Join IHCA tomorrow, May 22, in Atlantic for its final May District Meeting event designed to strengthen collaboration and enhance knowledge across key administrative areas. This event will feature targeted education on accounts receivable and collections, human resources essentials and Medicaid eligibility training. Attendees will gain practical tools to help navigate today’s complex care environment. This event is approved for 3.0 CEUs for social services staff, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the IHCA Foundation will award up to 77 scholarships this year to support individuals pursuing or advancing their careers in long-term care. The IHCA Foundation’s 2025 scholarship program applications will close next week. Don't miss this incredible opportunity; submit your application today!
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The 2025 Iowa legislative session concluded last week, and IHCA is proud to share a strong slate of outcomes that advance access to care, protect providers from harmful legislation and secure vital investments in the long-term care profession.
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Effective June 4, 2025, Iowa’s licensed practical nurses (LPNs) will be allowed to perform initial and ongoing nursing assessments under revised administrative rules adopted by the Iowa Board of Nursing. While registered nurses (RNs) will still be responsible for the overall plan of care, this change marks a significant expansion of LPNs’ scope of practice — a move long advocated by IHCA to ease staffing burdens in long-term care settings. However, assisted living programs must continue following existing rules that require RNs to complete initial and significant change evaluations (assessments). While IHCA continues to advocate for change in these rules, assisted living programs employing LPNs should not adjust their policies until further notice.
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The 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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Beginning in June 2025, the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) will host a free three-part series of virtual one-hour sessions. Join COE-NF for the opportunity to learn industry best practices from other nursing facilities and behavioral health subject matter experts. With the support of COE-NF behavioral health specialists, you can implement the learnings in your facility.
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The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) recently disclosed that it would no longer apply independent contractor classification standards finalized last year under President Joe Biden when determining employee versus independent contractor status in Fair Labor Standards Act investigations. "This guidance does not change existing regulations but reflects how the department is allocating enforcement resources during the review of the 2024 rule," the DOL said.
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IHCA's Maintenance Essentials - Electrical and Life Safety Systems education event on June 10 will equip facility professionals, technicians and safety personnel with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to work confidently with electrical systems and life safety technologies. This event is approved for 4.0 CEUs for nursing facility administrators, assisted living managers and environmental services staff.
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Increase your knowledge of clinical assessment and care planning, completion of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), the regulations surrounding the Resident Assessment Index (RAI)/MDS process and managing the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) by attending the American Association of Post Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) Resident Assessment Coordinator—Certified (RAC-CT) Certification Workshop held virtually June 10-12. This RAC-CT Certification Workshop is approved for 22.5 CEs.
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IHCA's Rooted to Rise – Women in Long-Term Care Conference on June 18 will be a dynamic gathering designed to uplift, connect and empower women across all roles in the long-term care continuum. Through a series of thought-provoking sessions, participants will explore essential themes of leadership, personal wellness, effective communication and purposeful living. This unique event will bring together voices from across the field and beyond to foster growth, resilience and community - highlighting the invaluable contributions women make every day. This event, sponsored by Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc., Blue Stone Therapy, Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy and btx, is approved for 6.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators, assisted living managers, department heads, social services and activities.
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IHCA's Serving Up Excellence in Long-Term Care – Dietary Conference on June 26, sponsored by Martin Bros. Distributing Co., Inc., will offer a holistic approach to enhancing nutritional care and food service delivery in long-term care. Sessions will highlight interdisciplinary collaboration, safety and resident-centered dining. Attendees will explore innovative strategies for improving texture-modified diets, optimizing hydration, elevating food presentation and identifying systemic challenges within dietary operations. Interactive discussions, a facility tour from IHCA member Scottish Rite Park and hands-on learning will equip participants with valuable tools to support both clinical excellence and an enhanced quality of life for their residents. This conference is approved for 4.0 CEUs for dietary staff, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Members are reminded that nominations for AHCA/NCAL’s 2025 Awards Program are currently being accepted through May 30. This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 30, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, IHCA has launched a new Mental Health Mondays webinar series. The final webinar of the series, "Depression and Anxiety Management for Older Adults," will take place next Monday, May 19. Each webinar offers 1.0 CEU, with up to 3.0 CEUs available for those who attend the entire series. Webinars will be available both live and on-demand for registered participants.
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IHCA’s May SE and SW District Meetings will take place next Tuesday and Thursday in Coralville and Atlantic. Each meeting will feature targeted education on accounts receivable and collections, HR essentials and Medicaid eligibility, along with a district business meeting over lunch. Attendees can earn 3.0 CEUs while gaining practical tools for managing today’s administrative challenges in long-term care.
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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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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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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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The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) invites you to join its upcoming virtual town halls focused on aging and disability services. These sessions are an opportunity to share updates, hear your feedback and answer questions. A provider town hall will be held virtually today at 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
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This year, Iowa Total Care is hosting five in-person Provider Summits across multiple regions in Iowa, making it easier for providers to join in their area. Each summit will feature key updates, educational sessions and plenty of opportunities to connect directly with subject matter experts from across Iowa Total Care.
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Accurate MDS coding and efficient EHR management are critical for maximizing reimbursement and improving quality outcomes in skilled nursing facilities. IHCA Provider Solutions offers expert MDS and EHR consulting to help your facility optimize revenue, streamline processes and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
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The IHCA Foundation is offering two different scholarship opportunities for new and experienced directors of nursing, made possible by Care Initiatives. All IHCA Foundation scholarship applications are due in two weeks; apply today!
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Governor Kim Reynolds has signed the Dietitian Licensure Compact (HF 532) to enhance access to nutrition services in long-term care settings by allowing licensed/registered dietitians to practice in multiple states without obtaining separate licenses. Through this compact, dietitians can apply for a “compact privilege” to work across state lines, reducing the need for multiple licenses and simplifying administrative processes. Governed by The Council of State Governments, the Dietician Licensure Compact is in the beginning stages of activation and compact privileges have not yet been issued. Members should be aware of the 12–24-month implementation timeline before compact privileges are in effect.
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IHCA's Maintenance Essentials - Electrical and Life Safety Systems education event on June 10 will equip facility professionals, technicians and safety personnel with the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills needed to work confidently with electrical systems and life safety technologies. This event is approved for 4.0 CEUs for nursing facility administrators, assisted living managers and environmental services staff.
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Increase your knowledge of clinical assessment and care planning, completion of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), the regulations surrounding the Resident Assessment Index (RAI)/MDS process and managing the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) by attending the American Association of Post Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) Resident Assessment Coordinator—Certified (RAC-CT) Certification Workshop held virtually June 10-12. This RAC-CT Certification Workshop is approved for 22.5 CEs.
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Join IHCA for an exciting and enriching Activity Professionals Workshop on June 17, designed to inspire and empower activity professionals in senior living communities. This dynamic event, sponsored by the Iowa Council of Activity Professionals, will offer a variety of sessions focused on refreshing your approach to activity programming, navigating key regulations and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. This workshop is approved for 5.0 CEUs for activity professionals and nursing facility administrators.
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IHCA's three-part on-demand webinar series, Cybersecurity Essentials for Long-Term Care - Protecting Yourself, Your Facility and Your Residents, sponsored by CLA, will help you fortify your digital fortress by focusing on cybersecurity hygiene, ransomware resilience and defending against business email compromise. This on-demand course is approved for 3.0 CEUs for activity professionals, dietary staff, social services staff, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers.
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Members are reminded that nominations for AHCA/NCAL’s 2025 Awards Program are currently being accepted through May 31. This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 31, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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IHCA’s May NW District Meeting will take place tomorrow, May 8, in Storm Lake. Each meeting will feature targeted education on accounts receivable and collections, HR essentials and Medicaid eligibility, along with a district business meeting over lunch. Attendees can earn 3.0 CEUs while gaining practical tools for managing today’s administrative challenges in long-term care. Additional meetings will be held later in May in Coralville and Atlantic.
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, IHCA has launched a new Mental Health Mondays webinar series. The next webinar of the series, "CMS Revised Surveyor Guidance - Behavioral and Mental Health Supports," will take place next Monday, May 12. Each webinar offers 1.0 CEU, with up to 3.0 CEUs available for those who attend the entire series. Webinars will be available both live and on-demand for registered participants.
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IHCA's MDS Principles, held next Wednesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 15, is made for MDS coordinators or nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) starting their careers in MDS. Participants will gain the knowledge needed to ensure successful and accurate implementation of MDS 3.0 data elements while coding the MDS 3.0. This program will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually, and is approved for 12.0 CEUs for nurses, social services staff and nursing facility administrators.
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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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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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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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Leaders at IHCA member organizations can now apply for the Iowa Total Care Executive Health Care Leadership Institute Scholarship, which covers the full registration fee for IHCA’s premier leadership training program. Designed specifically for long-term care professionals, IHCA's Executive Health Care Leadership Institute blends core leadership skills with the technical expertise needed to thrive in today’s care settings. Nine scholarships are available, and applications are open through May 31.
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The Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) invites nursing home providers to participate in its annual Nursing Home Salary and Benefits Study. The deadline for submissions has been extended to Wednesday, May 28. The study covers management salaries, bonuses, non-management wages and staffing metrics covering retention and recruitment strategies.
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Members are reminded that nominations for AHCA/NCAL’s 2025 Awards Program are currently being accepted through May 31. This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 31, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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AHCA/NCAL is asking providers from skilled nursing facilities, assisted living programs and intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD) facilities to complete a ten-minute survey to better understand how issues in Washington might impact your facility(ies). Respondents will be asked about several topics, including Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, workforce and financials, among others. Please complete the survey by 7:00 p.m. this Friday, May 9.
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In recognition of Mental Health Awareness Month, IHCA is launching a new Mental Health Mondays webinar series, held on the first three Mondays in May. The series will explore critical mental health topics in long-term care, including self-care strategies, CMS guidance on behavioral health supports and managing depression and anxiety in older adults. Each webinar offers 1.0 CEU, with up to 3.0 CEUs available for those who attend all three. Webinars will be available both live and on-demand for registered participants.
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IHCA’s May District Meetings kick off next week with events on May 6 in Cedar Falls and May 8 in Storm Lake. Each meeting will feature targeted education on accounts receivable and collections, HR essentials and Medicaid eligibility, along with a district business meeting over lunch. Attendees can earn 3.0 CEUs while gaining practical tools for managing today’s administrative challenges in long-term care. Additional meetings will be held later in May in Coralville and Atlantic.
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The 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.
Read More
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 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 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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The John W. and Kimberly D. Grubb Registered Nurse (RN) Scholarship is for employees of an IHCA member organization pursuing an accredited RN degree. One $3,000 scholarship and eight $2,000 scholarships are available. These scholarships are for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications for all IHCA Foundation scholarship opportunities will close in one month; submit your application today!
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Nominations are now open for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Awards Program, recognizing individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the long-term care profession. This year, nominations are being accepted for the Mary K. Ousley Champion of Quality Award and the Jan Thayer Pioneer Award, with winners to be honored at Delivering Solutions 25 in Las Vegas. Nominations must be submitted by May 31, 2025, through AHCA/NCAL’s Award Force platform.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. An event is planned for this Friday in Ankeny with additional town halls held this weekend in Hiawatha, Des Moines and Marion. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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IHCA's MDS Principles, held May 14-15, is made for MDS coordinators or nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) starting their careers in MDS. Participants will gain the knowledge needed to ensure successful and accurate implementation of MDS 3.0 data elements while coding the MDS 3.0. This program will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually, and is approved for 12.0 CEUs for nurses, social services staff and nursing facility administrators.
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The first step of challenging a citation is an informal dispute resolution (IDR). IHCA's on-demand webinar, Mastering IDR: Best Practices and Strategies for Challenging Citations, discusses the IDR process and how to gather and present information that can be beneficial to present during an IDR. The session includes a mock-IDR where attendees can watch and learn about best practices for an IDR presentation.
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Gather your friends, family or coworkers and form a team to participate in a Walk to End Alzheimer’s event near you. As the world’s largest event to raise awareness and funds for Alzheimer’s care, support and research, it’s more than just a walk — it’s a powerful movement. Join the Alzheimer’s Association in taking steps toward a future without Alzheimer’s disease. This article provides a summary of 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's dates and locations.
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IHCA is hosting a webinar, "Simplifying PCREE Testing and Ensuring NFPA 99 Compliance," next Tuesday, April 29, to help long-term care facilities meet electrical safety standards. The session will cover NFPA 99 compliance requirements, strategies for minimizing risks from faulty medical and assistive devices and best practices for integrating electrical safety testing into routine maintenance. Approved for 1.0 contact hour, the webinar is designed for maintenance teams, administrators and staff involved in device safety.
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DON Fundamentals - A Playbook for New Nurse Leaders is an intensive, two-day training scheduled for next Wednesday and Thursday, April 30-May 1. This education is designed to equip new directors of nursing (DONs) and nurse leaders with critical leadership skills and practical strategies specific to nursing facilities. The course covers essential topics including risk mitigation, quality improvement (QAPI), survey preparedness and human resource management. This in-person course, sponsored by McKesson and NuCara LTC Pharmacy and Home Medical, is approved for 10.0 CEUs for nurses and nursing facility administrators.
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IHCA's May District Meeting events in Cedar Falls, Storm Lake, Coralville and Atlantic will offer targeted education on accounts receivable and collections, human resource essentials and Medicaid eligibility training — equipping attendees with practical tools for success in today’s complex care environment. In addition to valuable learning opportunities, the district business meetings will be held during a working lunch, creating space for meaningful discussion and peer networking. Don’t miss this chance to connect, learn and lead within your district. These events are approved for 3.0 CEUs for social services staff, nurses, department heads, nursing facility administrators and assisted living managers, and are sponsored by BCG Data Services, HPSI Purchasing Services, VGM Education/CE Solutions, NuCara LTC Pharmacy and Home Medical and IHCA Provider Solutions Enrollment Support.
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The 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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Iowa Total Care has announced new enhancements to Availity Essentials, effective April 21, 2025. Key updates include the ability to submit claim corrections directly from the claim status page, an improved Remittance Viewer with advanced search and filter options, and integrated InterQual review functionality within authorization requests. Live training sessions will be held today and tomorrow regarding these features.
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The IHCA Foundation is now offering two different scholarship opportunities for new and experienced directors of nursing, made possible by Care Initiatives. Scholarship applications are open now through May 31.
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Nominations for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Awards Program are now open! This program recognizes exceptional individuals who go above and beyond and make extraordinary contributions to the long-term care profession. Nominations are due May 30, 2025.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny and Council Bluffs with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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CMS has notified AHCA/NCAL that the mandatory off-cycle SNF provider enrollment revalidation deadline has been pushed back to Aug. 1, 2025. CMS states it will issue an MLN article soon with the formal announcement. Additionally, CMS recently updated its sub-regulatory guidance on this issue. This most recent update, the first since December 2024, adds information related to Section (IV)(B)(2) concerning therapy and other types of services.
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On Friday, April 11, CMS issued the proposed rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2026. AHCA has reviewed the proposed rule and developed a summary outlining key provisions and impacts on members.
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Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have released updated intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/ID) rates for July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, as outlined in Informational Letter 2674. The new eightieth percentile maximum rate is set at $487.81, with a 2.9% inflation factor applied based on the CPI-U.
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Nursing facilities certified by Medicare or Medicaid must complete Section Q of the MDS to inform eligible residents about Home- and Community-Based Services and support care in the least restrictive setting. The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has noted a lack of recent Section Q referrals and reminds providers that referrals are only required for residents who may return home within three months. Additional guidance is available in Informational Letter 1939 and the MDS Section Q Fact Sheet.
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Looking to strengthen your MDS systems or train new staff? IHCA Provider Solutions’ MDS and EHR Consulting Service delivers expert-level support to help your team improve accuracy, uncover missed revenue opportunities and increase efficiency. IHCA members can receive a full evaluation of their current MDS and EHR processes, personalized recommendations for improvement and hands-on guidance from long-term care expert Daleen Seibold, a trusted clinical reimbursement nurse with nearly 30 years of experience.
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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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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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U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) recently made changes to Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification, to align with statutory language, and updated the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Privacy Notice. In addition, starting on April 3, 2025, E-Verify and E-Verify+ have updated the citizenship status selection during case creation to reflect this statutory language.
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The IHCA Foundation is offering up to 34 scholarships of $1,500 each for employees of IHCA member organizations pursuing accredited programs in nursing, health care administration, or physical/occupational therapy for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications are open through May 31, 2025, and require a completed form, essay, transcript or acceptance letter, and a letter of recommendation. Several additional scholarship opportunities are also available for students and professionals in long-term care.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. An event is planned for this Friday in Ankeny with additional town halls held this weekend in Iowa City and Hiawatha. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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Increase your knowledge of clinical assessment and care planning, completion of the Minimum Data Set (MDS), the regulations surrounding the Resident Assessment Index (RAI)/MDS process and managing the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) by attending the American Association of Post Acute Care Nursing (AAPACN) Resident Assessment Coordinator—Certified (RAC-CT) Certification Workshop held virtually June 10-12. This RAC-CT Certification Workshop is approved for 22.5 CEs.
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IHCA’s on-demand webinar, Effective Strategies for Successful Surveyor Interactions, offers practical guidance for long-term care staff on navigating survey processes and responding to surveyor requests and allegations. It features a panel of experts who share real-world strategies for managing challenging survey situations and maintaining compliance. This on-demand webinar is approved for 1.0 CEU for administrators, activity professionals, dietary staff, department heads, environmental services, nurses and social services staff.
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HealthCap is offering a free six-week on-demand webinar series specifically crafted to provide practical tools and proven strategies that strengthen your restorative care approach. A new module will be offered every Tuesday with each on-demand webinar designed to equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to deliver quality restorative nursing care. Attendees can earn between 0.5 to 1.25 ANCC or NAB credits depending on the module.
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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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As a reminder, skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers enrolled in Medicare or Medicare/Medicaid must submit a mandatory off-cycle provider enrollment revalidation by May 1, 2025. It is important for SNF providers to ensure completion of the revalidation process by May 1 or risk having their Medicare enrollment suspended or revoked. As of mid-March, less than 20% of SNF providers have submitted revalidation applications. IHCA's webinar, "CMS Mid-Cycle Revalidations – Are You Ready?" from last week is now available on-demand to assist providers with this process. This webinar provides SNF owners, senior leadership and key vendors with practical guidance related to their revalidation obligations.
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The Spring 2025 PASRR Roadshow, hosted by Maximus and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, will take place April 22–25 in Des Moines, Fort Dodge, Waterloo and Ottumwa. This free, in-person training will provide attendees with in-depth instruction on Iowa’s PASRR provider website, PathTracker+, service delivery and collaboration with community partners. Participants will gain valuable insights into PASRR-identified services, care planning and compliance, with up to 4.25 IBON contact hours available.
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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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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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The MolinaCares High School Scholarship, made possible by the MolinaCares Charitable Foundation, is made for Iowa high school seniors who are in their senior year of high school during the 2024-2025 academic year and interested in pursuing a nursing career in long-term care. Nine $2,000 scholarships are available. Applications are due May 31.
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Registration for IHCA's 2025 May District Meetings is now open. These events will have a business office focus and will include Medicaid eligibility training with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. More details will be available soon. Register now to secure your spot! These events are sponsored by BCG Data Services, HPSI Purchasing Services, VGM Education and NuCara LTC Pharmacy.
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Join IHCA for an exciting and enriching Activity Professionals Workshop on June 17, designed to inspire and empower activity professionals in senior living communities. This dynamic event, sponsored by the Iowa Council of Activity Professionals, will offer a variety of sessions focused on refreshing your approach to activity programming, navigating key regulations and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents. This workshop is approved for 5.0 CEUs for activity professionals and nursing facility administrators.
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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 IHCA Foundation is now accepting applications through May 31 for 77 scholarships designed to support and advance careers in long-term care, including nursing, administration, physical and occupational therapy, as well as professional development courses. IHCA members are encouraged to apply and to share these exciting opportunities with their staff who are looking to further their education or boost their professional growth.
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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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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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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny, Lake Mills, Orient, Thompson, Forest City and Waterloo, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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DON Fundamentals - A Playbook for New Nurse Leaders is an intensive, two-day training scheduled for April 30-May 1, designed to equip new directors of nursing (DONs) and nurse leaders with critical leadership skills and practical strategies specific to nursing facilities. The course covers essential topics including risk mitigation, quality improvement (QAPI), survey preparedness and human resource management. This in-person course is approved for 10.0 CEUs for nurses and nursing facility administrators.
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IHCA's MDS Principles, held May 14-15, is made for MDS coordinators or nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) starting their careers in MDS. Participants will gain the knowledge needed to ensure successful and accurate implementation of MDS 3.0 data elements while coding the MDS 3.0. This program will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually, and is approved for 12.0 CEUs for nurses, social services staff and nursing facility administrators.
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IHCA's on-demand LTC Technology Summit brings together cutting-edge solutions for the long-term care industry, focusing on how innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT can transform operations, improve care and streamline compliance. This on-demand webinar is approved for 4.0 CEUs for nursing facility administrators, department heads and nurses.
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IHCA’s Spring Conference begins this afternoon, with the opening general session beginning at 1:00 p.m. This two-day, in-person event, presented by BCG Data Services, is our second largest event of the year. With over 30 sessions covering key topics such as CMS guidance changes, Medicaid eligibility, quality improvement, clinical trends and workplace culture – plus specialized sessions for activity professionals and home health staff – this is a must-attend event for IHCA members.
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IHCA’s April LPN-IV Certification Course will begin next Tuesday, April 1. Please note in-person lab days will take place in West Des Moines at the IHCA – BCG Education Center on April 15 and April 29. This course is designed to prepare licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to perform procedures related to the expanded scope of IV therapy in a licensed hospital or licensed skilled nursing facility as identified in 655 IAC 6.5(3). This course is approved for 43.0 contact hours for LPNs.
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Join IHCA in-person or virtually next Wednesday, April 2, for its Medicare Review. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of nursing facility benefits, payment methods and strategies to improve care coordination and service quality for eligible individuals in both fee-for-service and managed care systems. This program will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually, and is approved for 3.5 contact hours for nursing facility administrators, nurses and social services staff.
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Skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers enrolled in Medicare or Medicare/Medicaid must complete a mandatory provider enrollment revalidation by May 1, 2025, or risk suspension or revocation of enrollment. To assist providers, AHCA is hosting a webinar on March 28 and provides various resources online, while CMS offers detailed guidance and application instructions via PECOS. Additionally, AHCA will hold a webinar on April 1 to educate members on significant changes to the SNF Medicare Cost Report, which includes separate reporting of Medicare Advantage and Medicaid HMO data, enhanced contract labor reporting and more precise revenue categorization.
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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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Registration for the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, scheduled for April 7-9 in Atlanta, closes tomorrow, March 27. The event includes the rescheduled 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony — originally postponed due to Hurricane Milton — on April 7 from 4:45–5:45 p.m. IHCA encourages 2024 Quality Award recipients to attend and be recognized nationally. Special registration rates are available for Quality Award recipients and examiners.
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The IHCA Foundation is offering 77 scholarships this year to help individuals interested in pursuing or advancing their career in long-term care. Scholarship opportunities are available for current long-term care employees seeking to advance their health care or leadership skills, as well as high school seniors who are pursuing an education in health care. Scholarship applications will open next Monday, March 31, and close on May 31, 2025.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny and Iowa City with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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DON Fundamentals - A Playbook for New Nurse Leaders is an intensive, two-day training scheduled for April 30-May 1, designed to equip new directors of nursing (DONs) and nurse leaders with critical leadership skills and practical strategies specific to nursing facilities. The course covers essential topics including risk mitigation, quality improvement (QAPI), survey preparedness and human resource management. This in-person course is approved for 10.0 CEUs for nurses and nursing facility administrators.
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IHCA's MDS Principles, held May 14-15, is made for MDS coordinators or nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) starting their careers in MDS. Participants will gain the knowledge needed to ensure successful and accurate implementation of MDS 3.0 data elements while coding the MDS 3.0. This program will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually, and is approved for 12.0 CEUs for nurses, social services staff and nursing facility administrators.
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IHCA’s Spring Conference on March 26-27 is next week! This two-day, in-person event, presented by BCG Data Services, is our second largest event of the year. With over 30 sessions covering key topics such as CMS guidance changes, Medicaid eligibility, quality improvement, clinical trends and workplace culture – plus specialized sessions for activity professionals and home health staff – this is a must-attend event for IHCA members.
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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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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny and Council Bluffs with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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The Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) invites nursing home providers to participate in its annual Nursing Home Salary and Benefits Study. Please complete the brief questionnaire by May 12. The final report, published by HCS and supported by AHCA, will be available in July. There is no cost to participate. Participants may purchase the results at the reduced participant price of $200, versus the $400 non-participant rate.
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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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DON Fundamentals - A Playbook for New Nurse Leaders is an intensive, two-day training scheduled for April 30-May 1, designed to equip new directors of nursing (DONs) and nurse leaders with critical leadership skills and practical strategies specific to nursing facilities. The course covers essential topics including risk mitigation, quality improvement (QAPI), survey preparedness and human resource management. This in-person course is approved for 10.0 CEUs for nurses and nursing facility administrators.
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IHCA's MDS Principles, held May 14-15, is made for MDS coordinators or nurse assessment coordinators (NACs) starting their careers in MDS. Participants will gain the knowledge needed to ensure successful and accurate implementation of MDS 3.0 data elements while coding the MDS 3.0. This program will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually, and is approved for 12.0 CEUs for nurses, social services staff and nursing facility administrators.
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IHCA's Business Office Manager On-Demand Training Series provides comprehensive training to help business office managers effectively handle the complex financial and administrative responsibilities of long-term care facilities. Led by industry experts, the series covers critical topics such as accounts receivable, revenue cycle management, Medicaid and Medicare essentials, collections, payroll reporting and human resources. Participants will learn practical strategies to enhance their facility’s operational efficiency and financial success.
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National Skilled Nursing Care Week on May 11-17 is quickly approaching! Celebrate in style with exclusive merchandise featuring this year's vibrant Tapestry of Life theme. Explore a wide selection of shirts, bags, totes and drinkware, all thoughtfully designed to capture the spirit and energy of this special week.
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IHCA’s Spring Conference on March 26-27 is just two weeks away! This two-day, in-person event, presented by BCG Data Services, is our second largest event of the year. With over 30 sessions covering key topics such as CMS guidance changes, Medicaid eligibility, quality improvement, clinical trends and workplace culture – plus specialized sessions for activity professionals and home health staff – this is a must-attend event for IHCA members.
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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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CMS has eliminated the requirement for skilled nursing facilities to submit Medicare credit balance reports (CMS-838) quarterly. However, facilities must still file the form if they have credit balances to report for a given quarter. This rule applies only for Medicare Part A providers. However, the credit balances to report would be for either Part A or Part B overpayments for a Medicare Part A provider.
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IHCA is hosting a live webinar, "CMS Mid-Cycle Revalidations - Are You Ready?", on April 3 to help skilled nursing facility owners, senior leadership and key vendors navigate new heightened disclosure requirements and mid-cycle revalidation obligations before the May 1, 2025, deadline. The session will cover enhanced financial, operational and managerial disclosure requirements and provide practical guidance based on completed revalidations. Registrants will have access to both the live and on-demand versions, with CEU credit available for nursing facility administrators.
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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 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 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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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. An event is planned for this Friday in Ankeny, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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IHCA is hosting a webinar, "Simplifying PCREE Testing and Ensuring NFPA 99 Compliance," on April 29 to help long-term care facilities meet electrical safety standards. The session will cover NFPA 99 compliance requirements, strategies for minimizing risks from faulty medical and assistive devices and best practices for integrating electrical safety testing into routine maintenance. Approved for 1.0 contact hour, the webinar is designed for maintenance teams, administrators and staff involved in device safety.
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In need of an MDS coordinator or additional MDS support? IHCA's experts can help. Through IHCA Provider Solutions’ Remote MDS Service, a team of expert consultants complete your facility’s MDS assessments remotely and develop care plans that align with the MDS.
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It's not too late to join IHCA's four-part Leadership Foundations webinar series, featuring Jerald Cosey. The second webinar of the series, Leadership Foundations – The Trust Framework, will be held next Wednesday, March 12, and will explore the power of empathy in leadership. Please note, you must watch the recording of the first session in order to attend the remaining live sessions. The remaining live sessions will not be recorded.
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The 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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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Manchester, Greenfield, Ankeny and Waterloo, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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IHCA’s Spring Conference on March 26-27 is just three weeks away! This two-day, in-person event, presented by BCG Data Services, is our second largest event of the year. With over 30 sessions covering key topics such as Medicaid eligibility, quality improvement, clinical trends and workplace culture – plus specialized sessions for activity professionals and home health staff – this is a must-attend event for IHCA members.
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Gain practical strategies to optimize reimbursement and ensure compliance at IHCA's Medicare Review, held in a hybrid format, on April 2. This comprehensive training program will offer a detailed review of Medicare, Medicare Advantage and supplemental insurance coverage. Participants will gain an in-depth understanding of nursing facility benefits, payment methods and strategies to improve care coordination and service quality for eligible individuals in both fee-for-service and managed care systems. This hybrid event is approved for 3.5 contact hours for nurses, administrators and social services staff.
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Looking for a flexible, state-approved training option to qualify your staff as activity professionals? Check out IHCA's on-demand Activity Professionals Qualification Course! Sponsored by the Iowa Council of Activity Professionals, this course meets Iowa’s Department of Inspection, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL) requirements, ensuring your team is fully prepared to lead engaging, person-centered activity programs in nursing facilities and residential care facilities.
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Ensure your facility's safety and compliance by attending one of IHCA's 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences next week. The Cedar Rapids event will be held March 3-4, and the event in Jefferson will take place March 5-6. Approved for 7.5 CEUs, these events are designed for environmental service managers, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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IHCA's Spring Conference is just one month away! If you haven’t secured your accommodations yet, book your room by tomorrow, Feb. 27, to take advantage of the exclusive discounted rate. IHCA’s Spring Conference on March 26-27 is our second largest event of the year! With over 30 sessions covering key topics such as Medicaid eligibility, quality improvement, clinical trends and workplace culture – plus specialized sessions for activity professionals and home health staff – this conference, presented by BCG Data Services, is a must-attend event!
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The Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP) is awarding five free Spring Conference registrations exclusively to activity professionals! Please encourage your activity team to enter by showcasing your facility’s most impactful activities and events from the past year in an engaging "highlight reel." Submissions, which may include videos, photos, testimonials, etc., should be sent to IHCA's Education Director Hannah Freund at
[email protected] by this Friday, Feb. 28.
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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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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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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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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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An updated version of the Iowa Medicaid Long-Term Care Financial and Statistical Report (Cost Report) and Cost Report instructions have been posted to the provider forms webpage on the Iowa DHHS website as of Feb. 12, 2025. Please note, this updated version of the Cost Report is required to be used beginning with the fiscal year ends (FYE) Dec. 31, 2024, until a new version of the Cost Report is uploaded to the DHHS website.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny, Coralville and Iowa City, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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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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IHCA’s April LPN-IV Certification Course will begin online on Tuesday, April 1. In-person lab days will take place in West Des Moines at the IHCA - BCG Education Center on April 15 and April 29. This course is designed to prepare licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to perform procedures related to the expanded scope of IV therapy in a licensed hospital or licensed skilled nursing facility as identified in 655 IAC 6.5(3) and is approved for 43.0 contact hours.
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Stay ahead of the latest advancements and best practices in dementia care by attending Enhancing Dementia Care: Caring with Confidence tomorrow, Feb. 20. This hybrid event meets the State of Iowa’s dementia specific criteria for 6.0 contact hours for certified nursing assistants, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services staff, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Join IHCA next Tuesday and Wednesday for its virtual ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Coding for Skilled Nursing Facilities training. Participants will learn to navigate the ICD-10-CM Coding Manual, identify key coding elements and understand the impact of accurate coding on the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM). This program is approved for 8.0 CEUs for nurses, social services staff and nursing facility administrators.
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Ensure your facility's safety and compliance by attending one of IHCA's 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. The conference in Cedar Rapids will be held March 3-4, while the Jefferson conference will take place March 5-6. Approved for 7.5 CEUs, these events are designed for environmental service managers, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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The Iowa 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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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events will take place in Burlington, Ankeny, Lake Mills, Thompson, Forest City, Waterloo and Council Bluffs this Friday, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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Grow your skills and spring into quality improvement at IHCA’s two-day, in-person 2025 Spring Education Conference. This conference, sponsored by BCG Data Services, will take place Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27 at Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona and will offer over 30 timely sessions made specifically for long-term care professionals. This conference is approved for up to 10.0 CEUs for activity directors, nurses, social services staff, administrators, department heads, assisted living managers and home health professionals.
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The Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP) is awarding five free registrations to IHCA activity professionals to attend IHCA’s Spring Conference! To enter to win, showcase your facility’s most impactful activities and events from the past year by creating an engaging highlight reel! Please send your “highlight reel,” which may include videos, photos, testimonials, etc., to IHCA's Education Director Hannah Freund at
[email protected] by next Friday, Feb. 28, for a chance to win a free registration to the IHCA Spring Conference.
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IHCA's Certified Medication Aide Course, approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL), is designed to equip nurse aides and CNAs with the skills needed to safely administer non-parenteral medications in nursing facilities and related settings. This on-demand course, sponsored by Trio Pharmacy and Consonus Pharmacy, emphasizes safe medication administration and ensures participants are well-prepared to handle and administer medications to residents.
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AHCA has recently released resources for 2025 National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW), including a planning guide, promotional resources, logos/graphics and products. These materials are designed to assist in planning, promoting and celebrating NSNCW on May 11-17.
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Join IHCA next Tuesday, Feb. 18, for its Advanced Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Training Program - Navigating Complexities and Optimizing Outcomes. This advanced program will delve into the complexities of MDS 3.0 coding and its direct impact on Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) reimbursement. Designed for experienced MDS coordinators and interdisciplinary team members, the training will explore the most common challenges and pitfalls encountered in MDS coding, emphasizing strategies to ensure accuracy and compliance. This education event is approved for 6.0 CEUs for social services staff, nurses and nursing facility administrators and will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually.
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Stay ahead of the latest advancements and best practices in dementia care by attending Enhancing Dementia Care: Caring with Confidence next Thursday, Feb. 20. This conference, offered in a hybrid format, meets the State of Iowa’s dementia specific criteria for health care professionals who work in Iowa nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Sponsored by Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy, this event is approved for 6.0 CEUs for CNAs, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services staff, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Join us for IHCA Day on the Hill, sponsored by Medline, on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Your participation is critical, as legislators need to hear directly from you about the challenges you face and the funding necessary to continue serving Iowa’s most vulnerable populations. Please RSVP for this event by this Friday, Feb. 14.
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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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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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Accurate MDS coding and efficient EHR management are critical for maximizing reimbursement and improving quality outcomes in skilled nursing facilities. IHCA Provider Solutions offers expert MDS and EHR consulting to help your facility optimize revenue, streamline processes and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
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Lawmakers across Iowa will host legislative town halls this weekend, providing an opportunity for constituents to engage with their representatives. Events will take place in Ankeny and West Des Moines on Friday, with additional forums held across the state on Saturday and Monday. Attendees can discuss key issues, ask questions, and connect with legislators in their communities. Check the full schedule for details on locations and participating state legislators.
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The University of Iowa’s Institute for Public Health Practice, Research and Policy has introduced its Infection Prevention Scholarship Program. The program is available for long-term care facility employees seeking to receive the Long-Term Care Certification for Infection Prevention (LTC-CIP) credential offered by the Certification Board of Infection Control and Epidemiology (CBIC).
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Ensure your facility's safety and compliance by attending one of IHCA's 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. The conference in Cedar Rapids will be held March 3-4, while the Jefferson conference will take place March 5-6. Approved for 7.5 CEUs, these events are designed for environmental service managers, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Grow your skills and spring into quality improvement at IHCA’s two-day, in-person 2025 Spring Education Conference. This conference, sponsored by BCG Data Services, will take place Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27 at Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona and will offer over 25 timely sessions made specifically for long-term care professionals. This conference is approved for up to 10.0 CEUs for activity directors, nurses, social services staff, administrators, department heads, assisted living managers and home health professionals.
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The Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP) is awarding five free registrations to IHCA activity professionals to attend IHCA’s Spring Conference! To enter to win, showcase your facility’s most impactful activities and events from the past year by creating an engaging highlight reel! Please send your “highlight reel,” which may include videos, photos, testimonials, etc., to IHCA's Education Director Hannah Freund at
[email protected] by Feb. 28 for a chance to win a free registration to the IHCA Spring Conference.
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Join IHCA in person next Wednesday, Feb. 12, for its Wound Care in LTC – Best Practices for Optimal Outcomes. This comprehensive training focuses on advancing wound care expertise in the long-term care (LTC) setting. This education is approved for 5.5 CEUs for nurses and nursing facility administrators.
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IHCA is launching a four-part live webinar series designed to help long-term care leaders foster trust in their teams and organizations. Led by Jerald Cosey, founder of J.Cosey Speaks, "Leadership Foundations – The Trust Framework," will offer a unique opportunity to learn actionable leadership strategies rooted in research from Harvard experts. The series will focus on the three primary drivers of trust: empathy, logic and authenticity, and will provide practical tools to strengthen leadership capabilities and improve team dynamics. This IHCA webinar series begins next Wednesday, Feb. 12, and is approved for 6.0 CEUs for activity professionals, nurses, social services, environmental services, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Grow your skills and spring into quality improvement at IHCA’s two-day, in-person 2025 Spring Education Conference. This conference, sponsored by BCG, will take place Wednesday, March 26 and Thursday, March 27 at Prairie Meadows Conference Center in Altoona and will offer over 25 timely sessions made specifically for long-term care professionals. This conference is approved for up to 10.0 CEUs for activity directors, nurses, social services staff, administrators, department heads, assisted living managers and home health professionals.
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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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This year’s AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program has seen an incredible surge in participation from Iowa providers! A total of 85 Iowa applications were submitted — 25 more than last year — marking a record-breaking year for our state. We are proud of each applicant for taking this important step in their quality journey.
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The 2024 AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Recognition Ceremony, originally scheduled for last fall in Orlando, was postponed due to Hurricane Milton. AHCA/NCAL has now rescheduled the ceremony to take place during the 2025 AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit, happening April 7–9, 2025, at the Grand Hyatt Atlanta in Buckhead. The 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored on the evening of Monday, April 7, during the Quality Award Recognition Ceremony. Discounted registration rates are available for 2024 Quality Award recipients and examiners, as well as for those only attending the Quality Award Ceremony and Reception.
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Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are requesting Medicaid providers to complete a survey on Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) Act Section 5042(e)(1)(A) reporting requirements for FFY 2024. The survey gathers data on providers’ compliance with prescription drug monitoring requirements when prescribing controlled substances. The survey will close on March 21, 2025.
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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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Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) have identified an error in 1099-MISC tax forms sent to providers who received fee-for-service (FFS) payments in calendar year 2024. Forms postmarked Jan. 27, 2025, were issued with incorrect payer information and should be disregarded. Providers who received a form listing TIN XXXXX4568, payer name: Iowa Department of Human Services, and address: 1305 East Walnut will receive a corrected version.
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As an IHCA member, you have access to IHCA’s provider network – Iowa Health Care Quality Partners (IHCQP) – a collaboration of over 200 long-term and post-acute care providers. This network has been helping members for years by streamlining administrative processes, improving contract terms and providing valuable resources to support quality care.
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Several legislative town halls are scheduled across Iowa this Friday and Saturday, offering an opportunity to engage with state lawmakers. Events will be held in Allison, Ankeny, Manchester, Eldridge and other locations statewide, featuring discussions on key legislative issues. Attendees can hear directly from state representatives and senators on topics impacting their communities.
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Join us for IHCA Day on the Hill on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Your participation is critical, as legislators need to hear directly from you about the challenges you face and the funding necessary to continue serving Iowa’s most vulnerable populations. Please RSVP for this event by next Friday, Feb. 14.
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Ensure your facility's safety and compliance by attending one of IHCA's 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. The conference in Cedar Rapids will be held March 3-4, while the Jefferson conference will take place March 5-6. Approved for 7.5 CEUs, these events are designed for environmental service managers, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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The Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP) is awarding five free registrations to IHCA activity professionals to attend IHCA’s Spring Conference! To enter to win, showcase your facility’s most impactful activities and events from the past year by creating an engaging highlight reel! Please send your “highlight reel,” which may include videos, photos, testimonials, etc., to IHCA's Education Director, Hannah Freund, at
[email protected] by Feb. 28 for a chance to win a free registration to the IHCA Spring Conference.
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Accommodations are now available for IHCA’s 2025 Convention and Trade Show, taking place Sept. 21-24 at the Des Moines Marriott Hotel, located at 700 Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Attendees can enjoy a discounted rate of $143 per night (plus tax) for single or double occupancy rooms.
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IHCA’s February LPN-IV Certification Course, approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing, will begin online this Friday, Jan. 31. Please note in-person lab days will take place in West Des Moines at the IHCA office on Feb. 14 and Feb. 26. This course is designed to prepare licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to perform procedures related to the expanded scope of IV therapy in a licensed hospital or licensed skilled nursing facility as identified in 655 IAC 6.5(3) and is approved for 43.0 contact hours.
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Join IHCA next Wednesday, Feb. 5, and Thursday, Feb. 6, for its Nursing Facility Administrator 101 Boot Camp, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy, CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) and Curana Health. This in-person boot camp will offer a comprehensive overview of core responsibilities, essential best practices and the latest industry updates to help you navigate challenges with confidence and competence. Join us to sharpen your expertise, exchange ideas with peers and strengthen your leadership impact in creating thriving, resident-focused communities. This two-day program is approved for 11.0 CEUs for nursing facility administrators.
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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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Join us for IHCA Day on the Hill on Wednesday, Feb. 19. Your participation is critical, as legislators need to hear directly from you about the challenges you face and the funding necessary to continue serving Iowa’s most vulnerable populations. Please RSVP for this event by Friday, Feb. 14.
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This article provides an overview of upcoming town halls. Events are planned for this Friday in Waverly, Monticello and Baxter, with additional town halls next week in Greene, Des Moines and New Hampton.
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Join IHCA on Tuesday, Feb. 25, and Wednesday, Feb. 26, for its virtual International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-10-CM) Diagnosis Coding for Skilled Nursing Facilities training. This training focuses on ICD-10-CM diagnosis coding, specifically within the context of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) and long-term care facilities. Participants will learn to navigate the ICD-10-CM Coding Manual, identify key coding elements and understand the impact of accurate coding on PDPM. This program is approved for 8.0 CEUs for nurses, social services staff and nursing facility administrators.
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Accommodations are now available for IHCA’s 2025 Convention and Trade Show, taking place Sept. 21-24 at the Des Moines Marriott Hotel, located at 700 Grand Ave. in Des Moines. Attendees can enjoy a discounted rate of $143 per night (plus tax) for single or double occupancy rooms.
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Navigating the world of long-term care (LTC) can feel overwhelming, especially with the variety of terms and acronyms unique to this field. To make things easier for professionals, caregivers and others involved in long-term care, we’re excited to announce the launch of our new webpage designed to clarify frequently used terms and acronyms.
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Members participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program are reminded that applications must be submitted to the Quality Portal no later than 7:00 p.m. CST tomorrow, Jan. 23.
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CMS has announced updates to compliance requirements that will take effect on Feb. 24, 2025. Join IHCA next Wednesday, Jan. 29, for an engaging webinar that will cover these key updates and provide strategies to ensure compliance. The live webinar, CMS Guidance Changes – Keys to Compliance, will run from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and will be presented by IHCA’s Brenda Irlbeck, VP, Quality Improvement and Regulatory Compliance. This webinar is approved for 1.0 CEU for nursing facility administrators, nurses, department heads and social services staff.
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IHCA’s February LPN-IV Certification Course, approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing, will begin online next Friday, Jan. 31. Please note in-person lab days will take place in West Des Moines at the IHCA office on Feb. 14 and Feb. 26. This course is designed to prepare licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to perform procedures related to the expanded scope of IV therapy in a licensed hospital or licensed skilled nursing facility as identified in 655 IAC 6.5(3) and is approved for 43.0 contact hours.
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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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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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On Jan. 16, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued two Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) articles describing changes in the 2025 immunization schedule for children, adolescents and adults. Changes related to older adults include new and updated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccines and pneumococcal conjugate vaccines (PCV).
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The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals, and Licensing (DIAL) recently launched DIALED IN, a podcast series designed to educate the public about the department’s work and its impact on Iowa’s health care and licensing industries. The podcast explores a variety of topics, from nursing home surveys and CMS performance measures to fraud investigations, administrative hearings and the health facility complaint process. Each episode provides valuable insights into how DIAL operates and addresses important issues affecting Iowans.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the Jan. 8 issue of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include newly noticed Human Services Department rules regarding nursing facilities, facility assessments, intermediate care facilities for the intellectually disabled (ICFs/ID) and Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment (EPSDT).
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Last Tuesday evening, Governor Reynolds gave her Condition of the State Address, where she discussed the strengths of the state and her policy initiatives for this session. This article contains an overview of her health care related recommendations and initiatives, as well as upcoming town halls.
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The Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grant is open to eligible employers and accepting applications on iowagrants.gov until Wednesday, Feb. 19. The announced grant will provide $3 million in total funding to create new pipelines of workers to help fill high-demand occupations in the health care sector. Eligible high-demand occupations include registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants, direct support professionals, physical therapy assistants/technicians and more. An informative webinar for interested applicants will be held tomorrow, Jan. 23, at 11:30 a.m.
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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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Ensure your facility's safety and compliance by attending one of IHCA's 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. The conference in Cedar Rapids will be held March 3-4, while the Jefferson conference will take place March 5-6. Approved for 7.5 CEUs, these events are designed for environmental service managers, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Join IHCA next Wednesday, Jan. 22, for its virtual Workforce Management Conference. This program will explore strategies to address workforce challenges, including staff recruitment, retention and engagement and is approved for 5.0 CEUs for department heads, directors of nursing, nurse leaders, administrators, assisted living managers and home health directors.
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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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As of Jan. 1, 2025, Iowa Medicaid will no longer cover over the counter (OTC) COVID-19 test kits. CMS ended coverage for OTC COVID-19 test kits on May 11, 2023.
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The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program application submission deadline is quickly approaching. Applications must be submitted to the Quality Portal no later than 7:00 p.m. CST on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025. IHCA encourages members to finalize and submit applications at least three days before the deadline to avoid any technical difficulties or delays caused by unforeseen circumstances.
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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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CMS has announced updates to compliance requirements that will take effect on Feb. 24, 2025. Join IHCA on Wednesday, Jan. 29, for an engaging webinar that will cover these key updates and provide strategies to ensure compliance. The live webinar, "CMS Guidance Changes - Keys to Compliance," will run from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. and will be presented by IHCA's Brenda Irlbeck, VP, Quality Improvement and Regulatory Compliance. This webinar is approved for 1.0 CEU for nursing facility administrators, nurses, department heads and social services staff, and will be available on IHCA's on-demand platform until June 30.
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IHCA is launching a four-part live webinar series designed to help long-term care leaders foster trust in their teams and organizations. Lead by Jerald Cosey, founder of J.Cosey Speaks, "Leadership Foundations – The Trust Framework," will offer a unique opportunity to learn actionable leadership strategies rooted in research from Harvard experts. The series will focus on the three primary drivers of trust: empathy, logic and authenticity, and will provide practical tools to strengthen leadership capabilities and improve team dynamics. This IHCA webinar series begins Feb. 12 and is approved for 6.0 CEUs for activity professionals, nurses, social services, environmental services, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Stonehill Communities, an IHCA member, is a participating provider in the CMS Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model program. Located in Dubuque, Stonehill is one of three providers in Iowa selected for this innovative initiative and will launch its program on July 1, 2025.
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As we kick off the new year, IHCA is excited to announce that the IHCA Education Center has been renamed the Brighton Consulting Group (BCG) Education Center. While the center now carries a new name, it remains the same trusted location members have come to know at the IHCA office, 1775 90th Street in West Des Moines. This change reflects the deep appreciation IHCA holds for Brighton Consulting Group and its long-standing dedication to the association and Iowa’s long-term care providers.
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Join IHCA next Wednesday, Jan. 15, for its Long-Term Care (LTC) Technology Summit. This virtual conference brings together cutting-edge solutions for the long-term care industry, focusing on how innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT can transform operations, improve care and streamline compliance. This virtual conference is approved for 4.0 CEUs for nursing facility administrators, department heads and nurses.
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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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On Dec. 18, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued Policy Clarification #PC00028, which reduces the allowable managed care organization (MCO) payment recoupment period to two years. The new policies, which apply to all MCO claims, took effect Jan. 1, 2025. IHCA is happy to have worked with the department on this needed change to the managed care system, providing needed relief on the administrative side of many provider’s operations.
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The 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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Join IHCA on Wednesday, Jan. 22, for its Workforce Management Conference. This conference will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually. The conference will explore strategies to address workforce challenges, including staff recruitment, retention and engagement. This hybrid conference is approved for 5.0 CEUs for department heads, directors of nursing, nurse leaders, administrators, assisted living managers and home health directors.
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Recently, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) issued Policy Clarification #PC00028, which reduces the allowable managed care organization (MCO) payment recoupment period to two years. The new policies, which apply to all MCO claims, take effect Jan. 1, 2025. IHCA is happy to have worked with the department on this needed change to the managed care system, providing needed relief on the administrative side of many provider’s operations.
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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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Join IHCA in person on Wednesday, Feb. 12, for its Wound Care in Long-Term Care - Best Practices for Optimal Outcomes, an educational training focused on advancing wound care expertise in the long-term care setting. Attendees will learn how to understand wound assessments and diagnoses, implement evidence-based treatment protocols, develop and apply prevention strategies, foster interdisciplinary collaboration, ensure regulatory compliance and promote continuous improvement. This education is approved for 5.5 CEUs for nurses and nursing facility administrators.
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CMS recently posted the ninth update to sub-regulatory guidance for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Mandatory Off-Cycle SNF Provider Enrollment Revalidation process. This update includes three significant changes and updates of which providers need to be aware.
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Iowa has been selected as one of 20 states where the Unified Program Integrity Contractor (UPIC), CoventBridge, will conduct an audit of the Iowa Medicaid managed care programs (MCPs). The audit will include the managed care organizations (MCOs) and the prepaid ambulatory health plans (PAHPs). CoventBridge may request documentation from providers during the audit. The lifecycle of this audit is expected to be 13 months. Providers are required to comply with the requests for the documentation and the timeframes established by CoventBridge.
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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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Join IHCA on Tuesday, Feb. 18, for its Advanced Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Training Program - Navigating Complexities and Optimizing Outcomes. This advanced program delves into the complexities of MDS 3.0 coding and its direct impact on Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) reimbursement. Designed for experienced MDS coordinators and interdisciplinary team members, the training explores the most common challenges and pitfalls encountered in MDS coding, emphasizing strategies to ensure accuracy and compliance. This education event is approved for 6.0 CEUs for social services staff, nurses and nursing facility administrators and will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually.
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Stay ahead of the latest advancements and best practices in dementia care by attending Enhancing Dementia Care: Caring with Confidence. This conference, offered in a hybrid format, meets the State of Iowa’s dementia specific criteria for health care professionals who work in Iowa nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This conference is approved for 6.0 CEUs for CNAs, health care assistants, activity professionals, social services staff, physical therapists, nurses, department heads, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Iowa Total Care now has Availity Essentials as its secure provider portal. On Nov. 18, 2024, providers became able to submit authorizations and access other payer resources via Availity Essentials.
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IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. The bi-weekly areas of note found in the Nov. 13 and Nov. 27 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin include newly noticed rules regarding workforce development, as well as an adopted and filed rule regarding employer records and reports.
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In need of an MDS coordinator or additional MDS support? IHCA's experts can help. Through IHCA Provider Solutions’ Remote MDS Service, a team of expert consultants complete your facility’s MDS assessments remotely and develop care plans that align with the MDS.
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Join IHCA on Wednesday, Feb. 5, and Thursday, Feb. 6, for its Nursing Facility Administrator 101 Boot Camp, sponsored by Curana Health. This in-person boot camp will offer a comprehensive overview of core responsibilities, essential best practices and the latest industry updates to help you navigate challenges with confidence and competence. Join us to sharpen your expertise, exchange ideas with peers and strengthen your leadership impact in creating thriving, resident-focused communities. This two-day program is approved for 11.0 CEUs for nursing facility administrators.
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The next CMS Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)/Long-Term Care (LTC) Open Door Forum is scheduled for tomorrow, Dec. 5, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m.
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The November 2024 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 most common insufficiencies. 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.
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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 December. Join COE-NF next Thursday, Dec. 12, for its Supporting Healing from Grief and Loss in Nursing Facilities
webinar at 1:00 p.m.
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To facilitate a collaborative response to infectious disease emergencies, the University of Iowa’s Institute of Public Health Research and Policy has organized several interactive, discussion-based tabletop exercises. 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. These tabletop exercises are scheduled to occur in several locations throughout 2025 and are offered at no cost to participants.
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Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services recently announced upcoming Iowa Medicaid pharmacy program changes effective Jan. 1, 2025. The letter includes information regarding changes to the preferred drug list, new drug prior authorization (PA) criteria, changes to existing PA criteria and point of sale billing updates.
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently published the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 HHS Agency Financial Report, which highlights the Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) paid claims error rates for Part A and Part B services for October 2023 through September 2024.
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On Tuesday, Nov. 26, CMS released the Contract Year (CY) 2026 Medicare Advantage (MA) and Part D proposed rule, which aims to hold MA plans more accountable. The release of this rule comes during the Lame Duck period, and it is unclear whether or how the incoming Trump Administration will proceed with these proposed policies.
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Join IHCA on Wednesday, Jan. 22, for its Workforce Management Conference. This conference will be offered in a hybrid format, meaning you can attend in-person or virtually. This education program explores strategies to address workforce challenges, including staff recruitment, retention and engagement. This conference is approved for 5.0 CEUs for department heads, directors of nursing, nurse leaders, administrators, assisted living managers and home health directors.
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Members that are considering implementing a Population Health Management (PHM) model in the future are encouraged to learn the fundamentals now through AHCA’s/NCAL’s PHM Innovation Lab. Phase I of the lab contains free member-only foundational resources designed to introduce nursing facility, assisted living and intermediate care facility members and their staff to the wide array of PHM models available today and in the future.
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IHCA's Bronze Quality Award Workshop will take place next Tuesday, Dec. 3. This is your opportunity to complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way. This in-person workshop is approved for 5.0 CEUs for nurses, administrators and assisted living managers.
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Join IHCA for its Restorative Nursing Program, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy, next Wednesday, Dec. 4. This comprehensive in-person program will guide long-term care staff through the essential elements of restorative nursing, focusing on key areas critical to providing high-quality care and maintaining compliance with Medicare and Medicaid requirements. This program is approved for 5.0 CEUs for physical therapists, nurses and nursing facility administrators.
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With the 2025 Medicaid rebase quickly approaching in the upcoming legislative session, grassroots engagement is more critical than ever. IHCA's collective goal is to have all 150 state legislators visit a nursing facility before the end of the year. This is especially important with many new legislators taking office, as it provides an opportunity to educate them on the basics of rebasing, revenue sources and rising costs — key points to lay the groundwork for budget conversations during the session. To support your efforts, IHCA has compiled a suite of resources below to help facilitate productive discussions with legislators.
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Health Safety Network (NHSN) team has announced several webinars to assist nursing homes with weekly and annual reporting requirements. The next webinar, Reporting Annual Health Care Personnel Influenza Vaccination Data through NHSN, will take place next Tuesday, Dec. 3. This is a repeat of the webinar conducted by the NHSN team on Nov. 19.
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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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Join IHCA on Wednesday, Jan. 15, for its brand new Long-Term Care (LTC) Technology Summit. This virtual conference brings together cutting-edge solutions for the long-term care industry, focusing on how innovative technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and ChatGPT can transform operations, improve care and streamline compliance. This virtual conference is approved for 4.0 CEUs for nursing facility administrators, department heads and nurses.
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IHCA’s February LPN-IV Certification Course, approved by the Iowa Board of Nursing, will begin online on Friday, Jan. 31. Please note in-person lab days will take place in West Des Moines at the IHCA office on Feb. 14 and Feb. 26. This course is designed to prepare licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to perform procedures related to the expanded scope of IV therapy in a licensed hospital or licensed skilled nursing facility as identified in 655 IAC 6.5(3) and is approved for 43.0 contact hours.
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IHCA’s 2025 education calendar is now available and features education opportunities for skilled nursing facilities, assisted living programs, home health agencies and continuing care retirement communities. Stay up to date on the key skills needed to serve your residents, tenants or patients with more than 65 education events in 2025 provided by IHCA. Additionally, IHCA’s on-demand education platform is accessible 24/7 and features 50+ courses covering regulatory, clinical, leadership and reimbursement topics, as well as in-service training and certification programs.
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IHCA and ICAL members have access to a wealth of online education through AHCA/NCAL. Online courses feature live and pre-recorded events, toolkits and resources, covering a wide range of timely topics. CEUs are also available, depending on the course. Check out these programs currently available through AHCA/NCAL.
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