The June 2025 skilled nursing facility life safety/fire safety and emergency preparedness survey report is now available in the IHCA Member Resource Center. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited life safety and emergency preparedness tags from Iowa facilities, as well as compliance tips.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Publications On Demand service is ending. After September 2025, the CDC will no longer offer print materials through the CDC Publications On Demand service, and supplies will not be restocked. As part of the ongoing commitment to quality care and safety, now is the time to stock up on these free print resources before they’re gone for good. Facilities are encouraged to order large quantities now to support future trainings, infection prevention campaigns and regulatory readiness.
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IHCA reminds members that the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) recently announced that certified nursing assistant (CNA) candidates can now complete the written portion of their competency exam remotely, as of June 2. This expansion aims to reduce common barriers such as travel, childcare and scheduling delays, making the path to CNA certification more accessible and affordable. While DIAL and its contracted testing vendors work to establish a remote skills demonstration option, candidates will be required to complete the skills exam at an approved testing facility, all of which are currently provided by community colleges.
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IHCA reminds members that as of June 4, 2025, licensed practical nurses (LPNs) in Iowa’s assisted living programs are formally authorized to conduct initial assessments and evaluations, as well as respond to significant changes in tenants’ health conditions — so long as this is done under the supervision of a registered nurse.
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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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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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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) was recently notified that three letters were sent to Smiths Medical customers with corrected use instructions for certain computerized ambulatory delivery device (CADD)-Solis Ambulatory Infusion Pumps and CADD-Solis VIP Ambulatory Infusion Pumps. The FDA also posted a recall notice for Amneal Pharmaceutical LLC sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim tablets, USP, 400 mg/80 mg only. The company is recalling three lots of these tablets, distributed nationwide to wholesalers/distributors between Dec. 4, 2024, and May 15, 2025, as they may exhibit black spots on the tablet surface due to microbial contamination.
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In a major development for Iowa’s assisted living workforce, the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) has announced a temporary allowance of the licensed practical nurse (LPN) scope of practice pending finalizing of official rule changes. Effective June 4, 2025, LPNs in Iowa’s assisted living programs will be formally authorized to conduct initial assessments and evaluations, as well as to respond to significant changes in tenants’ health conditions — so long as this is done under the supervision of a registered nurse.
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The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) has announced that certified nursing assistant (CNA) candidates can now complete the written portion of their competency exam remotely, starting June 2. This expansion aims to reduce common barriers such as travel, childcare and scheduling delays, making the path to CNA certification more accessible and affordable. While the skills exam must still be completed at an approved testing facility, IHCA applauds DIAL for this step forward and encourages members to share this flexible option with prospective CNAs.
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Effective June 4, 2025, the Iowa Board of Nursing’s (IBON's) continuing education requirements for licensed nurses will change. As noticed in ARC 9162C, licensees will have additional latitude to choose where to obtain required continuing education. Although the total number of continuing education hours will not change, licensees will no longer be restricted to obtaining CE contact hours from IBON-approved providers, as this provision has been removed from the rules.
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CMS recently posted the updated Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual (SOM) as outlined in QSO-25-14-NH. As noted in the QSO memo, the updates provide significant changes to the surveyor’s guidance in assessing compliance with federal regulations in long term care facilities. These revisions became effective April 28, 2025. Members are encouraged to review the updated resources to familiarize themselves with new guidance.
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The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) will implement the new cloud-based iQIES survey tool on July 14, 2025, as part of a national CMS effort to modernize long-term care survey technology. While the platform upgrade improves data security and system efficiency, providers are not expected to notice changes in the survey process. Surveyor training is already underway to support a smooth transition.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the May 14 and May 28 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include regulatory analyses, newly noticed rules, adopted and filed rules and new informational letters.
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A Special Edition Epi Update from the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology (CADE) regarding measles is now available. Iowa DHHS is reporting a confirmed case of measles in central Iowa in an unvaccinated adult. Public health officials will be reaching out to identified contacts, and no widespread public exposure is anticipated.
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Effective June 4, 2025, Iowa’s licensed practical nurses (LPNs) will be allowed to perform initial and ongoing nursing assessments under revised administrative rules adopted by the Iowa Board of Nursing. While registered nurses (RNs) will still be responsible for the overall plan of care, this change marks a significant expansion of LPNs’ scope of practice — a move long advocated by IHCA to ease staffing burdens in long-term care settings. However, assisted living programs must continue following existing rules that require RNs to complete initial and significant change evaluations (assessments). While IHCA continues to advocate for change in these rules, assisted living programs employing LPNs should not adjust their policies until further notice.
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The Iowa Board of Nursing Home Administrators (NHA) has proposed several rule changes to licensure requirements, including extending provisional licensure from 12 to 24 months and raising the minimum age from 18 to 20. Additional proposed changes include new training and approval requirements for preceptors overseeing administrator training programs. IHCA will submit comments on behalf of members, but individual feedback is encouraged by June 3, 2025.
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The May 2025 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA website. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa facilities. Please share this report with the individuals at your facility involved with managing survey success, as it is a helpful resource when planning for future surveys. Congratulations to the IHCA skilled nursing facility member that recently achieved a deficiency-free recertification survey!
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CMS is aware that access to the reporting of the annual National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Influenza Vaccination Among Healthcare Personnel data was not available for a short time on May 15. In response to this circumstance, CMS is extending the deadline for reporting this information to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention NHSN to this Friday, May 23, at 10:59 p.m.
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The deadline to submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Jan. 1 – March 31, 2025, is tomorrow, May 15, at 10:59 p.m. Providers must ensure each staff member has a unique employee ID and follow proper procedures for ID changes. Meal breaks must be appropriately deducted, and data should be submitted early to allow time for review and corrections.
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An updated version of the April 2025 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA website. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa facilities. Please share this report with the individuals at your facility involved with managing survey success, as it is a helpful resource when planning for future surveys. Congratulations to the three IHCA SNF members that recently achieved a deficiency-free recertification survey!
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The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) recently changed how it documents findings from complaints and facility-reported incidents in notices to the facility staff, the complainants and in the 2567, if necessary.
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Recent advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have broadened the scope of work where technology can save time and produce largely accurate results. One specific application where AI could be helpful to post-acute leaders is in the formulation of a plan of correction in response to a regulatory survey. Although AI creations are typically precise, leaders are reminded to use an AI draft as a starting point.
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The deadline for nursing homes to report health care personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination coverage in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) is tomorrow, May 15. This reporting is required by CMS for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP). Failure to report complete data in NHSN by 11:59 p.m. on May 15 for the SNF QRP will result in a 2% reduction in the nursing home’s annual Medicare reimbursement rates.
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month this May, The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) is offering a comprehensive five-week training plan designed to promote mental well-being in your facility. Additionally, COE-NF will host a free webinar, "Implementing a Behavioral Health Ambassador Program in Your Facility," tomorrow, May 15. This webinar will equip your team with the tools and knowledge to create a lasting impact.
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The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) May 2025 newsletter is now available. Topics in this issue include Mental Health Awareness Month resources, a behavioral health ambassador program step-by-step guide, psychotropic medication guidance, upcoming office hours, upcoming complimentary webinars and more.
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Researchers at the University of Iowa College of Nursing are conducting a study to test a web-based application called PACE-app. This app aims to support family caregivers in managing pain for individuals with dementia. This study is funded by the Alzheimer’s Association and has been approved by the Institutional Review Board Office of the University of Iowa. In this study, participating family caregivers will have the opportunity to test a pain management app and will receive up to $100 in compensation in recognition of their time and contribution.
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Governor Kim Reynolds has signed the Dietitian Licensure Compact (HF 532) to enhance access to nutrition services in long-term care settings by allowing licensed/registered dietitians to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses. Through this compact, dietitians can apply for a “compact privilege” to work across state lines, reducing the need for multiple licenses and simplifying administrative processes. Governed by The Council of State Governments, the Dietician Licensure Compact is in the beginning stages of activation and compact privileges have not yet been issued. Members should be aware of the 12–24-month implementation timeline before compact privileges are in effect.
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The deadline for nursing homes to report health care personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination coverage in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) is fast approaching. This reporting is required by CMS for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) and the submission deadline is May 15, 2025. Failure to report complete data in NHSN by 11:59 p.m. on May 15 for the SNF QRP will result in a 2% reduction in the nursing home’s annual Medicare reimbursement rates.
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The deadline to submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Jan. 1 – March 31, 2025, is May 15, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. Providers must ensure each staff member has a unique employee ID and follow proper procedures for ID changes. Meal breaks must be appropriately deducted, and data should be submitted early to allow time for review and corrections.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the April 16 and April 30 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include a newly noticed rule related to uniform waiver standards and an adopted and filed rule related to model rules for contested cases before licensing boards and settlements.
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The April 2025 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA website. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa facilities. Please share this report with the individuals at your facility involved with managing survey success, as it is a helpful resource when planning for future surveys. Congratulations to the three IHCA skilled nursing facility members that recently achieved a deficiency-free recertification survey!
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The deadline for nursing homes to report health care personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination coverage in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) is fast approaching. This reporting is required by CMS for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) and the submission deadline is May 15, 2025. Failure to report complete data in NHSN by 11:59 p.m. on May 15 for the SNF QRP will result in a 2% reduction in the nursing home’s annual Medicare reimbursement rates.
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The deadline to submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Jan. 1 – March 31, 2025, is May 15, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. Providers must ensure each staff member has a unique employee ID and follow proper procedures for ID changes. Meal breaks must be appropriately deducted, and data should be submitted early to allow time for review and corrections.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is aware that BD and its subsidiary Bard Access Systems have issued a letter to affected customers recommending certain unused PowerPICC intravascular catheters be removed from where they are used or sold. Additionally, in-use PowerPICC intravascular catheters have updated instructions for use: 4 Fr. Single Lumen PowerPICC and SOLO and non-SOLO versions.
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The deadline for nursing homes to report health care personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination coverage in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC’s) National Health Safety Network (NHSN) is fast approaching. This reporting is required by CMS for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) and the submission deadline is May 15, 2025. Failure to report complete data in NHSN by 11:59 p.m. on May 15 for the SNF QRP will result in a 2% reduction in the nursing home’s annual Medicare reimbursement rates.
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Governor Reynolds has signed HF 309 into law, finalizing a key element of clarification in a bill to improve how the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) reviews serious deficiencies in nursing facilities. The updated law aims to make the citation process more transparent, giving facilities a chance to respond before severe penalties are finalized and ensuring that enforcement is consistent statewide.
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On April 16, 2025, CMS released a new resource for providers on the survey process and common requests providers may receive during surveys. CMS states the toolkit is intended to help providers navigate the survey process effectively. Key topics include CMS and federal health and safety requirements, survey purpose and the surveyor’s role, as well as cooperation during surveys.
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The deadline to submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Jan. 1 – March 31, 2025, is May 15, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. Providers must ensure each staff member has a unique employee ID and follow proper procedures for ID changes. Meal breaks must be appropriately deducted, and data should be submitted early to allow time for review and corrections.
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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 Quarter 2 2025 assisted living (AL) and residential care facility (RCF) survey trend reports are now available in the IHCA Resource Center. These reports are member-only resources that provide listings of the most common regulatory insufficiencies. Please share these reports with the individuals at your program involved with managing survey quality, as they are a helpful resource when planning for future surveys. Congratulations to the 22 IHCA AL and RCF members that recently achieved an insufficiency/deficiency-free survey!
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On Thursday, April 10, IHCA hosted its monthly Home Health Provider Update Call to discuss the most recent changes for the home health and home care profession. The call included representatives from Wellpoint, and participants received reminders about reviewing reports, monitoring communications from managed care organizations and staying informed on claim submission processes.
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The deadline to submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Jan. 1 – March 31, 2025, is May 15, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. Providers must ensure each staff member has a unique employee ID and follow proper procedures for ID changes. Meal breaks must be appropriately deducted, and data should be submitted early to allow time for review and corrections.
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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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As IHCA member nursing facilities prepare for upcoming CMS guidance changes (QSO-25-12-NH) related to the use and management of psychoactive medications, a number of questions have been raised about necessary actions to achieve compliance. To assist members in their efforts to establish internal processes to achieve compliance, several resources are available. Members are encouraged to utilize these tools to best prepare before the April 28, 2025, effective date.
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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently made changes to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to align with statutory language, and updated the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Privacy Notice. In addition, starting on April 3, 2025, E-Verify and E-Verify+ have updated the citizenship status selection during case creation to reflect this statutory language.
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On Monday, April 7, a federal judge submitted a ruling favorable for nursing home providers, striking down the CMS final rule requiring 24/7 registered nurse coverage and minimum hours per patient day staffing in nursing homes across the nation. The final rule, published May 2024 in the Federal Register, overstepped CMS authority, according to the judge, who agreed that only Congress can make such demands. Therefore, the staffing provisions found in the rule will not go into effect as scheduled.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the March 19 and April 2 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include a newly noticed rule related to specialized managed care programs and adopted and filed rules related to health care employment agencies, early and periodic screening, diagnosis and treatment, facility assessments and more.
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Join IHCA tomorrow, April 3, at 1:00 p.m. for its live webinar titled, "CMS Mid-Cycle Revalidations – Are You Ready?" This webinar will provide skilled nursing facility owners, senior leadership and key vendors with practical guidance related to their revalidation obligations. This webinar is made for CEOs, CFOs, senior leadership, owners, administrators and business office managers and is approved for 1.0 CEU for nursing facility administrators. The webinar will be recorded and will be available on IHCA's on-demand platform until April 30, 2025.
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The March 2025 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA website. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa facilities. Please share this report with the individuals at your facility involved with managing survey success, as it is a helpful resource when planning for future surveys. Congratulations to the three IHCA skilled nursing facility members that recently achieved a deficiency-free recertification survey!
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Last year, CMS issued a final rule updating payment rates and policies under the End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Prospective Payment System (PPS) for renal dialysis services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries on or after Jan. 1, 2025. After many years of delay, oral renal dialysis drugs are now included in the ESRD PPS bundled payment. This includes oral phosphate binders, which are given multiple times per day before meals. To assist members in understanding the final rule and the impact on long-term care facilities, AHCA has developed an information sheet outlining the specific impact and other important questions.
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The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) have released joint technical guidance to help employers ensure their diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs comply with federal anti-discrimination laws. If your organization has a DEI program in place, it’s important to review this new guidance to evaluate whether your initiatives align with federal compliance standards.
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With spring storm season approaching, disaster preparedness, an important function in the operation of a long term care (LTC) facility, should be top of mind for LTC leaders. To assist providers with developing and maintaining emergency preparedness programs while managing compliance with CMS, AHCA has developed an emergency preparedness program self-assessment and resource tool called the CMS Emergency Preparedness Regulations Crosswalk Tool.
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The Q4 2024 home health (HH) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA website. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa agencies. Please share this report with the individuals at your organization involved with managing survey success, as it is a helpful resource when planning for future surveys.
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Congratulations to IHCA members Jeffrey Schmidt and Tracy Trotter on their recent appointments to the Iowa Board of Nursing Home Administrators by Governor Kim Reynolds. Their leadership and expertise will be instrumental in shaping the standards and policies that guide Iowa’s long-term care industry.
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On Thursday, March 13, IHCA hosted its monthly Home Health Provider Update Call to discuss the most recent changes for the home health and home care profession. This article contains a summary of the call and action steps home health providers should take to ensure compliance.
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CMS has delayed the implementation of its updated surveyor guidance, moving the effective date from March 24, 2025, to April 28, 2025, as announced in QSO-25-14-NH on March 7. Revised surveyor resources will also be released on April 28. IHCA offers resources to help providers prepare, including an on-demand webinar and an upcoming session at its Spring Conference.
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Under the OSHA Standard 1904.41 - Electronic submission of Employer Identification Number (EIN) and injury and illness records to OSHA, certain employers are required to electronically submit their EIN and injury and illness records to OSHA. A cornerstone of this effort is the Injury Tracking Application (ITA), introduced through the "Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses" rule. This article explores OSHA recordkeeping, the ITA’s role and its implications for LTC employers, including key metrics like the Days Away, Restricted or Transferred (DART) rate.
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Oxygen signage requirements fall into two categories: storage and usage. Facilities must post precautionary signs on enclosures storing multiple oxygen cylinders, while signage for in-use oxygen depends on the facility’s smoking policy — non-smoking facilities need signs at major entry points, while smoking-allowed facilities require signs near oxygen use areas. Additional signage is needed at transfilling locations for liquid oxygen, and detailed requirements can be found in NFPA 99, Chapter 11.
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Every quarter, AHCA’s complimentary resource, LTC Trend Tracker, updates with current data. With just a few clicks of a button, you have access to your facility’s specific data collected by CMS, providing you with one central hub filled with comparative (both state and national) information to inform your quality improvement efforts. Last week, an updated Your Top-Line report was published. This most recent update contains the new Discharge Function Score and a refresh of four quality measures previously frozen. In addition, CMS rebased the scoring thresholds to account for the removal of Section G of the MDS in October 2023 and adjustments to turnover calculations, which now is now based on a 90-day period (versus the previous 60).
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The National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) is currently recruiting qualified nurses to serve on item review and item writing panels for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN) and National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) examinations. Interested volunteers may apply directly on their website. Volunteers who participate on these panels are an integral part of the item development process. NCSBN is especially seeking nurses who are currently supervising newly licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPN/VNs).
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A multi-state outbreak of Listeria infections has been linked to supplement shakes, with 38 cases, 37 hospitalizations and 12 deaths reported across 21 states. Many affected individuals lived in long-term care facilities or were already hospitalized. Lyons Magnus has recalled its ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental Shakes, and facilities should dispose of these products, clean contaminated surfaces and monitor residents for symptoms of Listeria infection.
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During the 2024 legislative session, House File 2013 was passed, extending the maximum service length for provisional nursing home administrators to 24 months. To align with this change, the Iowa Board of Nursing Home Administrators has proposed a rule update. However, members should note that this rule change is not yet final, as the adoption process is still underway. In the meantime, the Board will allow provisional administrators to apply for an extension. IHCA has provided guidance regarding provisional licensure, requirements for new licensees and addressing application denials.
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The February 2025 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA website. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa facilities. Please share this report with the individuals at your facility involved with managing survey success, as it is a helpful resource when planning for future surveys. Congratulations to the five IHCA skilled nursing facility members that recently achieved a deficiency-free recertification survey!
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On Thursday, Feb. 13, IHCA hosted its monthly Home Health Provider Update Call to discuss the most recent changes for the home health and home care profession. IHCA has provided a summary of the call, as well as action steps home health providers should take to ensure compliance.
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Nursing facilities are required to document their participation in two emergency preparedness testing exercises annually. The University of Iowa’s Institute of Public Health Research and Policy has organized several interactive, discussion-based tabletop exercises that meet CMS’ expectations for a testing exercise. These four-hour sessions will focus on awareness and response of both hospitals and long-term care facilities in the event of a multidrug-resistant organism threat. Upcoming sessions will take place on March 5 in Council Bluffs, March 6 in Waukee and on March 13 in Pella.
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A research team at the University of Iowa is working to enhance dementia care through an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) digital tool designed to support family caregivers in managing pain for individuals with dementia. To ensure the tool meets the needs of caregivers and health care professionals, researchers are seeking participants with expertise in pain management for people with dementia to share their insights.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the Feb. 5 and 19 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include newly noticed rules regarding continuing education and licensure for nursing home administrators and dependent adult abuse in facilities and programs.
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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services' (DHHS') Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology is offering The Long-Term Care Infection Prevention Essentials Iowa Course, held virtually March 4-6. This free course benefits health care professionals in long-term care settings by providing training and competency-building to manage the unique challenges of infection prevention and control in long-term care settings.
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A research team at the University of Iowa is working to enhance dementia care through an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) digital tool designed to support family caregivers in managing pain for individuals with dementia. To ensure the tool meets the needs of caregivers and health care professionals, researchers are seeking participants with expertise in pain management for people with dementia to share their insights.
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On March 24, 2025, health facility surveyors will begin using the revised guidance from CMS to determine compliance with federal regulatory requirements. To assist members in preparing for anticipated guidance changes, IHCA has shared resources, including action briefs.
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Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2024 by this Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Key reminders and guidance have been provided to help answer provider questions on PBJ.
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Your Resident Profile is a LTC Trend Tracker publication that provides valuable information organizations need to complete the resident profile portions of the Facility Assessment, required under the CMS requirements of participation. In the most recent revision of interpretive guidance for F867 - QAPI/QAA Improvement Activities, an additional requirement related to the evaluation of health equity in the facility’s quality improvement plan was introduced.
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Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Oct. 1 – Dec. 31, 2024 by next Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Key reminders and guidance have been provided to help answer provider questions on PBJ.
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Nursing facilities in Iowa are reminded that IAC 481-58.5(5) requires the facility to report a change of administrator to the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) within two weeks of the change. Preferably, this notification would be made prior, but can be made within two weeks following the role transition.
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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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Recent executive orders introduce regulatory updates affecting long-term and post-acute care providers. A temporary pause on federal health agency communications may impact access to updates from CMS, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and National Institutes of Health (NIH). Additionally, new Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) certification requirements for federal contracts and grants will require organizations to certify compliance with federal anti-discrimination laws. Also, a proposed emergency preparedness (EP) rule has been withdrawn, meaning no new changes to EP standards will be implemented at this time.
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The CMS Care Compare site was scheduled to refresh with new nursing home Five-Star ratings around Jan. 29. Perhaps due to the White House’s freeze on federal communications, the refresh did not occur. According to AHCA, no information is available at this time to determine when updated Five-Star information will be released. IHCA will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates when data is available.
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The January 2025 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA website. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa facilities. Please share this report with the individuals at your facility involved with managing survey quality, as it is a helpful resource when planning for future surveys. Congratulations to the four IHCA skilled nursing facility members that recently achieved a deficiency-free recertification/initial survey!
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the Jan. 22 issue of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include newly noticed nursing board rules regarding education programs, continuing education, nursing practice and more.
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On Jan. 17, 2025, CMS released a revised Admin Memo: 25-06-NH related to guidance for Federal Monitoring Surveys (FMS). According to the memo, FMS are performed each fiscal year to validate the state survey agency’s performance. In the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 FMS memo, CMS notes FMS will only consist of Resource and Support Surveys (FSS) and Health Comparatives. CMS will not conduct any Focused Concern Surveys (FCS) in FY 2025.
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The Quarter 1 2025 assisted living (AL) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA website. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most common regulatory insufficiencies. Please share this report with the individuals at your program involved with managing survey quality, as it is a helpful resource when planning for future surveys. Congratulations to the 18 IHCA assisted living members that recently achieved an insufficiency-free recertification survey!
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Last week, the U.S. District Court in the Northern District of Iowa denied the states’ motion for preliminary injunction against the federal staffing mandate. The court noted that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate that the preliminary injunction was necessary to prevent irreparable harm. AHCA anticipated this ruling given that the minimum staffing requirements for the rule do not take effect for two or more years. But the important thing is that this decision has no bearing on AHCA's lawsuit, AHCA v. Becerra.
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The U.S. Department of Labor and OSHA require employers in most industries to record workplace injuries on their 300 logs within seven days of the incident. The summary of this log, 300A, is required to be posted for employee review from Feb. 1 to April 30 each year. This posting is for the calendar year immediately preceding the year of posting (the posting in February 2025 is the log for calendar year 2024). Furthermore, most senior living communities are required to submit data from their 300 logs and 300A to OSHA by March 2.
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The CMS Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) Guidance Manual directs clinicians to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for determining the accurate answer for O0350, COVID Vaccination. Use this tool to summarize the current CDC recommendations for different types of patients by age, risk and vaccination status.
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On Jan. 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued two Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles describing changes in the 2025 immunization schedule for children, adolescents and adults. Changes related to older adults include new and updated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV).
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The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) recently launched DIALED IN, a podcast series designed to educate the public about the department’s work and its impact on Iowa’s health care and licensing industries. The podcast explores a variety of topics, from nursing home surveys and CMS performance measures to fraud investigations, administrative hearings and the health facility complaint process. Each episode provides valuable insights into how DIAL operates and addresses important issues affecting Iowans.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the Jan. 8 issue of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include newly noticed Human Services Department rules regarding nursing facilities, facility assessments, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled (ICFs/ID) and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT).
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In the recent weeks, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has conducted onsite visits in nursing facilities in Iowa to investigate the state of Iowa’s compliance with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Members are reminded that the DOJ visits are not meant to determine compliance with CMS regulations, but rather to evaluate the application of state-based processes to return those with disabilities to the community when it is appropriate and can be accommodated safely.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the Dec. 11 and Dec. 25 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include newly noticed Human Services Department rules regarding eligibility, application for assistance, rent reimbursement, specialized managed care programs and more.
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The next CMS Home Health, Hospice and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Open Door Forum for is scheduled for today at 1:00 p.m. Topics covered will include Home Health Care Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HHCAHPS) survey updates and the expanded Home Health Value-Based Purchasing (HHVBP) model.
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As of Jan. 1, 2025, nursing homes must electronically report information about COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) weekly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC's) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN). CMS will develop guidance for surveyors to evaluate compliance with the new acute respiratory illness reporting requirements and provide information on enforcement actions for non-compliance.
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The December 2024 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report and Q3 home health (HH) survey trend report are now available in the IHCA Member Resource Center. These reports are member-only resources that provide listings of the most frequently cited tags and most common insufficiencies. Please share these reports with the individuals at your organization involved with managing survey quality, as they are a helpful resource when planning for future surveys.
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