mental health and substance use technical assistance, updated CARES Serious Mental Illness (SMI) office hours, miscellaneous COE-NF resources, including the COE-NF Behavioral Health Needs Assessment, Rapid Behavioral Health Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Worksheet and Mental Health 101 Bite-Sized Learning, upcoming COE-NF training sessions and more.
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In April 2024, CMS will adjust the Five-Star staffing scoring methodology to penalize missing turnover data. Missing turnover rates will be scored at the lowest points possible (e.g. 5 out of 50 points) instead of rebasing the scoring to allow missing data to be neutral. Most centers are not projected to be impacted by this scoring change, but 10% could see a decrease.
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Your Top-Line is a LTC Trend Tracker (LTCTT) publication that includes metrics and graphics outlining each skilled nursing center's unique progress on Five-Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative, their journey through the Quality Awards program and other necessary data to help skilled nursing centers achieve their desired goals. As a registered user of LTCTT, you can download your facility’s specific report free of charge in the publications section.
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Applications for the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP) are due this Friday, Feb. 16. DELP aims to empower individuals from underrepresented groups, encompassing race, ethnicity, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability and religion. In addition to underrepresented groups, DELP recognizes diversity in other areas such as geographic location and organization.
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Are your Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) reports missing from the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES)? CMS has identified a system issue which caused some HHVBP files, such as the recently distributed October 2023 Final Interim Performance Reports (IPRs), to be deleted from the home health agency Provider Preview Report folders in iQIES. Further, there are Preliminary IPRs retained despite the report retention timeframes outlined on QIES Technical Support Office (QTSO). CMS is actively working to correct the issue.
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As the deadline quickly approaches, we want to remind you about the opportunity to apply for the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP). DELP aims to empower individuals from underrepresented groups, encompassing race, ethnicity, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability and religion. In addition to underrepresented groups, DELP recognizes diversity in other areas such as geographic location and organization. Applications are due next Friday, Feb. 16.
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The deadline to submit a 2024 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award application is tomorrow, Jan. 25 at 7:00 p.m. If you haven't already, make sure to utilize key resources, such as the Criteria Series at each award level and the Silver and Gold Application Submission Templates, to assist you in finalizing and submitting your application.
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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is seeking nominations for individuals to serve on a high-acuity statewide placement SWAT team. This team is being developed to address the growing number of situations in which appropriate placement cannot be attained for individuals in this state in an effort to clear barriers and better serve Iowans.
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The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) is seeking nominations for the 2024 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities, which recognizes Iowa health care facilities that offer unique or innovative activities to enhance the quality of care or quality of life for their residents. Nominations are open to licensed nursing facilities, residential care facilities and intermediate care facilities, including those facilities specializing in the care of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. Residents and family members may nominate an Iowa-licensed long-term care facility for the award. Facilities may not nominate themselves for this recognition. To be considered for a 2024 Governor’s Award, nominations must be postmarked by March 22, 2024.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the April 2024 refresh. Providers have until Feb. 15, 2024, to review their performance data.
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The deadline to submit a 2024 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award application is next Thursday, Jan. 25 at 7:00 p.m. CST. AHCA/NCAL President and CEO Mark Parkinson has provided a video message, urging members to continue their journey toward excellence in 2024 and apply. If you haven't already, make sure to utilize key resources, such as the Criteria Series at each award level and the Silver and Gold Application Submission Templates, to assist you in finalizing and submitting your application.
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CMS is alerting skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers of upcoming measure removals from the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP). Once removed from reports, users will no longer have access to any data or measure results for these measures.
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The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has announced the opening of applications for the next class of the Diversity Executive Leadership Program (DELP). DELP aims to empower individuals from underrepresented groups, encompassing race, ethnicity, gender identification, sexual orientation, disability and religion. Fifteen scholars will be selected to participate in a two-year leadership program consisting of education, mentoring, networking and volunteer service in the AHCA/NCAL community. The deadline to apply is Friday, Feb. 16, 2024.
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Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will host a complimentary webinar today from noon to 1:00 p.m. for health care professionals to develop the necessary skills to provide safe and effective care for residents/patients who are in isolation.
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The University of Iowa’s College of Nursing began a research study in 2021 to identify best practices related to dining activities for individuals with cognitive and memory impairments. During the pilot study, the Optimizing Mealtime Care and Outcomes (OPTIMAL) program found preliminary evidence that improved resident outcomes of resistive behavior, functional impairment and food intake amount. The OPTIMAL team is inviting all Iowa nursing homes, assisted living programs and residential care facilities caring for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments to take part in the program, which focuses on in-person staff training and facility approach to mealtime. To indicate your interest in this program, please complete the brief survey before Jan. 12. Participation is free and CEUs are available.
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COE-NF’s January 2024 Newsletter is now available. Topics in this issue include the COE-NF grant year one in review, CARES Serious Mental Illness Online Training, CARES serious mental illness office hours, buprenorphine in the long-term care facility, explanation of behavioral health equity, nursing facility regulatory guidance, such as understanding the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) for Quality Care, COE-NF de-escalation toolkit, upcoming COE-NF training sessions and more.
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The University of Iowa’s College of Nursing began a research study in 2021 to identify best practices related to dining activities for individuals with cognitive and memory impairments. During the pilot study, the Optimizing Mealtime Care and Outcomes (OPTIMAL) program found preliminary evidence that improved resident outcomes of resistive behavior, functional impairment and food intake amount. The OPTIMAL team is inviting all Iowa nursing homes, assisted living programs and residential care facilities caring for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments to take part in the program, which focuses on in-person staff training and facility approach to mealtime. To indicate your interest in this program, please complete the brief survey before Jan. 12. Participation is free and CEUs are available.
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All Home-and Community-Based Services (HCBS) providers must complete and submit the HCBS Provider Quality Management Self-Assessment by Dec. 31, 2023, regardless of whether they are currently offering HCBS services.
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Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHSS) will host a complimentary webinar on Jan. 10, 2024, from noon to 1:00 p.m. for health care professionals to develop the necessary skills to provide safe and effective care for residents/patients who are in isolation. Learn how to identify different types of isolation and when each may be necessary, explore appropriate signage to communicate necessary infection control actions and define the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed in various scenarios.
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The University of Iowa’s College of Nursing began a research study in 2021 to identify best practices related to dining activities for individuals with cognitive and memory impairments. During the pilot study, the Optimizing Mealtime Care and Outcomes (OPTIMAL) program found preliminary evidence that improved resident outcomes of resistive behavior, functional impairment and food intake amount. The OPTIMAL team is inviting all Iowa nursing homes, assisted living programs and residential care facilities caring for individuals with dementia or cognitive impairments to take part in the program, which focuses on in-person staff training and facility approach to mealtime. To indicate your interest in this program, please complete the brief survey before Jan. 12. Participation is free and CEUs are available.
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Are you preparing an application for the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program? Baldridge Coach is offering complimentary 20-minute coaching sessions to first time applicants and applicants who have previously applied for an award and did not achieve the level of recognition sought. Please note that this assistance is free, and no further obligation is required.
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All Home-and Community-Based Services (HCBS) providers must complete and submit the HCBS Provider Quality Management Self-Assessment by Dec. 31, 2023, regardless of whether they are currently offering HCBS services. Due to changes from previous self-assessments, IHCA will offer a live webinar tomorrow, Thursday, Dec. 14, to provide guidance regarding this requirement of all HCBS providers. Please note that only a live version of this webinar will be offered, and there will be no on-demand version or recording available.
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Are you preparing an application for the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program? Baldridge Coach is offering complimentary 20-minute coaching sessions to first time applicants and applicants who have previously applied for an award and did not achieve the level of recognition sought. Please note that this assistance is free, and no further obligation is required.
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COE-NF’s December 2023 Newsletter is now available. Topics in this issue include an in-depth look at holiday blues, tips to eliminate the holiday blues in nursing facilities, details regarding the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline, visitation and leaves of absence for residents with substance use disorders regulatory guidance, how CMS plans to expand the behavioral health workforce in 2024, upcoming COE-NF training sessions and more.
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The Home-and Community-Based Services (HCBS) provider self-assessment is due Dec. 31, 2023. All HCBS providers must complete and submit the Provider Quality Management Self-Assessment by the specified annual deadline, regardless of whether they are currently offering HCBS services. Due to changes from previous self-assessments, IHCA will offer a live webinar next Thursday, Dec. 14, to provide guidance regarding this requirement of all HCBS providers.
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Join Telligen QI Connect this December for its monthly educational events. Upcoming events include Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) 101 Mini Collaborative, Implementing Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (CLAS) to Improve Health Equity Series, Root Cause Analysis Training and more. The next set of classes takes place this Thursday, Dec. 7.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) is offering five free training opportunities in December. Training opportunities include Holiday Seasonal Depression: Ways to Support Nursing Facility Residents, Serious Mental Illness in Nursing Facilities: Using a Five Step Approach to Care, Good Grief: Helping Nursing Facility Residents Cope with Loss, Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) and Mental Health First Aide (MHFA).
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Due to a high volume of interest, IHCA/ICAL will offer an additional Bronze-level workshop next Wednesday, Nov. 29. The goal of this workshop is to assist members in crafting a customized application to meet entry-level Quality Award criteria requirements. Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living programs are encouraged to participate.
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The clock is ticking and time is running out to showcase the quality of care you provide by entering the 2024 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program. Now is the time to act – the deadline to submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) is tomorrow, Nov. 16, at 7:00 p.m. While submission of an ITA is voluntary and will have no impact on an applicant’s consideration, submitting an ITA only takes five to ten minutes and earns applicants a discounted application fee.
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The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program offers assisted living providers who are actively engaged in the program an advantage compared to their competition. Assisted living programs that achieve Quality Awards have a unique opportunity to feature their commitment to the highest quality of care for their tenants by providing an illustration of recent quality improvement efforts. Due to a high volume of interest, IHCA/ICAL will offer an additional Bronze-level workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 29.
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The clock is ticking and time is running out to showcase the quality of care you provide by entering the 2024 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program. Now is the time to act – the deadline to submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) is next Thursday, Nov. 16, at 7:00 p.m. While submission of an ITA is voluntary and will have no impact on an applicant’s consideration, submitting an ITA only takes five to ten minutes and earns applicants a discounted application fee.
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Due to significant interest, IHCA will be hosting an additional 2024 Bronze Award Application Workshop on Wednesday, Nov. 29. If your organization has thought about participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards Program, this is your opportunity to complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way. This workshop is approved for 6.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Due to the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) quarterly deadline, the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between now and Nov. 14, 2023.
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IHCA and ICAL members have two weeks left to submit their AHCA/NCAL 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) to meet the deadline of Thursday, Nov. 16. Additionally, submitting an ITA earns applicants a discounted application fee.
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Have you ever wondered about getting involved in AHCA/NCAL's National Quality Award Program? Get involved and show your support today by applying to join the Quality Award Board by Nov. 2, applying to serve as a Quality Award Examiner by Nov. 9 and submitting your Intent to Apply (ITA) by Nov. 16.
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Join Telligen today, Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Hotel Renovo in Urbandale to get the latest insights, network with Telligen and Iowa health care providers and discuss opioids, health equity, community coalition building in Iowa and more.
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Join the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Health Care Associated Infections (HAI) Program tomorrow, Oct. 26, at noon for a free virtual webinar: Using Data to Drive an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program.
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The AHCA/NCAL 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is now open. The first 100 ITAs received will be entered in a giveaway to win a complimentary 2024 application fee. Applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2024 should submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
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Due to the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) quarterly deadline, the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between now and Nov. 14, 2023.
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LTC Trend Tracker is a complimentary AHCA/NCAL resource offered to all IHCA members. With just a few clicks of a button, LTC Trend Tracker gives you access to government data collected by CMS on skilled nursing centers – providing you with one central hub for all your reporting needs. IHCA encourages members to access LTC Trend Tracker and download your latest Your Top-Line report.
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The AHCA/NCAL 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is now open. The first 100 ITAs received will be entered in a giveaway to win a complimentary 2024 application fee. Applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2024 should submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the January 2024 refresh. Providers have until Nov. 13, 2023, to review their performance data. Only updates/corrections to the underlying assessment data before the final data submission deadline will be reflected in the publicly reported data on Care Compare.
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CMS has released two Health Equity Confidential Feedback Reports to post-acute care (PAC) providers: the Discharge to Community (DTC) Health Equity Confidential Feedback Report and the Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary (MSPB) Health Equity Confidential Feedback Report. This data is meant to provide feedback to providers about their performance for certain populations who may have been historically disadvantaged and to identify opportunities to focus their internal quality improvement initiatives to provide all individuals their best opportunity to achieve their best potential health outcomes.
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Join Telligen on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Hotel Renovo in Urbandale to get the latest insights, network with Telligen and Iowa health care providers, learn about topics such as opioids, health equity, community coalition building in Iowa and more. Please register by Monday, Oct. 16.
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CMS is offering a three-minute, animated explainer video titled, “Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS) and BIMS Summary Score: Stopping and Coding an Incomplete Interview,” for home health (HH), inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF), long-term care hospital (LTCH) and skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers. Additionally, CMS is offering a four-minute, animated explainer video titled, “Understanding Coding for N0415 — High-Risk Drug Classes: Use and Indication,” for HH providers.
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The AHCA/NCAL 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is now open. The first 100 ITAs received will be entered in a giveaway to win a complimentary 2024 application fee. Applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2024 should submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
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Join Telligen on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Hotel Renovo in Urbandale to get the latest insights, network with Telligen and Iowa health care providers, learn about topics such as opioids, health equity, community coalition building in Iowa and more. Please register by Monday, Oct. 16.
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The 2024 Bronze Award Application Workshop kicks off with a webinar on Oct. 10 that will include an introduction to the award application process, how to access the entry portal and the resources you will need to prepare your application in the next session. The in-person training session on Oct. 17 will provide step-by-step assistance so you can walk away with a nearly completed 2024 Bronze Award Application. This two-part course is approved for 6.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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The AHCA/NCAL 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is now open. The first 100 ITAs received will be entered in a giveaway to win a complimentary 2024 application fee. Applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2024 should submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
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Join Telligen on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Hotel Renovo in Urbandale to get the latest insights, network with Telligen and Iowa health care providers, learn about topics such as opioids, health equity, community coalition building in Iowa and more. Please register by Monday, Oct. 16.
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CMS recently released QSO-23-21-NH regarding updates coming in April 2024 to Nursing Home Care Compare staffing and quality measures. The updates accommodate previously announced changes to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) taking place Oct. 1, 2023. This includes changes to the staffing level case-mix adjustment methodology from Resource Utilization Groups (RUG-IV) to Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM). Additionally, CMS announced it will be removing the CMS-672 form (Resident Census and Conditions of Residents).
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The American Health Care Association (AHCA) and National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) has provided three ways in which you can get involved with the National Quality Award Program and support long-term and post-acute care quality improvement journeys. Opportunities include applying for the National Quality Award, submitting a National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) and applying to serve as a National Quality Award Examiner.
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The AHCA/NCAL 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is now open. The first 100 ITAs received will be entered in a giveaway to win a complimentary 2024 application fee. Applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2024 should submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
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Join Telligen on Wednesday, Oct. 25, from 4:30 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. at Hotel Renovo in Urbandale to get the latest insights, network with Telligen and Iowa health care providers, learn about topics such as on opioids, health equity, community coalition building in Iowa and more. Please register by Monday, Oct. 16.
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The latest Your Top-Line publication for skilled nursing centers is now available in LTC Trend Tracker with facility-level staffing data to help your organization understand the impact of CMS’s minimum staffing standard proposed rule.
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The AHCA/NCAL 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is now open. The first 100 ITAs received will be entered in a giveaway to win a complimentary 2024 application fee. Applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2024 should submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
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The AHCA/NCAL 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is now open. The first 100 ITAs received will be entered in a giveaway to win a complimentary 2024 application fee. Applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2024 should submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
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CMS recently released the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model aimed at improving the way dementia care is delivered and supporting unpaid caregivers. The goal is to help those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia remain in their homes and communities, thereby minimizing hospitalizations, post-acute and long-term care through improved care coordination and management, caregiver education and support and respite services. Through GUIDE, CMS will test an alternative payment for participants that delivers key supportive services to people with dementia. CMS is accepting letters of interest for the GUIDE Model through Sept. 15, 2023.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) assists nursing facilities in their ongoing efforts to enhance the quality of life for residents who experience a variety of behavioral health disorders and offers free trainings, technical assistance and additional resources. While the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) appears to be looking closely at facility training plans for behavioral health training, members are encouraged to consider integrating these training resources into their established plans. A brief webinar titled, “Understanding Substance Use Disorders related to Nursing Facility Residents,” will take place tomorrow, Aug. 31.
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The AHCA/NCAL 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is now open. The first 100 ITAs received will be entered in a giveaway to win a complimentary 2024 application fee. Applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2024 should submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
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It's not too late to apply for this year’s IHCA’s Executive Health Care Leadership Institute! To apply, please submit an updated resume, reference letter and short summary of what you hope to achieve by attending the program via email to Brenda Irlbeck at
[email protected] by the end of today, Aug. 23. The course begins Aug. 30. IHCA’s Executive Health Care Leadership Institute is a year-long program where leaders have the opportunity to network with peers, maximize their distinct potential and recognize new quality improvement pathways to enhance the future of the post-acute profession.
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The AHCA/NCAL 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is now open. The first 100 ITAs received will be entered in a giveaway to win a complimentary 2024 application fee. Applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2024 should submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
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IHCA’s Executive Health Care Leadership Institute is a year-long program where leaders have the opportunity to network with peers, maximize their distinct potential and recognize new quality improvement pathways to enhance the future of the post-acute profession. While there are a limited number of openings available for this elite leadership training, it's not too late to apply for this year’s program. To apply, please submit an updated resume, reference letter and short summary of what you hope to achieve by attending the program via email to Brenda Irlbeck at
[email protected] by Aug. 23. The course begins Aug. 30.
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CMS recently released the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model aimed at improving the way dementia care is delivered and supporting unpaid caregivers. The goal is to help those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia remain in their homes and communities, thereby minimizing hospitalizations, post-acute and long-term care through improved care coordination and management, caregiver education and support and respite services. Through GUIDE, CMS will test an alternative payment for participants that deliver key supportive services to people with dementia. CMS is accepting letters of interest for the GUIDE Model through Sept. 15, 2023.
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The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program team is pleased to announce that the 2024 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is now open. The first 100 ITAs received will be entered in a giveaway to win a complimentary 2024 application fee. AHCA/NCAL encourages applicants who plan to apply for a National Quality Award in 2024 to submit an ITA before the deadline on Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023.
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For more than a decade, IHCA has hosted the Executive Health Care Leadership Institute, formerly known as IHCA's Leadership Academy, to provide leaders with essential tools to advance their leadership skills. In this year-long program, leaders will have the opportunity to network with peers, maximize their distinct potential and recognize new quality improvement pathways to enhance the future of the post-acute profession. While there are a limited number of openings available for this elite leadership training, it's not too late to apply for this year’s program. To apply, please submit an updated resume, reference letter and short summary of what you hope to achieve by attending the program via email to Brenda Irlbeck at
[email protected] by Aug. 23. The course begins Aug. 30.
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Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) must report their 2023 Quarter 1 (Dec. 26, 2022 - March 26, 2023) Weekly Healthcare Personnel COVID-19 Vaccination Summary data to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) by Aug. 15, 2023.
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CMS announced that facilities determined to be out of compliance with the 2022 Quality Reporting Program (QRP) requirements received a non-compliance notification in their My Reports folder in Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) on July 20, 2023. This will impact these facilities’ FY 2024 Annual Payment Update (APU). Failure to comply with Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) QRP data submission requirements may result in a 2-percentage points reduction to the market basket update (also known as the APU). Facilities that receive a letter of non-compliance may submit a request for reconsideration to CMS via email no later than Friday, Aug. 18.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the October 2023 refresh. Providers have until Aug. 14, 2023 to review their performance data.
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The July 2023 quarterly refresh for the Home Health (HH) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) is now available on Care Compare. For this refresh, HH Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) will be based on the standard number of quarters.
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Applications are still be accepted to join IHCA’s Executive Health Care Leadership Institute for 2023-24. For more than a decade, IHCA has hosted the Executive Health Care Leadership Institute, formerly known as IHCA's Leadership Academy, to provide leaders with essential tools to advance their leadership skills. In this year-long program, leaders will have the opportunity to network with peers, maximize their distinct potential and recognize new quality improvement pathways to enhance the future of the post-acute profession. Whether you are new to your leadership role and looking for tips to get started, or you have been a leader for a while, the IHCA Executive Health Care Leadership Institute is for you!
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Brodey Hanson, executive director of The Bridges at Ankeny, has been named the 2023 recipient of the AHCA Leader of the Year Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). Hanson is recognized for his achievement in fostering a person-centered culture in a long-term care facility.
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Applications are still be accepted to join IHCA’s Executive Health Care Leadership Institute for 2023-24. For more than a decade, IHCA has hosted the Executive Health Care Leadership Institute, formerly known as IHCA's Leadership Academy, to provide leaders with essential tools to advance their leadership skills. In this year-long program, leaders will have the opportunity to network with peers, maximize their distinct potential and recognize new quality improvement pathways to enhance the future of the post-acute profession. Whether you are new to your leadership role and looking for tips to get started, or you have been a leader for a while, the IHCA Executive Health Care Leadership Institute is for you!
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For more than a decade, IHCA has hosted the Executive Health Care Leadership Institute, formerly known as IHCA's Leadership Academy, to provide leaders with essential tools to advance their leadership skills. In this year-long program, leaders will have the opportunity to network with peers, maximize their distinct potential and recognize new quality improvement pathways to enhance the future of the post-acute profession. Whether you are new to your leadership role and looking for tips to get started, or you have been a leader for a while, the IHCA Executive Health Care Leadership Institute is for you!
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the October 2023 refresh. Providers have until Aug. 14, 2023 to review their performance data. Only updates/corrections to the underlying assessment data before the final data submission deadline will be reflected in the publicly reported data on Care Compare.
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CMS has released a video tutorial to assist providers with guidance application and interview strategies for the cognitive assessment known as the Brief Interview for Mental Status (BIMS). This video tutorial is approximately 20 minutes in length and is designed to provide targeted guidance for accurate coding using live-action patient/resident scenarios.
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Take your career to the next level with IHCA’s Executive Health Care Leadership Institute, presented by HealthCARE of Iowa and sponsored by Consonus Pharmacy, NuCara, Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy and Williams and Company P.C. The program will cover the leadership fundamentals you need to lead others and the specific technical skills in demand in post-acute care settings. Whether you are new to your leadership role and looking for tips to get started, or you have been a leader for a while and looking for new strategies to navigate today’s ever-evolving environment, the IHCA Executive Health Care Leadership Institute is for you! Applications for this elite leadership training are due this Friday, June 30.
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Iowa nursing facilities are invited to participate in the most recent Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) series, What Matters Most 2023 ECHO: What's Good for the Resident is Good for Daily Caregivers. This online series is designed to support job satisfaction and retention, improve resident outcomes and enhance resident satisfaction using the proven age-friendly approach to care. All nursing home administrators, advanced practice nurses, nurses/daily caregivers and social workers are welcome. The next course of the series will take place tomorrow, June 29, and will focus on dementia and delirium.
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AHCA/NCAL recently announced the recipients of the 2023 Silver Achievement in Quality Award. Congratulations to IHCA members La Porte City Specialty Care (La Porte City, IA) and West Ridge Care Center (Cedar Rapids, IA) on being recognized by AHCA/NCAL with this award.
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Congratulations to IHCA member La Porte City Specialty Care on winning the 2023 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. A ceremony will be held tomorrow, June 29, at 1:30 p.m. on the La Porte City Specialty Care front lawn.
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The National Quality Award Program is a rigorous three-level process that evaluates an organization’s capabilities against nationally recognized standards for excellence. The program provides a pathway to improved outcomes in areas including care, workforce, leadership and operations. Long-term care and assisted living providers know that by focusing on quality care, you can change the lives of others. IHCA/ICAL encourages all members to consider joining or continuing your quality care journey through the National Quality Award program in 2024.
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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), is offering three cohorts of complimentary, virtual training for long-term care professionals who provide oversight and guidance to infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. This intensive, foundational course will build competence in the unique challenges of managing IPC in the long-term care setting. Registrations are limited to one per facility, so early registration is encouraged. The first round of training will be July 17-19.
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Congratulations to IHCA member Green Hills Health Care Center of Ames on winning the 2023 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. Green Hills Health Care Center will be presented with the award by Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Director Larry Johnson at the facility’s location in Ames tomorrow, June 22.
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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), is offering three cohorts of complimentary, virtual training for long-term care professionals who provide oversight and guidance to infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. This intensive, foundational course will build competence in the unique challenges of managing IPC in the long-term care setting. Registrations are limited to one per facility, so early registration is encouraged. The first round of training will be July 17-29.
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Iowa nursing facilities are invited to participate in the most recent Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) series, What Matters Most 2023 ECHO: What's Good for the Resident is Good for Daily Caregivers. This series is designed to support job satisfaction and retention, improve resident outcomes and enhance resident satisfaction using the proven age-friendly approach to care. All nursing home administrators, advanced practice nurses, nurses/daily caregivers and social workers are welcome. The next course of the series will take place next Thursday, June 29, and will focus on dementia and delirium.
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Take your career to the next level with IHCA’s Executive Health Care Leadership Institute, presented by HealthCARE of Iowa and sponsored by Consonus Pharmacy, NuCara, Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy and Williams and Company P.C. The program will cover the leadership fundamentals you need to lead others and the specific technical skills in demand in post-acute care settings. Whether you are new to your leadership role and looking for tips to get started, or you have been a leader for a while and looking for new strategies to navigate today’s ever-evolving environment, the IHCA Executive Health Care Leadership Institute is for you! Applications for this elite leadership training are due June 30.
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Congratulations to the 19 long-term care leaders who graduated from IHCA’s 2022-2023 Executive Health Care Leadership Institute yesterday, June 13. If you would like to join the list of IHCA Executive Health Care Leadership Institute graduates, it’s not too late to apply for the 2023-2024 class! Applications for this elite leadership training are due by Friday, June 30.
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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), is offering three cohorts of complimentary, virtual training for long-term care professionals who provide oversight and guidance to infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. This intensive, foundational course will build competence in the unique challenges of managing IPC in the long-term care setting. Registrations are limited to one per facility, so early registration is encouraged. The first round of training will be July 17-29.
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Iowa nursing facilities are invited to participate in the most recent Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) series, What Matters Most 2023 ECHO: What's Good for the Resident is Good for Daily Caregivers. This series is designed to support job satisfaction and retention, improve resident outcomes and enhance resident satisfaction using the proven age-friendly approach to care. All nursing home administrators, advanced practice nurses, nurses/daily caregivers and social workers are welcome. The next course of the series will take place tomorrow, June 15, and will focus on depression.
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The University of Iowa is conducting a study to help understand barriers to infection prevention in long-term care (LTC) facilities. They are seeking focus group participants to answer questions on infection prevention, barriers to infection prevention and infection prevention policies, education and training in LTC. The goal of this study is to improve infection prevention policies and practices in LTC settings.
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Take your career to the next level with IHCA’s Executive Health Care Leadership Institute, presented by HealthCARE of Iowa and sponsored by Consonus Pharmacy, NuCara, Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy and Williams and Company P.C. Applications are now open for this elite leadership training. Individuals who apply for the program by June 9 will save $250 with the Early Bird discounted price of $1,250; or save $500 with the Early Bird discounted price of $2,000 for two individuals from the same organization. After June 9, the registration fee is $1,500 for one individual or $2,500 for two individuals for the same organization.
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Congratulations to IHCA member Gracewell Nursing Facility of Denison on winning the 2023 Governor's Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. Gracewell Nursing Facility will be presented with the award by Governor Kim Reynolds and Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals Director Larry Johnson at the facility's location in Denison tomorrow, June 8.
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The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) recently announced the recipients of the 2023 Bronze Commitment to Quality Award. Ten Iowa long-term care facilities were recognized by AHCA/NCAL with this award, which encompassed nearly 400 long-term and post-acute care providers in 47 states.
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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), in partnership with the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC), is offering three cohorts of complimentary, virtual training for long-term care professionals who provide oversight and guidance to infection prevention and control (IPC) practices. This intensive, foundational course will build competence in the unique challenges of managing IPC in the long-term care setting. Registrations are limited to one per facility, so early registration is encouraged. The first round of training will be July 17-29.
Read More
Iowa nursing facilities are invited to participate in the most recent Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) series, What Matters Most 2023 ECHO: What's Good for the Resident is Good for Daily Caregivers. This series is designed to support job satisfaction and retention, improve resident outcomes and enhance resident satisfaction using the proven age-friendly approach to care. All nursing home administrators, advanced practice nurses, nurses/daily caregivers and social workers are welcome. The next course of the series will take place tomorrow, June 8, and will focus on communication skills.
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Take your career to the next level with IHCA’s Executive Health Care Leadership Institute, presented by HealthCARE of Iowa and sponsored by Consonus Pharmacy, NuCara, Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy and Williams and Company P.C. Unlike other leadership training programs, this program is custom built for those who work in the post-acute care profession. It includes the leadership fundamentals you need to lead others and the specific technical skills in demand in post-acute care settings. Applications for this elite leadership training are due June 30. Apply by June 9 and receive the Early Bird Discount.
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The University of Iowa is conducting a study to help understand barriers to infection prevention in long-term care (LTC) facilities. They are seeking focus group participants to answer questions on infection prevention, barriers to infection prevention and infection prevention policies, education and training in LTC. The goal of this study is to improve infection prevention policies and practices in LTC settings.
Read More
Take your career to the next level with IHCA’s Executive Health Care Leadership Institute, presented by HealthCARE of Iowa and sponsored by Consonus Pharmacy, NuCara, Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy and Williams and Company P.C. Unlike other leadership training programs, this program is custom built for those who work in the post-acute care profession. It includes the leadership fundamentals you need to lead others and the specific technical skills in demand in post-acute care settings. Applications for this elite leadership training are due June 30.
Read More
Iowa facilities are invited to participate in the newest Project Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes (ECHO) series, What Matters Most 2023 ECHO: What's Good for the Resident is Good for Daily Caregivers. This series is designed to support job satisfaction and retention, improve resident outcomes and enhance resident satisfaction using the proven age-friendly approach to care. All nursing home administrators, advanced practice nurses, nurses/daily caregivers and social workers are welcome. IHCA encourages members to participate in this unique opportunity for infection control training and networking.
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On April 17, 2023, CMS transitioned from the Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (QIES) to the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) Reports User Manual. Access to minimum data set (MDS) submissions and several important reports, including MDS, quality measure (QM), Quality Reporting Program (QRP), value-based purchasing (VBP) and non-compliance letters, will now occur in the iQIES system.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) released new resources this week. In addition to the resources and May trainings, the COE-NF provides tailored technical assistance, such as an individualized plan to assist your facility with specific behavioral health needs.
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The 2023 CMS Quality Conference is scheduled for May 1-3, 2023. This free and virtual convention, titled Building Resilient Communities: Having an Equitable Foundation for Quality Health Care, will feature expert speakers on a broad range of health care topics.
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Nominations for the 2023 ACHA/NCAL Awards Program are now open. AHCA/NCAL members are strongly encouraged to nominate those in their community who go above and beyond to provide exceptional service in the long-term care profession. Awards are available for leadership positions and frontline caregivers, and provide a great way to help recognize and retain those who work at your organization. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, June 9, 2023.
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Nominations for the 2023 ACHA/NCAL Awards Program are now open. AHCA/NCAL members are strongly encouraged to nominate those in their community who go above and beyond to provide exceptional service in the long-term care profession. Awards are available for leadership positions and frontline caregivers, and provide a great way to help recognize and retain those who work at your organization. The deadline to submit nominations is Friday, June 9, 2023.
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For this refresh, Home Health (HH) Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) will be based on the standard number of quarters. The July 2023 refresh will add a new claims-based measure for public reporting. Due to the COVID-19 reporting exceptions, the claims-based measures have been calculated excluding Q1 and Q2 2020 data from measure calculations.
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CMS recently announced that the transition of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment submission and reporting functionality to the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) will occur on April 17, 2023. To properly prepare for the transition, the QIES Assessment Submission and Processing (ASAP) system for MDS submissions will be turned off on Thursday, April 13, at 7:00 p.m. Providers should submit completed MDS records prior to 7:00 p.m. on April 13 to QIES (ASAP) or wait until 7:00 a.m. on April 17 to submit data in iQIES.
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The latest updates to Your Top-Line Reports are now available in LTC Trend Tracker for all Iowa nursing facilities. Your Top-Line Report is a LTC Trend Tracker publication that includes metrics and graphics outlining skilled nursing centers’ progress on Five Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative, their journey through the Quality Awards program and other necessary data to help skilled nursing centers achieve their desired goals. As a member of IHCA, access to AHCA’s LTC Trend Tracker is a free and valuable benefit best used to evaluate and focus resources on quality improvement.
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The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) is seeking nominations for the 2023 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. The Governor's Award recognizes Iowa health care facilities that offer unique or innovative activities to enhance the quality of care or quality of life for their residents. Nominations are open to all health care facilities licensed under Iowa Code Chapter 135C, which include nursing facilities, residential care facilities and intermediate care facilities, including those facilities specializing in the care of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities.
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All applications and application fees for AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards must be submitted in the Quality Award portal by tomorrow, Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023 at 7:00 p.m. Providers can still submit a 2023 award application if they have not submitted an Intent to Apply (ITA).
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The application deadline for AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards is quickly approaching. All applications and application fees must be submitted in the Quality Award portal by 7:00 p.m. next Thursday, Jan. 26, 2023. Providers can still submit a 2023 award application if they have not submitted an Intent to Apply (ITA).
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CMS recently announced an updated third edition of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Public Reporting (PR) Tip Sheet. The purpose of the tip sheet is to help providers understand CMS’ public reporting approach to the SNF QRP to account for CMS quality data submissions that were either optional or excepted from public reporting due to the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE).
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Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) will host a complimentary webinar next Wednesday, Jan. 10, from noon to 1:00 p.m. for health care professionals to develop the necessary skills to provide safe and effective care for residents/patients who are in isolation. Learn how to identify different types of isolation and when each may be necessary, explore appropriate signage to communicate necessary infection control actions and define the personal protective equipment (PPE) needed in various scenarios.
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Are you preparing an application for the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program? Baldridge Coach is offering complimentary 20-minute coaching sessions to first time applicants and applicants who have previously applied for an award and did not achieve the level of recognition sought. Please note that this assistance is free, and no further obligation is required.
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The American Health Care Association (AHCA) has announced “Cultivating Kindness” as the theme for the 2023 National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW). The annual, national observance celebrates the essential role that skilled nursing care centers play in providing safe and effective 24-hour nursing care to millions of individuals each year. Essity Health and Medical is the official sponsor of NSNCW 2023.
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A recent study by Pinnacle Quality Insights tells a convincing story regarding the impact of the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award program on recipient centers. The program routinely gathers data from recipient centers to better understand the effects of the Quality Award program on centers that pursue and achieve awards. This study is the first to look specifically at Silver Quality Award recipients and the impact of their achievements on customer satisfaction and employee retention.
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AHCA/NCAL is hosting a webinar this Friday, Dec. 9 at 2:00 p.m. The webinar will focus on practical steps long-term care facilities can take to prepare for the increase in respiratory viruses anticipated this winter. Dr. Ashish Jha, coordinator of the White House COVID-19 Response Team, will be joining this webinar to share his insights with participants.
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CMS recently posted Quality in Focus trainings on its Quality, Safety and Education Portal (QSEP). The trainings consist of 10-minute videos with associated documents. The trainings cover treatment and prevention of pressure ulcer citations, medication error citations and more.
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Representatives of numerous national organizations have developed recommendations for medical and mental health care in assisted living (AL) and are leading the “Be Well in AL” initiative to put the recommendations into practice. ICAL members are invited to join the Be Well in AL launch webinar on Dec. 14. The webinar will introduce new recommendations related to staff and staff training, nursing and related services, resident assessment and care planning, policies and practices and more.
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AHCA/NCAL recently shared a list of five ways to reduce the spread of respiratory viral infections this winter. Increases in Influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and other respiratory viruses are occurring in the general population, with some hospitals in communities nearing or reaching capacity. There are several key steps to help reduce the impact on residents from viral infections this winter.
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As the expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) model prepares to start the first performance year on Jan. 1, 2023, CMS issued the November Pre-Implementation Performance Report (PIPR) to all active home health agencies (HHAs). The PIPRs provide HHAs with data on their quality measure performance used in the expanded HHVBP Model, with comparison to HHAs nationally within peer cohorts. Additionally, the CY 2023 Home Health (HH) Prospective Payment System (PPS) final rule amended the model baseline year from CY 2019 to CY 2022 starting in the CY 2023 performance year to enable CMS to measure competing HHAs performance on benchmarks and achievement thresholds that are more current. The PIPRs provide a preview of where your agency’s performance falls in regard to the new baseline year, in advance of the release of the first Interim Performance Reports (IPRs) in July 2023.
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Members who plan to apply for an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award are encouraged to submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) by logging into the Quality...
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Join Swift Medical next Thursday, Nov. 17, at 2:00 p.m. CST for its virtual webinar: From Paper Ruler to Digital Measurement — How AI-powered technology can transform your wound care program. This webinar will provide an interactive discussion that explores the challenges associated with the paper ruler method for measuring wounds, and the clinical, operational and financial benefits of using a digital wound measurement technology at the point of care.
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Members who plan to apply for an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award are encouraged to submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) by logging into the Quality Award Portal by Nov. 15. Applicants who submit an ITA by Nov. 15 will receive an automatic discount on their application fee when they submit their 2023 application.
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It's not too late to register for parts two and three of IHCA's three-part Bronze Award Application Workshop series. The in-person workshops on Oct. 28 and Jan. 11 will offer an application review, peer feedback, application submission and technical support. If your organization has thought about participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards Program, this is your opportunity to complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way. This workshop series is approved for 6.0 CEUs for nursing facility nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Members who plan to apply for an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award are encouraged to submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) by logging into the Quality Award Portal by Nov. 15. Applicants who submit an ITA by Nov. 15 will receive an automatic discount on their application fee when they submit their 2023 application.
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It's not too late to register for parts two and three of IHCA's three-part Bronze Award Application Workshop series. The in-person workshops on Oct. 28 and Jan. 11 will offer an application review, peer feedback, application submission and technical support. If your organization has thought about participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards Program, this is your opportunity to complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way. This workshop series is approved for 6.0 CEUs for nursing facility nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Members who plan to apply for an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award are encouraged to submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) by logging into the Quality Award Portal by Nov. 15. Applicants who submit an ITA by Nov. 15 will receive an automatic discount on their application fee when they submit their 2023 application. Additionally, it’s not too late to register for IHCA’s Bronze Award Application Workshop series. If your organization has thought about participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards Program, this is your opportunity to complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way. The in-person workshops occur on Oct. 28 and Jan. 11.
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Members who plan to apply for an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award are encouraged to submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) by logging into the Quality Award Portal by Nov. 15. Applicants who submit an ITA by Nov. 15 will receive an automatic discount on their application fee when they submit their 2023 application. Additionally, it’s not too late to register for IHCA’s Bronze Award Application Workshop series. If your organization has thought about participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards Program, this is your opportunity to complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way. The in-person workshops occur on Oct. 28 and Jan. 11.
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The University of Iowa and Saint Louis University are holding a bi-monthly ECHO series about the health and wellness of staff and residents. Sessions are held every second and fourth Thursday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. The next session will be held on Oct. 20.
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In March 2019, CMS outlined a plan to update the five quality measure (QM) rating thresholds on the Nursing Home Compare website every six months. The plan is to increase the thresholds by 50% of the average rate of improvement in QM rating scores. Due to COVID-19, these updates were put on hold. However, CMS began implementing them in April 2022, and it plans to update them again with the October 2022 refresh.
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Congratulations to The Bridges at Ankeny on receiving the Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities for 2022. This award recognizes Iowa health care facilities that offer unique or innovative activities to enhance the quality of care or quality of life for their residents. Facilities are nominated for the award by residents and family members.
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Members who plan to apply for an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award are encouraged to submit an Intent to Apply (ITA) by logging into the Quality Award Portal by Nov. 15. Applicants who submit an ITA by Nov. 15 will receive an automatic discount on their application fee when they submit their 2023 application.
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Effective Oct. 4, 2022, a report retention time period will be applied to user-requested or auto-generated home health agency (HHA) reports in the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). If you wish to permanently retain any existing reports in iQIES, you may download and save or print a copy prior to the report retention time period change. Any reports not printed or saved prior to the retention period time change will be permanently deleted if the report exceeds the retention time period.
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CMS announced that the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Quality Measure Calculations and Reporting User’s Manual Version 4.0 and accompanying documents are now available. These documents serve as an update to the specifications used to calculate quality measures that are included in the SNF QRP, effective Oct. 1, 2022.
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The National Quality Forum (NQF) has released the "Advancing Anticoagulation Stewardship: A Playbook" to help guide health care organizations to implement evidence-based strategies to promote patient safety in the use of anticoagulant medications. This is a free resource to improve patient safety throughout anticoagulation therapy.
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The Iowa Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Programs at the University of Iowa and St. Louis University invite IHCA, ICAL and ICHC members to join the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PAC/LTC) ECHO. This fall, ECHO sessions co-presented by leaders in Kansas and Iowa will focus on promoting health and wellness for staff and residents alike. Sessions are free and provide continuing education credits.
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The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) has developed a voluntary Nursing Home Survey on Patient Safety Culture. AHRQ will be collecting survey results beginning Sept. 1 through Sept. 21, 2022. Participating nursing homes will receive a feedback report displaying their results, as well as aggregated, de-identified results from all database participants for patient safety improvement purposes. Nursing homes that have not previously administered the survey still have time to participate.
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The submission deadline for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) is approaching. Minimum data set (MDS) assessment data and data submitted to CMS via the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) for Jan. 1 – March 31 (Q1) of calendar year (CY) 2022 are due with this submission deadline. All data must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on Aug. 15, 2022.
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In January 2022, CMS began posting new weekend staffing and staff turnover measures on Care Compare. These measures will be included in Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System methodology starting with the July 2022 Care Compare refresh.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the October 2022 release. Providers have until Aug. 15, 2022 to review their performance data.
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Congratulations to Creston Specialty Care and Pleasant View Care Center on being recognized with the AHCA/NCAL 2022 Silver Achievement in Quality Award. The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program honors long-term and post-acute care providers that have demonstrated their commitment to improving the quality of care for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
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AHCA/NCAL recently announced the recipients of the 2022 Bronze Commitment to Quality Award. Congratulations to the six IHCA members who received this award — Corydon Specialty Care, Fonda Specialty Care, Panora Specialty Care, Vintage Hills of Indianola, Wapello Specialty Care and Windmill Manor.
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Home health agency (HHA) preview reports and Star Rating preview reports for the July 2022 Care Compare refresh are available in iQIES. CMS also reminded HHAs that it had previously identified an issue in the iQIES system that may have affected HHA’s Services Provided values that are displayed on the HHA provider preview reports that were distributed in iQIES on Feb. 23, 2022.
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AHCA/NCAL's Quality Summit will take place in Kissimmee, Florida on May 16-18. The Quality Summit programming is designed for quality practitioners at all levels, and registrants will have the opportunity to explore over 30 education sessions, earn up to 11.0 CEUs and attend networking events and receptions. The deadline to register is tomorrow, May 5.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the July 2022 release. Providers have until May 30, 2022 to review their performance data.
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Telligen, the Quality Improvement Organization for Iowa, released a new education calendar for May 2022. This month’s training events include Root Cause Analysis, Plan-Do-Study-Act, Ask a Pharmacist, Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) 101 and many more. Members are reminded that all events hosted by Telligen are free and intended to assist nursing homes achieve positive quality outcomes.
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AHCA/NCAL's Quality Summit will take place in Kissimmee, Florida on May 16-18. The Quality Summit programming is designed for quality practitioners at all levels, and registrants will have the opportunity to explore over 30 education sessions, earn up to 11.0 CEUs and attend networking events and receptions. The deadline to register is May 5.
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The Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are working together to bring you and your colleagues educational materials on infection control principles through Project Firstline. To help guide the development and distribution of Project Firstline content, please complete the brief and anonymous survey that is linked in this article.
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AHCA/NCAL's Quality Summit will take place in Kissimmee, Florida on May 16-18. The Quality Summit programming is designed for quality practitioners at all levels, and registrants will have the opportunity to explore over 30 education sessions, earn up to 11.0 CEUs and attend networking events and receptions. The deadline to register is May 5.
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CMS previously identified an issue in the iQIES system that may have affected home health agency (HHA) Services Provided values that are displayed on the HHA Provider Preview Reports that were distributed in iQIES on Feb. 23, 2022. The process to collect and maintain the Services Provided information recently migrated into iQIES and CMS is addressing the issues identified. CMS has provided updates on this issue, including instructions for providers on how to review these reports.
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Registration is open for AHCA/NCAL's Quality Summit in Kissimmee, Florida on May 16-18. Registrants will have the opportunity to explore over 30 education sessions, earn up to 11.0 CEUs and attend networking events and receptions. The deadline to register is May 5.
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With the refresh of Care Compare at the end of April, CMS will update the individual quality measure (QM) thresholds that determine Five-Star quality ratings. Unlike prior instances, this rebasing will utilize the plan proposed in March 2019, but was put on hold due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. Under this rebasing, the QM thresholds will be updated every six months by 50% of the average rate of improvement in QM scores.
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Registration is now open for AHCA/NCAL's Quality Summit in Kissimmee, Florida on May 16-18. Registrants will have the opportunity to explore over 30 education sessions, earn up to 11.0 CEUs and attend networking events and receptions. The deadline to register is May 5.
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CMS has identified an iQIES system nuance that may affect the values of services provided that are displayed on the home health agency provider preview reports for the April 2022 refresh. These reports were distributed in iQIES on Feb. 23, 2022. CMS is asking each home health agency to carefully review the services provided values that are displayed on these reports.
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AHCA/NCAL's Quality Summit will take place in Kissimmee, Florida on May 16-18. Registrants will have the opportunity to explore over 30 education sessions, earn up to 11.0 CEUs and attend networking events and receptions. The deadline to register is May 5.
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For the current refresh of Care Compare, Home Health (HH) Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) measure scores are based on the standard number of quarters. The April 2022 refresh will add two new OASIS-based measures for public reporting in alignment with the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation (IMPACT) Act of 2014.
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The Iowa Society of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (IPALTC), a coalition of long-term care physicians and providers, is offering a free webinar next Monday, Feb. 21, to highlight best practices related to prescribing psychoactive medications in long-term care facilities. Additionally, the presenters will illustrate how to manage the gradual dose reduction (GDR) process to obtain optimal quality outcomes and maintain compliance.
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CMS has posted a second edition of the COVID-19 Public Reporting Tip Sheet. This resource will help providers understand CMS’ public reporting approach to the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) to account for CMS quality data submissions that were either optional or excepted from public reporting due to the COVID-19 public health emergency. The impact on CMS’ Care Compare website refreshes are also outlined. This eight-page tip sheet serves as a companion document to the first edition tip sheet published in October 2020.
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Registration is now open for AHCA/NCAL's Quality Summit in Kissimmee, Florida on May 16-18. The Quality Summit programming is designed for quality practitioners at all levels. Sessions will showcase the innovative practices of providers across the country, peer-to-peer idea exchanges, new solutions from sponsor partners and informative keynote speakers.
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AHCA/NCAL’s LTC TrendTracker released first quarter 2022 Top Line reports this week. The Top Line report is an LTC TrendTracker publication that includes metrics and graphics outlining a skilled nursing facility's progress on COVID-19 case counts, Five Star performance, their journey through the Quality Awards program and other necessary data to help skilled nursing facilities achieve their desired goals. All IHCA members can gain access to LTC TrendTracker as a complimentary member benefit.
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The Iowa Society of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (IPALTC), a coalition of long-term care physicians and providers, is offering a free webinar on Feb. 21 to highlight best practices related to prescribing psychoactive medications in long-term care facilities. Additionally, the presenters will illustrate how to manage the gradual dose reduction (GDR) process to obtain optimal quality outcomes and maintain compliance.
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The Iowa Society of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (IPALTC), a coalition of long-term care physicians and providers, is offering a free webinar on Feb. 21 to highlight best practices related to prescribing psychoactive medications in long-term care facilities. Additionally, the presenters will illustrate how to manage the gradual dose reduction (GDR) process to obtain optimal quality outcomes and maintain compliance.
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The application deadline for AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards is quickly approaching. All applications and application fees must be submitted in the Quality Award portal by 7:00 p.m. CST tomorrow, Jan. 27, 2022. Late applications and payments will not be accepted.
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The January 2022 quarterly refresh for the Home Health (HH) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) is now available on Care Compare. For this refresh, HH Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) measure scores are based on three quarters of OASIS assessment data, due to the temporary exception to the HH QRP data submission requirements in response to the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency.
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The Iowa Society of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (IPALTC) is hosting a free webinar for medical directors, administrators, directors of nursing and any other interested parties on Feb. 21, from 4:00-5:00 p.m. Dr. Ryan Carnahan, a professor at the University of Iowa, and Dr. Paul Muhlhausen, a Des Moines-based geriatrician, will discuss antipsychotic prescribing best practices, illustrate how to manage the gradual dose reduction process and provide valuable insights for leaders to partner together to improve their facility’s outcomes.
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The Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (GWEP) at the University of Iowa has received funding to partner with nursing homes to develop and provide training. The funding aims to improve outcomes for the nursing home workforce, residents, family members and community supporters who have been impacted by COVID-19. If you have ideas for training topics, contact the project's outreach coordinator, Jill Colbert, at
[email protected].
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Registration is now open for AHCA/NCAL's Quality Summit in Kissimmee, Florida on May 16-18. The Quality Summit programming is designed for quality practitioners at all levels. Sessions will showcase the innovative practices of providers across the country, peer-to-peer idea exchanges, new solutions from sponsor partners and informative keynote speakers.
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The application deadline for AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards is quickly approaching. All applications and application fees must be submitted in the Quality Award portal by 7:00 p.m. CST on Jan. 27, 2022. Late applications and payments will not be accepted.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports from CMS have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the April 2022 refresh of the websites. Providers have until Feb. 14, 2022 to review their performance data. Corrections to the underlying data will not be permitted during this time. However, providers can request a CMS review of their data during the preview period if they believe the quality measure scores that are displayed within their preview reports are inaccurate.
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CMS posted QSO memo 22-08-NH last week indicating that it will begin posting staffing turnover and weekend staffing levels for each nursing home on the Medicare.gov Care Compare website in January, and it will add the measures to the staffing domain of the Five Star Rating System beginning in July 2022.
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The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) announced recently that it is seeking nominations for the 2022 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. Nominations are open to all health care facilities licensed under Iowa Code Chapter 135C, which includes nursing facilities, residential care facilities and intermediate care facilities, including those facilities specializing in the care of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. Residents and family members may nominate an Iowa-licensed long-term care facility for the award. Facilities may not nominate themselves for this recognition. To be considered for a 2022 Governor’s Award, nominations must be postmarked by March 1.
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The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) announced recently that it is seeking nominations for the 2022 Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities. Nominations are open to all health care facilities licensed under Iowa Code Chapter 135C, which includes nursing facilities, residential care facilities and intermediate care facilities, including those facilities specializing in the care of persons with mental illness or intellectual disabilities. Residents and family members may nominate an Iowa-licensed long-term care facility for the award. Facilities may not nominate themselves for this recognition. To be considered for a 2022 Governor’s Award, nominations must be postmarked by March 1.
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AHCA/NCAL is hosting a free virtual workshop on Jan. 12 for any member who wishes to prepare their Bronze National Quality Award application for submission by the deadline of Jan. 27, 2022. This one-day event is intended to support an organization that has considered an application submission but may not have attended a workshop or begun drafting their application.
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AHCA/NCAL is hosting a free virtual workshop on Jan. 12 for any member who wishes to prepare their Bronze National Quality Award application for submission by the deadline of Jan. 27, 2022. This one-day event is intended to support an organization that has considered an application submission but may not have attended a workshop or begun drafting their application.
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AHCA/NCAL is hosting a free virtual workshop on Jan. 12 for any member who wishes to prepare their Bronze National Quality Award application for submission by the deadline of Jan. 27, 2022. This one-day event is intended to support an organization that has considered an application submission but may not have attended a workshop or begun drafting their application.
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CMS is offering pocket guides to assist providers in assessing and coding self-care and mobility, falls and pressure ulcers/injuries. The pocket guides provide a quick reference for important terms and definitions that promote coding accuracy. These training assets are intended for direct care workers in skilled nursing facilities.
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IHCA encourages applicants who plan to apply for an AHCA/NCAL 2022 National Quality Award to submit an intent to apply (ITA) by logging into the Quality Award Portal before the deadline tomorrow, Nov. 11. While not mandatory, applicants who submit an ITA will automatically save money on their overall application fee.
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IHCA encourages applicants who plan to apply for an AHCA/NCAL 2022 National Quality Award to submit an intent to apply (ITA) by logging into the Quality Award Portal before the deadline on Nov. 11, 2021. While not mandatory, applicants who submit an ITA will automatically save money on their overall application fee.
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IHCA encourages applicants who plan to apply for an AHCA/NCAL 2022 National Quality Award to submit an intent to apply (ITA) by logging into the Quality Award Portal before the deadline on Nov. 11, 2021. While not mandatory, applicants who submit an ITA will automatically save money on their overall application fee.
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IHCA encourages applicants who plan to apply for an AHCA/NCAL 2022 National Quality Award to submit an intent to apply (ITA) by logging into the Quality Award Portal before the deadline on Nov. 11, 2021. While not mandatory, applicants who submit an ITA will automatically save money on their overall application fee.
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IHCA members can become Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Certified Professionals (QCP) through a partnership between AHCA and the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN). This five-course program trains leaders and teams to provide high-value care and services while positioning your business for continuous growth and sustained performance improvement.
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IHCA member Accura Healthcare of Stanton has received the Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities for 2021. This award recognizes Iowa health care facilities that offer unique or innovative activities to enhance the quality of care or quality of life for their residents. Facilities are nominated for the award by residents and family members.
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The 2022 National Quality Award intent to apply (ITA) is now open. IHCA encourages applicants who plan to apply for a Quality Award to submit an ITA by logging into the Quality Award Portal before the deadline on Nov. 11, 2021. While not mandatory, applicants who submit an ITA will automatically save money on their overall application fee.
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Join IHCA next Wednesday for its Bronze Award Workshop on Sept. 1. This in-person workshop includes a full day of training and consultation on how to complete the AHCA/NCAL Bronze Quality Award application. Participants will leave the workshop with their applications complete as long as they bring all of the necessary information to the class. This workshop is approved for 6.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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IHCA members can become Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Certified Professionals (QCP) through a partnership between AHCA and the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN). This five-course program trains leaders and teams to provide high-value care and services while positioning your business for continuous growth and sustained performance improvement.
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Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are reminded to review their data submissions for the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) before the upcoming deadline of Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021 at 11:59 p.m.
To maintain compliance with the QRP, facilities must have submitted at least 80% of the required Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessments.
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IHCA/ICAL is excited to announce that the 2022 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program year is now open and application packets are available. IHCA/ICAL encourages members to begin planning their award applications this month. With application information now available, IHCA has prepared workshops for all three award levels to assist members in their quality journey.
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The Iowa chapter of the American Parkinson Disease Association is offering a free nine-week support and education group for any individuals who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease within the last five years. The weekly meetings will be hosted online via Zoom and begin on Aug. 19. Members are encouraged to spread the word to anyone who might benefit from this program.
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IHCA/ICAL is excited to announce that the 2022 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program year is now open and application packets are available. IHCA/ICAL encourages members to begin planning their award applications this month. With application information now available, IHCA has prepared workshops for all three award levels to assist members in their quality journey.
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Several new staff members have been added to the Iowa Health Care Quality Partners (IHCQP) team to assist the provider network and its members. IHCQP is a business entity organized and owned by a network of IHCA, ICAL and ICHC members for the purpose of improving quality, reducing overhead and pursuing business ventures, including reimbursement and value-based contracts with managed care organizations (MCOs).
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IHCA members can become Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Certified Professionals (QCP) through a partnership between AHCA and the American Association of Post-Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN). This five-course program trains leaders and teams to provide high-value care and services while positioning your business for continuous growth and sustained performance improvement.
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Are you wondering if applying to the National Quality Award Program in 2022 is right for your long-term care facility? Join some of the best long-term care facilities in the nation every Thursday, from July 8 to July 29, at 1:00 p.m. CST, as they share their journeys from Bronze to Gold and take your questions during AHCA/NCAL's WebEx series, "Afternoon Coffee with Gold Recipients."
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AHCA/NCAL recently announced the recipients of the 2021 Silver – Achievement in Quality Award. Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center was recognized by AHCA/NCAL with this award. Out of the 64 total award recipients in 28 states, 50 were skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), 13 were assisted living (AL) facilities and one had combined AL/SNF programs.
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Are you wondering if applying to the National Quality Award Program in 2022 is right for your long-term care facility? Join some of the best long-term care facilities in the nation every Thursday, July 8-29 at 1:00 p.m. CST, as they share their journeys from Bronze to Gold and take your questions during AHCA/NCAL's WebEx series, "Afternoon Coffee with Gold Recipients."
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IHCA has added to its website a major injury determination form created by the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) as a resource for skilled nursing facility members. The form can be found on the IHCA website as a regulatory resource under Member Resources.
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CMS is offering an upcoming webinar on its efforts to enhance quality measures. The webinar will be aired on July 13 at noon and July 14 at 2:00 p.m. Space will be limited, so register in advance and only register if you plan to attend.
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Last week, AHCA/NCAL announced the recipients of the 2021 Bronze Commitment to Quality Award. The four Iowa long-term care facilities that received this prestigious award include Garden View in Carroll, Gardens Assisted Living in Jefferson, Manorcare Health Services in Dubuque and Spurgeon Manor in Dallas Center.
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Applications for IHCA's 2021-2022 Leadership Academy are due this Friday, May 21. This intensive training program, sponsored by Healthcare of Iowa, Inc., offers 28.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators, assisted living managers and home care agency directors who have two or more years of experience in the profession.
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As states open up annual surveys, AHCA is providing a two-part webinar series on food and nutrition surveys that will identify top citations in food and nutrition services, including recent F880 infection control tags. The webinar begins tomorrow, May 13, at 1:00 p.m. and will identify top skilled nursing facility citations in food and nutrition annual surveys, discuss F880 citations affecting food services and provide best practice systems to ensure deficiency free inspections.
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Time is running out to apply for IHCA's 2021-2022 Leadership Academy, as applications are due May 21. This intensive training program, sponsored by Healthcare of Iowa, Inc., involves individualized quality improvement projects and assignments to be conducted by participants over a 9-12-month period in their respective organizations.
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The May 17 submission deadline for Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Programs (QRPs) is approaching. Minimum Data Set (MDS) data for Oct. 1 through Dec. 31, 2020, is due with this submission deadline.
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With the recent posting of the Five-Star Ratings, an increased number of Iowa facilities were noted to have reported no Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) data for the last quarter of 2020 (October - December 2020), resulting in a default star rating. Members are reminded to submit their PBJ staffing data by the deadlines in order to take credit for their hard work in maintaining staffing levels in the Five-Star reporting system. The next PBJ reporting deadline is May 15 for Jan. 1 – March 31, 2021.
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Applications for IHCA's Leadership Academy are due on May 21. IHCA encourages nurses, administrators, assisted living managers and home care agency directors who have 2+ years of experience in the profession to apply for this intensive training program that is designed to elevate knowledge, build skills and promote targeted competencies for leaders who work in long-term care settings. The class is limited to 25 participants to allow for social distancing, and the program begins on June 8-9.
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Applications for IHCA's Leadership Academy are due on May 21. IHCA encourages nurses, administrators, assisted living managers and home care agency directors who have 2+ years of experience in the profession to apply for this intensive training program that is designed to elevate knowledge, build skills and promote targeted competencies for leaders who work in long-term care settings. The class is limited to 25 participants to allow for social distancing, and the program begins on June 8-9.
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Livanta LLC, the Medicare Beneficiary and Family Centered Care - Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO) for Iowa, has notified IHCA that despite its numerous outreach efforts, many providers remain noncompliant with the requirement to have a signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Livanta. In the coming weeks, Livanta will be required to transmit a list of providers that remain noncompliant to CMS.
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ICHC members are encouraged to participate in the Home Care Benchmarking Study by supplying home health agency data through an online survey. Agencies that take this year's online survey before the end of February will qualify for extra discounts on the study as an early bird survey participant. The survey is now open and closes on March 31.
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AHCA recently announced that the National Quality Forum (NQF) has re-endorsed all three skilled nursing care center (SNCC) CoreQ measures that were up for required measure maintenance. Re-endorsement of these three SNCC measures shows that NQF continues to see the measures as valid and reliable. The NCAL assisted living measures will be up for re-endorsement in 2022.
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The Governor’s Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities recognizes quality health care services being provided to facility residents by Iowa long-term care facilities and residential care facilities. A resident or a family member of a resident may nominate a facility for the award, and facilities may not nominate themselves. Nomination forms are due on March 1, 2021.
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Top-Line reports are LTC Trend Tracker publications that include metrics and graphics outlining a skilled nursing center's progress on Five Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative, their journey through the Quality Awards program and other necessary data to help skilled nursing centers achieve their desired goals. The most recent version of this valuable report is now available for all IHCA skilled nursing facility members, as well as ICAL assisted living members who submit data to LTC Trend Tracker.
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On Feb. 1, Livanta, a Medicare Beneficiary and Family Centered Care Quality Improvement Organization (BFCC-QIO), announced that all hard copy notification letters for appeals cases will be transmitted to health care providers and health plans by fax. This process change is underway now and the new process will be fully transitioned in the coming weeks.
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All AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award applications and application fees must be submitted in the Quality Award portal by 7:00 p.m. CST tomorrow, Jan. 28. Late applications and payments will not be accepted.
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In June 2020, CMS issued QSO 20-34-NH that temporarily froze nursing facility Five-Star staffing and quality measure ratings due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This month CMS released an updated edition of the Five-Star Technical Users’ Guide, which announced that beginning with the January 2021 refresh of the ratings, the health inspection ranking will now incorporate all surveys conducted after March 3, 2020, including any and all focused infection control surveys conducted in nursing facilities.
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The Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response and Healthcare Emergency Preparedness Information Gateway (ASPR TRACIE) has created an emergency preparedness digest that includes categorized links to all of the resources it developed during calendar year 2020. Resource categories include COVID-19, active shooter/mass violence, alternate care sites, at-risk populations, behavioral health, emergency management, telehealth and more.
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AHCA/NCAL's January Technology Innovation issue of Provider Magazine covers three timely technology-related topics relevant to long-term care providers: telehealth, cyber security and electronic medical records (EMRs).
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Facilities that are already registered to participate in the 16-week National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network for Best Practices on Coronavirus Control (Project ECHO), please submit your feedback by completing a short survey by Wednesday, Jan. 27. If your facility has not registered for Project ECHO, Kim Bergen Jackson of Oaknoll in Iowa City has been facilitating an Iowa-based ECHO Hub and is offering to add two more cohort groups of 30 facilities each, limited to Iowa providers only. The new series will launch by Feb. 12.
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The application deadline for AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards is quickly approaching. All applications and application fees must be submitted in the Quality Award portal by 7:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021. Late applications and payments will not be accepted.
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IHCA and Martin Brothers have partnered to create SafeCheck 360, an app where providers can conveniently store and access audits, checklists, screenings, root cause analysis and correction actions online. SafeCheck 360 also provides daily, weekly and monthly alerts to keep important tasks on top of mind. IHCA encourages members to take advantage of this valuable app, and content and push notifications will begin on Feb. 3.
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CMS is offering a free training course for skilled nursing facilities and home health agencies that provides an overview of the assessment and coding of pressure ulcers and injuries. This 90-minute course is web-based and available on-demand.
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The application deadline for AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards is quickly approaching. All applications and application fees must be submitted in the Quality Award portal by 7:00 p.m. CST on Jan. 28, 2021. Late applications and payments will not be accepted.
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The application deadline for AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards is quickly approaching. All applications and application fees must be submitted in the Quality Award portal by 7:00 p.m. CST on Jan. 28, 2021. Late applications and payments will not be accepted.
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The application deadline for AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards is quickly approaching. All applications and application fees must be submitted in the Quality Award portal by 7:00 p.m. CST on Jan. 28, 2021. Late applications and payments will not be accepted.
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Creating a relaxing and peaceful environment in your facility is important when making residents feel at home and at ease. As an IHCA member, you can receive special pricing on music, on-hold messaging and scent services, thanks to ECSI partner Mood Media.
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Nursing facilities have until Dec. 18 to register for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) Project ECHO National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network. Additionally, Project ECHO COVID-19 Global Learning Conversations is offering a webinar on antibody treatments tomorrow, Dec. 10, at 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. CST.
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IHCA has collaborated with Martin Brothers Distributing to provide SafeCheck 360, which conveniently stores facility audits, checklists, screenings, root cause analysis and corrective actions online in real time, allowing access at the click of a button. Martin Brothers hosted an informational webinar covering this new platform today and will host another webinar tomorrow, Dec. 3, at 1:30 p.m.
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IHCA has collaborated with Martin Brothers Distributing to provide SafeCheck 360, which conveniently stores facility audits, checklists, screenings, root cause analysis and corrective actions online in real time, allowing access at the click of a button. Martin Brothers will host webinars covering this new platform on Dec. 2-3.
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Due to the recruitment of additional networking hubs, Project ECHO has extended its registration deadline to Nov. 30, 2020. Iowa facilities now have the opportunity to partner with the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) for ECHO participation. IHCA encourages members to participate in this unique opportunity for infection control training and networking. Reimbursement for staff time participating in the project is available.
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IHCA just received word that the University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) has been approved as an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) ECHO participation hub. This news is very welcomed as Telligen has announced that their organization will not be able to serve as an ECHO hub.
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IHCA has collaborated with Martin Brothers Distributing to provide SafeCheck 360, which conveniently stores facility audits, checklists, screenings, root cause analysis and corrective actions online in real time, allowing access at the click of a button. Martin Brothers will host webinars covering this new platform on Dec. 2-3.
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The Intent to Apply deadline for the 2021 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program is tomorrow, Nov. 12 at 7:00 p.m. CST. While not mandatory, applicants who submit an Intent to Apply will save money on their application fee. Additionally, survey requirements have been added to the Quality Award website under "Application and Resources" for each award level. The application deadline is Jan. 28.
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AHCA and IHCA encourage all nursing facility members to participate in the National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network for Best Practices on Coronavirus Control, a 16-week virtual training and mentoring program that is part of Project ECHO. Training centers in Iowa include Telligen and Oaknoll Community in Iowa City. These training centers are looking to launch by mid-November.
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IHCA's Leadership Academy, sponsored by Healthcare of Iowa, Inc., is an intensive training program designed to elevate knowledge, build skills and promote targeted competencies for leaders who work in long-term care and assisted living settings. To apply for this program, submit your current resume, statement of interest and letter of support from your organizational leadership to
[email protected] by Dec. 18, 2020. IHCA's Leadership Academy will begin on Jan. 20, 2021.
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IHCA has received information from two entities recently designated as official Agency for Health Research and Quality (AHRQ) ECHO learning hubs in Iowa. Both Telligen and Oaknoll in Iowa City will be coordinating cohort learning groups in Iowa. Providers are urged to sign up for the AHRQ ECHO program by Nov. 10. Facilities that participate may qualify for reimbursement to offset the cost of staff time for participating.
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CMS has released video tutorials to assist skilled nursing facilities with standardized data assessment guidance and strategies for cognitive assessments. Additionally, an updated version of CMS' Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) COVID-19 Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Tip Sheet that was originally posted on Sept. 8, 2020, is now available.
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The National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network, a partnership between the Agency for Health Research and Quality (AHRQ), the University of New Mexico’s ECHO Institute and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), is offering a series of pre-launch webinars. The next webinar is tomorrow, Oct. 29, at 11:30 a.m. and will cover cohorting, cleaning and disinfection.
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The 2021 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award applications are now available. IHCA and ICAL encourages members to apply for this prestigious award by submitting an Intent to Apply (ITA) before the Nov. 12 deadline. The application deadline is Jan. 28. Recipients in their third year of renewal in 2021 will have one more year (2022) to remain active and apply at the next award level. There is no action needed on the part of the recipient to receive the extension. To begin your first application, check out IHCA's free Bronze Award Application webinar.
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The Iowa Society of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (IPALTC) has provided a complimentary webinar for all IHCA members on the use of Iowa Physician Orders for Scope of Treatment (IPOST) in long-term care facilities. IHCA members are encouraged to promote the webinar to their medical directors and other medical practitioners who serve their long-term care facility.
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The National Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network is offering a series of pre-launch webinars to explore some of the key themes that will later be featured more deeply over the 16-week sessions. The pre-launch webinars will take place this Friday, Oct. 23 and next Thursday, Oct. 29.
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IHCA members now have access to six resource videos on the topic of COVID-19 and residents living with dementia, created by the California Partnership to Improve Dementia Care. Topics covered include activity ideas, coping and stress management, reducing emotional distress and wandering and optimizing dementia care.
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In an effort to increase nursing facility quality, CMS is encouraging nursing facilities to collaborate with their Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO). Telligen serves as Iowa's QIN-QIO and is offering cost-free expert assistance to strengthen care processes. Facilities have until the end of October to join Telligen's quality improvement and technical support network.
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The AHCA NCAL National Quality Award Program has announced an automatic one-year extension for recipients in their third year of renewal. This means that recipients in their third year of renewal in 2021 will have one more year (2022) to remain active and apply at the next award level. There is no action needed on the part of the recipient to receive the extension.
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The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award portal is now open and accepting Intent to Apply submissions for the 2021 program year. Visit the Quality Award website to download applications and materials for your respective award level and to learn how your facility should begin preparing. The Intent to Apply deadline is Nov. 12, 2020, and applications and fees are due Jan. 28, 2021.
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Root Cause Analysis (RCA) training is being offered on Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. RCA is a skill every person working in a nursing home is expected to possess. Per guidance §483.75(a)(2)-(3), and (h)-(i), the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) plan must describe the process for identifying and correcting quality deficiencies. RCA is the first step in understanding the reasons for a problem.
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IHCA is offering new exciting online education opportunities, including tomorrow's webinar on Bronze Award applications. Also, don't forget to register for IHCA's on-demand 2020 Digital Convention, launching on Sept. 28.
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Join IHCA tomorrow, Sept. 17, for a free Bronze Award Application Webinar that will help members compose their first AHCA/NCAL 2021 Quality Award application. After participating in the webinar, attendees should have an understanding on how to access AHCA/NCAL’s video series and successfully write their Quality Award application using the step-by-step method provided by the video instructions.
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IHCA is offering new exciting online education opportunities, including the new ICAL Assisted Living Medication Manager Curriculum that launched yesterday and next Thursday's webinar on Bronze Award applications. Also, don't forget to register for IHCA's on-demand 2020 Digital Convention, launching on Sept. 28.
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Creating a relaxing and peaceful environment in your facility is important when making residents feel at home and at ease. As an IHCA member, you can receive special pricing on music, on-hold messaging and scent services, thanks to ECSI partner Mood Media.
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Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. The data contained within the Preview Reports is based on quality data submitted by SNFs between Q1 2019 – Q4 2019 (Jan. 1, 2019 - Dec. 31, 2019 for assessment-based measures) and Q4 2017 and Q3 2019 (Oct. 1, 2017 - Sept. 30, 2019 for claims-based measures). The data reflects what will be published on Nursing Home Compare during the October 2020 refresh of the website.
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The latest "Your Resident Profile" publications for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are now available on LTC Trend Tracker. "Your Resident Profile" provides the information that SNFs need to begin the resident profile portions of components one and two of the annual facility assessment, required under the CMS Requirements of Participation.
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IHCA is offering a wealth of online education opportunities through a wide range of courses, including the new ICAL Assisted Living Medication Manager Curriculum that launches next Tuesday, Sept. 8. Also, don't forget to register for IHCA's on-demand 2020 Digital Convention, launching on Sept. 28.
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IHCA is offering a wealth of online education opportunities through a wide range of courses covering reimbursement, Bronze Quality Awards, assisted living medication management and more. Also, don't forget that IHCA's on-demand 2020 Digital Convention and Trade Show launches on Sept. 28.
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Have you checked your Five-Star rating recently? How does your facility rate? If your rating isn’t where you want it, IHCA's Managing Your Stars webinar tomorrow, Aug. 20, will help you improve your rating by providing you with a better understanding of the Five-Star rating system.
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The latest third quarter Top-Line report for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is now available on LTC Trend Tracker. The report includes metrics and graphics outlining your facility's progress on Five Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative, the journey through the Quality Awards program, and other necessary data to help SNFs achieve their desired goals.
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AHCA/NCAL 2021 National Quality Award Program application packets are now available online. The Quality Award portal opens Sept. 17, 2020. At that time, applicants can begin to submit their payment for the intent to apply and begin to write or submit their applications in the portal. IHCA encourages its members to apply for this prestigious award.
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IHCA is offering a wealth of online education opportunities through a wide range of courses covering the Five-Star rating system, reimbursement, Bronze Quality Awards, assisted living medication management and more. Also, don't forget that IHCA's on-demand 2020 Digital Convention and Trade Show launches on Sept. 28.
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Last week, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program notified the recipients of the 2020 Silver and Bronze Quality Awards. With 35 Bronze Award winners and one Silver Award winner, Iowa tied for sixth in the nation in total number of awards and fourth in Bronze Quality Award winners.
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CMS’s Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. The data reflects what will be published on Nursing Home Compare during the October 2020 refresh of the website. Providers have until Aug. 30, 2020 to review their performance data. Corrections to the underlying data will not be permitted during this time. However, providers can request CMS review of their data during the preview period if they believe the quality measure scores that are displayed within their Preview Reports are inaccurate.
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IHCA is offering a wealth of online education opportunities through a wide range of courses covering reimbursement, assisted living regulations, social services, the Five-Star rating system and more.
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Join IHCA on Aug. 12 and 26 for the two-part Webinar Training Series for Long-Term Care (LTC) Health Care Professionals, sponsored by AssuredPartners. Part one will cover fall investigations and interventions, and part two will cover pain management fundamentals.
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IHCA is offering a wealth of online education opportunities in August through a wide range of courses covering reimbursement, fall investigations and interventions, assisted living regulations, social services, the Five-Star rating system and more.
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AHCA/NCAL is moving forward with its 2021 Quality Award Program and IHCA and ICAL members are encouraged to participate. Members who have never participated in this program before are encouraged to apply for a Bronze Award. IHCA is offering a Bronze Award Application Webinar on Sept. 17 that will help members compose their first application. IHCA is also providing resources for Gold and Silver Award applicants.
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IHCA's live stream version of its Dementia Care Training Program begins next Tuesday, Aug. 4. This three-part digital training series meets the State of Iowa’s criteria for 6.0 hours on dementia-specific programming for the following disciplines: CNAs, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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The CMS Home Health Quality Reporting Program (QRP) COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) tip sheet is now available. This tip sheet is designed to assist home health providers in understanding the status of the Home Health QRP during the COVID-19 PHE.
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IHCA is offering a wealth of online education opportunities in August through a wide range of courses covering dementia care, reimbursement, fall investigations and interventions, assisted living regulations, social services, the Five-Star rating system and more.
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The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) has identified a few hundred nursing facilities that are submitting confirmed and suspected COVID-19 data incorrectly. Facilities that are receiving citations should immediately view the NHSN COVID-19 data quality webinar to review the commonly identified errors in submission data and follow the data quality slides to ensure that their information is being submitted correctly.
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The updated ICHC individual agency quarterly quality reports are now available on the IHCA website. ICHC members have access to custom reports that track agency quality metrics. Each quarter, ICHC will track the data of each individual ICHC home health (HH) agency, compare agency data to the average Iowa and national metrics and make a custom report for each organization.
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IHCA is offering a wealth of online education opportunities in August through a wide range of courses covering dementia care, reimbursement, fall investigations and interventions, assisted living regulations, social services, the Five-Star rating system and more.
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During this time of social distancing and lack of in-person education events, IHCA members still have access to a variety of online education through AHCA/NCAL, including the new Infection Preventionist Specialized Training Version 2.
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IHCA is offering a live stream version of its Dementia Care Training Program beginning Aug. 4, allowing participants to attend online from their computer as if they were in the room with the instructor. This three-part digital training series meets the State of Iowa’s criteria for 6.0 hours on dementia-specific programming for the following disciplines: CNAs, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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Join IHCA on Aug. 12 and 26 for the two-part Webinar Training Series for Long-Term Care (LTC) Health Care Professionals, sponsored by AssuredPartners. Part one will cover fall investigations and interventions, and part two will cover pain management fundamentals.
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IHCA's digital district education events, sponsored by Independent Insurance Services and Assured Partners, kicked off yesterday with the Northwest district's event. However, it's not too late for Northeast, Southwest and Southeast district members to register for their digital district education events happening tomorrow, Friday and next Tuesday.
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Home health and hospice providers resumed quality data reporting on July 1, 2020. For three calendar quarters – Oct. 1, 2019 through June 30, 2020 – CMS provided an exception for home health and hospice providers from submitting quality data due to the current public health emergency (PHE.) As of July 1, providers need to comply with all reporting requirements in order to avoid the 2% payment update penalty.
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AHCA/NCAL will notify all applicants of Bronze and Silver Quality Awards of their results on Aug. 5, 2020. AHCA/NCAL is asking applicants to ensure their contact information is correct in the Quality Award Portal before Aug. 5. All notifications will be sent to the facility's primary contact.
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IHCA is offering a live stream version of its Dementia Care Training Program, beginning Aug. 4. This three-part digital training series meets the State of Iowa's criteria for 6.0 hours on dementia-specific programming for the following disciplines: CNAs, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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Join IHCA on Aug. 12 and 26 for the two-part Webinar Training Series for Long-Term Care (LTC) Health Care Professionals, sponsored by AssuredPartners. Part one will cover fall investigations and interventions, and part two will cover pain management fundamentals.
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IHCA is offering digital district education events on July 7, 9, 10 and 14, covering "compassion fatigue," sponsored by Independent Insurance Services and Assured Partners. Following the one-hour training, participants will have the opportunity to engage with their peers regarding the challenges of COVID-19 during the digital district town hall. This digital training offers 1.0 CEU for CNAs and direct caregivers, nurses, activity professionals, social services, department heads, home health care staff, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Here is the most important information long-term care providers need to know this week related to COVID-19, including reopening, personal protective equipment (PPE) and testing updates, the regulatory relief waiver extension, a documentation tip on staff screening and more.
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IHCA is offering a live stream version of its Dementia Care Training Program, beginning Aug. 4. This three-part digital training series meets the State of Iowa’s criteria for 6.0 hours on dementia-specific programming for the following disciplines: CNAs, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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Here is the most important information long-term care providers need to know this week related to COVID-19, including legal liability immunity guidance, personal protective equipment (PPE) and reopening update, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Medication Allocation application tutorials and more.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged care facilities to make modifications to their day-to-day care and services, and has had a significant impact on the psycho-social wellbeing of residents and staff. IHCA's three-part COVID-19 Pandemic Digital Training Series, beginning on July 15, will offer guidance on adapting care and services to achieve compliance with regulatory directives, while maintaining quality of life for all concerned.
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ICAL is excited to announce a new opportunity for assisted living members to safely communicate with one another and keep connected - with our very own private, members-only online community for assisted living administrators. Assisted living members should have received two welcome messages yesterday about this community from Christine Wilson of AHCA/NCAL. If you did not receive both of these messages, email Christine at
[email protected] and let her know.
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AHCA/NCAL is moving forward with this year's AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program. Now more than ever, it is critical for members to continue striving for and achieving performance excellence. AHCA/NCAL has provided updates for members regarding notification dates and the 2021 award program cycle.
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AHCA is launching a new online educational program titled, "High Intensity Physical Rehabilitation in Medically Complex Populations." This program is offered through ahcancalED and is designed for physical and occupational therapy (PT/OT) rehabilitation professionals.
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IHCA recognizes that maintaining resilience during a crisis can be challenging and is offering digital district education events on July 7, 9, 10 and 14, covering "compassion fatigue," sponsored by Independent Insurance Services and Assured Partners. The event includes a one-hour training session that offers 1.0 CEU, as well as a one-hour District Town Hall, allowing participants to engage with their peers regarding the challenges of COVID-19.
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IHCA is offering a live stream version of its Dementia Care Training Program beginning Aug. 4, allowing participants to attend online from their computer as if they were in the room with the instructor. This three-part digital training series meets the State of Iowa's criteria for 6.0 hours on dementia-specific programming for the following disciplines: CNAs, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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Here is the most important information long-term care providers need to know this week related to COVID-19, including IHCA and ICAL reopening toolkits, personal protective equipment (PPE) standards expectations, National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting citations, CARES Act Medicaid provider relief and portal and more.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged care facilities to make modifications to their day-to-day care and services, and has had a significant impact on the psycho-social wellbeing of residents and staff. IHCA's three-part COVID-19 Pandemic Digital Training Series, beginning on July 15, will offer guidance on adapting care and services to achieve compliance with regulatory directives, while maintaining quality of life for all concerned.
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IHCA and ICAL members have access to a wealth of online education through AHCA/NCAL. A new webinar is now available that offers insight from four AHCA members who share their experiences with COVID-19 telehealth waivers. This webinar is free to members and is viewable on-demand. Other online education include courses on functional outcomes and improvement, infection prevention, ICD-10 and more.
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IHCA recognizes that maintaining resilience during a crisis can be challenging and is offering digital district education events on July 7, 9, 10 and 14, covering "compassion fatigue," sponsored by Independent Insurance Services and Assured Partners. The event includes a one-hour training session that offers 1.0 CEU, as well as a one-hour District Town Hall, allowing participants to engage with their peers regarding the challenges of COVID-19.
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IHCA is offering a live stream version of its Dementia Care Training Program beginning Aug. 4, allowing participants to attend online from their computer as if they were in the room with the instructor. This three-part digital training series meets the State of Iowa's criteria for 6.0 hours on dementia-specific programming for the following disciplines: CNAs, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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Here is the most important information long-term care providers need to know this week related to COVID-19, including the IHCA Foundation COVID-19 Fund Crisis Relief Fund, reopening guidance, the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), CMS scam calls and more.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged care facilities to make modifications to their day-to-day care and services, and has had a significant impact on the psycho-social wellbeing of residents and staff. IHCA's three-part COVID-19 Pandemic Digital Training Series will offer guidance on adapting care and services to achieve compliance with regulatory directives, while maintaining quality of life for all concerned.
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IHCA is offering a live stream version of its Dementia Care Training Program beginning Aug. 4, allowing participants to attend online from their computer as if they were in the room with the instructor. This three-part digital training series meets the State of Iowa’s criteria for 6.0 hours on dementia-specific programming for the following disciplines: CNAs, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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Here is the most important information long-term care providers need to know this week related to COVID-19, including enhanced CMS enforcement actions, Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) surveys, testing guidance, reopening plan update, outdoor visitation and more.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged care facilities to make modifications to their day-to-day care and services, and has had a significant impact on the psycho-social wellbeing of residents and staff. IHCA's three-part COVID-19 Pandemic Digital Training Series will offer guidance on adapting care and services to achieve compliance with regulatory directives, while maintaining quality of life for all concerned.
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Creating a relaxing and peaceful environment in your facility is important when making residents feel at home and at ease. As an IHCA member, you can receive special pricing on music, on-hold messaging and scent services, thanks to ECSI partner Mood Media.
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Here is the most important information long-term care providers need to know this week related to COVID-19, including the joint testing proposal presented to state officials, reporting baseline testing data, the extension of the CARES Act Provider Relief Fund attestation window and more.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged care facilities to make modifications to their day-to-day care and services, and has had a significant impact on the psycho-social wellbeing of residents and staff. IHCA's three-part COVID-19 Pandemic Digital Training Series will offer guidance on adapting care and services to achieve compliance with regulatory directives, while maintaining quality of life for all concerned.
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Long-term care researchers from Brown University are collaborating with Insight Therapeutics to begin the second year of a large-scale, quality improvement study to evaluate the impact of the annual influenza vaccine choice on residents' hospitalization risk. Participating facilities will be allocated to receive one of two Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-recommended flu vaccines for adults at no cost. Participating facilities also will receive a free supply of the vaccine for staff.
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Now, more than ever, is the time to recognize the extraordinary staff and volunteers in long-term care who have shown courage in the midst of COVID-19. Nomination forms are now available for a variety of AHCA/NCAL awards. Nominations are due July 10.
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Here is the most important information long-term care providers need to know this week related to COVID-19, including CMS preliminary facility reopening guidance, new testing information, National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) registration issues, Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) retainer payments, Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) personal protective equipment (PPE) deliveries and more.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged care facilities to make modifications to their day-to-day care and services, and has had a significant impact on the psycho-social wellbeing of residents and staff. IHCA's three-part COVID-19 Pandemic Digital Training Series will offer guidance on adapting care and services to achieve compliance with regulatory directives, while maintaining quality of life for all concerned.
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AHCA/NCAL has launched a new Functional Outcomes Improvement course that provides specialized online training offered through ahcancalED for all staff who have a role in improving patient functional outcomes quality and services.
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Now, more than ever, is the time to recognize the extraordinary staff and volunteers in long-term care who have shown courage in the midst of COVID-19. Nomination forms are now available for a variety of AHCA/NCAL awards. Nominations are due July 10.
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Here is the most important information long-term care providers need to know this week related to COVID-19, including Strike Team testing, case reporting, the home health blanket waiver, extension of attestation window, Civil Money Penalties (CMP) communication technology funds and more.
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Now, more than ever, is the time to recognize the extraordinary staff and volunteers in long-term care who have shown courage in the midst of COVID-19. Nomination forms are now available for a variety of AHCA/NCAL awards. Nominations are due July 10.
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Join IHCA next Wednesday for a webinar on infection prevention and control, part one of IHCA's Long-Term Care (LTC) Health Care Professionals Webinar Training Series sponsored by Assured Partners. The second training in the series will cover how to avoid unplanned re-hospitalizations on June 10.
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As the number of COVID-19 cases in Iowa continues to grow, so does the amount of information long-term care providers need to know in order to prepare and respond. Below is a summary of new information and resources from the past week to help you keep up to date.
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IHCA 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.
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Receive two classes for one price by registering for IHCA's Long-Term Care (LTC) Health Care Professionals Webinar Training Series sponsored by Assured Partners. The series includes one training on infection prevention and control on May 13, and a training on how to avoid unplanned re-hospitalizations on June 10.
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Well-trained CNAs are needed now more than ever. IHCA offers the Online CNA Program in partnership with Academic Platforms, AHCA’s preferred provider. This blended online CNA training program features online classes coupled with in-person, clinical labs. Students can continue working while taking the class, as they have the ability to access the class online and do the clinical lab portion while in the facility.
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During this time of social distancing and lack of in-person education events, IHCA 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.
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During this time of social distancing and lack of in-person education events, IHCA members still 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.
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IHCA and ICAL members receive 15% off the purchase of any HealthCare Interactive CARES online training program by using promo code AHCA15 at checkout. CARES is an ECSI group purchasing partner and is the only online dementia training to be recognized by CMS. In addition, CARES online training is recommended by AHCA/NCAL to help reduce the off-label use of antipsychotics.
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The IHCA Leadership Academy, originally scheduled for June, has been postponed until September. The final meeting of the 2019-2020 class and first meeting for the 2020-2021 class will take place in early September. IHCA will keep members updated on this as more details emerge.
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IHCA members are invited to a webinar next Tuesday, March 31, hosted by Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIA) and Telligen QI Connect, on the effects of COVID-19 on Iowa long-term care (LTC) facilities.
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IHCA is seeking applicants for its 2020-2021 Leadership Academy, sponsored by Healthcare of Iowa. With the academy's focus on reducing staff turnover, increasing quality care, Five-Star ratings and dementia care, those who participate in the class learn the core competencies needed to make a real change in their organization.
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The Iowa Council of Nurse Leaders (ICNL) is giving away five free registrations to nurse leaders to attend IHCA’s Leadership Academy. To be eligible to receive a free registration, you must have at least two years of experience in the profession, be employed as a nurse leader in an IHCA, ICAL or ICHC member organization and submit a completed entry form to the IHCA office by April 1.
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Creating a relaxing and peaceful environment in your facility is important when making residents and their families feel at home and at ease. As an IHCA member, you can receive special pricing on music, on-hold messaging and scent services, thanks to ECSI partner Mood Media.
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ICHC is excited to announce a new opportunity for home health (HH) members to safely communicate with one another and keep connected - with our very own private, members-only online community for HH administrators.
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The latest first quarter Top-Line report for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) is now available on LTC Trend Tracker. The reports include metrics and graphics outlining progress on Five Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative, the journey through the Quality Awards program, and other necessary data to help SNFs achieve their desired goals. As a member benefit, IHCA members have free access to Top-Line reports 24/7.
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IHCA is offering Silver Award and Gold Award Application Introductory Workshops to provide prospective applicant organizations with the initial information and knowledge needed to decide when and how to begin developing a Silver or Gold application for the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program. The workshops will take place April 24.
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IHCA is seeking applicants for its 2020-2021 Leadership Academy, sponsored by Healthcare of Iowa. Former academy participants have experienced a decrease in staff turnover and increase in staff retention by using the skills learned in class. To enroll in this year-long course, submit your application by April 30.
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The Iowa Council of Nurse Leaders (ICNL) is giving away five free registrations to nurse leaders to attend IHCA's Leadership Academy. To be eligible to receive a free registration, you must have at least two years of experience in the profession, be employed as a nurse leader in an IHCA, ICAL or ICHC member organization and submit a completed entry form to the IHCA office by April 1, 2020.
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IHCA is offering Silver Award and Gold Award Application Introductory Workshops to provide prospective applicant organizations with the initial information and knowledge needed to decide when and how to begin developing a Silver or Gold application for the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program. The workshops will take place April 24.
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IHCA is seeking applicants for its 2020-2021 Leadership Academy, sponsored by Healthcare of Iowa. Former academy participants have experienced a decrease in staff turnover and increase in staff retention by using the skills learned in class. To enroll in this year-long course, submit your application by April 30.
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The Iowa Council of Nurse Leaders (ICNL) is giving away five free registrations to nurse leaders to attend IHCA's Leadership Academy. To be eligible to receive a free registration, you must have at least two years of experience in the profession, be employed as a nurse leader in an IHCA, ICAL or ICHC member organization and submit a completed entry form to the IHCA office by April 1, 2020.
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IHCA is offering Silver Award and Gold Award Application Introductory Workshops to provide prospective applicant organizations with the initial information and knowledge needed to decide when and how to begin developing a Silver or Gold application for the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award program. The workshops will take place April 24.
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Nominations for the 2020 Governor's Award for Quality Care in Health Care Facilities must be postmarked by this Sunday, March 1. Eligible facilities include nursing facilities, residential care facilities and intermediate care facilities. Residents and family members may nominate an Iowa-licensed long-term care facility for the award. Facilities may not nominate themselves for this recognition.
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CMS is hosting a free Medicare Learning Network (MLN) event next Tuesday, March 3 from 12:30 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. CST. The event, titled “Dementia Care: CMS Toolkits Call,” will discuss the new CMS toolkits for nursing facilities, provide updates on the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes, as well as a question and answer session.
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IHCA is seeking applicants for its 2020-2021 Leadership Academy, sponsored by Healthcare of Iowa. Last year's Leadership Academy class, as a whole, saw an increase in deficiency free surveys, a decrease in immediate jeopardy citations and a decrease in long-stay antipsychotic rates in their organizations. As a class, participants also experienced a decrease in staff turnover in their organizations during the course.
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The Iowa Council of Nurse Leaders (ICNL) is giving away five free registrations to nurse leaders to attend IHCA's Leadership Academy. To be eligible to receive a free registration, you must have at least two years of experience in the profession, be employed as a nurse leader in an IHCA, ICAL or ICHC member organization and submit a completed entry form to the IHCA office by April 1, 2020.
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