The Final April 2025 Interim Performance Reports (IPRs) for the expanded Home Health Value Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model have been published on the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). The quarterly IPRs provide home health agencies with the cohort assignment, performance year measure data for the 12 most recent months and the interim Total Performance Score (TPS).
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) June 2025 newsletter is now available. Topics in this issue include Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month resources, trauma informed care guidance, upcoming office hours, complimentary virtual education events and more.
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IHCA is offering two valuable education events – the LTC Quality Symposium and the LTC Regulatory Symposium, on July 15-16. These symposiums are designed to provide long-term care professionals with targeted insights, tools and strategies to improve quality outcomes, stay compliant with regulatory requirements and navigate the evolving landscape of long-term care in Iowa. Attendees can choose to attend one or both symposiums, with a discounted rate available for those who register for both. Each symposium will be hosted in Jefferson and Cedar Rapids on alternating days, making it easy to select the date and location that best fits your schedule. Each symposium is approved for 5.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators, social services and department heads.
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CMS has announced the launch of the 13th Scope of Work for the Quality Improvement Organizations (QIO) program, running from May 2025 through May 2030, in alignment with the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative. Seven Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organizations (QIN-QIOs), including Telligen for Iowa, will provide direct support to health care providers to improve care quality and safety for Medicare beneficiaries. Focus areas include chronic disease management, patient safety, behavioral health, emergency preparedness and workforce challenges. IHCA will share additional details as they become available.
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IHCA has launched its new QAPI Foundations Workshop, an on-demand, team-based training designed to help long-term care providers build a stronger, more sustainable quality improvement program. The workshop includes five engaging modules that break down the essential components of Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI), equipping providers with the tools and strategies needed to strengthen systems, use data more effectively and improve resident outcomes.
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CMS recently added four new Quality in Focus (QIF) videos to its Quality, Safety and Education Portal (QSEP). The video modules address commonly cited deficiencies in long-term care related to food safety requirements, infection prevention and control and developing a plan of correction. These videos are available on demand, 24/7.
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AHCA/NCAL has alerted IHCA to a scam in which an individual posing as an AHCA representative is contacting 2025 Bronze Quality Award recipients to fraudulently solicit credit card information.
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Forty-five IHCA members have earned the 2025 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award from AHCA/NCAL, placing Iowa second in the nation for the number of Bronze-level recipients — a major achievement for Iowa’s long-term care community. This recognition is a significant accomplishment and reflects the strong commitment of Iowa providers to quality improvement and person-centered care.
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Members are reminded that nominations for AHCA/NCAL’s 2025 Awards Program are currently being accepted through this Friday, May 30. This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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Members are reminded that nominations for AHCA/NCAL’s 2025 Awards Program are currently being accepted through May 30. This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 30, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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Due to the May 15 Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) submission deadline, the iQIES Service Center expects higher call and email volumes and encourages providers to submit data early. Multiple support options are available, including scheduled calls, support tickets and live chat via the CCSQ Support Central page. To avoid delays, providers are asked to use only one method of contact per issue and to have key information ready when reaching out for assistance.
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Members are reminded that nominations for AHCA/NCAL’s 2025 Awards Program are currently being accepted through May 31. This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 31, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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Due to the upcoming May 15 Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) submission deadline, the iQIES Service Center expects higher call and email volumes and encourages providers to submit data early. Multiple support options are available, including scheduled calls, support tickets and live chat via the CCSQ Support Central page. To avoid delays, providers are asked to use only one method of contact per issue and to have key information ready when reaching out for assistance.
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The Preliminary April 2025 Interim Performance Reports (IPRs) for the expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) Model have been published on the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). The quarterly IPRs provide home health agencies (HHAs) with the cohort assignment, performance year measure data for the 12 most recent months and the interim Total Performance Score (TPS). Using the IPRs, an HHA can assess and track their performance relative to peers in their respective cohort throughout the expanded Model performance year.
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Members are reminded that nominations for AHCA/NCAL’s 2025 Awards Program are currently being accepted through May 31. This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 31, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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Due to the upcoming May 15 Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) submission deadline, the iQIES Service Center expects higher call and email volumes and encourages providers to submit data early. Multiple support options are available, including scheduled calls, support tickets and live chat via the CCSQ Support Central page. To avoid delays, providers are asked to use only one method of contact per issue and to have key information ready when reaching out for assistance.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) is offering free training opportunities in May for all nursing facility staff. Training topics include question, persuade, refer suicide prevention training, suicide prevention and de-escalation strategies, how to implement a behavioral health ambassador program, an introduction to trauma-informed care and a brief overview on understanding co-occurring disorders. Additionally, the COE-NF is looking for your feedback to help improve all COE services and resources.
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Nominations are now open for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Awards Program, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 31, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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Due to the upcoming May 15 Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) submission deadline, the iQIES Service Center expects higher call and email volumes and encourages providers to submit data early. Multiple support options are available, including scheduled calls, support tickets and live chat via the CCSQ Support Central page. To avoid delays, providers are asked to use only one method of contact per issue and to have key information ready when reaching out for assistance.
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Nominations for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Awards Program are now open! This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. Nominations are due May 30, 2025.
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Due to the upcoming May 15 Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) submission deadline, the iQIES Service Center expects higher call and email volumes and encourages providers to submit data early. Multiple support options are available, including scheduled calls, support tickets and live chat via the CCSQ Support Central page. To avoid delays, providers are asked to use only one method of contact per issue and to have key information ready when reaching out for assistance.
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Nominations for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Awards Program are now open! This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. Nominations are due May 30, 2025.
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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 July 2025 refresh. Providers have until May 15, 2025, to review their performance data.
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The Home Health Agency (HHA) 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 the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the July 2025 refresh. Providers have until May 2, 2025, to review their performance data.
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The March 2025 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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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) April 2025 newsletter is now available. Topics in this issue include Alcohol Awareness Month resources, a toolkit for establishing 12-step recovery meetings in nursing facilities, office hours, upcoming complimentary education opportunities and more.
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The Home Health Agency (HHA) 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 the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the July 2025 refresh. Providers have until May 2, 2025, to review their performance data.
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Due to the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) quarterly deadline, the Internet Quality Improvement & Evaluation System (iQIES) Service Center is projecting an increase in the volume of calls and emails between now and May 15, 2025.
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Registration for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, scheduled for April 7-9 in Atlanta, closes tomorrow, March 27. The event includes the rescheduled 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony — originally postponed due to Hurricane Milton — on April 7 from 4:45–5:45 p.m. IHCA encourages 2024 Quality Award recipients to attend and be recognized nationally. Special registration rates are available for Quality Award recipients and examiners.
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The 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony, postponed due to Hurricane Milton, has been rescheduled for April 7, 2025, during the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit in Atlanta. IHCA encourages all 2024 Quality Award recipients to register by next Thursday, March 27, to be honored nationally at this event, with discounted registration rates available for recipients and examiners.
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The Alzheimer’s Association has developed two online programs to better inform assisted living staff on how to provide care for persons with dementia. A research study funded by the National Institute on Aging is evaluating the two programs. Led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, the study will work with 126 assisted living communities to evaluate the essentiALZ and Project ECHO training. To be considered as a participant, visit dementiacaretraining.org.
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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 an award, nominations must be postmarked or submitted online by this Saturday, March 15.
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The 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony, originally scheduled for last fall in Orlando, was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. AHCA/NCAL has rescheduled the ceremony to take place during the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, happening April 7–9 in Atlanta. The 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored during the Quality Award Recognition Ceremony on Monday, April 7. Discounted registration rates are available for 2024 Quality Award recipients and examiners, as well as for those only attending the Quality Award Ceremony and Reception. Registration will close on March 27.
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The Alzheimer’s Association has developed two online programs to better inform assisted living staff on how to provide care for persons with dementia. A research study funded by the National Institute on Aging is evaluating the two programs. Led by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, the study will work with 126 assisted living communities to evaluate the essentiALZ and Project ECHO training. To be considered as a participant, visit dementiacaretraining.org.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) is offering free training opportunities in March for all nursing facility staff. Training topics include person-centered care in nursing facilities, an overview of bipolar disorders, addiction 101 and de-escalation strategies to defuse difficult situations.
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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 an award, nominations must be postmarked or submitted online by March 15, 2025.
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The 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony, originally scheduled for last fall in Orlando, was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. AHCA/NCAL has rescheduled the ceremony to take place during the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, happening April 7–9 in Atlanta. The 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored during the Quality Award Recognition Ceremony on Monday, April 7. Discounted registration rates are available for 2024 Quality Award recipients and examiners, as well as for those only attending the Quality Award Ceremony and Reception. Registration will close on March 27.
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The 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 an award, nominations must be postmarked or submitted online by March 15, 2025.
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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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