Skilled Nursing

Ensure Employee Safety and OSHA Compliance with AHCA/NCAL's Comprehensive Respiratory Protection Plan

Skilled nursing facilities, assisted living communities, and ID/DD centers are required by OSHA’s Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) to establish and maintain a respiratory protection program. To assist care providers in meeting these federal requirements, AHCA/NCAL, in collaboration with MCA Consulting, LLC, has developed a comprehensive Respiratory Protection Plan training and toolkit. Read More

Mandatory Provider Enrollment Off-Cycle Revalidation for ALL SNFs

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued an announcement that all skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers will receive off-cycle provider enrollment revalidation notices from their Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) to collect additional data on ownership, managerial, and related party information not previously required . Read More

ICYMI: Important information and resources from the Healthcare-Associated Infections Prevention Programs – Wisconsin Department of Health Services

HAI Happenings highlights new and noteworthy topics for all things related to healthcare-associated infections (HAI), including infection prevention and control (IPC), antimicrobial stewardship (AS), antimicrobial resistance (AR), surveillance, and more. You can also find links to helpful guidance and resources and learn more about current Wisconsin HAI Prevention Program activities. Read More

Final Days to Nominate a Shining Star!

Recognize the shining stars in your community by nominating them for a 2024 Shining Star Award! Categories include Leadership, Director of Nursing, Direct Caregiver, and Support Staff. Submit your nominations by September 25th!! Read More

Celebrate Your Shining Stars!

WHCA/WiCAL is pleased to continue the tradition of celebrating the amazing work and steadfast dedication of Wisconsin’s long-term care providers with the 2024 Shining Star Awards. Submit your Shining Star nominations by September 25. Read More

Nominations Are Due September 25th!

WHCA/WiCAL is pleased to continue the tradition of celebrating the amazing work and steadfast dedication of Wisconsin’s long-term care providers with the 2024 Shining Star Awards. Submit your Shining Star nominations by September 25. Read More

From our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, important webinar on federal Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) section 232 program – September 17th at 1:00 CDT

The AHCA/NCAL webinar, which will be held on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. EST/1:00 CDT, titled  "HUD's 232 Program-Updates in Production and Asset Management", will cover a range of topics related to HUD's Residential Care Facility Mortgage Insurance Program. Read More

CMS Contractor Nursing Facility Visits – Please read

In the calendar year 2023 Medicare skilled nursing facility (SNF) payment rule, CMS elevated the SNF provider enrollment risk level from “limited” to “high”. As a high risk level provider, one of the added requirements is a site visit by a CMS contractor who will visit facilities for a short period to take some photos to verify that the location exists and is operating as a SNF. Read More

Nominate Your Shining Star TODAY!

WHCA/WiCAL is pleased to continue the tradition of celebrating the amazing work and steadfast dedication of Wisconsin’s long-term care providers with the 2024 Shining Star Awards. Submit your Shining Star nominations by September 25. Read More

Nominate Your Shining Star TODAY!

WHCA/WiCAL is pleased to continue the tradition of celebrating the amazing work and steadfast dedication of Wisconsin’s long-term care providers with the 2024 Shining Star Awards. Submit your Shining Star nominations by September 25. Read More

Upcoming Facility Assessment Webinar - FREE to Members

Please join us for our upcoming webinar on the Facility Assessment requirement, scheduled for Thursday, August 1st at 11:00 AM CST. This webinar will provide an in-depth look at the CMS requirements for long-term care facilities to complete a Facility Assessment as outlined in F838 and the Minimum Staffing Standards Final Rule. Read More

Facility Assessment Support and Resources

CMS mandates long-term care facilities to complete a Facility Assessment as outlined in F838 and the Minimum Staffing Standards Final Rule. Pathway Health and AHCA/NCAL have resources offering insights and practical tools to enhance your facility’s assessment processes and ensure compliance with CMS requirements. Read More

Division of Medicaid Services Hosts Public Provider Methods Meeting

This morning, the Division of Medicaid Services (DMS) hosted its Public Provider Meeting for Nursing Home Rates. This meeting is held yearly to update providers on new rate information, uses of available funding and any other changes to the Methods of Implementation for Wisconsin Nursing Home Payment Rates. Read More

Important New Resource From Pathway Health: Nursing Facility Mandatory Minimum Staffing Rule – Expanded Facility Assessment

CMS mandates long-term care facilities to complete a Facility Assessment as outlined in F838 and the Minimum Staffing Standards Final Rule. Pathway's Facility Assessment Toolkit © offers comprehensive resources, including templates, data collection tools, policy and procedure templates, recruitment and retention plan templates, person-centered staffing interactive tools, audit tools, and staff education materials. Read More

ICYMI: AHCA/NCAL names new President and CEO

As you may know, Mark Parkinson, President and CEO of our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), will be retiring at the end of 2024 after a very successful 14 year tenure in the job.  This week, the AHCA/NCAL Board selected Clif Porter to succeed Mark as President and CEO. Read More

Register to Attend the Women of LTC Leadership Symposium

In the United States, nearly 90% of the long-term care workforce is comprised of women. Yet, less than 20% of all long-term care leadership roles are held by women. The future stability and successes of the long-term care sector will be dependent on strong leadership. This is why it's crucial for this sector to actively support and empower its largest workforce: the women of long-term care. Read More

Facility employee education and training needs assessment

The University of Wisconsin – Green Bay is heading up an initiative to request all health care providers share their education and training needs in the areas of elder abuse, neglect and exploitation. To follow you will find a link to a survey that you can complete if you wish to do so. Read More

Important WHCA/WiCAL Staff News

There have been two recent staff changes at WHCA/WiCAL pertaining to Jim Stoa, Vice President – Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs and Kate Battiato, Vice President – Workforce Development. Read More

ICYMI: From the Wisconsin Division of Quality Assurance (DQA)

Nursing Home providers and stakeholders are invited to attend a webinar hosted by the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. During this webinar, the DQA will provide information on Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) in Nursing Homes. Read More

WHCA/WiCAL Congratulates Wisconsin’s 24 Bronze Quality Award Winners for 2024!

Sponsored by our national partner, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the National Quality Awards Program is a progressive, quality improvement program that is based on the Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence. Participants begin their excellence journey at the Bronze level and are then eligible to progress to Silver and Gold levels. For 2024, Wisconsin has 24 Bronze Award recipients. Read More

ICYMI: Important Upcoming Enhanced Barrier Precautions Educational Opportunities

In last week’s Care Connection, we advised of an upcoming CDC Townhall webinar on Enhanced Barrier Precautions to take place on Wednesday May 22nd at noon central time. In addition, our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, will be hosting CDC representatives for additional education and discussion on Wednesday, June 5th at 1:00 Central. Read More

Important WisCaregiver Careers CNA Program Changes

On April 24th, WisCaregiver Careers – CNA hosted a webinar which detailed upcoming program changes and unveiled WisCaregiver Connections, the program’s newest recruiting resource. Important: Employers must re-register with the program to access WisCaregiver Connections, powered by Handshake. Read More

ACTION NEEDED: WisCaregiver Careers CNA Employer Evaluation

As the current WisCaregiver Careers CNA grant winds down, the program is seeking participating employer opinions on how the program impacted CNA recruitment and retention efforts. The program requests that participating nursing home employers complete the Employer Evaluation Survey by Tuesday, May 7, 2024. Read More

ICYMI: ahcancalED – Education Solutions

Our national affiliate, AHCA/NCAL, shared April's ahcancalED News which highlighted the latest training and resources to help long-term care professionals improve lives by delivering solutions for quality care. Read More

ICYMI: Wisconsin Caregiver Project Training Needs Survey – Please Complete by April 19

Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is collaborating with the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh, Center for Community Development, Engagement & Training (CCDET) to ensure regulated health care providers have access to education to build the needed knowledge and skills to provide the required care, treatment, and services. Your feedback is requested regarding the available training and your future training needs via this quick 8-question survey. Please complete this survey by Friday, April 19, 2024. Read More

ICYMI: NHSN Changing "Up to Date" Definition for LTC COVID-19 Vaccine Reporting

The National Healthcare Safety Network is changing the definition of "up to date" for COVID-19 vaccine reporting in long term care beginning Quarter 2 of 2024 (week of April 1, 2024). This change, which reflects the latest guidance from the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), aims to ensure the most effective vaccine protection for individuals, especially those aged 65 years and older. Read More

Religious and Spiritual Services in Long Term Care – Please participate

As we have previously reported, WHCA/WiCAL is partnering with Saint Mary’s College/Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana and the Transforming Chaplaincy Project on a study that will examine the extent of religious and spiritual care services in long-term care. The study’s goal is to describe, inform, and educate. Facilities received the survey link on or about March 7th. We urge your participation. Read More

ICYMI: From AHCA/NCAL: Important clarification to recent CDC updated respiratory guidance: Does not apply to nursing facilities settings but does apply to assisted living settings

The Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) issued updated guidance for respiratory viruses in community settings. The CDC’s Respiratory Virus Guidance is intended for a general audience and community settings, including assisted living communities. It does not apply to health care settings, including nursing homes. Read More

ICYMI: Important update from AHCA/NCAL on the Change Healthcare Cybersecurity Breach

Earlier this week, AHCA/NCAL sent an email informing members that on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, UnitedHealth Group Inc.’s technology subsidiary Change Healthcare announced that its systems were adversely affected by a security incident. There may be a risk that many providers may encounter difficulties in submitting and being paid for claims through vendors that have been using Change Healthcare clearinghouse services. Read More

Important Study on Religious and Spiritual Services in Long Term Care – Please participate

WHCA/WiCAL is partnering with Saint Mary’s College/Notre Dame, South Bend, Indiana and the Transforming Chaplaincy Project on a study that will examine the extent of religious and spiritual care services in long-term care. The study’s goal is to describe, inform, and educate. You can expect to receive the survey link shortly. Each nursing home or assisted living center that completes a survey will be entered into a raffle for a $200 gift card Read More

Welcome Corps At Work – Refugee Talent Connection

Welcome Corps At Work is a national program that matches employers in the U.S. with skilled refugees in need of resettlement. In determining whether to explore participating in Welcome Corps At Work, there are several points to consider. Read More

ICYMI: Important and Useful Resources from our partners at the Superior Health Quality Alliance

Superior Health Quality Alliance shared a variety of useful resources for healthcare facilities and providers. These resources include clarification on the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) annual survey, COVID-19 testing kits for long term care and assisted living facilities, and much more. We encourage all healthcare providers and facilities to take advantage of these valuable resources. Read More

New Batch of Resumes from HSHS Closure Job Fair Available

This week, WHCA/WiCAL and WisCaregiver Careers participated in a second job fair held to assist workers soon to be displaced by the upcoming HSHS closures in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. Staff collected resumes from the participants which are available to members upon request. Read More

ICYMI: Important and Useful Resources from our partners at the Superior Health Quality Alliance

Superior Health Quality Alliance shared a variety of useful resources for healthcare facilities and providers. These resources include clarification on the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) annual survey, COVID-19 testing kits for long term care and assisted living facilities, and much more. We encourage all healthcare providers and facilities to take advantage of these valuable resources. Read More

Welcome Corps At Work – Refugee Talent Connection

Welcome Corps At Work, a national program that matches employers in the U.S. with skilled refugees in need of resettlement, will be hosting a webinar on February 22nd, 2024, at 1:00 pm CST for employers interested in learning more about the program . Read More

ICYMI: Resources from the Superior Health Quality Alliance

Superior Health Quality Alliance shares multiple resources to improve quality of care in 2024. Additionally, if your assisted living facility, independent living facility, or senior service agency in need of a free mobile vaccination clinic, Superior Health Quality Alliance can help! Read More

Welcome Corps At Work – Refugee Talent Connection

Welcome Corps At Work, a national program that matches employers in the U.S. with skilled refugees in need of resettlement, will be hosting a webinar on February 22nd, 2024, at 1:00 pm CST for employers interested in learning more about the program . Read More

ICYMI: Resources from the Superior Health Quality Alliance

Superior Health Quality Alliance shares multiple resources to improve quality of care in 2024. Additionally, if your assisted living facility, independent living facility, or senior service agency in need of a free mobile vaccination clinic, Superior Health Quality Alliance can help! Read More

ICYMI: Resources from the Superior Health Quality Alliance

Superior Health Quality Alliance shares multiple resources to improve quality of care in 2024. Additionally, if your assisted living facility, independent living facility, or senior service agency in need of a free mobile vaccination clinic, Superior Health Quality Alliance can help! Read More

Welcome Corps At Work – Refugee Talent Connection

Welcome Corps At Work, a national program that matches employers in the U.S. with skilled refugees in need of resettlement, will be hosting a webinar on February 22nd, 2024, at 1:00 pm CST for employers interested in learning more about the program . Read More

Resumes from HSHS Closure Job Fair Available

WHCA/WiCAL and WisCaregiver Careers participated in a job fair held to assist workers soon to be displaced by the upcoming closure of two HSHS hospitals in Eau Claire and Chippewa Falls. Resumes were collected from the participants which are available to members upon request. Read More

AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award application deadline is Thursday, January 25th at 8:00 p.m. EST – Apply now!

The National Quality Awards Program, sponsored by our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), is a progressive program that is based on the Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence. While we encouraged WHCA/WiCAL members to file the Intent to Apply, it was not a mandatory step in the selection process.  All WHCA/WiCAL member nursing facilities and assisted living centers may still submit an application by the January 25th filing deadline. Read More

ICYMI: Veterans Administration Gives Significant Boost to SNF VCA Rates

The Veterans Administration (VA) recently posted updated Veterans Care Agreements (VCAs) rates for participating skilled nursing facility (SNF) providers. This is great news for the profession because the VCA SNF payment rates for short-stay SNF care have increased by approximately 50%, and long-stay veteran care payments have increased by approximately one-third. These rate increases apply retroactively for dates of service beginning October 1, 2023. Read More

ICYMI: HHS Issues Important Cybersecurity Notice for Health Care Operators

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Health Sector Cybersecurity Coordination Center has released a notice strongly encouraging health care organizations to upgrade their devices due to a vulnerability. Known as “Citrix Bleed,” this vulnerability has been ongoing since August 2023 and could allow hackers to access private health care information by bypassing passwords and multifactor authentication. Read More

ICYMI: New Automated (PASRR) Process Begins Next Week

Beginning December 4, 2023, nursing home and hospital providers will be required to complete and submit all preadmission screen and resident review (PASRR) Level I screens through the secure ForwardHealth Portal. Please see below for detailed instructions and resources that are available to aide in the transition process. The training video referenced below demonstrates exactly how to access and complete the new automated screen. Read More

ICYMI: CMS Finalizes Additional SNF Transparency Requirements Regarding Ownership, Disclosable Parties, and Public Reporting

On November 15, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a display copy of a final rule, titled Medicare and Medicaid Programs: Disclosures of Ownership and Additional Disclosable Parties Information for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Facilities; Medicare Providers' and Suppliers' Disclosure of Private Equity Companies and Real Estate Investment Trusts. Read More

ICYMI: DQA Training and Educational Resources for Nursing Facilities

The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) has prepared a comprehensive list of training opportunities and educational resources available for Nursing Home providers on the Department of Health Services (DHS) website. The hope is this information will give you easy access to tools developed to enhance the quality of care and life for residents that are in your care. Read More

DHS Conducting Survey of Nursing Home Residents in Partnership with NCI

A memo has been sent to Wisconsin skilled nursing facilities regarding an upcoming survey that the Department of Health Services (DHS) will be conducting in partnership with several organizations. The survey will be in-person, of nursing home residents whose payer is Medicaid or other Medicaid programs. The participants will be randomly selected and notified. For more information, please see DHS’s memo here. Read More

Guest Column: EEOC Strategic Enforcement Plan: Considerations for Senior Living and Social Services Providers

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) recently released its 2024-2028 Strategic Enforcement Plan, which calls out 6 key areas that the agency is looking to prioritize. As senior living and social services organizations start to identify areas of focus for 2024, this should be on your list to review policies, procedures, and practices related to these EEOC priorities. Read More

ICYMI: RAI/MDS Educational Forum - December 20, 2023, at 1 p.m.

The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is hosting the quarterly Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI)/Minimum Data Set (MDS) Educational Forum on Wednesday, December 20, 2023, from 1-2 p.m. The MDS Education Coordinator will address current MDS 3.0 topics relevant to nursing home providers. Read More

DHS Offering at No Cost COVID Surplus Items

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is inviting health care organizations, including skilled nursing facilities and assisted living facilities, to complete a survey to request no-cost surplus supplies from the DHS warehouse.  The DHS notice is set forth below in its entirety including the link to the survey.   Response deadline is Monday, November 13th at 4:00 pm Central Time. Read More

Now Available: Revised Quarter 1 and Quarter 2 Calendar Year 2022 RUGS-PDPM Hold Harmless Report

The state fiscal year (SFY) 2022 Nursing Home Methods of Implementation included a hold harmless provision in which facilities would be reimbursed for any rate reduction in excess of $2 per patient day. This resulted from the transition from Resource Utilization Groups (RUGs) to patient driven payment model (PDPM) acuity systems. This communication includes revisions to the quarter 1 (Q1) 2022 payments that were initially shared in November 2022, and new information for payments for Q2 2022. Read More

ICYMI: New Analysis Finds Federal Staffing Mandate For Nursing Homes Would Require 100,000 Additional Nurses And Nurses’ Aides, Cost $6.8 Billion Per Year

In case you missed it, the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) released a new analysis during a press conference yesterday by professional services firm CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA), which analyzed the impact of President Biden’s proposed federal staffing mandate on nursing homes. Read More

CMS Updates Nursing Home Care Compare Staffing and Quality Measures

This week, the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released guidance regarding updates to Nursing Home Care Compare to reflect changes to the Minimum Data Set which take effect on October 1, 2023 and changes in other areas.  Read more from our national affiliate, American Health Care Association, here. Read More

Congratulations to the 2023 Leadership Academy Graduates!

We are delighted to congratulate the exceptional individuals who have successfully graduated from the 2023 Leadership Academy. We will be honoring them for their outstanding achievement at our 72nd Annual Fall Convention & Expo, during our awards ceremony on October 19th at The Osthoff Resort in Elkhart Lake, WI. Read More

COVID-19 cases on the rise – Ensuring access to anti-viral medications

As members may have read and/or experienced, COVID cases are on the rise around the country.  Given this concerning information, we followed up with the Department of Health Services, COVID-19 Therapeutics Team to confirm the process for obtaining Paxlovid and other anti-virals and to ensure that there was amply supply within Wisconsin.  The Therapeutics Team has replied to Rick Abrams, WHCA/WiCAL CEO. Read More

Proposed Federal Minimum Staffing Mandate for Nursing Homes – Call to Action

As we and our national affiliate, American Health Care Association (AHCA), have previously reported, on September 1st, CMS released its long-awaited minimum staffing rule for nursing homes. The rule contains mandatory minimum daily staffing requirement for RN’s and CNA’s as well as requiring that an RN be on site at the facility 24 hours per day/7 days per week. While there is phase in period for both of these components, at this time, over 80% of the nursing facilities across the country would not be in compliance if the rule went into effect today. In addition, at implementation, we estimate that this rule will cost over $4 billion annually. There is zero funding in the rule to pay for the mandate. We have included more detail about the rule at the end of this memorandum. Read More

New Specialized Psychiatric Rehabilitative Services Reimbursement Rate

Effective July 1, 2023, the Specialized Psychiatric Rehabilitative Services (SPRS) reimbursement rate increased from $23.39 to $24.19 per resident day. This supplemental payment is available to skilled nursing facilities that provide SPRS to residents determined to have a mental illness by a level II PASRR evaluation. This updated rate is for all Medicaid-certified nursing homes and professionals who work in the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) process. Read More

Nominate Your Shining Star TODAY!

WHCA/WiCAL is pleased to continue the tradition of celebrating the amazing work and steadfast dedication of Wisconsin’s long-term care providers with the 2023 Shining Star Awards. Shining Stars will be awarded in the following categories: Leadership, Director of Nursing, Direct Caregiver, and Support Staff. Submit your Shining Star nominations by September 15. All members and partners are encouraged to submit nominations under any category and multiple nominations from a facility are welcomed! Read More

DHS Issues CMI Adjustments and Interim Rate Information

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is announcing changes to the patient driven payment model prospective payment system case mix index (PDPM PPS CMI). This implements the parity adjustments from CMS. The parity adjustment is tied to CMS final rule 1765 and results in reduced CMIs for direct care. DHS has increased the nursing services base and other direct care supplies and services base to offset this reduction in CMIs. Read More

The American College of Health Care Administrators – Revitalizing the Upper Midwest Chapter

WHCA/WiCAL was recently contacted by three University of Wisconsin (UW) – Eau Claire School of Health Care Administration students to request our help in revitalizing the Wisconsin Chapter of the American College of Health Care Administrators (ACHCA). We welcomed the opportunity.  To all of our member nursing facility administrators out there, this is your professional organization.  We urge you to join and get involved! Read More

Research Participation Opportunity for South Central Wisconsin Nursing Facilities

The Crnich Research Team at the University of Wisconsin – Madison is looking to partner with skilled nursing facilities on an infectious disease study that currently studies how COVID-19 spreads within nursing homes and will eventually focus on other types of transmissible respiratory infections like influenza and RSV.  They are looking for interested facilities within a 60-minute drive from Madison. Nursing homes that choose to participate will receive a modest contribution to the facility education/development fund. Read More

Nominate Your Shining Star TODAY!

WHCA/WiCAL is pleased to continue the tradition of celebrating the amazing work and steadfast dedication of Wisconsin’s long-term care providers with the 2023 Shining Star Awards. Shining Stars will be awarded in the following categories: Leadership, Director of Nursing, Direct Caregiver, and Support Staff. Submit your Shining Star nominations by September 15. All members and partners are encouraged to submit nominations under any category and multiple nominations from a facility are welcomed! Read More

October 1, 2023 changes to MDS/RAI: Important resources to help nursing homes prepare

We hope that you have found helpful the educational guidance previously provided to prepare for the changes to the MDS/RAI to take effect on October 1. Links to each one of the eight installments (as well as additional educational resources) are set forth below.  The following article from Provider magazine, an American Health Care Association publication, offers some very practical guidance from an MS veteran.  We hope that you also find the article helpful. Read More

Nominate Your Shining Star TODAY!

WHCA/WiCAL is pleased to continue the tradition of celebrating the amazing work and steadfast dedication of Wisconsin’s long-term care providers with the 2023 Shining Star Awards. Shining Stars will be awarded in the following categories: Leadership, Director of Nursing, Direct Caregiver, and Support Staff. Submit your Shining Star nominations by September 15. All members and partners are encouraged to submit nominations under any category and multiple nominations from a facility are welcomed! Read More

October 1, 2023 changes to MDS/RAI: Important resources to help nursing homes prepare

As we have previously reported, our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, is running a multi-part educational series highlighting different areas in which the Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI) will be changing effective October 1, 2023.  Below please find a eighth installment in this important educational series focusing on changes to Section Q. Read More

Abbott BinaxNOW COVID test kits available free of charge for the remainder of 2023

Our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Centers for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), advises that skilled nursing facilities and assisted living centers with active CLIA waivers remain eligible to receive free monthly shipments of Abbott BinaxNOW over the counter COVID-19 test kits from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) at least until the end of 2023. Read More

October 1, 2023 changes to MDS/RAI: Important resources to help nursing homes prepare

As we have previously reported, our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, is running a multi-part educational series highlighting different areas in which the Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI) will be changing effective October 1, 2023.  Below please find a seventh installment in this important educational series focusing on changes to Section O Read More

October 1, 2023 changes to MDS/RAI: Important resources to help nursing homes prepare

As we have previously reported, our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, is running a multi-part educational series highlighting different areas in which the Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI) will be changing effective October 1, 2023. Please find a sixth installment in this important educational series focusing on changes to Section N. Read More

October 1, 2023 changes to MDS/RAI: Important resources to help nursing homes prepare

As we have previously reported, our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, is running a multi-part educational series highlighting different areas in which the Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI) will be changing effective October 1, 2023. Please find a fifth installment in this important educational series focusing on changes to Section K. Read More

October 1, 2023 changes to MDS/RAI: Important resources to help nursing homes prepare

As we have previously reported, our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, is running a multi-part educational series highlighting different areas in which the Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI) will be changing effective October 1, 2023. Please find a fourth installment in this important educational series focusing on changes to Section J. Read More

FINAL REMINDER! SIGN UP FOR JUNE 29th - WisCaregiver Careers Employer Touchbase NEW Employer Portal, Website Updates & More

his is a final reminder about the upcoming WisCaregiver Careers Employer Touchbase Webinar! WisCaregiver Careers will host this webinar to share exciting news as we launch our new website, employer portal, and candidate lead email system after gathering valuable input from our employers.Please share with your staff and join us for this webinar, June 29th from 10:00am to 11:00am to learn about the launch of these resources and to hear about our exciting new website and auto-email enhancements. There will be a Q & A at the end of the presentation to answer any questions you may have about WisCaregiver Careers. The date is quickly approaching, so register below today! Read More

October 1, 2023 changes to MDS/RAI: Important resources to help nursing homes prepare

As we have previously reported, our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, is running a multi-part educational series highlighting different areas in which the Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI) will be changing effective October 1, 2023.  Please find a third installment in this important educational series focusing on changes to Section GG. Read More

WHCA/WiCAL congratulates Wisconsin’s five 2023 Silver Quality Award Winners!

Sponsored by our national partner, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the National Quality Awards Program is a progressive, quality improvement program that is based on the Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence. It is with great pleasure that WHCA/WiCAL congratulates and presents Wisconsin’s 5 2023 Silver Quality Award recipients! Read More

WHCA/WiCAL congratulates Wisconsin’s five 2023 Silver Quality Award Winners!

Sponsored by our national partner, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the National Quality Awards Program is a progressive, quality improvement program that is based on the Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence. It is with great pleasure that WHCA/WiCAL congratulates and presents Wisconsin’s 5 2023 Silver Quality Award recipients! Read More

October 1, 2023 changes to MDS/RAI: Important resources to help nursing homes prepare

As we have previously reported, our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, is running a multi-part educational series highlighting different areas in which the Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI) will be changing effective October 1, 2023.  Please find a third installment in this important educational series focusing on changes to Section GG. Read More

FINAL REMINDER! SIGN UP FOR JUNE 29th - WisCaregiver Careers Employer Touchbase NEW Employer Portal, Website Updates & More

his is a final reminder about the upcoming WisCaregiver Careers Employer Touchbase Webinar! WisCaregiver Careers will host this webinar to share exciting news as we launch our new website, employer portal, and candidate lead email system after gathering valuable input from our employers.Please share with your staff and join us for this webinar, June 29th from 10:00am to 11:00am to learn about the launch of these resources and to hear about our exciting new website and auto-email enhancements. There will be a Q & A at the end of the presentation to answer any questions you may have about WisCaregiver Careers. The date is quickly approaching, so register below today! Read More

REMINDER SAVE THE DATE JUNE 29TH - WisCaregiver Careers Employer Touchbase

This is a reminder about the upcoming WisCaregiver Careers Employer Touchbase.  Please share with all of your staff who engage on the CNA Training or WisCaregiver Careers program at your facility!  WisCaregiver Careers will be hosting a webinar to share exciting news as we launch our new employer website portal and email system after gathering critical employer feedback. Join WisCaregiver staff for a webinar June 29th from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. to learn about the launch of the new employer portal full of helpful employer resources and to hear about the exciting new website and candidate lead auto-email enhancements. Read More

Medication Aide Certification Requirements

One of our business partners, Healthcare Workforce Training Institute, recently brought to our attention a misunderstanding by some nursing facilities of what constitutes appropriate medication aide certification training for Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) in a nursing facility setting. Some facilities believe that the 14 hours of training required in the Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF) setting is sufficient for the nursing facility.  This is incorrect. Read More

SAVE THE DATE: JUNE 29TH - WisCaregiver Careers Employer Touchbase: NEW Employer Portal, Website Updates & More

WisCaregiver Careers is a workforce development program administered by the Wisconsin Health Care Association and LeadingAge Wisconsin designed to address the CNA shortage in Wisconsin nursing homes by providing free training, free certification testing, and $500 sign-on or retention bonuses! Join WisCaregiver staff to learn about the launch of the new employer portal full of helpful employer resources and to hear about the exciting new website and candidate lead auto-email enhancements. Read More

October 1, 2023 changes to MDS/RAI: Important resources to help nursing homes prepare

Last week, we reported that our national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living, would be running a multi-part educational series highlighting different areas in which the Minimum Data Set/Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS/RAI) would be changing effective October 1, 2023.  Below please find the second installment in this important educational series. Read More

WHCA/WiCAL congratulates Wisconsin’s 11 2023 Bronze Quality Award Winners!

Sponsored by our national partner, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), the National Quality Awards Program is a progressive, quality improvement program that is based on the Baldridge Criteria for Performance Excellence. It is with great pleasure that WHCA/WiCAL congratulates and presents Wisconsin’s 11 2023 bronze Quality Award recipients! Read More

CMS Final Rule Removes COVID-19 Testing and Staff Vaccination Requirements

On May 31, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a final rule, “Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Policy and Regulatory Changes to the Omnibus COVID-19 Health Care Staff Vaccination Requirements; Additional Policy and Regulatory Changes to the Requirements for Long-Term Care (LTC) Facilities and Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals With Intellectual Disabilities (ICFs-IID) to Provide COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Offer Vaccinations to Residents, Clients, and Staff; Policy and Regulatory Changes to the Long Term Care Facility COVID-19 Testing Requirements.” Read More

You are not in this alone: remember, WHCA/WiCAL is here to help!

Dear members: Your association serves many functions, encapsulated in the three pillars of WHCA/WiCAL: Advocacy, Education, and Excellence. The last two are critically important, and we are always thriving to provide current, useful Educational opportunities, as well has working with providers (SNF and AL) to advance high standards of Excellence for the care and services you provide. Read More

Supply Chain Sources for COVID Testing Supplies and NHSN Reporting Post Public Health Emergency

Wisconsin’s Quality Improvement Organization, Superior Health Quality Alliance/Metastar, continues to be a valuable and free resource to members. Superior will be offering a series of “office hour” sessions focused on National Health Safety Network (NHSN) reporting post-Public Health Emergency. Additionally, Navigator can be a partner to supply you with COVID testing and related supplies. Read More

ICYMI: From the Department of Health Services: Guidance on Converting an existing building or structure to a Community-Based Residential Facility.

On May 5, 2023, the Division of Quantity Assurance (DQA) released memo 23-001 titled CBRF: Requirements for Newly Licensed Existing Structures. This memo replaced DQA Memo 14-007 with updated direction and contacts. The purpose of this memo is to provide the regulatory requirements regarding the conversion of an existing building or structure to a newly licensed CBRF. Read More

All-SNF MAC 5-Claim Audit and Education Initiative

CMS has directed Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to audit 5 Medicare claim submissions from every SNF as part of a widespread review to lower the SNF improper payment rate (likely due to unintentional increases brought forth by PDPM). This will be implemented in waves over the next year beginning June 5, 2023, so be on the lookout for these record requests. Read More

Masking Resource: Post-COVID-19 Public Health Emergency

Effective May 11, 2023, the federal COVID-19 public health emergency ended. The use of source control (masking) is no longer tied to community transmission levels. To help clarify when source control is appropriate in health care settings, Superior Health Quality Alliance developed this Source Control Assessment: Guide for Mask Use in Health Care Settings. Your health care setting can use this resource when making decisions about source control for residents, patients, visitors and health care workers. Read More

ICYMI: SNF VBP Program Webinar on May 24, 2023

On April 10, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed rule that would update Medicare payment policies and rates for skilled nursing facilities under the Skilled Nursing Facility Prospective Payment System (SNF PPS) for fiscal year (FY) 2024. Read More

CNA Training Lockout Fix Reintroduced in Congress

Bipartisan legislation to address a critical shortage of certified nursing assistants (CNAs) has been reintroduced in Congress. Reps. Ron Estes (R-Kansas) and Gerry Connolly (D-Virginia) introduced the Ensuring Seniors' Access to Quality Care Act, which would allow nursing homes that have been forced to suspend in-house CNA training programs after receiving a certain level of penalties to resume those programs once quality standards are met. Read More

2023 CHAASE Banquet Recap & Scholarship Recipients

Every year, outstanding students, preceptors, and friends of the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Health Care Administration (HCAD) Program are recognized at the annual spring banquet hosted by the UW-Eau Claire Center for Health Care Administration and Aging Services Excellence (CHAASE). WHCA/WiCAL is a proud sponsor of the CHAASE program and provided $10,000 in scholarships to students in the HCAD program, which were awarded during the 2023 CHAASE Banquet. Read More

ICYMI: Payroll Based Journal Reminders

​​As providers prepare​ for the May 15 Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) deadline to submit staffing hours for January 1 – March 31, 2023, they should keep the following reminders in mind. Read More

DQA Announces Education Series for Nursing Home Providers - First Program is Tuesday, Feb. 28

The Department of Health Services (DHS) Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) announced recently a four-part series geared toward nursing home compliance. Nursing Home providers and stakeholders are invited to attend the Long Term Care Summit Education Series hosted by the DQA Bureau of Nursing Home Resident Care (BNHRC). Each month, BNHRC staff will provide information relevant to the survey process and on a variety of topics and trends commonly seen in long term care settings. Read More

Announcing Careers in Caring! 

WHCA/WiCAL is proud to work with our national affiliate, AHCA/NCAL, on Careers in Caring, an initiative designed to help member facilities attract new staff. Read More