April 28, 2025
May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and to recognize its importance, IHCA is launching a brand-new webinar series: Mental Health Mondays — with webinars taking place the first three Mondays in May! This series is designed to spotlight key mental health topics relevant to long-term care providers. You can register for one, two or all three
April 28, 2025
Join IHCA this May for a series of District Meeting events designed to strengthen collaboration and enhance knowledge across key administrative areas. These four events 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. Each event
April 28, 2025
CGS Administrators, the Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for jurisdictions that include Iowa home health agencies, has begun a new round of Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) audits directed at home health providers. If your agency has been chosen, CGS will notify your agency by mail and through the MyCGS portal. The new TPE audits are
April 28, 2025
The April 2025 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA Member Resource Portal. Click here to view the report. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa facilities. Survey trend reports can be found at iowahealthcare.org under
April 28, 2025
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.
April 28, 2025
Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Jan. 1 – March 31, 2025, by May 15, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. Key reminders: Resources: CMS has several resources to help answer provider questions on PBJ, including: For questions, contact Brenda Irlbeck, VP, Regulatory Affairs.
April 28, 2025
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. Did you know: There are a variety of methods to contact the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ)
April 28, 2025
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
April 28, 2025
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) is offering the following free training opportunities in May for all nursing facility staff: Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) Suicide PreventionTuesday, May 6 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. | Register here QPR training offers strategies to support your work in providing suicide prevention and
April 28, 2025
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 this scholarship program are open through May 31, 2025. Click here to
April 28, 2025
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. Please be aware that AHCA/NCAL will not receive nominations for the AHCA and NCAL Leaders of the Year and Noble
April 28, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. An event is planned for this Friday in Ankeny with additional town halls held this weekend in Hiawatha, Des Moines and Marion. Ankeny Legislative Office Hours with Rep. Heather MatsonFriday, May 2 at 9:00 a.m.Main Street Cafe (2510 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny) Marion Coffee and
April 28, 2025
IHCA’s Minimum Data Set (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 provides comprehensive training on all sections of
April 28, 2025
IHCA’s Care Continuum Providers Conference: Funding the Future of Care on June 4, sponsored by BCG Data Services and CLA, is designed specifically for c-suite executives, owners and administrators leading Iowa’s care continuum organizations. As the need for sustainable funding grows, so does the importance of strategic philanthropy. Through expert-led sessions, participants will explore essential
April 28, 2025
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
April 28, 2025
VGM Education/CE Solutions, an IHCA Premier Partner, works with long-term care facilities to meet compliance requirements while streamlining staff education offerings through its online learning platform. VGM Education/CE Solutions online courses are designed to meet the needs of health care staff in skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and hospice environments. In addition, its robust
April 28, 2025
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
April 21, 2025
Join IHCA next Tuesday, April 29, for its webinar, Simplifying PCREE Testing and Ensuring NFPA 99 Compliance. Electrical safety is essential in long-term care facilities, where patient care-related electrical equipment (PCREE) plays a vital role in patient well-being. To meet the safety requirements set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99, routine electrical safety
April 21, 2025
DON Fundamentals – A Playbook for New Nurse Leaders is a comprehensive, two-day, in-person training, held next Wednesday and Thursday, April 30 – May 1. This education is designed to provide new directors of nursing (DONs) and nurse leaders with the essential skills, strategies and knowledge to excel in their leadership roles within nursing facilities.
April 21, 2025
Join IHCA this May for a series of District Meeting events designed to strengthen collaboration and enhance knowledge across key administrative areas. These four events 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. Each event
April 21, 2025
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.
April 21, 2025
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
April 21, 2025
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: Providers can access the toolkit on the Quality, Safety and Education Portal (QSEP) public access
April 21, 2025
Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Jan. 1 – March 31, 2025, by May 15, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. Key reminders: CMS has several resources to help answer provider questions on PBJ, including: For questions, contact Brenda Irlbeck, VP, Regulatory Affairs.
April 21, 2025
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. Did you know: There are a variety of methods to contact the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ)
April 21, 2025
The Quarter 2 2025 assisted living (AL) and residential care facility (RCF) survey trend reports are now available in the IHCA Member Resource Center. Click here to view the reports. These reports are member-only resources that provides listings of the most common regulatory insufficiencies. Survey trend reports can be found at iowahealthcare.org under Practice Guidance
April 21, 2025
The following Provider Alert was published by Iowa Total Care on April 18. Effective April 21, 2025, Centene will have new features on Availity Essentials, including: Providers can view the schedule and register to join live trainings on Claims Corrections and Remittance Viewer via the link listed below. Session information For questions or concerns, contact
April 21, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2638, providing formal guidance regarding Home Health Care Services (HHCS) prior authorizations (PAs). The managed care organizations (MCOs) — Iowa Total Care, Molina Healthcare of Iowa and Wellpoint Iowa, Inc. — are all in alignment for HHCS providers
April 21, 2025
The IHCA Foundation is now offering two different scholarship opportunities for new and experienced directors of nursing (DONs), made possible by Care Initiatives. Applications are open now through May 31. The Care Initiatives New DON Scholarship is made for new DONs who are employed by an IHCA member facility and are interested in attending the DON Fundamentals
April 21, 2025
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. Please be aware that AHCA/NCAL will not receive nominations for the AHCA and NCAL Leaders of the Year and Noble Caregivers in 2025. Because Delivering Solutions 24 was
April 21, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny and Council Bluffs with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Des Moines Office Hours with Rep. Heather MatsonFriday, April 25 at 9:00 a.m.Main Street Cafe (2510 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny) Council Bluffs Office Hours
April 21, 2025
For nearly 30 years, Lee Agency has specialized in providing business insurance and risk management solutions to senior living communities. Lee Agency’s experience and expertise have allowed them to partner with hundreds of senior living communities throughout the Midwest. With multiple registered nurses and a claims and risk manager on staff, they provide clients with educational
April 14, 2025
IHCA’s Assisted Living Management Certification (ALMC) Program will be held in person next Monday, April 21, through Thursday, April 24. This program, sponsored by Consonus Pharmacy, is designed to provide aspiring and current assisted living managers with the comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this demanding role. From understanding state and federal regulations
April 14, 2025
Join IHCA next Wednesday, April 23, for its in-person Assisted Living Regulatory Class, sponsored by NuCara LTC Pharmacy & Home Medical. The purpose of this class is to provide assisted living nurses and directors with the Iowa assisted living laws, rules and regulations. Due to an increase in attendees, this event will now take place
April 14, 2025
CMS has notified AHCA/NCAL that the mandatory off-cycle skilled nursing facility (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. AHCA/NCAL had been advocating for relief on these extensive new reporting requirements since they were announced. As of
April 14, 2025
On Friday, April 11, CMS issued the proposed rule for the skilled nursing facility (SNF) prospective payment system (PPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2026. Highlights include: Learn more from the CMS fact sheet and view the proposed rule in the Federal Register. Additionally, AHCA has reviewed the proposed rule and developed a summary outlining key
April 14, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) released informational letter (IL) 2674 regarding July 2025 intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities (ICF/ID) rates. Per Iowa Administrative Code (IAC) 82.5(14)e, the maximum rate for ICF/IDs shall be updated to the “eightieth percentile of the total per diem cost of
April 14, 2025
On Thursday, April 10, IHCA hosted its monthly Home Health Provider Update Call to discuss the most recent changes for the home health and home care profession. Below is a summary of the call and action steps providers should take to ensure compliance. Hosts Agenda Quality and Regulatory Managed Care and Reimbursement On-Demand Education Action
April 14, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2640 to provide guidance and clarification on the requirements and configuration for home health care services (HHCS), billed to the managed care organizations (MCOs) on an 837 Institutional (837i) claim requiring Electronic Visit Verification (EVV). As part of
April 14, 2025
Nursing facilities certified by Medicare or Medicaid are required to complete the Minimum Data Set (MDS) for all residents of the facility, regardless of age, diagnosis, length of stay or payment category. Section Q of the MDS provides the opportunity for residents to learn about Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) and to receive long-term care
April 14, 2025
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
April 14, 2025
Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Jan. 1 – March 31, 2025, by May 15, 2025, at 10:59 p.m. Key reminders: CMS has several resources to help answer provider questions on PBJ, including: For questions, contact Brenda Irlbeck, VP, Regulatory Affairs.
April 14, 2025
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. Did you know: There are a variety of methods to contact the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ)
April 14, 2025
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
April 14, 2025
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. Please be aware that AHCA/NCAL will not receive nominations for the AHCA and NCAL Leaders of the Year and Noble Caregivers in 2025. Because Delivering Solutions 24 was
April 14, 2025
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. Data contained within the Provider Preview Reports are based on quality assessment data
April 14, 2025
The Home Health Agency (HHA) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on the compare tool on Medicare.gov and the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the July 2025 refresh. Data contained within the Provider Preview Reports are based on quality assessment data submitted by HHAs
April 14, 2025
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. The revised Form I-9 with an edition date of Jan. 20, 2025, and an expiration date May 31, 2027, is now available for download, while multiple
April 14, 2025
The IHCA Foundation Member Employee Scholarship is made for employees of an IHCA member organization interested in pursuing accredited nursing, health care administration, or physical or occupational therapy programs. Scholarships are for the 2025-2026 academic year. Up to 34 $1,500 scholarships are available. These scholarships are made possible by IPALTC, Nurse Connect, ICAP, IHCA Districts,
April 14, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. An event is planned for this Friday in Ankeny with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Ankeny Office Hours with Rep. Heather MatsonFriday, April 18 at 9:00 a.m.Main Street Cafe (2510 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny) Iowa City Legislative Check-in with Rep. Elinor LevinSaturday,
April 14, 2025
IHCA’s Care Continuum Conference: Funding the Future of Care on June 4, sponsored by BCG Data Services and CLA, is designed specifically for c-suite executives, owners and administrators leading Iowa’s care continuum organizations. As the need for sustainable funding grows, so does the importance of strategic philanthropy. Through expert-led sessions, participants will explore essential fundraising
April 14, 2025
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. RAC-CT certification
April 14, 2025
Long-term care providers are subject to numerous regulatory requirements and thus, are often interacting with regulators on a daily basis. IHCA’s on-demand Effective Strategies for Successful Surveyor Interactions webinar provides tips and practices for dealing with surveyors, including how to handle surveyor requests and allegations. A panel of experts share experiences for handling difficult surveyors and
April 14, 2025
Restorative nursing is essential for enhancing residents’ quality of life, promoting independence and improving overall health outcomes. When staff are trained in restorative techniques, communities can better support residents in overcoming daily physical, communicative and functional challenges, helping them lead fuller, more meaningful lives. HealthCap is offering a free six-week on-demand engaging webinar series specifically
April 14, 2025
Iowa Long Term Care Risk Management Association (ILTCRMA) is a group self-insured association formed in 1991 to specifically provide workers’ compensation coverage to Iowa’s long-term care industry. ILTCRMA has grown over the years to become one of the largest providers of workers’ compensation coverage for long-term care in Iowa. The association, professionally administered by Cannon Cochran
April 8, 2025
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
April 8, 2025
IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. Here are the bi-weekly areas of note found in the March 19 and April 2 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin. If and when issues arise, IHCA will take appropriate steps
April 8, 2025
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. CMS issued this mandatory process last September. It is important for SNF providers to ensure completion of the revalidation process by May 1 or risk having their Medicare enrollment suspended
April 8, 2025
The Maximus Clinical Services Division and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) continue preparations for the free in-person training events coming up in the month of April. Join Brad Goodin, Adryanna Seitz, Nikki Davis, Maximus and Lila Starr for the Spring 2025 Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) Roadshow, as they take a deep dive into the Iowa
April 8, 2025
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. If you’re not already
April 8, 2025
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). These reports contain interim stay-level data for the SNF 30-Day All-Cause Readmission Measure (SNFRM) for Oct. 1, 2023 – June
April 8, 2025
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) provides mental health and substance use evidence-based training, customized technical assistance and resources at no cost to certified Medicare and Medicaid nursing facilities that care for residents with a variety of behavioral health conditions. COE-NF’s April 2025 newsletter is now available. Topics in this
April 8, 2025
The Home Health Agency (HHA) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on the compare tool on Medicare.gov and the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the July 2025 refresh. Data contained within the Provider Preview Reports are based on quality assessment data submitted by HHAs
April 8, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Ankeny Office Hours with Rep. Heather MatsonFriday, April 11 at 9:00 a.m.Main Street Cafe (2510 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny) Ankeny Chamber of Commerce Forum with Rep. Bill
April 8, 2025
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. This scholarship covers tuition fees to pursue
April 8, 2025
Registration for IHCA’s 2025 May District Meetings, sponsored by BCG Data Services, HPSI Purchasing Services, VGM Education and NuCara Pharmacy, 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
April 8, 2025
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
April 8, 2025
In connection with new heightened disclosure requirements, CMS is requiring all skilled nursing facilities to complete a mid-cycle revalidation prior to May 1, 2025. IHCA’s CMS Mid-Cycle Revalidations – Are You Ready? webinar is now available on-demand. This webinar provides skilled nursing facility owners, senior leadership and key vendors with practical guidance related to their
April 1, 2025
In connection with new heightened disclosure requirements, CMS is requiring all skilled nursing facilities to complete a mid-cycle revalidation prior to May 1, 2025. Join IHCA tomorrow, April 3 for its CMS Mid-Cycle Revalidations – Are You Ready? live webinar. This webinar will provide skilled nursing facility owners, senior leadership and key vendors with practical
April 1, 2025
Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the IHCA Foundation will award 77 scholarships this year to support individuals pursuing or advancing their careers in long-term care. The IHCA Foundation’s 2025 scholarship program applications are now open through May 31, 2025. Scholarship programs include: For questions about applying for a scholarship or sponsoring future scholarships,
April 1, 2025
The March 2025 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA Member Resource Portal. Click here to view the report. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa facilities. Survey trend reports can be found at iowahealthcare.org under
April 1, 2025
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
April 1, 2025
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. Did you know: There are a variety of methods to contact the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ)
April 1, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. 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. Ankeny Office Hours with Rep. Heather MatsonFriday, April 4 at 9:00 a.m.Main Street Cafe (2510 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny)
April 1, 2025
DON Fundamentals – A Playbook for New Nurse Leaders is a comprehensive, two-day, in-person training, held April 30 – May 1, designed to provide new directors of nursing (DONs) and nurse leaders with the essential skills, strategies and knowledge to excel in their leadership roles within nursing facilities. This program equips nurse leaders with a
April 1, 2025
IHCA’s Minimum Data Set (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 provides comprehensive training on all sections of
April 1, 2025
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 summit features a series of expert-led sessions designed to equip attendees with the knowledge and strategies to integrate these tools into
March 24, 2025
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
March 24, 2025
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
March 24, 2025
Join IHCA in-person or virtually next Wednesday, April 2, for its Medicare Review. 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
March 24, 2025
Skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers enrolled in Medicare or Medicare/Medicaid must submit a mandatory off-cycle provider enrollment revalidation by May 1, 2025. CMS issued this mandatory process last September. While there have been multiple updates since the release, including extending the initial deadline, it is important for SNF providers to ensure completion of the revalidation
March 24, 2025
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. The guidance clarifies how organizations can lawfully pursue DEI efforts under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and other relevant statutes.
March 24, 2025
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
March 24, 2025
The Q4 2024 home health (HH) survey trend report is now available in the IHCA Member Resource Portal. Click here to view the report. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa agencies. Survey trend reports can be found at iowahealthcare.org under Practice
March 24, 2025
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, 2025, in Atlanta. The 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored during the Quality Award Recognition Ceremony on
March 24, 2025
Thanks to the generosity of its donors, the IHCA Foundation will award 77 scholarships this year to support individuals pursuing or advancing their careers in long-term care. The IHCA Foundation’s 2025 scholarship programs will open for application next Monday, March 31, and close on May 31, 2025. Scholarship programs include: The IHCA Foundation’s 2025 scholarship
March 24, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny and Iowa City, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Ankeny Office Hours with Rep. Heather MatsonFriday, March 28 at 9:00 a.m.Main Street Cafe (2510 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny) Iowa Community School District Legislative
March 24, 2025
DON Fundamentals – A Playbook for New Nurse Leaders is a comprehensive, two-day, in-person training, held April 30 – May 1, designed to provide new directors of nursing (DONs) and nurse leaders with the essential skills, strategies and knowledge to excel in their leadership roles within nursing facilities. This program equips nurse leaders with a
March 24, 2025
IHCA’s Minimum Data Set (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 provides comprehensive training on all sections of
March 24, 2025
VGM Education/CE Solutions, an IHCA Premier Partner, works with long-term care facilities to meet compliance requirements while streamlining staff education offerings through its online learning platform. VGM Education/CE Solutions online courses are designed to meet the needs of health care staff in skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and hospice environments. In addition, its robust
March 17, 2025
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
March 17, 2025
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. Jeffrey Schmidt, Executive Director, Pleasantview, KalonaBoard Term: May 1, 2025 – April 30, 2026In addition to his
March 17, 2025
The telehealth flexibilities for face-to-face (FTF) visits for home health and hospice providers have been extended once again. Providers can continue utilizing telehealth for FTF encounters through Sept. 30, 2025. Background At the last hour in 2024, the government extended the telehealth flexibilities through March 31, 2025. The proverbial can was kicked down the road
March 17, 2025
On Thursday, March 13, IHCA hosted its monthly Home Health Provider Update Call to discuss the most recent changes for the home health and home care profession. Below is a summary of the call and action steps providers should take to ensure compliance. Hosts Agenda Quality and Regulatory Managed Care and Reimbursement Action steps Home
March 17, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2670 to provide clarification regarding the expenditure of Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) grant funds received and to serve as a reminder that Iowa Medicaid is actively collecting outcome and expenditure data from
March 17, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny and Council Bluffs with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Ankeny Office Hours with Rep. Heather MatsonFriday, March 21 at 9:00 a.m.Main Street Cafe (2510 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny) Council Bluffs Office Hours with
March 17, 2025
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
March 17, 2025
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, 2025, in Atlanta. The 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored during the Quality Award Recognition Ceremony on
March 17, 2025
As assisted living communities have become more popular, they have become the largest residential provider of long-term care for people with dementia. Often, these residents need special help with daily tasks, including bathing, dressing and eating. Training can help staff problem-solve the challenging situations that arise when caring for persons with dementia. There are two
March 17, 2025
DON Fundamentals – A Playbook for New Nurse Leaders is a comprehensive, two-day, in-person training, held April 30 – May 1, designed to provide new directors of nursing (DONs) and nurse leaders with the essential skills, strategies and knowledge to excel in their leadership roles within nursing facilities. This program equips nurse leaders with a
March 17, 2025
IHCA’s Minimum Data Set (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 provides comprehensive training on all sections of
March 17, 2025
IHCA’s Business Office Manager On-Demand Training Series is designed to equip business office managers with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the intricate financial and administrative landscape of long-term care facilities. Experienced industry professionals guide participants through best practices and strategies which will allow for effective implementation in your facility’s daily operations. Key
March 17, 2025
Established by AHCA, National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW), happening May 11-17, 2025, honors the essential role skilled nursing care centers play in supporting America’s elderly, frail and disabled individuals. Celebrate NSNCW in style with exclusive merchandise featuring this year’s vibrant Tapestry of Life theme. Explore a wide selection of shirts, bags, totes and drinkware,
March 17, 2025
For nearly 30 years, Lee Agency has specialized in providing business insurance and risk management solutions to senior living communities. Lee Agency’s experience and expertise have allowed them to partner with hundreds of senior living communities throughout the Midwest. With multiple registered nurses and a claims and risk manager on staff, they provide clients with educational
March 10, 2025
Join IHCA tomorrow, March 13, for ICD-10-CM 101 – Back to Basics for Home Health and Hospice. This virtual training will provide an overview of ICD-10-CM coding in the home health and hospice setting. Please note that this program will not be recorded. Attendees will learn to navigate the ICD-10 code book, apply specific coding guidelines and
March 10, 2025
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
March 10, 2025
CMS released QSO-25-14-NH on Friday, March 7. The memo updates previously released guidance from Nov. 18, 2024, and Jan. 15, 2025, which included significant updates to surveyor guidance across several regulatory areas. In Friday’s memo, CMS pushed the effective date from March 24, 2025 to April 28, 2025. CMS also noted that revised surveyor resources
March 10, 2025
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. This mandate, part of the broader push for improved workplace safety transparency, has gained momentum in recent years. A cornerstone
March 10, 2025
Managing life safety compliance is a complex, multi-faceted task. It requires knowledge in multiple codes, utilization of the proper code editions and determination of which requirements are applicable to your building. This article will break down the requirements around oxygen signage. The Healthcare Facilities Code, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA 99), contains most of the requirements related
March 10, 2025
CMS has updated its guidance regarding the skilled nursing facility requirement to submit credit balance reports (CMS-838) on a quarterly basis. It now has eliminated the requirement to submit CMS-838 forms on a quarterly basis. However, it has not eliminated the requirement to file the form if you have credit balances to report. They are now
March 10, 2025
In connection with new heightened disclosure requirements, CMS is requiring all skilled nursing facilities to complete a mid-cycle revalidation prior to May 1, 2025. Join IHCA on Thursday, April 3 for its CMS Mid-Cycle Revalidations – Are You Ready? live webinar. This webinar will provide skilled nursing facility owners, senior leadership and key vendors with
March 10, 2025
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
March 10, 2025
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. In 2024, Eldora Specialty
March 10, 2025
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, 2025, in Atlanta. The 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored during the Quality Award Recognition Ceremony on
March 10, 2025
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
March 10, 2025
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and public health officials in several states are investigating a multi-state outbreak of Listeria infections linked to supplement shakes. Many people in this outbreak lived in long-term care facilities or were hospitalized before becoming sick. Currently, there have been 38 cases, 37
March 10, 2025
As assisted living communities have become more popular, they have become the largest residential provider of long-term care for people with dementia. Often, these residents need special help with daily tasks, including bathing, dressing and eating. Training can help staff problem-solve the challenging situations that arise when caring for persons with dementia. There are two
March 10, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. An event is planned for this Friday in Ankeny, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Ankeny Office Hours with Rep. Heather MatsonFriday, March 14 at 9:00 a.m.Main Street Cafe (2510 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny) Fairfield Legislative Forum with Sen. Adrian Dickey,
March 10, 2025
Join IHCA on Tuesday, April 29, for its webinar, Simplifying PCREE Testing and Ensuring NFPA 99 Compliance. Electrical safety is essential in long-term care facilities, where patient care-related electrical equipment (PCREE) plays a vital role in patient well-being. To meet the safety requirements set by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 99, routine electrical safety
March 10, 2025
In need of an MDS coordinator or additional MDS support? Our 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. How it helps: While IHCA’s Remote MDS Service is not intended to be a
March 10, 2025
BCG Research, an ECSI partner and affiliate of the Brighton Consulting Group, is an AHCA-approved CoreQ vendor currently assisting long-term care and senior living providers in measuring and reporting patient and family satisfaction for their communities. Since 2000, BCG Research has assisted hundreds of organizations in conducting and compiling satisfaction surveys. BCG Research also offers
March 10, 2025
IHCA nursing facility and assisted living members can access Insurance Solutions, a member savings program by AHCA/NCAL. Through an exclusive partnership with Compass Total Benefit Solutions, Insurance Solutions offers innovative, ACA-compliant employee health and insurance programs that are benefit-rich, easy to administer and usable by employees from day one. Compass Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) PlanThis
March 10, 2025
Griswold Care Center is selling a gently used Apollo Bath Advantage Bathing System 6000 Series (nine years old) for $6,000. A new unit retails for $24,300. For more information, please contact Roger Hinz at 573-693-8652 or [email protected].
March 3, 2025
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
March 3, 2025
Join IHCA next Thursday, March 13, for ICD-10-CM 101 – Back to Basics for Home Health and Hospice. This virtual training will provide an overview of ICD-10-CM coding in the home health and hospice setting. Please note that this program will not be recorded. Attendees will learn to navigate the ICD-10 code book, apply specific coding guidelines
March 3, 2025
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) is offering the following free training opportunities in March for all nursing facility staff: Person-Centered Care in Nursing Facilities: How to Make it WorkTuesday, March 11 | 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. An Overview of Bipolar Disorders for Nursing Facility StaffTuesday, March 18 | 1:00
March 3, 2025
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. In 2024, Eldora Specialty
March 3, 2025
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, 2025, in Atlanta. The 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored during the Quality Award Recognition Ceremony on
March 3, 2025
As assisted living communities have become more popular, they have become the largest residential provider of long-term care for people with dementia. Often, these residents need special help with daily tasks, including bathing, dressing and eating. Training can help staff problem-solve the challenging situations that arise when caring for persons with dementia. There are two
March 3, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. Events are planned for this Friday in Manchester, Greenfield, Ankeny and Waterloo, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Delaware Legislative Coffees with Rep. Craig Johnson and Rep. Jason GearhartFriday, March 7 at 10:00 a.m.Delaware County Farm Bureau, Meeting Room (115 E Delaware
March 3, 2025
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
March 3, 2025
Join IHCA in-person or virtually on Wednesday, April 2, for its Medicare Review. 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
March 3, 2025
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
March 3, 2025
Attract new talent and give students a more flexible learning experience by offering online certified nursing assistant (CNA) courses. CNAonline.com, powered by Academic Platforms, is an IHCA education partner that provides technology solutions that empower health care providers to attract, develop and retain qualified clinical staff. Hybrid Online Learning for Senior Living Facilities Academic Platforms,
February 24, 2025
Ensure the safety and compliance of your facility by attending one of IHCA’s 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. Offered in two convenient locations across the state next week, these critical and informative events will provide invaluable insights into life safety and fire safety compliance, equipping you with the knowledge to protect your residents,
February 24, 2025
IHCA’s Spring Conference is just one month away! If you haven’t secured your accommodations yet, take advantage of the exclusive hotel discount before it’s too late. IHCA has reserved a block of rooms at Prairie Meadows at a special rate of $139 per night for conference attendees. Book by tomorrow, Feb. 27, to lock in this discounted rate. Click here to reserve your
February 24, 2025
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. Their submissions should demonstrate how your team developed, planned and implemented these
February 24, 2025
Provisional Licensure 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
February 24, 2025
The February 2025 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA Member Resource Portal. Click here to view the report. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa facilities. Survey trend reports can be found at iowahealthcare.org under
February 24, 2025
On Thursday, Feb. 13, IHCA hosted its monthly Home Health Provider Update Call to discuss the most recent changes for the home health and home care profession. Below is a summary of the call and action steps providers should take to ensure compliance. Hosts Agenda Quality and Regulatory Managed Care and Reimbursement Action steps February
February 24, 2025
CMS emergency preparedness requirements, found in Appendix Z of the State Operations Manual, identify that nursing facilities must participate in testing exercises to ensure their emergency preparedness plan works as it should and to assist in the evaluation of staff understanding of their unique roles and related processes during a disaster/emergency response. Nursing facilities are required to
February 24, 2025
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS’) Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is offering The Long-Term Care Infection Prevention Essentials Iowa Course, held virtually March 4-6, 2025. This free course benefits health care professionals in long-term care settings by providing training and
February 24, 2025
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
February 24, 2025
IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. Here are the bi-weekly areas of note found in the Feb. 5 and Feb. 19 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin. If and when issues arise, IHCA will take appropriate steps
February 24, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2667 indicating that 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.
February 24, 2025
Nearly 100 IHCA members gathered at the State Capitol last Wednesday for IHCA Day on the Hill, advocating for Iowa’s long-term care profession and their communities. IHCA thanks everyone who participated, as well as our event sponsor, Medline Industries, LP, and lunch sponsor, Martin Bros. Distributing. However, our work is far from over. Governor Reynolds has recommended a
February 24, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny, Coralville and Iowa City, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Ankeny Office Hours with Rep. Heather MatsonFriday, Feb. 28 at 9:00 a.m.Main Street Cafe (2510 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny) Greater Iowa City Legislative
February 24, 2025
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. In 2024, Eldora Specialty
February 24, 2025
IHCA’s April LPN-IV Certification Course will begin online 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
February 24, 2025
VGM Education/CE Solutions, an IHCA Premier Partner, works with long-term care facilities to meet compliance requirements while streamlining staff education offerings through its online learning platform. VGM Education/CE Solutions online courses are designed to meet the needs of health care staff in skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and hospice environments. In addition, its robust
February 18, 2025
Join IHCA tomorrow, Feb. 20, for its hybrid event, Enhancing Dementia Care: Caring with Confidence, and stay ahead of the latest advancements and best practices in dementia care to ensure you are providing the highest quality of care and support to the residents you serve. This conference, sponsored by Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy, offers
February 18, 2025
Join IHCA next Tuesday and Wednesday for its virtual 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
February 18, 2025
Ensure the safety and compliance of your facility by attending one of IHCA’s 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. Offered in two convenient locations across the state, these critical and informative events will provide invaluable insights into life safety and fire safety compliance, equipping you with the knowledge to protect your residents, staff and
February 18, 2025
The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services’ (DHHS’) Center for Acute Disease Epidemiology and the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) is offering The Long-Term Care Infection Prevention Essentials Iowa Course, held virtually March 4-6, 2025. This free course benefits health care professionals in long-term care settings by providing training and
February 18, 2025
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
February 18, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2654 to replace IL 1766 issued Feb. 17, 2017, and IL 1952 issued Sept. 28, 2018, regarding two-tiered hospice payment and service intensity add-on (SIA). Pursuant to Iowa Administrative Code 441 IAC 79.1(14), Medicaid hospice rates are based
February 18, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. Events are planned for this Friday in Burlington, Ankeny, Lake Mills, Thompson, Forest City, Waterloo and Council Bluffs, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Burlington Legislative Forum with Rep. Taylor CollinsFriday, Feb. 21 at 8:00 a.m.Greater Burlington Partnership, Winegard Board Room (610
February 18, 2025
Grow your skills and spring into quality improvement at IHCA’s two-day, in-person 2025 Spring Conference. This conference, presented 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. A welcome reception,
February 18, 2025
The Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP) is awarding five free registrations to 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! Share how your team developed, planned and implemented these programs, emphasizing resident and staff collaboration. Highlight the
February 18, 2025
Join IHCA on Thursday, March 13, for ICD-10-CM 101 – Back to Basics for Home Health and Hospice. This virtual training will provide an overview of ICD-10-CM coding in the home health and hospice setting. Attendees will learn to navigate the ICD-10 code book, apply specific coding guidelines and accurately sequence diagnoses, including complications and
February 18, 2025
IHCA’s Certified Medication Aide Course, approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL), is designed to equip nurse aides and certified nurse assistants (CNAs) with the skills needed to safely administer non-parenteral medications in nursing facilities and related settings. This course, sponsored by Trio Pharmacy and Consonus Pharmacy, emphasizes safe medication administration
February 18, 2025
Griswold Care Center is selling an assortment of furniture, medical equipment, household equipment and more. For more information, please contact Roger Hinz at 573-693-8652 or [email protected]. Furniture: Medical Equipment: Office/Storage Equipment: Kitchen/Household Equipment: Miscellaneous:
February 18, 2025
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, available at NSNCW.org, are designed to assist in planning, promoting and celebrating NSNCW on May 11-17. How to participateHere are some ideas on how you can start planning your NSNCW celebrations
February 18, 2025
For nearly 30 years, Lee Agency has specialized in providing business insurance and risk management solutions to senior living communities. Lee Agency’s experience and expertise have allowed them to partner with hundreds of senior living communities throughout the Midwest. With multiple registered nurses and a claims and risk manager on staff, they provide clients with educational
February 10, 2025
Join IHCA next Tuesday, Feb. 18, for its Advanced Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Training Program – Navigating Complexities and Optimizing Outcomes. This advanced training 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
February 10, 2025
Join IHCA on Thursday, Feb. 20, for its hybrid event, Enhancing Dementia Care: Caring with Confidence, and stay ahead of the latest advancements and best practices in dementia care to ensure you are providing the highest quality of care and support to the residents you serve. This conference, sponsored by Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy,
February 10, 2025
As the largest association representing Iowa’s long-term care providers, IHCA advocates for over 840 skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and care continuum providers. Together, we have the power to make a significant impact – but only if we show up and speak out. Governor Reynolds has recommended a $25 million increase for nursing facility
February 10, 2025
On March 24, 2025, health facility surveyors will begin using the revised guidance from CMS, released and updated in this memo, to determine compliance with federal regulatory requirements. To assist members in preparing for anticipated guidance changes, IHCA would like to share the following action briefs: In addition to the noted tools, IHCA invites members
February 10, 2025
Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 of 2024 by this Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Provided below are key reminders: CMS has several resources to help answer provider questions on PBJ: For questions, contact Brenda Irlbeck, VP of Regulatory Affairs, at 515-978-2204.
February 10, 2025
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. Distributed semi-annually, this report allows organizational leadership to review facility-specific resident populations to help determine the resources necessary to establish the services residents
February 10, 2025
Beginning in March 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 the 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
February 10, 2025
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) provides mental health and substance use evidence-based training, customized technical assistance and resources at no cost to certified Medicare and Medicaid nursing facilities that care for residents with a variety of behavioral health conditions. COE-NF’s February 2025 newsletter is now available. Topics in this
February 10, 2025
IHCA President and CEO Brent Willett will be a featured speaker in Plante Moran’s upcoming webinar, 2025 SNF Benchmarking Report: Strategies to Unlock Transformational Success, next Tuesday, Feb. 18, at 1:00 p.m. CST. This insightful session will explore how skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) can leverage benchmark data to enhance operations, maintain regulatory compliance and improve
February 10, 2025
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. Watch this quick video to learn more: What you receive For questions
February 10, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. Events are planned for this Friday in Ankeny and West Des Moines, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Ankeny Office Hours with Rep. Heather MatsonFriday, Feb. 14 at 9:00 a.m.Main Street Cafe (2510 SW White Birch Dr., Ankeny, IA) West Des Moines Legislative
February 10, 2025
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). Why you should apply: Eligibility
February 10, 2025
Empower your employees with financial stability by providing them access to their wages sooner, offering free one-on-one financial counseling and enabling them to start a savings plan. With Payactiv, an IHCA-endorsed partner, you can implement a financial wellness program that benefits both your staff and your organization. Why Payactiv? Payactiv is a leading provider of
February 10, 2025
Ensure the safety and compliance of your facility by attending one of IHCA’s 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. Offered in two convenient locations across the state, these critical and informative events will provide invaluable insights into life safety and fire safety compliance, equipping you with the knowledge to protect your residents, staff and
February 10, 2025
Grow your skills and spring into quality improvement at IHCA’s two-day, in-person 2025 Spring Conference. This conference, presented 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. A welcome reception,
February 10, 2025
The Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP) is awarding five free registrations to 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! Share how your team developed, planned and implemented these programs, emphasizing resident and staff collaboration. Highlight the
February 10, 2025
Over 9,300 nursing homes, assisted living facilities, residential care homes, skilled care facilities, independent living communities, retirement communities and other senior care providers trust HPSI Purchasing Services for quality products and services at a low price. Its comprehensive portfolio includes products and services in medical, housekeeping, linen, office supplies, warewashing, pest control, capital equipment, furnishings and
February 4, 2025
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. Participants will gain essential knowledge in assessment and diagnosis, including identifying wound types and stages, prevention strategies designed to minimize wound occurrence,
February 4, 2025
IHCA is excited to announce an upcoming 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
February 4, 2025
Grow your skills and spring into quality improvement at IHCA’s two-day, in-person 2025 Spring 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. A welcome reception, sponsored by
February 4, 2025
Providers must submit Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for Oct. 1 – Dec. 31 of 2024 by next Friday, Feb. 14, 2025. Provided below are key reminders: CMS has several resources to help answer provider questions on PBJ: For questions, contact Brenda Irlbeck, VP, Quality Improvement and Regulatory Compliance, at 515-978-2204.
February 4, 2025
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. Facilities can report
February 4, 2025
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. Data contained within the Provider Preview Reports are based on quality assessment data
February 4, 2025
The first few weeks of the Trump Administration has seen a flurry of activity with a high volume of executive orders issued by the president. While some orders may have an indirect impact on the profession (e.g., immigration, international trade, etc.), below is a summary of the key executive orders and directives with a direct
February 4, 2025
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. Key updates to the January refresh were to include several quality measures that have been frozen since April 2024, four new measures
February 4, 2025
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. Notably, the number of assisted living applications and Silver Quality Award applications doubled compared to previous
February 4, 2025
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
February 4, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2662 regarding the Substance Use-Disorder Prevention that Promotes Opioid Recovery and Treatment (SUPPORT) Act Section 5042(e)(1)(A) reporting requirements survey for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2024. Section 5042 of the SUPPORT for Patients and Communities Act, codified in 42
February 4, 2025
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 the resources and February education events listed below, the COE-NF continues to provide tailored technical assistance, including individualized plans to assist facilities with specific behavioral health needs and training as needed. COE-NF continues to
February 4, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2664 to advise providers that on Jan. 27, 2025, 1099-MISC tax forms were issued and sent to providers who received payment from DHHS for fee-for-service (FFS) during calendar year 2024. However, it was discovered that these were sent
February 4, 2025
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. If you’re not already
February 4, 2025
Below is an overview of upcoming legislative town halls. Events are planned for this Friday in Allison, Ankeny, Manchester and Eldridge, with additional town halls held this weekend across the state. Town Hall Meeting with Speaker Pat GrassleyFriday, Feb. 7 at 9:00 a.m.Allison Public Library (412 3rd St., Allison, IA) Ankeny Office Hours with Rep.
February 4, 2025
As the largest association representing Iowa’s long-term care providers, IHCA advocates for over 840 skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and care continuum providers. Together, we have the power to make a significant impact – but only if we show up and speak out. Governor Reynolds has recommended a $25 million increase for nursing facility
February 4, 2025
Ensure the safety and compliance of your facility by attending one of IHCA’s 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. Offered in two convenient locations across the state, these critical and informative events will provide invaluable insights into life safety and fire safety compliance, equipping you with the knowledge to protect your residents, staff and
February 4, 2025
The Iowa Council of Activity Professionals (ICAP) is awarding five free registrations to 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! Share how your team developed, planned and implemented these programs, emphasizing resident and staff collaboration. Highlight the
February 4, 2025
IHCA’s on-demand Assisted Living Medication Manager Course, approved by the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing (DIAL), provides individuals the necessary tools to effectively and safely administer many medications encountered in assisted living and residential care facility programs. Topics covered in the course include introduction to pharmacy, review of body systems, medications used to
February 4, 2025
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. Click here to reserve your room online. Please
February 4, 2025
IHCA is pleased to welcome Amy Huisman as its Operations Assistant. In this new role, Amy will provide operational support across key areas, including education, sponsorships, IHCA Foundation initiatives and accounting. Amy brings extensive experience in association management, education programming and event planning. She has worked with long-term care and health care associations, overseeing professional development
February 4, 2025
The Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory offers high-quality laboratory services, such as gas and diesel generator test packages. Its laboratory offers personal service and rapid turnaround, often within 72 hours, at a low cost. In addition to its outstanding service options, the Iowa Central Fuel Testing Laboratory is known for its exceptional quality. It is
January 27, 2025
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
January 27, 2025
Join IHCA next Wednesday, Feb. 5, and Thursday, Feb. 6, for its Nursing Facility Administrators 101 Boot Camp, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy, CliftonLarsonAllen (CLA) and Curana Health. This boot camp offers a comprehensive overview of core responsibilities, essential best practices and the latest industry updates to help you navigate challenges with confidence and competence.
January 27, 2025
The January 2025 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA Member Resource Portal. Click here to view the report. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and regulatory outcomes from Iowa facilities. Survey trend reports can be found at iowahealthcare.org under
January 27, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2644 announcing the release of the 2024 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Quality Self-Assessment. The HCBS Provider Quality Self-Assessment (form 470-4547) can be found on the Iowa DHHS website and is due this Friday, Jan. 31. The
January 27, 2025
IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. Here are the bi-weekly areas of note found in the Jan. 22 issue of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin. If and when issues arise, IHCA will take appropriate steps in an effort
January 27, 2025
As the largest association representing Iowa’s long-term care providers, IHCA advocates for over 840 skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and care continuum providers. Together, we have the power to make a significant impact – but only if we show up and speak out. Governor Reynolds has recommended a $25 million increase for nursing facility
January 27, 2025
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. Town Hall Meeting with Speaker Pat GrassleyFriday, Jan. 31 at 9:30 a.m.Waverly Public Library (1500 W. Bremer Ave., Waverly, IA) Monticello Forum
January 27, 2025
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
January 27, 2025
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. Click here to reserve your room online. Please
January 27, 2025
VGM Education/CE Solutions, an IHCA Premier Partner, works with long-term care facilities to meet compliance requirements while streamlining staff education offerings through its online learning platform. VGM Education/CE Solutions online courses are designed to meet the needs of health care staff in skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and hospice environments. In addition, its robust
January 27, 2025
IHCA is offering two cube walls and a podium for free. If you’re interested in these items, please contact Mary Shelley at [email protected] or 515-978-2204 for more details.
January 27, 2025
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. Our new
January 27, 2025
Iowa Long Term Care Risk Management Association (ILTCRMA) is a group self-insured association formed in 1991 specifically to provide workers compensation coverage to the long-term care industry in Iowa. ILTCRMA has grown over the years to become one of the largest providers of workers compensation coverage for long term care in Iowa. The association, professionally
January 21, 2025
Members participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program are reminded of tomorrow’s application deadline. Applications must be submitted to the Quality Portal no later than 7:00 p.m. CST tomorrow, Jan. 23, 2025. If you need assistance with the Quality Portal, some helpful resources can be found here. If additional assistance is needed, the AHCA
January 21, 2025
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
January 21, 2025
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
January 21, 2025
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)
January 21, 2025
The Quarter 1 2025 assisted living (AL) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA Member Resource Portal. Click here to view the report. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most common regulatory insufficiencies. Survey trend reports can be found at iowahealthcare.org under Practice Guidance > Survey Outcomes. Please
January 21, 2025
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
January 21, 2025
The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) require employers in most industries to record workplace injuries on their 300 logs within seven days of the incident (subject to specific recordability criteria). The summary of this log, 300A, is required to be posted for employee review from Feb. 1 to
January 21, 2025
The CMS Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS) Guidance Manual directs clinicians to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for determining the accurate answer for O0350, COVID Vaccination. Use this tool to summarize the current CDC recommendations for different types of patients by age, risk and vaccination status. Age/Demographic/Risk Group Previously Vaccinated Recommendations for
January 21, 2025
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). These changes include: For more information,
January 21, 2025
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
January 21, 2025
IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. Here are the bi-weekly areas of note found in the Jan. 8 issue of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin. If and when issues arise, IHCA will take appropriate steps in an effort
January 21, 2025
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. Below is an overview of her health care related recommendations and initiatives. Health Care Credentialing Grants Governor Reynolds announced a $3 million investment in Health Care Credentialing Grants
January 21, 2025
As the largest association representing Iowa’s long-term care providers, IHCA advocates for over 840 skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and care continuum providers. Together, we have the power to make a significant impact – but only if we show up and speak out. Governor Reynolds has recommended a $25 million increase for nursing facility
January 21, 2025
In last week’s Condition of the State Address, Governor Kim Reynolds announced a new grant opportunity that addresses Iowa’s need to grow its health care workforce in communities across the state. The Iowa Healthcare Credentialing Grant is open to eligible health care employers and is accepting applications on iowagrants.gov. Grant applications are due by Wednesday,
January 21, 2025
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. In 2024, Eldora Specialty
January 21, 2025
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. Data contained within the Provider Preview Reports are based on quality
January 21, 2025
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. Did you know: There are a variety of methods to contact the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ)
January 21, 2025
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. Click here to reserve your room online. Please
January 21, 2025
Ensure the safety and compliance of your facility by attending one of IHCA’s 2025 Life Safety – Fire Safety Conferences. Offered in two convenient locations across the state, these critical and informative events will provide invaluable insights into life safety and fire safety compliance, equipping you with the knowledge to protect your residents, staff and
January 21, 2025
For nearly 30 years, Lee Agency has specialized in providing business insurance and risk management solutions to senior living communities. Lee Agency’s experience and expertise have allowed them to partner with hundreds of senior living communities throughout the Midwest. With multiple registered nurses and a claims and risk manager on staff, they provide clients with educational
January 13, 2025
Join IHCA next Wednesday, Jan. 22, for its virtual Workforce Management Conference. This education program will explore strategies to address workforce challenges, including staff recruitment, retention and engagement. Additionally, the program will cover the best practices for leadership, communication and compliance with staffing regulations. Attendees will leave with actionable tools to build a resilient and
January 13, 2025
Iowa’s 2025 legislative session began on Monday, Jan. 13, and lawmakers returned to the capitol to begin their work for the year. On Tuesday, Jan. 14, Governor Reynolds gave her Condition of the State Address, in which she laid out her priorities for the legislative session and introduced her FY 2026 budget, which included $25 million for
January 13, 2025
In 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. The primary focus of DOJ investigators is the state’s process (not the internal processes of the facility) to identify proper placement
January 13, 2025
On Thursday, Jan. 9, IHCA hosted its monthly Home Health Provider Update Call to discuss the most recent changes for the home health and home care profession. Below is a summary of the call and action steps providers should take to ensure compliance. Hosts Agenda Quality and Regulatory Managed Care and Reimbursement Survey Report Action
January 13, 2025
IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. Here are the bi-weekly areas of note found in the Dec. 11 and Dec. 25 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin. If and when issues arise, IHCA will take appropriate steps
January 13, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2657 regarding 2025 Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) assessment changes. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Iowa Medicaid will begin using a new assessment tool for members enrolled in the HCBS Intellectual Disability (ID) Waiver. Iowa Medicaid will replace the
January 13, 2025
This week IHCA received notification from the National Veterans Affairs (VA) Office that modifications will be made to the 2025 VA Fee Schedule (VAFS) for home health providers in Iowa. The National VA Office is working to integrate the updated rates into the VAFS. This is a four-step process, with two of the steps already
January 13, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2653 to advise providers that, effective 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. The current procedural terminology
January 13, 2025
The recently released FY 2024 U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Agency Financial Report reveals concerning data for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs), showing a rise in improper Medicare Part A claims payments. The improper payment rate for SNFs increased from 13.76% in FY 2023 to 17.2% in FY 2024, significantly higher than the overall
January 13, 2025
Members participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program are reminded that the deadline for application submission is approaching quickly. 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 ahead of the deadline (at minimum three days)
January 13, 2025
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
January 13, 2025
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) provides mental health and substance use evidence-based training, customized technical assistance and resources at no cost to certified Medicare and Medicaid nursing facilities that care for residents with a variety of behavioral health conditions. COE-NF’s January 2025 newsletter is now available. Topics in this
January 13, 2025
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
January 13, 2025
IHCA is excited to announce an upcoming 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
January 13, 2025
Join IHCA on Wednesday, April 23, for its in-person Assisted Living Regulatory Class. The purpose of this class is to provide assisted living nurses and directors with the Iowa assisted living laws, rules and regulations. The focus of the class will be a review of the assisted living regulations and monitoring process, the role of
January 13, 2025
IHCA assisted living members are encouraged to complete a three-minute survey to assist the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in understanding the electronic medical records (EMR) and electronic health records (EHR) utilization among assisted living providers. Click here to complete the survey. Feedback is due by close of business on Jan. 31 and will
January 13, 2025
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. The GUIDE Model is an eight-year voluntary program designed to
January 7, 2025
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
January 7, 2025
Join IHCA next 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. The conference will feature a series of expert-led sessions
January 7, 2025
The CMS Home Health, Hospice and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Open Door Forum is scheduled for today at 1:00 p.m. Please log on at least 15 minutes prior to the forum start time. Agenda This agenda is subject to change. New and updated Open Door Forum participation instructions This call will be a Zoom webinar
January 7, 2025
CMS recently released QSO-25-11-NH Long-Term Care (LTC) Facility Acute Respiratory Illness Reporting Requirements, which replaces QSO-20-29-NH Interim Final Rule Updating Requirements for Notification of Confirmed and Suspected COVID-19 Cases Among Residents and Staff in Nursing Homes. As of Jan. 1, 2025, nursing homes must electronically report information about COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
January 7, 2025
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. Click here to view the reports. These reports are member-only resources that provide listings of the most frequently cited tags and most common insufficiencies. Survey trend reports can
January 7, 2025
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2651 regarding the maximum residential care facility (RCF) per diem rate increase. Effective Jan. 1, 2025, the maximum RCF per diem rate increased from $36.82 to $37.60. There will be no increase in the flat per diem rate
January 7, 2025
The 2025 Veterans Affairs Fee Schedule is now available. Rates went into effect Jan. 1, 2025. VA reimburses hospital, medical and extended care services up to the maximum allowable rate, which for most services is the Medicare rate published by CMS. When a Medicare rate does not exist, VA pays using the VA Fee Schedule (VAFS).
January 7, 2025
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. Current policy permits MCOs to retroactively recoup payments going back five years following the date the claim was paid. The new policy limits retroactive recoupment to
January 7, 2025
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,
January 7, 2025
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 (expected on Jan. 29, 2025), CMS will unfreeze four quality measures (QMs) that were frozen beginning with the April 2024 refresh. These measures were updated to accommodate recent changes
January 7, 2025
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) is offering the following free training opportunities in January for all nursing facility staff: January upcoming education events Serious Mental Illness (SMI) in Nursing Facilities: Using a Five-Step Approach to CareThursday, Jan. 16 | 1:00 – 1:45 p.m. | Click here to register. Strategies
January 7, 2025
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. 2024 Quality Award recipients will be honored
January 7, 2025
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 conference will explore strategies to address workforce challenges, including staff recruitment, retention and engagement. Additionally, the program will cover the best practices for leadership, communication and compliance
January 7, 2025
IHCA’s Assisted Living Management Certification (ALMC) Program will be held in person on Monday, April 21, through Thursday, April 24. This in-person ALMC program is designed to provide aspiring and current assisted living managers with the comprehensive knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in this demanding role. From understanding state and federal regulations to mastering
January 7, 2025
IHCA is thrilled to celebrate 75 years of supporting members who provide compassionate care to Iowans every day. A special thanks to Right Dose, A Guardian Pharmacy, for sponsoring this celebration! Throughout 2025, we’ll honor this achievement with our special edition 75th-anniversary logo, unique celebrations at IHCA’s Convention and Trade Show and more. This celebration
January 7, 2025
Boost your visibility and connect with key decision-makers in Iowa’s long-term care industry through IHCA’s sponsorship, trade show and advertising opportunities! With over 800 members statewide, IHCA offers high-profile opportunities to showcase your organization and stand out in this competitive industry. Click here to view IHCA’s 2025 Sponsorship Guide and the accompanying reservation form. These
December 26, 2024
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. Current policy permits MCOs to retroactively recoup payments going back five years following the date the claim was paid. The new policy limits retroactive recoupment to a 24-month,
December 26, 2024
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2644 announcing the release of the 2024 Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Provider Quality Self-Assessment. The HCBS Provider Quality Self-Assessment (form 470-4547) can be found on the Iowa DHHS website and is due Jan. 31, 2025. The form
December 26, 2024
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 Jan. 2, 2025 and Feb. 14, 2025. Did you know: There are a variety of methods to contact the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality
December 26, 2024
IHCA’s Home Health Final Rule 2025 education, sponsored by McKesson, is now available on-demand. This presentation breaks down the 2025 Home Health Final Rule and equips participants with the essential “must knows” and “must dos” for achieving success in the new year. This session covers payment changes, future changes to submission and data in the
December 26, 2024
Join IHCA in person on Wednesday, Feb. 12, for its Wound Care in LTC – Best Practices for Optimal Outcomes, an educational training. This comprehensive training focuses on advancing wound care expertise in the long-term care setting. Participants will gain essential knowledge in assessment and diagnosis, including identifying wound types and stages, prevention strategies designed to minimize
December 16, 2024
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. 1. Whether payroll vendors need be disclosed In Section (IV)(B)(1)(ii)) that provides examples of categories of potentially disclosable parties,
December 16, 2024
On Dec. 16, CMS posted the final Office of Management and Budget (OMB)-approved Outcome and Assessment Information Set (OASIS)-E1 time points instruments, effective Jan. 1, 2025. These are now available in a zip file in the Downloads section of the OASIS Data Sets webpage. CMS has also reposted the final OASIS-E1 Manual, effective Jan. 1, 2025. A change table, OASIS-E1 Instruments
December 16, 2024
Iowa Total Care has recently released the following Provider News Alerts. View all Iowa Total Care alerts here. Prior authorization (PA) enhancements to home health services billed on 837i claims Posted Dec. 11, 2024 Effective Oct. 1, 2024, Iowa Total Care implemented PA enhancements to home health services billed on institutional (837i) claims. Please review
December 16, 2024
Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) and Iowa Medicaid recently released informational letter (IL) 2650 to inform providers of the federal CMS Program Integrity Contractor’s audit of the Iowa Managed Care Programs (MCPs). Iowa has been selected as one of 20 states where the Unified Program Integrity Contractor (UPIC), CoventBridge, will conduct an
December 16, 2024
* Please note that this article has been updated since it was originally published on Dec. 11. The updates are a result of a new informational letter being released that lists additional counties eligible for ARPA HCBS Disaster Relief. The new eligible counties are included in this article. Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of
December 16, 2024
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). These reports contain facility-level results for the SNF 30-Day All-Cause Readmission measure (SNFRM), the Skilled Nursing Facility Healthcare-Associated Infections Requiring
December 16, 2024
Join IHCA on Tuesday, Feb. 18, for its Advanced Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Training Program – Navigating Complexities and Optimizing Outcomes. This advanced training 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
December 16, 2024
Join IHCA on Thursday, Feb. 20, for its hybrid event, Enhancing Dementia Care: Caring with Confidence, and stay ahead of the latest advancements and best practices in dementia care to ensure you are providing the highest quality of care and support to the residents you serve. This conference offers a unique opportunity to learn from
December 16, 2024
IHCA’s 2025 Sponsorship, Trade Show and Advertising Guide is now available on the IHCA website. Click here to view the guide. The guide is full of great ways to market your organization’s products and services to decision-makers in the long-term care profession. These opportunities are available on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t miss out! To
December 16, 2024
VGM Education/CE Solutions, an IHCA Premier Partner, works with long-term care facilities to meet compliance requirements while streamlining staff education offerings through its online learning platform. VGM Education/CE Solutions online courses are designed to meet the needs of health care staff in skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and hospice environments. In addition, its robust
December 9, 2024
Join IHCA next Tuesday, Dec. 17, for its Virtual Home Health Conference, sponsored by McKesson. This half-day event will feature insights and updates from industry experts to help prepare home health care professionals for success in 2025. Session Descriptions Success in 2025: The “Must Knows and “Must Do’s” from the Home Health Final RuleAnnette Lee,
December 9, 2024
*Please note that this article was updated on Dec. 12 to include IL 2652, which was released on Dec. 11. The original article referenced IL 2646, which was published on Dec. 5. The names of the counties that are eligible for ARPA HCBS Disaster Relief that were not included in IL 2646 have been underlined
December 9, 2024
CMS is continuing its training series on the home-and community-based services (HCBS) provisions of the Medicaid Access Rule. The Ensuring Access to Medicaid Services Final Rule (Access Rule) advances access to care and quality of care and will improve health outcomes for Medicaid beneficiaries across fee-for-service (FFS) and managed care delivery systems, including HCBS provided
December 9, 2024
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. To submit authorizations in Availity, the authorizations must be the same types of services previously approved in the Iowa Total Care legacy portal. Any authorization
December 9, 2024
IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. Here are the bi-weekly areas of note found in the Nov. 13 and Nov. 27 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin. If and when issues arise, IHCA will take appropriate steps
December 9, 2024
In need of an MDS coordinator or additional MDS support? Our 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. How it helps: While IHCA’s Remote MDS Service is not intended to be a
December 9, 2024
Join IHCA on Wednesday, Feb. 5, and Thursday, Feb. 6, for its Nursing Facility Administrators 101 Boot Camp, sponsored by Curana Health. This boot camp offers 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,
December 9, 2024
IHCA celebrates the remarkable career and upcoming retirement of Ken Watkins, owner of the Ken Watkins Law Firm in Des Moines. For more than 26 years, Ken has been a steadfast advocate for health care providers, offering his expertise in regulatory matters, government investigations and malpractice litigation. Ken’s extensive knowledge and unwavering commitment have been
December 9, 2024
Work with those who truly understand your business. IHCA is proud to partner with Iowa Long-Term Care (LTC) Risk Management Association, a group self-insured association that provides workers’ compensation coverage to more than 190 Iowa LTC providers. Iowa LTC Risk Management Association provides a tailored loss prevention program and consultations with trained loss control professionals
December 3, 2024
Join IHCA on Tuesday, Dec. 17, for its Virtual Home Health Conference, sponsored by McKesson. This half-day event will feature insights and updates from industry experts to help prepare home health care professionals for success in 2025. Session Descriptions Success in 2025: The “Must Knows and “Must Do’s” from the Home Health Final RuleAnnette Lee,
December 3, 2024
The next CMS Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)/Long-Term Care (LTC) Open Door Forum is scheduled for tomorrow, Dec. 5, from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Agenda Please note that this agenda is subject to change. Please dial-in at least 15 minutes before call start time. Conference leaders are Todd Smith and Jill Darling. New and updated Open
December 3, 2024
The November 2024 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA Member Resource Portal. Click here to view the report. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and most common insufficiencies. Survey trend reports can be found at iowahealthcare.org under Practice Guidance
December 3, 2024
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) has announced new education events for the month of December. In addition to the resources and December education events listed below, the COE-NF continues to provide tailored technical assistance, including individualized plans to assist facilities with specific behavioral health needs and training as needed. COE-NF continues to add
December 3, 2024
CMS emergency preparedness requirements, found in Appendix Z of the State Operations Manual, identify that nursing facilities must participate in testing exercises to ensure their Emergency Preparedness Plan works as it should and to assist in the evaluation of staff understanding of their unique roles and related processes during a disaster/emergency response. Nursing facilities are required to
December 3, 2024
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2647 regarding upcoming Iowa Medicaid pharmacy program changes effective Jan. 1, 2025. The letter includes information regarding changes to the preferred drug list (PDL), new drug prior authorization (PA) criteria, changes to existing PA criteria and point of
December 3, 2024
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently published the Fiscal Year 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. What skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) should know During FY 2024, Medicare paid an
December 3, 2024
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.
December 3, 2024
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. Additionally, the program will cover the best practices for leadership, communication and compliance
December 3, 2024
IHCA/ICAL 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
December 3, 2024
Beginning Jan. 1, 2025, Iowa’s local Post-Acute and Long-Term Care (PALTC) chapter, the Iowa Society for Post Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (IPALTC), will be rebranded as PALTmed – Iowa to align with the national association’s new name: Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medical Association (PALTmed). PALTmed is formerly known as the American Medical Directors’ Association
December 3, 2024
As an IHCA/ICAL member, you have access to Insurance Solutions, a member savings program by AHCA/NCAL. Insurance Solutions offers a variety of employee health insurance programs to meet your business needs, including a new minimum essential coverage (MEC) plan for only $143.75 per month that provides the most commonly utilized health benefits employees want with
November 25, 2024
If your organization has thought about participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards Program, this is your opportunity to complete the Bronze Award application from beginning to end with coaching support along the way. IHCA’s Bronze Quality Award Workshop will take place next Tuesday, Dec. 3. Attendees will gain a better understanding of what examiners
November 25, 2024
Join IHCA for its Restorative Nursing Program, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy, next Wednesday, Dec. 4. This comprehensive education 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. Participants will explore: This program will
November 25, 2024
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has released a formal policy clarification letter, #PC000286, regarding home health care services electronic visit verification (EVV) claims. CareBridge’s system has been submitting claims with issues or errors related to the following fields: Home health care services providers with impacted claims will not
November 25, 2024
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
November 25, 2024
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. Reporting Annual Health Care Personnel Influenza Vaccination Data through NHSN Long-term care facilities will learn how to submit annual health care personnel influenza vaccination data through NHSN
November 25, 2024
Every quarter, AHCA’s complimentary resource, LTC Trend Tracker is updated 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
November 25, 2024
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. The conference will feature a series of expert-led sessions
November 25, 2024
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 March 3. This course is designed to prepare licensed practical nurses (LPNs) to perform procedures related
November 25, 2024
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. Click here to
November 25, 2024
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. Person-Centered Care in a PDPM World This four-module
November 25, 2024
Over 9,300 nursing homes, assisted living facilities, residential care homes, skilled care facilities, independent living communities, retirement communities and other senior care providers trust HPSI Purchasing Services for quality products and services at a low price. Its comprehensive portfolio includes products and services in medical, housekeeping, linen, office supplies, warewashing, pest control, capital equipment, furnishings and
November 25, 2024
For nearly 30 years, Lee Agency has specialized in providing business insurance and risk management solutions to senior living communities. Lee Agency’s experience and expertise have allowed them to partner with hundreds of senior living communities throughout the Midwest. With multiple registered nurses and a claims and risk manager on staff, they provide clients with educational
November 25, 2024
Mayflower Homes is selling 36 theater seats in excellent condition, available in sets of three. These seats are less than a year old, very comfortable and ideal for home theaters, lounges or community spaces. Details: Terms: Cash or cashier’s check only. Pick-up and viewing available. For more information or to schedule a viewing, please email
November 18, 2024
On Nov. 18, CMS released a memo titled, “Long-Term Care (LTC) Surveyor Guidance Process: Significant Updates Aim to Enhance the Quality and Oversight of LTC Surveys.” Surveyors will use this guidance to determine compliance with requirements beginning Feb. 24, 2025. Please note that interpretive guidance has not yet been released. IHCA will keep members informed when
November 18, 2024
Searching for regulatory language and interpretive guidance can be a challenge. To assist members, IHCA has made a new resource available. The CMS Appendix PP, which is the federal nursing home rules and their interpretive guidelines, has been bookmarked by F-tag to save time while locating information. Members are reminded that the list of F-tags
November 18, 2024
Telligen has received a 12th Statement of Work (SOW) contract extension from CMS to continue supporting nursing homes in Iowa, Colorado, Illinois and Oklahoma, specifically in areas related to COVID-19 response and COVID-19 vaccinations through March 7, 2025. As part of this extension, Telligen has relaunched its Nursing Home Quality Essentials Spotlight Series, focusing on
November 18, 2024
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2641 as a reminder to providers that per their provider agreement, their ownership and control disclosure (OCD) is to be updated within 35 business days after any change in ownership or control. This IL serves as a reminder
November 18, 2024
On Friday, Nov. 15, a federal judge in Texas struck down the “Overtime Rule” from the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) that would raise the minimum salary threshold for employees who are classified as “exempt” from payment of overtime wages under the white-collar exemptions to the Fair Labor Standards Act. Under this DOL rule, the
November 18, 2024
In compliance with the Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1993, please be advised that, per section 6033(e) of the Internal Revenue Code (the Code), the Iowa Health Care Association (IHCA)/Iowa Center for Assisted Living (ICAL) reasonably estimates that 14.5% of the 2024 dues and 13.5% of the 2025 dues will be spent on lobbying and other
November 18, 2024
Join IHCA on Tuesday, Dec. 17, for its Virtual Home Health Conference, sponsored by McKesson. Conference topics will include the following, with more details to come: Please note that this virtual conference will not be recorded. This conference is approved for 3.0 CEUs for nurses, social services and administrators. Click here to register.
November 18, 2024
VGM Education/CE Solutions, an IHCA Premier Partner, works with long-term care facilities to meet compliance requirements while streamlining staff education offerings through its online learning platform. VGM Education/CE Solutions online courses are designed to meet the needs of health care staff in skilled nursing, assisted living, home health and hospice environments. In addition, its robust
November 18, 2024
A memorial fundraiser is being held to honor the life and legacy of Sue Ayers, a long-time IHCA member who passed away in 2023. Before retiring part-time in 2020, Sue served as administrator of 9th St. Chautauqua and was also a member of IHCA’s Nursing Facility Quality Improvement Advisory Council. Sue was not only a valued
November 18, 2024
BCG Research, an ECSI partner and division of Brighton Consulting Group, is an Iowa-approved CoreQ vendor currently assisting over 170 Iowa long-term care providers in achieving the technical and data requirements for successful operations. Since 2000, BCG Research has assisted organizations in conducting and compiling satisfaction surveys. BCG Research also offers CoreQ customized and industry-approved
November 11, 2024
IHCA’s final November District Education event of 2024 will take place in Atlantic tomorrow, Nov. 14, and will include sessions on regulatory updates, compliance strategies and long-term care challenges for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Click here to register. Attendees will explore the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing’s (DIAL’s) mission, survey updates
November 11, 2024
Join IHCA for two comprehensive workshops next week to deepen your understanding of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 and improve your facility’s quality measures and reimbursement accuracy. MDS 101 – Mastering the Basics | Wednesday, Nov. 20 This introductory course provides a thorough grounding in MDS 3.0, guiding you through each section to ensure
November 11, 2024
IHCA hosted its first joint training session between nursing facility providers and state surveyors yesterday, Nov. 12, in conjunction with its Northeast District Education event in Cedar Falls. Approximately 50 surveyors from the Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals (DIAL) joined the nursing facility breakout session virtually. The session focused on common citations in Iowa,
November 11, 2024
Every quarter, nursing facilities are required to submit staffing information through the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) system. In addition to formulating staffing and turnover data in the CMS Five Star Rating System, this data is used to inform investigative measures related to staffing patterns during recertification and complaint surveys. To ensure accurate reporting, providers are
November 11, 2024
In need of an MDS coordinator or additional MDS support? Our 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. How it helps: While IHCA’s Remote MDS Service is not intended to be a
November 11, 2024
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) provides mental health and substance use evidence-based training, customized technical assistance and resources at no cost to certified Medicare and Medicaid nursing facilities that care for residents with a variety of behavioral health conditions. COE-NF’s November 2024 newsletter is now available. Topics in this
November 11, 2024
Don’t miss your chance to get a head start in participating in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program! This is the final reminder to submit your Intent to Apply (ITA) by tomorrow, Nov. 14, at 7:00 p.m. Please note submitting an ITA is optional, but recommended. The last day to submit your ITA is tomorrow,
November 11, 2024
Unlock the full potential of Medicare with IHCA’s comprehensive Fall 2024 Medicare Review on-demand course. This course covers Medicare Parts A through D, addressing critical topics such as skilled nursing facility level of care, PDPM reimbursement, billing requirements and overcoming Medicare Advantage payment hurdles. You will gain actionable insights to improve documentation, streamline billing and optimize reimbursement to help
November 11, 2024
Staff’s time is valuable. Healthcare Academy (HCA) offers innovative, short courses designed to streamline educational compliance while reducing the time your staff spends on mandatory training. From meeting annual staff training requirements to new-hire orientation, Knowledge Check delivers engaging, concise content in just two to seven minutes. Keep your team informed, compliant and engaged –
November 11, 2024
Attract new talent and give students a more flexible learning experience by offering online certified nursing assistant (CNA) courses. CNAonline.com, powered by Academic Platforms, is an IHCA education partner that provides technology solutions that empower health care providers to attract, develop and retain qualified clinical staff. With CNAonline.com, organizations no longer need to pay students
November 4, 2024
IHCA’s November District Education events will include sessions on regulatory updates, compliance strategies and long-term care challenges for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Attendees will explore the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing’s (DIAL’s) mission, survey updates and breakout sessions addressing common compliance issues, Immediate Jeopardy processes and reporting protocols. Participants will gain
November 4, 2024
Take your leadership and management talents to the next level with a preparatory virtual workshop next Tuesday Nov. 12 through Thursday, Nov. 14 for American Association for Post-Acute Care Nursing’s (AAPACN’s) Director of Nursing Services—Certified (DNS-CT) certification. Earning this credential validates your expertise, gives you the advantage among your peers and helps you improve quality,
November 4, 2024
On Friday, Nov. 1, CMS issued the Final Rule regarding Medicare home health services payment rates for calendar year (CY) 2025. The rule contains final policies related to the Medicare home health benefit for CY 2025 on payment and quality related programs. The Final Rule will become effective on Jan. 1, 2025. This article provides
November 4, 2024
Yesterday, Nov. 5, CMS extended the due date to May 1, 2025, to submit the new Form CMS-855A SNF Disclosures Attachment 1 nationwide for all skilled nursing facility (SNF) revalidations and for all “pending as of Oct. 1” applications. This replaces the original 90-day period that was required to submit information (with exception of states
November 4, 2024
Iowa Medicaid and the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) recently released informational letter (IL) 2639 regarding annual submission requirements for prevention and detection of Medicaid fraud and abuse for federal fiscal year (FFY) 2025. As per Section 6032 of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (Pub L. 109-171), any provider or provider
November 4, 2024
On Friday, Nov. 1, CMS released the Calendar Year 2025 Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update, which includes significant changes to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) reporting requirements for nursing homes. Beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, nursing homes will be required to electronically report information about
November 4, 2024
In an effort to strengthen incident management and reporting, Iowa Medicaid has introduced updated protocols for Home- and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver, Habilitation and Money Follows the Person (MFP) providers. These changes emphasize clearer definitions, expand incident types and enhance reporting guidelines to support the safety and well-being of members. The effective date of these
November 4, 2024
Every quarter, nursing facilities are required to submit staffing information through the Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) system. In addition to formulating staffing and turnover data in the CMS Five Star Rating System, this data is used to inform investigative measures related to staffing patterns during recertification and complaint surveys. To ensure accurate reporting, providers are
November 4, 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) has announced resources for reporting the annual health care personnel (HCP) influenza vaccine summary for the 2024–2025 influenza season. These include several resources and upcoming webinars. Certified nursing homes are required under the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) to
November 4, 2024
Telligen has received a 12th Statement of Work (SOW) contract extension from CMS to continue supporting nursing homes in Iowa, Illinois, Colorado and Oklahoma, specifically in areas related to COVID-19 response and COVID-19 vaccinations through March 7, 2025. During this timeframe, nursing homes and partners can expect: Telligen is awaiting decisions on the 13th SOW
November 4, 2024
IHCA continues to track issues of importance to members, including the subjects mentioned in the Iowa Administrative Bulletin that is released every two weeks. Here are the bi-weekly areas of note found in the Oct. 2, Oct. 16 and Oct. 30 issues of the Iowa Administrative Bulletin. If and when issues arise, IHCA will take
November 4, 2024
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, based on the Baldrige Performance Excellence framework, sets high standards for excellence in long-term, post-acute and assisted living care. Join the list of Iowa’s active Quality Award recipients now! There is plenty of time to attend a workshop, prepare an application and achieve much-deserved recognition. In addition to Quality
November 4, 2024
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) has released new education events for the month of November, with many offering ACCME (Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education) and National Association of Long-Term Care Administrator Board (NAB) credits. In addition to the resources and November education events listed below, the COE-NF continues to provide tailored technical assistance, including
November 4, 2024
Looking for something new to help meet your continuing education or dementia training requirements? CARES offers AHCA/NCAL members exclusive savings on all CARES dementia training and certification programs for long-term care professionals and staff members. CARES is the only dementia care training to make extensive use of actual video footage of real residents and real
October 28, 2024
Longtime IHCA team member Georgene Olson passed away peacefully on Oct. 23, 2024, in Des Moines. She was 78. Georgene dedicated over two decades of her career to the Iowa Health Care Association, where her commitment to serving IHCA’s members and advancing its mission to empower those who care for Iowa’s most vulnerable residents left
October 28, 2024
Join IHCA tomorrow, Oct. 31, for its Assisted Living Regulatory Class. The purpose of this class is to provide assisted living nurses and directors with the Iowa assisted living laws, rules and regulations. The focus of the class will be a review of the assisted living regulations and monitoring process, the role of the nurse
October 28, 2024
IHCA’s November District Education events, held at four locations throughout the state, will include sessions on regulatory updates, compliance strategies and long-term care challenges for nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Attendees will explore the Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing’s (DIAL’s) mission, survey updates and breakout sessions addressing common compliance issues, Immediate Jeopardy
October 28, 2024
Join IHCA on Wednesday, Nov. 6, for its LTC Environmental Service Managers 101 Workshop. This comprehensive workshop is designed to provide foundational knowledge and skills essential for effective environmental service management in long-term care settings. The training will cover key areas, such as routine maintenance, inspection protocols, infection control, regulatory compliance and best practices for
October 28, 2024
The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Long-Term Care Facility (LTCF) team has shared important information regarding the recent modifications to the Long-Term Care Facility Component. The information described below is valuable to assist with accurate reporting for the Respiratory Pathogens and Vaccination Module (which includes COVID-19, influenza and RSV). Data can be reported for the
October 28, 2024
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Mandy Cohen has endorsed two new recommendations from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) regarding COVID-19 and pneumonia vaccines. New COVID-19 recommendations: The CDC states that data continues to confirm the importance of vaccination in protecting those most at risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes. Receiving
October 28, 2024
The following excerpts are from a Provider Long-Term and Post-Acute Care article written by Jessie McGill, RN, BSN on Sept. 11, 2024. To read the full article, please click here. Beginning on Oct. 1, 2024, CMS added a new item, O0350, to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) to indicate whether a resident’s COVID-19 vaccination is
October 28, 2024
On Oct. 16, 2024, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an updated warning regarding Cue Health’s COVID-19 tests due to the risk of false results. If you have Cue Health COVID-19 tests, the FDA recommends that you stop using them immediately and dispose of the entire test cartridge in your general waste. Providers should
October 28, 2024
The October 2024 skilled nursing facility (SNF) survey trend report is now available on the IHCA Member Resource Portal. Click here to view the report. This report is a member-only resource that provides listings of the most frequently cited tags and most common insufficiencies. Survey trend reports can be found at iowahealthcare.org under Practice Guidance
October 28, 2024
The Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) is offering the following free training opportunities in November for all nursing facility staff: Preventing Compassion from Becoming Fatigue: Self-Care Tips for Nursing Facility StaffThursday, Nov. 7 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. | Click here to register. Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A
October 28, 2024
CMS released an update to the Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice of Non-coverage (SNF ABN)—Form CMS-10055 in August. The revised form and updated instructions were made available for immediate use, but implementation of the revised document will become mandatory on Oct. 31, 2024. Therefore, IHCA reminds members to review their current SNF ABN to ensure the
October 28, 2024
On Oct. 15, 2024, CMS released the annual update for the following two post-acute care (PAC) Health Equity Confidential Feedback Reports for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) in iQIES: The Fall 2024 Health Equity Confidential Reports are based on data from calendar year 2022-2023 for home health and fiscal year 2022-2023 for inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF),
October 28, 2024
The Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) reported an issue with the data reported on the SNF Provider Threshold Report. This report allows providers to monitor their compliance status of the required data submission for the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP). At this time, the report has not yet been updated to align
October 28, 2024
The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the January 2025 refresh. Data contained within the Provider Preview Reports are based on quality assessment data submitted by SNFs
October 28, 2024
IHCA encourages you to take part in the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program by submitting your Intent to Apply by Thursday, Nov. 14, at 7:00 p.m. This program, built on the Baldrige Performance Excellence Criteria, offers a path to elevate performance and achieve excellence in post-acute, long-term care and assisted living. IHCA knows how challenging
October 28, 2024
Join IHCA for its Restorative Nursing Program, sponsored by Blue Stone Therapy, on Wednesday, Dec. 4. This comprehensive education 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. Participants will explore: This program will
October 28, 2024
All skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities and intellectual/developmental disability centers are required by Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA’s) Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) to establish and maintain a respiratory protection program when employees are exposed to airborne hazards, including infectious agents such as COVID-19 or other respiratory illnesses. This mandate includes performing