The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) this week revealed “Joyful Moments” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week
®. The annual, national observance – officially sponsored by First Quality in 2022 – provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and local communities to celebrate the individuals who live and work in assisted living and learn more about this sector of long term care.
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During the past two years, the pandemic has forced us to focus on the infection control measures surrounding the pandemic. As we move forward, the basics of a comprehensive Infection Control program may need to be rebooted. This program will review elements of a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control program. Requirements for antibiotic stewardship will also be reviewed as well as methods to track medications prescribed to treat pathogens. Various tools & resources will be shared as well as at least one in electronic format.
Read More
The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) this week revealed “Joyful Moments” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week
®. The annual, national observance – officially sponsored by First Quality in 2022 – provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and local communities to celebrate the individuals who live and work in assisted living and learn more about this sector of long term care.
Read More
During the past two years, the pandemic has forced us to focus on the infection control measures surrounding the pandemic. As we move forward, the basics of a comprehensive Infection Control program may need to be rebooted. This program will review elements of a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control program. Requirements for antibiotic stewardship will also be reviewed as well as methods to track medications prescribed to treat pathogens. Various tools & resources will be shared as well as at least one in electronic format.
Read More
The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) this week revealed “Joyful Moments” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week
®. The annual, national observance – officially sponsored by First Quality in 2022 – provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and local communities to celebrate the individuals who live and work in assisted living and learn more about this sector of long term care.
Read More
During the past two years, the pandemic has forced us to focus on the infection control measures surrounding the pandemic. As we move forward, the basics of a comprehensive Infection Control program may need to be rebooted. This program will review elements of a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control program. Requirements for antibiotic stewardship will also be reviewed as well as methods to track medications prescribed to treat pathogens. Various tools & resources will be shared as well as at least one in electronic format.
Read More
The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) this week revealed “Joyful Moments” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week
®. The annual, national observance – officially sponsored by First Quality in 2022 – provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and local communities to celebrate the individuals who live and work in assisted living and learn more about this sector of long term care.
Read More
The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) this week revealed “Joyful Moments” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week
®. The annual, national observance – officially sponsored by First Quality in 2022 – provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and local communities to celebrate the individuals who live and work in assisted living and learn more about this sector of long term care.
Read More
During the past two years, the pandemic has forced us to focus on the infection control measures surrounding the pandemic. As we move forward, the basics of a comprehensive Infection Control program may need to be rebooted. This program will review elements of a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control program. Requirements for antibiotic stewardship will also be reviewed as well as methods to track medications prescribed to treat pathogens. Various tools & resources will be shared as well as at least one in electronic format.
Read More
During the past two years, the pandemic has forced us to focus on the infection control measures surrounding the pandemic. As we move forward, the basics of a comprehensive Infection Control program may need to be rebooted. This program will review elements of a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control program. Requirements for antibiotic stewardship will also be reviewed as well as methods to track medications prescribed to treat pathogens. Various tools & resources will be shared as well as at least one in electronic format.
Read More
During the past two years, the pandemic has forced us to focus on the infection control measures surrounding the pandemic. As we move forward, the basics of a comprehensive Infection Control program may need to be rebooted. This program will review elements of a comprehensive Infection Prevention and Control program. Requirements for antibiotic stewardship will also be reviewed as well as methods to track medications prescribed to treat pathogens. Various tools & resources will be shared as well as at least one in electronic format.
Read More
The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) announced earlier today that effective
April 1, 2022, online applications for Adult Family Homes (AFH) will be accepted via the e-Licensure system. AFH applicants are invited to attend a webinar on
April 5, 2022, hosted by the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA). During this time, DQA staff will provide an overview of the new e-Licensure system specific to AFHs with instructions on how to navigate the system.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) announced earlier today that effective
April 1, 2022, online applications for Adult Family Homes (AFH) will be accepted via the e-Licensure system. AFH applicants are invited to attend a webinar on
April 5, 2022, hosted by the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA). During this time, DQA staff will provide an overview of the new e-Licensure system specific to AFHs with instructions on how to navigate the system.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently announced it is moving forward with its intention to review and revise
DHS 88, state administrative code regulating licensed Adult Family Homes (AFH).
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) recently announced it is moving forward with its intention to review and revise
DHS 88, state administrative code regulating licensed Adult Family Homes (AFH).
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Join Director of Quality Advancement and Education Pat Boyer on March 21, 2022 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. for a webinar to overview the PEAL/WCCEAL program. The webinar is open to all existing and new members of PEAL/WCCEAL.
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The
2022 Direct Care Workforce Survey is available for providers to complete. Responses are due Friday, March 18th. Providers should complete this survey based on all direct care workforce payments received since June 2021.
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The
2022 Direct Care Workforce Survey is available for providers to complete. Responses are due Friday, March 18th. Providers should complete this survey based on all direct care workforce payments received since June 2021.
Read More
The
2022 Direct Care Workforce Survey is available for providers to complete. Responses are due Friday, March 18th. Providers should complete this survey based on all direct care workforce payments received since June 2021.
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On Thursday, March 3, WHCA/WiCAL staff participated in a quarterly meeting with BAL and Wisconsin's long-term care provider associations. Attending from BAL were Director Dan Perron and Deputy Director Kathy Lyons. Also on the call was DQA Deputy Director Alfred Johnson, as well as staff from DPH.
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The
2022 Direct Care Workforce Survey is available for providers to complete. Responses are due Friday, March 18th. Providers should complete this survey based on all direct care workforce payments received since June 2021.
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Last week, the Bureau of Assisted Living sent out guidance on using staff who are COVID-19 positive.
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The
2022 Direct Care Workforce Survey is available for providers to complete. Responses are due Friday, March 18th. Providers should complete this survey based on all direct care workforce payments received since June 2021.
Read More
The
2022 Direct Care Workforce Survey is available for providers to complete. Responses are due Friday, March 18th. Providers should complete this survey based on all direct care workforce payments received since June 2021.
Read More
All senior living providers are asked to help support
The State of Seniors Housing report as it conducts its annual research on the profession.
The State of Seniors Housing is a collaborative research project supported by NCAL, along with the American Seniors Housing Association, National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, Argentum, and LeadingAge.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend the Assisted Living Forum on Tuesday, February 15, 2022 from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) will provide information on a number of topics, including regulatory updates, entity background check updates, case example/quality improvement, visitation guidance, COVID-19 infection prevention and control updates, and additional information related to COVID-19.
Read More
All senior living providers are asked to help support
The State of Seniors Housing report as it conducts its annual research on the profession.
The State of Seniors Housing is a collaborative research project supported by NCAL, along with the American Seniors Housing Association, National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, Argentum, and LeadingAge.
Read More
All senior living providers are asked to help support
The State of Seniors Housing report as it conducts its annual research on the profession.
The State of Seniors Housing is a collaborative research project supported by NCAL, along with the American Seniors Housing Association, National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care, Argentum, and LeadingAge.
Read More
The Wisconsin Medicaid reimbursement rate for home and community-based services (HCBS) will
go up by 5% effective January 1, 2022, through March 31, 2024. The increase comes from federal funding authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Family Care HCBS providers will benefit from these increased rates.
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WHCA/WiCAL has heard from providers and other provider associations that many Family Care MCOs still have not communicated with providers about the
3.51% increase approved by DHS in the summer of 2021. The MCOs must send out contract addendums to providers they do business with which must in turn be signed and returned before the funds can be issued.
Read More
WHCA/WiCAL will be holding a PEAL webinar on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on the WCCEAL Satisfaction Surveys.
Read More
WHCA/WiCAL will be holding a PEAL webinar on Thursday, January 27, 2022 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. on the WCCEAL Satisfaction Surveys.
Read More
WHCA/WiCAL has heard from providers and other provider associations that many Family Care MCOs still have not communicated with providers about the
3.51% increase approved by DHS in the summer of 2021. The MCOs must send out contract addendums to providers they do business with which must in turn be signed and returned before the funds can be issued.
Read More
The Wisconsin Medicaid reimbursement rate for home and community-based services (HCBS) will
go up by 5% effective January 1, 2022, through March 31, 2024. The increase comes from federal funding authorized by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Family Care HCBS providers will benefit from these increased rates.
Read More
WHCA/WiCAL has heard from providers and other provider associations that many Family Care MCOs still have not communicated with providers about the
3.51% increase approved by DHS in the summer of 2021. The MCOs must send out contract addendums to providers they do business with which must in turn be signed and returned before the funds can be issued.
Read More
An important part of internal quality assurance and improvement is to know data about key aspects of your operations and how this data changes over time and how you compare to other assisted living communities. Members of WiCAL PEAL program are a part of the larger WCCEAL (Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living) initiative.
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An important part of internal quality assurance and improvement is to know data about key aspects of your operations and how this data changes over time and how you compare to other assisted living communities. Members of WiCAL PEAL program are a part of the larger WCCEAL (Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living) initiative.
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Earlier today, the Department of Health Services announced that the
Safer Visits in Wisconsin Assisted Living - A Person Centered Approach had been revised. The policy contains new guidance and expectations on how assisted living facilities can safely provide in-person visitation and accommodate communal activities and dining to address the psycho-social needs of residents.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has submitted the updated statewide transition plan for final approval to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) will be holding an initial licensing Q&A session on Monday, December 13 for prospective providers who are opening a Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF) or an Adult Family Home (AFH).
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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OSHA's COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS), which requires vaccines for large employers with more than 100 employees corporation-wide, was granted a motion to stay on November 12, 2021. The court ordered that OSHA "take no steps to implement or enforce" the ETS "until further court order."
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
Read More
WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
Read More
WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
Read More
WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
Read More
The National Center for Assisted Living is undertaking a strategic planning effort and would appreciate your feedback and thoughts.
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The National Center for Assisted Living is undertaking a strategic planning effort and would appreciate your feedback and thoughts.
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The National Center for Assisted Living is undertaking a strategic planning effort and would appreciate your feedback and thoughts.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has updated
Assisted Living COVID-19 Testing Guidance. The guidance was changed to be similar to the testing strategy used in a nursing home.
Read More
WHCA/WiCAL has heard from providers and other provider associations that many Family Care MCOs still have not communicated with providers about the
3.51% increase approved by DHS earlier this year. The MCOs must send out contract addendums to providers they do business with which must in turn be signed and returned before the funds can be issued.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) has updated
Assisted Living COVID-19 Testing Guidance. The guidance was changed to be similar to the testing strategy used in a nursing home.
Read More
WHCA/WiCAL has heard from providers and other provider associations that many Family Care MCOs still have not communicated with providers about the
3.51% increase approved by DHS earlier this year. The MCOs must send out contract addendums to providers they do business with which must in turn be signed and returned before the funds can be issued.
Read More
Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend the Assisted Living Forum on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) will provide information on a number of topics, including regulatory updates, emergency staffing, visitation, COVID-19 infection control, and additional information related to COVID-19.
Read More
WHCA/WiCAL has heard from providers and other provider associations that many Family Care MCOs still have not communicated with providers about the
3.51% increase approved by DHS earlier this year. The MCOs must send out contract addendums to providers they do business with which must in turn be signed and returned before the funds can be issued.
Read More
WHCA/WiCAL has heard from providers and other provider associations that many Family Care MCOs still have not communicated with providers about the
3.51% increase approved by DHS earlier this year. The MCOs must send out contract addendums to providers they do business with which must in turn be signed and returned before the funds can be issued.
Read More
Wisconsin Health Care Association and Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living’s (WHCA/WiCAL) member facilities from across Wisconsin earlier this month celebrated National Assisted Living Week.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend the Assisted Living Forum on Tuesday, September 28, 2021, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) will provide information on a number of topics, including regulatory updates, emergency staffing, visitation, COVID-19 infection control, and additional information related to COVID-19.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) would like to remind facilities of their COVID-19 testing lab contacts and testing procedures. There has been an increase in testing recently, which has resulted in many rejected samples.
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Wisconsin Health Care Association and Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living’s (WHCA/WiCAL) member facilities from across Wisconsin last week celebrated National Assisted Living Week.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) would like to remind facilities of their COVID-19 testing lab contacts and testing procedures. There has been an increase in testing recently, which has resulted in many rejected samples.
Read More
Wisconsin Health Care Association and Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living’s (WHCA/WiCAL) member facilities from across Wisconsin last week celebrated National Assisted Living Week.
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The 2021 National Assisted Living Week (NALW) is coming up soon! To celebrate, ahcancalED is holding a sale September 8-19 on groundbreaking assisted living educational trainings.
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The 2021 National Assisted Living Week (NALW) is coming up soon! To celebrate, ahcancalED is holding a sale September 8-19 on groundbreaking assisted living educational trainings.
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The 2021 National Assisted Living Week (NALW) is coming up soon! To celebrate, ahcancalED is holding a sale September 8-19 on groundbreaking assisted living educational trainings.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to roll out a new infection prevention training program for frontline health care workers in a variety of settings.
Project Firstline is intended to help frontline health care workers understand and confidently apply infection prevention and control principles to help protect themselves, their residents, their families, and their community from infectious diseases like COVID-19.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is partnering with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to roll out a new infection prevention training program for frontline health care workers in a variety of settings.
Project Firstline is intended to help frontline health care workers understand and confidently apply infection prevention and control principles to help protect themselves, their residents, their families, and their community from infectious diseases like COVID-19.
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In a memo sent last week from the Department of Health Services Division of Quality Assurance, the department reminded assisted living facilities that routine testing of unvaccinated individuals should be based on the extent of the virus in the community. Fully vaccinated individuals do not have to be routinely tested. Facilities should use their county positivity rate in the prior week as the trigger for routine unvaccinated testing frequency.
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In a memo sent earlier today from the Department of Health Services Division of Quality Assurance, the department reminded assisted living facilities that routine testing of unvaccinated individuals should be based on the extent of the virus in the community. Fully vaccinated individuals do not have to be routinely tested. Facilities should use their county positivity rate in the prior week as the trigger for routine unvaccinated testing frequency.
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On Thursday, June 23, DHS updated its '
Safer Visits in Assisted Living Facilities' guidance posted on the DHS COVID website (scroll down to the accordion menu 'Safer Visits' section).
The new AL visitation guidance is meant to incorporate updated
CDC guidance on Healthcare Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations for COVID-19, which was published in late April 2021 and to account for new opportunities afforded via the COVID-19 vaccine rollout.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend the Special Assisted Living Forum on Tuesday, June 29, 2021 from 9-11 a.m. During this time, the Bureau of Assisted Living will introduce the updated
Safer Visits in Assisted Living Facilities, and answer your questions.
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The State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC), on behalf of the Department of Health Services and Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, is conducting a one-time
survey to assess the current needs of Adult Family Homes (AFHs), Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs), and Resident Care Apartment Complexes (RCACs) for PPE, fit testing, and educational resources.
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The State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC), on behalf of the Department of Health Services and Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, is conducting a one-time
survey to assess the current needs of Adult Family Homes (AFHs), Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs), and Resident Care Apartment Complexes (RCACs) for PPE, fit testing, and educational resources.
Read More
The State Emergency Operation Center (SEOC), on behalf of the Department of Health Services and Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene, is conducting a one-time
survey to assess the current needs of Adult Family Homes (AFHs), Community-Based Residential Facilities (CBRFs), and Resident Care Apartment Complexes (RCACs) for PPE, fit testing, and educational resources.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is opening a 30-day public comment period for the draft of the 2021 Wisconsin Medicaid Managed Care Quality...
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is opening a 30-day public comment period for the draft of the 2021 Wisconsin Medicaid Managed Care Quality...
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is opening a 30-day public comment period for the draft of the 2021 Wisconsin Medicaid Managed Care Quality...
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is opening a 30-day public comment period for the draft of the 2021 Wisconsin Medicaid Managed Care Quality...
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is opening a 30-day public comment period for the draft of the 2021 Wisconsin Medicaid Managed Care Quality...
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The Department of Health Services Bureau of Assisted Living recently invited employees of assisted living facilities to participate in a Quality Assurance/Improvement Survey. The survey is set up to collect anonymous responses. Do not provide any personally identifiable information in your responses. Assisted living facilities include adult day care centers, 3-4 bed adult family homes, community-based residential facilities, and residential care apartment complexes.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is opening a 30-day public comment period for the draft of the 2021 Wisconsin Medicaid Managed Care Quality...
Read More
The Department of Health Services Bureau of Assisted Living recently invited employees of assisted living facilities to participate in a Quality Assurance/Improvement Survey. The survey is set up to collect anonymous responses. Do not provide any personally identifiable information in your responses. Assisted living facilities include adult day care centers, 3-4 bed adult family homes, community-based residential facilities, and residential care apartment complexes.
Read More
The Department of Health Services Bureau of Assisted Living recently invited employees of assisted living facilities to participate in a Quality Assurance/Improvement Survey. The survey is set up to collect anonymous responses. Do not provide any personally identifiable information in your responses. Assisted living facilities include adult day care centers, 3-4 bed adult family homes, community-based residential facilities, and residential care apartment complexes.
Read More
The Department of Health Services Bureau of Assisted Living recently invited employees of assisted living facilities to participate in a Quality Assurance/Improvement Survey. The survey is set up to collect anonymous responses. Do not provide any personally identifiable information in your responses. Assisted living facilities include adult day care centers, 3-4 bed adult family homes, community-based residential facilities, and residential care apartment complexes.
Read More
The Division of Quality Assurance this week released DQA Memo 21-03 / Community-Based Residential Facilities & Crisis Stabilization.
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The Department of Health Services Bureau of Assisted Living recently invited employees of assisted living facilities to participate in a Quality Assurance/Improvement Survey. The survey is set up to collect anonymous responses. Do not provide any personally identifiable information in your responses. Assisted living facilities include adult day care centers, 3-4 bed adult family homes, community-based residential facilities, and residential care apartment complexes.
Read More
On Friday, April 2, 2021, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services released revised
guidance and expectations for how assisted living facilities can safely facilitate in-person visitation and increase communal activities and dining.
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The Wisconsin Division of Quality Assurance, Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) invites employees of Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) regulated by BAL to participate in an anonymous Quality Assurance/Improvement Survey. Assisted Living Facilities include adult day care centers, 3-4 bed Adult Family Homes, Community-Based Residential Facilities, and Residential Care Apartment Complexes.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend the Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend the Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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The vulnerable nature of people who live in assisted living facilities, combined with the risks of congregate living during a pandemic, has limited the ability for safe visits to occur in Assisted Living facilities. While limiting visitation has been the safest approach to prevent the spread of COVID-19, it has created other unintended consequences for residents that may seriously threaten their health and emotional well-being.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend the Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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Due to recent rate cuts in the Family Care program, WHCA/WiCAL is currently conducting a survey to demonstrate the severity of the rate-setting process and have accurate data to present in advocacy efforts. This data is critical to ensure we have up-to-date figures on Family Care rate increases and decreases. Responses are due by
Friday, March 5, 2021. Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is opening a 30-day public comment period on its findings about home and community-based service long-term care settings that were identified for heightened scrutiny review. Review is needed to determine if these settings are truly home and community based and not institutional. This public comment period is in accordance with federal requirements.
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Due to recent rate cuts in the Family Care program, WHCA/WiCAL is currently conducting a survey to demonstrate the severity of the rate-setting process and have accurate data to present in advocacy efforts. This data is critical to ensure we have up-to-date figures on Family Care rate increases and decreases. Responses are due by
Friday, March 5, 2021. Read More
Due to recent rate cuts in the Family Care program, WHCA/WiCAL is currently conducting a survey to demonstrate the severity of the rate-setting process and have accurate data to present in advocacy efforts. This data is critical to ensure we have up-to-date figures on Family Care rate increases and decreases. Responses are due by
Friday, March 5, 2021. Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is opening a 30-day public comment period on its findings about home and community-based service long-term care settings that were identified for heightened scrutiny review. Review is needed to determine if these settings are truly home and community based and not institutional. This public comment period is in accordance with federal requirements.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is opening a 30-day public comment period on its findings about home and community-based service long-term care settings that were identified for heightened scrutiny review. Review is needed to determine if these settings are truly home and community based and not institutional. This public comment period is in accordance with federal requirements.
Read More
AHCA/NCAL is working to address outstanding and not yet resolved Provider Relief Fund (PRF) and Quality Incentive Payment (QIP) issues.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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The CDC and OSHA recommend the use of a fit-tested N95 respirator by healthcare personnel caring for residents suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 to assist in controlling the spread among long-term care populations. In conjunction with the Wisconsin State Lab of Hygiene (WSLH), the Department of Health Services (DHS) will be providing respiratory protection resources for Assisted Living Facilities (ALF), including instructional videos on Respiratory Protection Programs and fit testing, a pre-fit test checklist, and other training webinars.
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The ambulatory status of an adult family home (AFH) is dependent upon the residents to be served at the home and the home’s construction, including common space, exits, grab bars, and more.
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The ambulatory status of an adult family home (AFH) is dependent upon the residents to be served at the home and the home’s construction, including common space, exits, grab bars, and more.
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The State of Wisconsin opened the availability of COVID-19 vaccinations for assisted living facilities effective 1/25/2021. A few communities with assisted living building contiguous with a skilled nursing facility may have started sooner. It is important that you are prepared for the vaccination clinics. Walgreens or CVS will be reaching out to you to inform you of the scheduled date. We have seen clinics scheduled 7 days a week.
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A reminder that DHS has a number of infection prevention resources available to assist local health departments and long-term care facilities (LTCFs) with COVID-19 prevention and response.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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The CDC and OSHA recommend the use of a fit-tested N95 respirator by healthcare personnel caring for residents suspected or confirmed to have COVID-19 to assist in controlling the spread among long-term care populations.
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The Department of Health Services (DHS) Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) requires all regulated assisted living providers to submit biennial/annual reports and license/certification continuations using the e-renewal program.
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The Department of Health Services (DHS) Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) requires all regulated assisted living providers to submit biennial/annual reports and license/certification continuations using the e-renewal program.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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WHCA/WiCAL will be participating in a round table discussion with representatives from assisted living facilities, the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, and Herzing University related to the needs of Wisconsin's assisted living providers on Thursday, December 3.
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WHCA/WiCAL will be participating in a round table discussion with representatives from assisted living facilities, the Wisconsin Assisted Living Association, and Herzing University related to the needs of Wisconsin's assisted living providers on Thursday, December 3.
Read More
Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
Read More
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began shipping BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Tests, also referred to as point-of-care antigen tests, to designated Assisted Living Facilities to conduct rapid testing of staff and residents for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These tests should not be confused with the Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) tests.
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On September 14, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began shipping BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Tests, also referred to as point-of-care antigen tests, to designated Assisted Living Facilities to conduct rapid testing of staff and residents for SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. These tests should not be confused with the Polymerase Chain Reactions (PCR) tests.
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"Resources to Support Assisted Living Facilities in Determining Admission Policies during a COVID-19 Outbreak" has been posted on the Division of Public Health (DPH) Communicable Diseases Memos page.
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"Resources to Support Assisted Living Facilities in Determining Admission Policies during a COVID-19 Outbreak" has been posted on the Division of Public Health (DPH) Communicable Diseases Memos page.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living will be switching to a bi-weekly schedule for the AL Forum provider webinars in November and December.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) has regularly required assisted living providers to submit a Plan of Correction (POC) when issued Statement of Deficiency (SOD) that contains violations following a survey. The POC describes the action the assisted living provider will take to address the issued violations, how they will maintain regulatory compliance, and a date of completion for correcting each violation(s).
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) has regularly required assisted living providers to submit a Plan of Correction (POC) when issued Statement of Deficiency (SOD) that contains violations following a survey. The POC describes the action the assisted living provider will take to address the issued violations, how they will maintain regulatory compliance, and a date of completion for correcting each violation(s).
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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The CDC is partnering with CVS and Walgreens to provide on-site COVID-19 vaccination to residents of Wisconsin skilled nursing and assisted living facilities once vaccination is recommended for them. Facilities can partner with CVS, Walgreens, or their existing LTC pharmacy.
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The Department of Health Services (DHS) Division of Medicaid Services released data related to round 2 of the CARES Act Provider Payment (CAPP) program.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced last week that it has developed several dashboards to provide information regarding how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting members and participants in the following adult long-term care programs: Family Care, Family Care Partnership, IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct), and PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly).
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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The 3rd Quarter 2020 QI Variables submission period began on October 1, 2020.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) is conducting its annual Assisted Living Salary & Benefits Study, and requests you let members know this important study is underway. The study covers ALFs, RCFs, and PCHs. Assisted living providers are asked to complete the study's questionnaire by November 9th. The study is published by HCS and supported by NCAL and LeadingAge.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is sending 540,000 COIVD-19 test kits made by Abbott to assisted living communities this week. To receive a kit from HHS, a community, by law, must have a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) Certificate of Waiver to perform testing.
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On September 14, 2020, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began shipping BinaxNOW COVID-19 Ag Card diagnostic antigen tests to a number of Community Based Residential Facilities to conduct rapid testing of staff and residents. Supplies will be sent directly to each facility, and will arrive in a single shipment directly from the manufacturer.
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On Tuesday, September 22, the WHCA/WiCAL Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt a Family Care funding request for the 2021-23 biennial state budget. The Board vote came after a unanimous recommendation of the WHCA/WiCAL Payment Council.
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On Tuesday, September 22, the WHCA/WiCAL Board of Directors voted unanimously to adopt a Family Care funding request for the 2021-23 biennial state budget. The Board vote came after a unanimous recommendation of the WHCA/WiCAL Payment Council.
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is sending 540,000 COIVD-19 test kits made by Abbott to assisted living communities this week. To receive a kit from HHS, a community, by law, must have a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendment (CLIA) Certificate of Waiver to perform testing.
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Earlier this month, the Department of Health Services (DHS) published Assisted Living COVID-19 Testing Guidance based on the State of Wisconsin Testing Framework, P-02709.
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Wisconsin Health Care Association and Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living’s (WHCA/WiCAL) member facilities from across Wisconsin last week celebrated National Assisted Living Week.
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Wisconsin Health Care Association and Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living’s (WHCA/WiCAL) member facilities from across Wisconsin will be celebrating National Assisted Living Week through tomorrow, September 19.
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The Department of Health and Human Services has extended the deadline for assisted living providers to submit their taxpayer ID numbers for validation as part of the application process for the Phase 2 Provider Relief Fund Distribution to September 21.
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The Department of Health Services (DHS) has published Assisted Living COVID-19 Testing Guidance based on the State of Wisconsin Testing Framework, P-02709.
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HHS announced this week that the federal government plans to ship rapid COVID-19 tests to assisted living communities across the country.
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The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that private-pay assisted living/memory care providers will be eligible to apply for CARES Act Provider Relief Funds under the current Phase 2 General Distribution round of COVID-19 funding.
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In a late Sept. 1 development, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that private-pay assisted living/memory care providers will be eligible to apply for CARES Act Provider Relief Funds under the current Phase 2 General Distribution round of COVID-19 funding.
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National Assisted Living Week is next week, September 13-19, 2020. Established by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, National Assisted Living Week® provides a unique opportunity to recognize the role staff play in caring for America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities. Below we share some things to consider as well as 20 ideas on how to celebrate.
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National Assisted Living Week is next week, September 13-19, 2020. Established by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) in 1995, National Assisted Living Week® provides a unique opportunity to recognize the role staff play in caring for America’s seniors and individuals with disabilities. Below we share some things to consider as well as 20 ideas on how to celebrate.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) Forums webpage was updated with information from the July 29, 2020 forum.
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Last week, the Division of Quality Assurance-Bureau of Assisted living help the provider community quarterly meeting and discussed COVID-19 testing guidance in assisted living, enforcement updates, No POC Initiative, and E-Renewal.
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This year, 861 long term and post-acute care providers in all 50 states and District of Columbia have received an AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award. This program honors long term and post-acute care providers that have demonstrated a strong commitment to improving the quality of care for seniors and individuals with disabilities.
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Application packets for the 2021 National Quality Award Program are now available online. The Quality Award portal opens September 17, 2020 when applicants can begin to submit their payment for the intent to apply and begin to write or submit their applications in the portal.
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Time to start planning for National Assisted Living Week® (September 13-19, 2020) with this year’s Planning Guide and Product Catalog . The planning guide offers ideas to help your residents stay connected, improve your assisted living community, and honor your staff. All suggested activities and official products highlight this year’s theme, “Caring is Essential.”
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On Tuesday, August 18, WHCA/WiCAL staff presented to about 500 assisted living providers across the state on the services that WiCAL offers to members.
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On Tuesday, August 18, WHCA/WiCAL staff presented to about 500 assisted living providers across the state on the services that WiCAL offers to members.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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On Thursday, the Division of Quality Assurance-Bureau of Assisted living help the provider community quarterly meeting and discussed COVID-19 testing guidance in assisted living, enforcement updates, No POC Initiative, and E-Renewal.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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The WHCA/WICAL Virtual Fall Convention & Expo will provide members of our assisted living communities with over 20 AL-specific courses, covering everything from workforce issues to the financial impact to COVID-19 to the importance of digital marketing and brand management. With the flexibility provided by the virtual conference platform, you can complete all courses on your own time and on your own schedule! You will have a full 30 days of unlimited access to the Virtual Fall Convention & Expo!
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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Time to start planning for National Assisted Living Week® (September 13-19, 2020) with this year’s Planning Guide and Product Catalog. The planning guide offers ideas to help your residents stay connected, improve your assisted living community, and honor your staff. All suggested activities and official products highlight this year’s theme, “Caring is Essential.”
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Time to start planning for National Assisted Living Week® (September 13-19, 2020) with this year’s Planning Guide and Product Catalog. The planning guide offers ideas to help your residents stay connected, improve your assisted living community, and honor your staff. All suggested activities and official products highlight this year’s theme, “Caring is Essential.”Time to start planning for National Assisted Living Week® (September 13-19, 2020) with this year’s Planning Guide and Product Catalog. The planning guide offers ideas to help your residents stay connected, improve your assisted living community, and honor your staff. All suggested activities and official products highlight this year’s theme, “Caring is Essential.”
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is considering a possible distribution of CARES Act Provider Relief Funds to private-pay assisted living/memory care providers that are stand-alone or part of a CCRC, located in the U.S states and territories. NCAL, Argentum, ASHA, and LeadingAge are assisting HHS in an effort to collect the necessary information from these providers through a private, secure data collection portal to help ease a potential future distribution of application funds.
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WHCA/WiCAL held a WiCAL Learning Session on Emergency Planning and Procedures for Assisted Living earlier this week.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend weekly Assisted Living Forums.
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The Department recently released the safer visitation guidance.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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Please join on Tuesday, July 28 at 2:00-3:00 p.m. for a free WiCAL Learning Session on Emergency Planning and Procedures for Assisted Living.
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Please join on Tuesday, July 28 at 2:00-3:00 p.m. for a free WiCAL Learning Session on Emergency Planning and Procedures for Assisted Living. Registration is below!
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Earlier this week, United States Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), and Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-N.Y.) released the findings from their investigation into COVID-19 outbreaks at assisted living facilities and the Assisted Living Facility Coronavirus Reporting Act, which would put in place national data collection and reporting requirements for assisted living facilities.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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Last week, WHCA/WiCAL reported that the DHS assisted living visitation guidance was going to be released on Monday. The Department did release the guidance this week and shared the below message to the Bureau of Assisted Living listserv:
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has set a new launch date for Electronic Visit Verification (EVV). The soft launch date will be November 2, 2020. EVV will be required for all personal care and applicable supportive home care services paid for by Medicaid from this date.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services has release visitation guidance for Assisted Living communities specifically. The guidance, found under the tab "Safer Visits in Assisted Living Facilities" on the DHS LTC COVID website.
BAL officials have indicated that a departmental communication announcing the new guidance will be issued on Monday, June 29. WHCA/WiCAL has reproduced the entire guidance below for your reference.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend our Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities. This session is conducted on Tuesdays from 10:00-11:30 a.m. until further notice. Please join on Tuesday, June 30, 2020.
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New data from a survey conducted by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) of its members shows more than half of assisted living communities possess less than a two-week supply of specific personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Earlier this month, AHCA/NCAL sent a letter to HHS and FEMA to request $5 billion in emergency funding and support for assisted living communities in response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
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Guidance on adult day services, care centers, programs, and adult pre-vocational programs has been posted to the DHS COVID-19 Long-Term Care Facilities page. These programs are at increased risk for COVID-19 transmission because there is increased risk when multiple people gather and interact. The guidance provides considerations related to capacity, spatial separation, physical distancing, infection control practices, and staffing.
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WHCA/WiCAL recently announced that with the assistance of NBA legend and former Milwaukee Bucks player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, WHCA/WiCAL is working with Magid Glove & Safety Manufacturing Company, on a PPE order of PPE including gowns and N-95 masks.
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In light of the challenges brought on by COVID-19, it is even more essential to celebrate National Assisted Living Week (NALW) this year which will take place September 13- 19, 2020. The theme, “Caring is EssentiAL,” is more relevant today than in recent years and highlights the incredible care provided by essential caregivers in assisted living communities across the country.
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The Department of Health Services earlier this month released DQA Memo 20-009 / Licensure/Certification Application for Temporary Assisted Living Facility Expansion Units and Transfer Options during the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency State.
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Earlier this month, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services published its CARES payment information page for long-term care providers. The portal is currently open for providers to apply for funding. This $100 million in funds for these payments were provided to the State under the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.
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A recent study released by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) shows that more than half of assisted living communities with less than a two-week supply of specific PPE and detailing the struggle to find these vital supplies. While more than 70 percent have asked for help from state and local health agencies, many are still forced to reuse PPE or rely on homemade supplies.
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting assisted living occupancy, according to new data from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), which said assisted living properties saw a 0.9 percentage point decline to 85.2 percent stabilized occupancy in May 2020 in the nation’s largest 31 metropolitan areas.
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A recent study released by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) shows that more than half of assisted living communities with less than a two-week supply of specific PPE and detailing the struggle to find these vital supplies. While more than 70 percent have asked for help from state and local health agencies, many are still forced to reuse PPE or rely on homemade supplies.
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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is hitting assisted living occupancy, according to new data from the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), which said assisted living properties saw a 0.9 percentage point decline to 85.2 percent stabilized occupancy in May 2020 in the nation’s largest 31 metropolitan areas.
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Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend the Assisted Living Forum. During this time, Bureau of Assisted Living will provide answers to questions related to COVID-19 and assisted living facilities.
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In assisted living facilities, many different dining options are available, depending on resident population, dining space and specific resident needs. This WiCAL Learning Session explores those options and provide some solutions for making your dining experience the best for your facility.
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Inclusa is updating the 2020 Room and Board rates effective April 1, 2020 to reflect the 2019 Wisconsin/U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rates.
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The Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), Office of Caregiver Quality (OCQ), has developed a new online reporting system for providers to submit allegations of caregiver misconduct that occur in DQA regulated health care facilities.
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The PEAL program hosted a webinar on Wednesday to review updated PEAL/WCCEAL guides and a new tutorial on generating resident satisfaction surveys with Pat Boyer, WHCA/WiCAL Director of Quality Advancement and Education.
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Salaries for Assisted Living Administrators and Directors of Human Resources (DHRs) in Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) increased by over 3.0% in 2019, according to the 22nd annual Assisted Living Salary & Benefits Report, published by the Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS). The Report is supported by the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) and published in cooperation with LeadingAge.
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NCAL is teaming up, once again, with the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), LeadingAge, and Argentum to issue The State of Seniors Housing, a report on the financial performance data for seniors housing communities. We need your participation in order to provide a representative picture of the industry.
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Investigators from the University of Rochester, in partnership with the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL) and 9 national organizations representing providers, advocates, and other stakeholders in assisted living (AL) are conducting a national survey focusing on the quality of resident care.
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On Thursday, February 20, the DQA Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) hosted the first quarterly meeting with long-term care provider associations for 2020.
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Join us for a PEAL webinar on February 26, 2020 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. to review updated PEAL/WCCEAL guides and a new tutorial on generating resident satisfaction surveys with Pat Boyer, WHCA/WiCAL Director of Quality Advancement and Education.
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Join us for a PEAL webinar on February 26, from 1-2 p.m. to review updated PEAL/WCCEAL guides and a new tutorial on generating resident satisfaction surveys with Pat Boyer, WHCA/WiCAL Director of Quality Advancement and Education.
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During a meeting with DHS officials on Tuesday, they explained that they are still awaiting approval from CMS for the Family Care Direct Care Workforce Funding initiative. Originally, a workgroup of stakeholders including WHCA staff and DHS officials indicated a desire for using a one-time payment structure rather than the quarterly system used in the past. That proposal was denied by CMS and a quarterly structure is now under review.
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NCAL is teaming up, once again, with the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), LeadingAge, and Argentum to issue The State of Seniors Housing, a report on the financial performance data for seniors housing communities. We need your participation in order to provide a representative picture of the industry.
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Salaries for Assisted Living Administrators and Directors of Human Resources (DHRs) in Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) increased by over 3.0% in 2019, according to the 22nd annual Assisted Living Salary & Benefits Report, published by the Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS).
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Fresh analysis shows that in assessing the attractiveness of the assisted living market (and other seniors housing segments), it is important to consider not only supply and demand scenarios but also to realize the relationship between rent growth and occupancy for additional insight.
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Investigators from the University of Rochester, in partnership with the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL) and 9 national organizations representing providers, advocates, and other stakeholders in assisted living (AL) are conducting a national survey focusing on the quality of resident care.
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Investigators from the University of Rochester, in partnership with the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL) and 9 national organizations representing providers, advocates, and other stakeholders in assisted living (AL) are conducting a national survey focusing on the quality of resident care.
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The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) yesterday announced a new partnership with CarePrepare™ to offer assisted living members access to state survey inspection data. NCAL is incorporating the data into the Association’s data tracking software, Long Term Care (LTC) Trend TrackerSM.
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The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) yesterday announced a new partnership with CarePrepare™ to offer assisted living members access to state survey inspection data. NCAL is incorporating the data into the Association’s data tracking software, Long Term Care (LTC) Trend TrackerSM.
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As previously reported in CareConnection, the Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held its final meeting of the Health Services in Assisted Living work group on Tuesday, December 17. WHCA/WiCAL, along with other long-term care provider associations, participated in the work group to ensure that the provider perspective was considered during the work group’s deliberation process.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living invites you to attend its upcoming Assisted Living Forum. Discussions will include UTI Myths and Facts, Regulatory Clarifications, Regulatory Issues & Solutions, as well as, a Continuous Quality Improvement exercise.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living invites you to attend its upcoming Assisted Living Forum. Discussions will include UTI Myths and Facts, Regulatory Clarifications, Regulatory Issues & Solutions, as well as, a Continuous Quality Improvement exercise.
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January begins the Satisfaction Survey period. Between January 1-April 15, participating members can generate and return their surveys.
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January begins the Satisfaction Survey period. Between January 1-April 15, participating members can generate and return their surveys.
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The Satisfaction Survey period began in January. Between January 1-April 15, participating WCCEAL members can generate and return their surveys.
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January begins the Satisfaction Survey period. Between January 1-April 15, participating members can generate and return their surveys.
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January begins the Satisfaction Survey period. Between January 1-April 15, participating members can generate and return their surveys.
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January begins the Satisfaction Survey period. Between January 1-April 15, participating members can generate and return their surveys.
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January begins the Satisfaction Survey period. Between January 1-April 15, participating members can generate and return their surveys.
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January begins the Satisfaction Survey period. Between January 1-April 15, participating members can generate and return their surveys.
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The Satisfaction Survey period began in January. Between January 1-April 15, participating WCCEAL members can generate and return their surveys.
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January begins the Satisfaction Survey period. Between January 1-April 15, participating members can generate and return their surveys.
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WHCA/WiCAL previously reported that DHS was working with CMS to get approval for the 2020 Direct Care Workforce Funding initiative secured. Last week, DHS officials shared that CMS did not approve the proposal to make the funds available through a one-time payment.
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On Tuesday, December 17, the Bureau of Assisted Living held its final meeting of the Health Services in Assisted Living work group. WHCA/WiCAL, along with other long-term care provider associations, participated in the work group to ensure that the provider perspective was considered during the work group's deliberation process.
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On Wednesday, December 18, WHCA/WiCAL Legal and Regulatory Advisor Brian Purtell hosted a WiCAL Learning Session webinar titled, Best Practices: Abuse, Neglect, Misappropriation, Concerns – Prevention, Management, Reporting and Investigating.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) received notification from Care Wisconsin and My Choice Family Care managed care organizations (MCOs) of their intent to merge into one entity effective January 1, 2020. Both entities provide services within Wisconsin’s Family Care program in Dane county.
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An important part of internal quality assurance and improvement is to know data about key aspects of your operations and how this data changes over time and how you compare to other assisted living communities. Members of WiCAL PEAL program are a part of the larger WCCEAL (Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living) initiative.
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An important part of internal quality assurance and improvement is to know data about key aspects of your operations and how this data changes over time and how you compare to other assisted living communities. Members of WiCAL PEAL program are a part of the larger WCCEAL (Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living) initiative.
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The final Assisted Living Forum of the year was held on Tuesday, December 10 in DeForest. DHS Bureau of Assisted Living director Alfred Johnson opened the meeting with BAL staff change announcements.
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In a meeting Tuesday afternoon, DHS officials indicated that calculations for 2020 Family Care Capitation rates are almost finalized.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living invites you to participate in its upcoming Assisted Living Forum to contribute in discussions regarding emergency preparedness, quality improvement in assisted living, sex offender prevention education, among other topics relevant to assisted living providers.
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Investigators from the University of Rochester, in partnership with the Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL) and 9 national organizations representing providers, advocates, and other stakeholders in assisted living (AL) are conducting a national survey focusing on care and resident safety.
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The deadline for the Assisted Living Salary & Benefits study, conducted by Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) has been extended to December 2nd.
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Lakeland Care Inc. will be switching over to a new authorization portal for providers, DataClarity on November 1, 2019.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held an in-person Assisted Living Forum on Oct 8, 2018, at Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton and the following article provides a summary of the contents of items that were addressed during the meeting.
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Just a reminder that Q3 2019 (July 1-Sept. 30) Quality Variables reporting is now OPEN through Oct. 15. Thank you to those who have already submitted!
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The Bureau of Assisted Living will host two beneficial sessions for the Fox Valley Area Community and Assisted Living providers. The first session is the Consumer Town Hall and the second session is the Assisted Living Forum.
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The Direct Care Workforce funding initiative from the 2017-2019 state budget is winding down. If you participated in the initiative and received funding there are several important dates to be aware of to ensure none of the money you received is recouped.
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The Wisconsin Health Care Association and Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living’s (WHCA/WiCAL) member facilities from across Wisconsin will celebrate National Assisted Living Week from September 8-14.
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The Department of Health Services has released a new video, titled, "What is WCCEAL?" The video is targeted toward assisted living providers who do not currently participate in the Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), a program organized to improve the outcomes of individuals living in Wisconsin assisted living facilities.
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The Department of Health Services has released a new video, titled, "What is WCCEAL?"
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The Department of Health Services has released a new video, titled, "What is WCCEAL?"
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On September 3, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) released a Scope Statement on related to licensed Adult Family Homes.
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CMS has approved the WCCEAL MCO incentive payment initiative.
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CMS has approved the WCCEAL MCO incentive payment initiative.
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Early last week, the Department of Health Services announced a delayed deadline for the Qtr 3 attestation report for providers participating in the Direct Care Workforce Funding initiative. That deadline is now 8:30am on September 9.
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Following continued communications from WHCA/WiCAL, DHS will be convening a work group to discuss and design the Direct Care Workforce funding initiative moving into 2020. The work group's first meeting will be on September 13 and WHCA/WiCAL Director of Reimbursement Policy Kate Dickson will be attending.
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Assisted Living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend the Assisted Living Forum hosted by DQA.
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We've had a good year in D.C., but it hasn't felt good. That is because even though we've been winning the reimbursement battles, we've been getting beat up by Office of Inspector General (OIG) reports, U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) studies, Senate Hearings, and press stories.
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You’re ready to ignite "A Spark of Creativity" this National Assisted Living Week, but how do you share that with others? Check out the NALW Media Toolkit for ideas on how to spread the word about your unique residents, your dedicated staff, and your contributions to the larger community.
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You’re ready to ignite "A Spark of Creativity" this National Assisted Living Week, but how do you share that with others?
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You’re ready to ignite "A Spark of Creativity" this National Assisted Living Week, but how do you share that with others? Check out the NALW Media Toolkit for ideas on how to spread the word about your unique residents, your dedicated staff, and your contributions to the larger community.
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You’re ready to ignite "A Spark of Creativity" this National Assisted Living Week, but how do you share that with others?
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You’re ready to ignite "A Spark of Creativity" this National Assisted Living Week, but how do you share that with others? Check out the NALW...
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The DHS Division of Quality Assurance held its bi-monthly Assisted Living Forum on Tuesday, July 30 in Racine.
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The DHS Division of Quality Assurance held its Assisted Living Forum on Tuesday, August 20 in De Forest.
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The DHS-DQA Bureau of Assisted Living will be holding one of its regular Assisted Living Forums next week in Racine.
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Congratulations and thank you to the following assisted living PEAL members for submitting 2nd quarter 2019 WCCEAL Quality Variable Data.
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Join us for this information packed webinar as Corey Walton, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist with the Wage-Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor presents information designed to educate members on important aspects of federal wage and hour laws including minimum wage, overtime, exemptions, hours worked, record keeping and other important aspects of wage and hour law.
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Join us for this information packed webinar as Corey Walton, Community Outreach and Resource Planning Specialist with the Wage-Hour Division of the U.S. Department of Labor presents information designed to educate members on important aspects of federal wage and hour laws including minimum wage, overtime, exemptions, hours worked, record keeping and other important aspects of wage and hour law.
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Get those creative juices going on activities for National Assisted Living Week® (September 8-14, 2019) with this year’s Planning Guide and Product Catalog.
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Your AL Top-Line is a LTC Trend Tracker publication that includes metrics and charts outlining progress of individual assisted living communities on AL Quality Measures, the Quality Initiative for Assisted Living, and other necessary data to help them achieve their desired goals.
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CMS has begun sending teams of their staff and IBM/Watson consultants to every state to investigate the oversight processes regarding critical incidents for all HCBS programs (under 1915(c) and other authorities).
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Research led by Dr. Kali Thomas at Brown University examines the use of home health among assisted living community residents, showing a slight growth in the share of home care being delivered in this setting between 2012 and 2014.
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On Thursday, May 23, the Department of Health Services Division of Quality Assurance held its quarterly Assisted Living Provider Community Meeting. Alfred Johnson, Director of DQA Bureau of Assisted Living, led the meeting.
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Following the passive review period by the Joint Committee on Finance, the Department of Health Services (DHS) posted the Family Care waiver renewal for public comment. Public comment will be accepted until July 1, 2019 before the request can be submitted to CMS.
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Following the passive review period by the Joint Committee on Finance, the Department of Health Services (DHS) posted the Family Care waiver renewal for public comment. Public comment will be accepted until July 1, 2019 before the request can be submitted to CMS.
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The Department of Health Services (DHS) has submitted its Family Care and IRIS waiver requests to the Joint Finance Committee. As a result of legislation passed late in 2018, Medicaid waiver requests must pass through a passive review period by the legislature's Joint Finance Committee before the request can be submitted to CMS.
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Following the passive review period by the Joint Committee on Finance, the Department of Health Services (DHS) posted the Family Care waiver renewal for public comment. Public comment will be accepted until July 1, 2019 before the request can be submitted to CMS.
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Following the passive review period by the Joint Committee on Finance, the Department of Health Services (DHS) posted the Family Care waiver renewal for public comment. Public comment will be accepted until July 1, 2019 before the request can be submitted to CMS.
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The WCCEAL 2019 Q1 Quality Variable reports are now available. To access, log in to your WCCEAL account and click on "QI Variables" and scroll down to "how to read your report."
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Assisted Living providers will not want to miss this informative Assisted Living Forum.
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Membership is now open! Contact tina@whcawical.org to learn more about WCCEAL.
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Membership is now open! Contact tina@whcawical.org to learn more about WCCEAL.
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Hamilton House Senior Living, a new member of WHCA/WiCAL, will be holding a grand opening celebration on May 19th, 2019 from 2:00-4:00pm.
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The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) last week revealed “A Spark of Creativity” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week.
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The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) today revealed “A Spark of Creativity” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week.
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The Department of Health Services will hold a public hearing regarding Statement of Scope 036-19 for proposed rule DHS 105.14, Adult Day Care Centers. The statement of scope will promulgate a rule to certify Medical Assistance (MA) providers that wish to be reimbursed for adult day care services provided to MA recipients.
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WCCEAL Satisfaction Surveys need to be postmarked by April 30 in order to be entered by CHSRA into the WCCEAL website. All surveys received with this postmark will be entered.
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WCCEAL Satisfaction Surveys need to be postmarked by April 30th in order to be entered by CHSRA into the WCCEAL website. All surveys received with this postmark will be entered.
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The 1st Quarter 2019 QI Variables submission period will start on April 1, 2019.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is preparing its application to renew the IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self-Direct) waiver. We would like your input about what to include in the renewal.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is updating the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Waiver Manual for the CLTS Waiver Program based on the § 1915(c) waiver application and concurrent § 1915(b)(4) waiver application, approved by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for five years effective April 1, 2017, through December 31, 2021.
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CMS has issued new guidance to states that address several issues regarding the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings rule.
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Because there has been confusion about completing the reports, MCOs will be sending out a Q3 training tool to all participating providers.
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CMS has announced a webinar on the comprehensive elements of risk assessment and mitigation strategies will be held from April 3, from 1:30-3 p.m. (CST).
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CMS has announced a webinar on the comprehensive elements of risk assessment and mitigation strategies will be held from April 3, from 1:30-3 p.m. (CST).
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During the Assisted Living Forum on Tuesday, DHS Deputy Secretary Julie Willems Van Dijk stopped by the forum and discussed Governor Tony Evers' budget.
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During the Assisted Living Forum earlier this week, DHS officials offered important information to providers on associated with the Misconduct Incident Reporting System the Department plans to launch on an undetermined date.
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During his "State of Assisted Living" briefing to the Assisted Living Forum this week, Alfred Johnson, Director of the DHS - Bureau of Assisted Living said that more than 350 facilities closed last year due to closure, change of ownership, and revocation.
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The next Assisted Living Forum will be held on March 12th. The theme is regulatory trends you need to know about Assisted Living and it will cover the State of Assisted Living 2018, the Misconduct Incident Reporting (MIR) System, and implementation of HCBS.
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The federal rule assumes that certain settings are not home and community-based.
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WHCA/WiCAL, along with other WI Associations met with BAL officials on 2/21/19. An update was provided regarding HCBS ongoing compliance.
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In response to numerous questions from members, WHCA/WiCAL Director of Quality Advancement and Regulatory Affairs reached out to BAL Director Alfred Johnson for clarification on the waiver process for employment of resident caregivers under the age of 18 in the CBRF setting - DHS 83.16(2).
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WHCA/WiCAL is pleased to announce our newest business partner, the Assisted Living Consultants Consortium (ALCC). ALCC provides services on: developing and retaining quality caregivers, handling residents' complex medical needs, and improving regulatory compliance.
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WHCA/WiCAL is pleased to announce our newest business partner, the Assisted Living Consultants Consortium (ALCC). ALCC provides services on: developing and retaining quality caregivers, handling residents' complex medical needs, and improving regulatory compliance.
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Updates from WHCA/WiCAL staff on PEAL/WCCEAL including: 4th Quarter 2018 QI Variables Reports now available, 1st Quarter 2019 community membership period is still open, and information from the satisfaction survey generation.
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The WI Assisted living forum was held Tuesday, January 29th at the State Office Building in downtown Milwaukee. Visit the Assisted Living Forum website to see a copy of the agenda. The meeting was filmed and the PowerPoint and video will be posted online at a later date.
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Congratulations and thank you to the assisted living PEAL members listed in this article for submitting 4th Quarter 2018 WCCEAL Quality Variable Data.
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An important part of internal quality assurance and improvement is to know your residents/tenants. Resident/tenant satisfaction surveys are very effective modes of communication that can help you determine resident/tenant overall satisfaction and can help you spot trends.
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An important part of internal quality assurance and improvement is to know your residents/tenants. Resident/tenant satisfaction surveys are very effective modes of communication that can help you determine resident/tenant overall satisfaction and can help you spot trends.
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As we have previously reported, DHS has proposed a financial incentive for MCOs in an attempt to develop the assisted living MCO provider network and encourage certified assisting living communities to focus on quality improvement. The proposal included a budget of 0.1% of the Pay for Performance (P4P) budget (approximately $2.1 million).
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The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) has announced six consumer town hall meetings that will take place after each Assisted...
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The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) has announced six consumer town hall meetings that will take place after each Assisted Living Forum.
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The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) has announced six consumer town hall meetings that will take place after each Assisted Living Forum. The intended audience for these town hall meetings includes current/future residents of assisted living facilities, family members, and legal representatives. The first town hall meeting will take place on January 29, 2019 from 2:30–4:00 p.m. in Milwaukee.
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Just a reminder that January 15th is the deadline to submit Quarter 4 (Oct 1- Dec 31) 2018 Quality Variables through the WCCEAL website.
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The final BAL Forum for 2018 was held on December 11th via Adobe Connect. After a brief welcome, Alfred Johnson, Director of the Wisconsin Bureau of Assisted Living, announced that there is a new SRO Director, Hillary Holman, who started Dec 10th with BAL. The BAL will also be recruiting for two nurse consultants for the Milwaukee Office.
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The Assisted Living Forum is scheduled to be conducted utilizing Adobe Connect Pro software and is not an in-person meeting. Connect to the meeting via Adobe Connect on December 11th at 10:00 a.m. The general session will run from 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. and the individual provider breakout sessions are from 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
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A new benefit of being a WCCEAL Assisted Living Community (ALC) in good standing will be staff access to the Clinical Resource Center (CRC). CRC is a clinical care resource website that was originally designed for and available to Wisconsin staff members providing care in skilled nursing facilities.
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From November 2018 through May 2019, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will be surveying older adults and people with physical disabilities about their quality of life. Participation in the survey is optional.
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As a part of the WiCAL Learning Sessions, the Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living is pleased to present a two-part webinar series on important tips and trends for assisted living providers on employment and HR issues.
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On Friday, October 19, at 1 pm Central, NCAL will host a webinar to break down the commonly cited barriers preventing assisted living communities from participating in the National Quality Awards program and talk about the many free resources available to help assisted living providers succeed. We will also hear from the two 2018 Gold recipient assisted living organizations about their journey, including how they did it and how it benefited their organization.
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On November 6, WiCAL will host the second of its two-part 'HR for AL' webinar series. On November 8, PEAL will hold an informative webinar on Medication Management.
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As a part of the WiCAL Learning Sessions, the Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living is pleased to present a two-part webinar series on important tips and trends for assisted living providers on employment and HR issues. These informative sessions will cover important HR related issues including, common wage and hour areas of concern, employee screening and background checks, EEOC developments and hot spots, appropriate social media use policies, and much more.
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The DHS Bureau of Assisted Living will hold an Assisted Living Forum scheduled to be held in person at Madison College on Tuesday, October 16, Quality Assurance in Assisted Living, A Surveyor’s Perspective.
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Assisted living regulations, statutes, and policies in 29 states were updated between June 2017 and June 2018, according to the National Center for Assisted Living’s (NCAL) 2018 edition of “Assisted Living State Regulatory Review.” The association released the latest edition of its annual review today. The report found that the most common changes to state regulations were in the area of staffing, such as additional training requirements and expanded background check requirements.
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Please be aware that there will be some changes for the Quarter 2 Direct Care Workforce Attestation Report. The Department of Health Services has required that each direct care workforce payment now comes with a control number on the check. Providers will be required to enter all of their control numbers and the corresponding payments into the Quarter 2 Direct Care Workforce Attestation Report.
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After extensive consideration by WHCA/WiCAL leadership and approval by the Board of Directors, along with other Wisconsin long-term, post-acute and residential care provider associations, we are pleased to present to you our budget request for Family Care funding.
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The next RESOLVE forum will be held on September 4, 2018 from 9:30 AM to 11:45 AM via Adobe Connect Pro, to cover a variety of important topics.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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WiCAL members are encouraged to maximize their membership benefit via participation in the association’s Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) quality advancement program. PEAL is part of the larger Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL), which is the Department of Health Services’ initiative encouraging proactive compliance and recognizing assisted living providers who participate in a DHS-approved, association-based quality initiative.
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Join NCAL for a timely overview about how health care compliance programs are relevant for assisted living (AL) communities. While AL providers may not participate in Medicare or Medicaid, it is still important to understand fraud and abuse laws such as the Anti-kickback Statute, which can apply when referral and financial arrangements are in place with other Medicare providers such as hospitals, hospices, home health agencies or therapists.
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Join NCAL for a timely overview about how health care compliance programs are relevant for assisted living (AL) communities. While AL providers may not participate in Medicare or Medicaid, it is still important to understand fraud and abuse laws such as the Anti-kickback Statute, which can apply when referral and financial arrangements are in place with other Medicare providers such as hospitals, hospices, home health agencies or therapists.
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“Capture the Moment” is this year's theme for National Assisted Living Week, held September 9-15! This year's theme is meant to inspire residents to realize their dreams and seize the day. Simultaneously, the theme also supports reflection, as residents may look back on the pivotal moments in their lives. With the theme’s word play referencing photography, residents may refer to pictures or videos from their past.
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“Capture the Moment” is this year's theme for National Assisted Living Week, held September 9-15! This year's theme is meant to inspire residents to realize their dreams and seize the day. Simultaneously, the theme also supports reflection, as residents may look back on the pivotal moments in their lives. With the theme’s word play referencing photography, residents may refer to pictures or videos from their past.
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In the proclamation, Gov. Walker stated, 'assisted living is a critical long-term care service for the elderly and individuals with disabilities that fosters choice, dignity, and independence, and assisted living communities are committed to excellence, innovation, and the advancement of person-centered care."
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Officials from the DHS-DQA-Bureau of Assisted Living met with representatives of the state's assisted living provider associations to address areas of concern to the state's ALF provider community and the residents who they serve.
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The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) published a proposed rule that, if left unchanged, leaves unclear the status for assisted living community owners to take full advantage of this year’s federal tax cuts.
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Last week, NCAL revealed a new member benefit for assisted living providers, the AL Cost Calculator. Powered by Prime Care Technologies, the AL Cost Calculator is web-based, enhanced resident assessment tool that allows assisted living providers to assess how costs are allocated across residents.
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Earlier this week, NCAL revealed a new member benefit for assisted living providers, the AL Cost Calculator. Powered by Prime Care Technologies, the AL Cost Calculator is web-based, enhanced resident assessment tool that allows assisted living providers to assess how costs are allocated across residents.
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There is an in-person Assisted Living Forum scheduled at Madison College on Tuesday, August 14. The general session is from 10-11:45 a.m. and the individual provider breakout sessions are from 12:45-1:45 p.m. An interactive presentation regarding current issues affecting Adult Day Care providers will be the key topic at that program’s breakout session.
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The WI Assisted living forum was held Tuesday, August 14th at Madison College in downtown Madison.
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Congratulations and thank you to the following assisted living PEAL members for submitting 3rd Quarter 2018 WCCEAL Quality Variable Data:
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Congratulations and thank you to PEAL members for submitting 2nd Quarter 2018 WCCEAL Quality Variable Data!
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The $60.8 million passed as part of the 2017-2019 budget for Family Care to help with the direct care workforce crisis has been paid out to MCOs and is beginning to make its way to assisted living providers. Expect to receive payment by August 15. Providers will then receive subsequent payments each quarter through July, 2019.
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You’re ready to “Capture the Moment” this National Assisted Living Week, but how do you share that with others? Check out the NALW Media Toolkit for ideas on how to spread the word about your unique residents, your dedicated staff, your contributions to the larger community, and the special moments you create every day.
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Thank you to those of you who have already submitted your Quality Improvement Variables. PLEASE NOTE: There are a number of participants who have saved their variable data but have not yet submitted the data. Participants must log in and submit data accordingly. Saving data does not complete the process.
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The National Center for Assisted Living has published a policy brief with three case studies of state efforts to embrace quality measurement and improvement through collaboration for assisted living. The brief demonstrates the importance of partnership between states, assisted living providers and quality experts to improve care.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services released an FAQ document pertaining to the Direct Care Workforce Funding initiative. The Wisconsin legislature recently included a $60.8 million provision in the state's biennial budget to fund increases for the direct care portion of managed long-term care capitation rates.
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The core of assisted living care is individual support. Learn how to initiate and complete Individual Service Plans (ISP) to help your resident achieve personal goals. Join WiCAL presenter Louann Lawson with Pathway Health on this very informative session. She will incorporate Wisconsin specific regulations into the webinar as well.
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WHCA/WiCAL staff met with DHS-Bureau of Assisted Living officials in recent weeks to address issues of concern to the assisted living provider community.
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As a part of the WiCAL Learning Sessions, the Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living is pleased to present a two-part webinar series on important tips and trends for assisted living providers on employment and HR issues.
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As a part of the WiCAL Learning Sessions, the Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living is pleased to present a two-part webinar series on important tips and trends for assisted living providers on employment and HR issues.
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As a part of the WiCAL Learning Sessions, the Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living is pleased to present a two-part webinar series on important tips and trends for assisted living providers on employment and HR issues.
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WHCA/WiCAL received notice late last week that CMS has approved the Direct Care Workforce funding methodology resulting from a work group that met several times earlier this year.
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The National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD) has released a report describing key considerations states should take into account as they implement the electronic visit verification (EVV) system mandated in the 21st Century Cures Act for Medicaid personal care services. It provides very helpful background about EVV. This report will be distributed to state Medicaid, Aging, and Disability Directors to inform their interpretation and implementation of the requirement.
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) today revealed “Capture the Moment” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week®. The annual, national observance provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and local communities to celebrate the individuals served in assisted living and learn more about this sector of long term care.
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To support states and providers implementing the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule, NCAL has partnered with Health Management Associates to create four policy briefs that address areas that have been particularly challenging to ensure that assisted living (AL) continues as an appropriate home and community based setting.
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released new guidance this week to correct an unintended consequence of prior guidance for determining the penalty start date of an asset transfer for Medicaid applicants seeking eligibility for home and community-based services (HCBS) delivered under a 1915(c) waiver.
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National Center for Assisted Living Executive Director Scott Tittle has begun a new, quarterly member communication meant to recap the latest activities of AHCA/NCAL as it relates to serving our assisted living membership, while also providing some context on recent happenings in D.C.
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It is that time again! Please help us achieve 100 % compliance of Quality Improvement Variable Submissions for our Assisted Living PEAL Program.
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It is that time again!! Please help us achieve 100 % compliance of Quality Improvement Variable Submissions for our Assisted Living PEAL Program.
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To support states and providers implementing the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule, the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) has partnered with Health Management Associates to create four policy briefs that address areas that have been particularly challenging to ensure that assisted living (AL) continues as an appropriate HCBS setting.
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To support states and providers implementing the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule, NCAL has partnered with Health Management Associates to create four policy briefs that address areas that have been particularly challenging to ensure that assisted living (AL) continues as an appropriate home and community based setting.
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Officials with the DHS - Division of Quality Assurance, representatives of the Board on Aging and Long-Term Care and the State Ombudsman met with representatives of the state LTC provider associations in a meeting at the Department relaunching a series of meetings that were last held in 2011.
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To support states and providers implementing the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Settings Rule, NCAL has partnered with Health Management Associates to create four policy briefs that address areas that have been particularly challenging to ensure that assisted living (AL) continues as an appropriate home and community based setting.
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The Department of Health Services Bureau of Assisted Living held an in-person AL Forum at Madison College earlier this month to detail key trends and relevant news for Wisconsin's CBRF, RCAC and Adult Family Home assisted living providers.
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The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) has announced new three-year goals as part of its nationwide, multi-year initiative to further improve quality in assisted living communities. Since the initiative’s launch in 2012, NCAL members have been challenged to meet measurable targets to improve resident outcomes and organizational success.
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Satisfaction surveys must be postmarked before April 30, 2018 for WCCEAL participants. More than half of our PEAL assisted living member facilities have had surveys returned. This is the perfect way to gauge how happy your residents are and identify areas important to them.
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Satisfaction surveys must be postmarked before April 30, 2018 for WCCEAL participants. More than half of our PEAL assisted living member facilities have had surveys returned.
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Could technology revolutionize the care and supervision provided in assisted living facilities? We are here to find out! As a provider of an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) in the State of Wisconsin, you are invited to complete an informational survey.
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Could technology revolutionize the care and supervision provided in assisted living facilities? We are here to find out! As a provider of an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) in the State of Wisconsin, you are invited to complete an informational survey.
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There is an Assisted Living Forum scheduled to be held in person at Madison College on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. The general session will run from 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m. and the individual provider breakout sessions will run from 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
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Satisfaction surveys must be postmarked before April 30, 2018 for WCCEAL participants. Over half of our PEAL assisted living member facilities have had surveys returned.
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NCAL is teaming up, once again, with the American Seniors Housing Association (ASHA), National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), Leading Age, and Argentum to issue The State of Seniors Housing, a report on the financial performance data for seniors housing communities. We need your participation in order to provide a representative picture of the industry.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) and the Bureau of Adult Long-Term Care Services (BALTCS) is collaborating with the LeadingAge Wisconsin, Wisconsin Assisted Living Association (WALA), Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living (WiCAL), and Disability Service Provider Network (DSPN) to again host RESOLVE Forums.
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WHCA/WiCAL sent a letter to Wisconsin Department of Health Services officials Friday calling on them to ensure the greatest amount of flexibility is afforded to providers as a part of the $60 in Family Care funding allocated to providers for the direct care workforce.
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Earlier this week, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its long-awaited report on Medicaid in assisted living: MEDICAID ASSISTED LIVING SERVICES: Improved Oversight of Beneficiary Health and Welfare is Needed.
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A resident death at an assisted living facility in Sun Prairie has led to news reports questioning staff training and facility protocol.
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Please join us for our February PEAL Webinar Session on Dementia Care Meaningful Recreation! After the session, attendees will be able to 1) identify 2 tools to utilize in assessment of dementia, and 2) learn how to adapt activity based on stage of dementia
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Last week, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (OIG), Administration for Community Living, and Office for Civil Rights released a January 2018 joint report, "Ensuring Beneficiary Health and Safety in Group Homes Through State Implementation of Comprehensive Compliance Oversight."
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The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) earlier this week released the Assisted Living and Hospital Interface guide.
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The Division of Quality Assurance, Bureau of Assisted Living is pleased to announced the release of a new publication, the Reporting Requirements for Assisted Living Facilities. Written by Bureau of Assisted Living staff and reviewed by the Assisted Living forum, this 11 page publication addresses over 14 incidents where assisted living providers must notify the Department.
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Congratulations and THANK YOU to the following PEAL members for submitting Quarter 4 2017 WCCEAL Quality Improvement Variable Data!
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WiCAL members, particularly those participating or planning to participate in Medicaid waiver programs, should be aware of several announcements in the past few weeks. Most notably, via the Assisted Living Forum listserve, it was announced that as of January 1, 2018, under an agreement between DHS Division of Medicaid Services (DMS) and the Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL), that BAL personnel will begin including ongoing compliance with the HCBS Settings rule.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held an online Assisted Living Forum on January 9, 2018, and the following article provides a summary of the contents of items that were addressed during the meeting.
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This will be conducted utilizing Adobe Connect Pro software and is not an in-person Forum. The general session will run from 10:00 a.m. – 11:45 a.m and the individual provider breakout sessions will run from 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
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NCAL’s Risk Management Work Group created a checklist for assisted living communities to be prepared in managing issues that may arise regarding resident sexual consent. Sexual consent for assisted living residents requires ensuring resident rights regarding confidentiality, the right to make independent choices, and the right to private unrestricted communications with others, which must be balanced with concerns about resident capacity to give consent.
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The NCAL Customer Relations Committee has developed a new resource for assisted living providers: “Bullying Among Seniors (and Not the High School Kind)” i
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A new webpage on the NCAL website offers a one-stop shop for all resources related to interacting with current residents, their loved ones and potential customers. The Customer Relations webpage, housed under Community Operations, also offers member providers the ability to request complimentary, professionally-printed copies of a number of brochures developed by NCAL.
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An important part of internal quality assurance and improvement is to know data about key aspects of your operations and how this data changes over time and how you compare to other assisted living communities. Members of WiCAL PEAL program are a part of the larger WCCEAL (Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living) initiative.
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An important part of internal quality assurance and improvement is to know data about key aspects of your operations and how this data changes over time and how you compare to other assisted living communities. Members of WiCAL PEAL program are a part of the larger WCCEAL (Wisconsin Collaborative Coalition for Excellence in Assisted Living) initiative.
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The Quarter 4 Quality Improvement Variable save reporting period for October 1- December 31, 2017 is now open. The save period allows participants ample time to enter in data. However, you CANNOT SUBMIT until January 1-15, 2018.
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Please join the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) and the American Assisted Living Nurses Association (AALNA) on December 5th from 2 - 3 pm Central, for the last webinar in the 2017 Caring Together series.
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Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) is conducting its annual Assisted Living/Personal Care Salary & Benefits Study, and they need your help. Assisted living providers are asked to complete the study’s questionnaire by December 4th. The study is published by HCS and supported by NCAL.
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Sarah Pyzyk, RN, has developed a self-assessment survey as an opportunity for Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) to take some time to analyze how their currently transfer residents to and from the hospital setting.
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Congratulations and thank you to the following assisted living PEAL Members for submitting 3rd Quarter 2017 Quality Improvement Variable data!
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), states, and home and community based services (HCBS) providers are in the process of implementing the HCBS Settings Rule.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held an in-person Assisted Living Forum on Oct 10, 2017, and the following article provides a summary of the contents of items that were addressed during the meeting.
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The Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP) Confidential Feedback Reports containing the claims-based IMPACT Act measures are now available via the CASPER Reporting System.
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For members currently participating in the WiCAL PEAL program, data for the Quarter III reporting period can be submitted through October 15, 2017.
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There is an Assisted Living Forum scheduled to be held in person at Madison College on Tuesday, October 10, 2017. The Assisted Living Forum is facilitated by the Division of Quality Assurance, Bureau of Assisted Living and meets bi-monthly.
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The Research Triangle Institute (RTI) International conducted a study which examined the potential impact wage increases would have on assisted living (AL) and continuing care retirement communities (CCRC). RTI researchers examined the impact of raising the hourly minimum wage to $10, $12, and $15 per hour. The report includes the number of AL and CCRC workers who would be impacted by minimum wage increases and the average wage increases per worker, both nationally and in select states.
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CareConnection has included a regular feature in which we provide an overview of changes to different sections of Appendix PP. In this week’s review of the changes to Appendix PP, we will focus on Quality of Care 483.25: F-698: Dialysis.
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As the executive director of the National Center for Assisted Living, I'm constantly visiting our state affiliates and member companies across the country. Touring assisted living communities is one of my favorite things while I'm out on the road. Seeing how providers are innovating senior care down to the finest details is truly inspiring. But most invigorating is the ability to talk one-on-one with direct caregivers.
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NCAL is pleased to announce the relaunch of the Quality Initiative Recognition Program to honor assisted living members for their individual work in achieving the goals of the NCAL Quality Initiative. All achievers will be recognized at the AHCA/NCAL Quality Summit in New Orleans, March 12-14, 2018.
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Assisted living communities across the country are encouraged to organize activities and events during NALW that celebrate these deep connections between staff and residents.
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“Family is Forever” is this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week. The theme is inspired by a quote from the poet Maya Angelou:
“Family isn’t always blood, it’s the people in your life who want you in theirs: the ones who accept you for who you are, the ones who would do anything to see you smile and who love you no matter what.”
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Assisted living communities across the country are encouraged to organize activities and events during NALW that celebrate the deep connections between staff and residents.
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As National Assisted Living Week 2017 wraps up, WHCA/WiCAL wants to hear how centers across Wisconsin honored their residents and staff. This year's theme was “Family is Forever”. WHCA/WiCAL has been encouraging member Assisted living communities to organize activities and events during NALW that celebrate the deep connections between staff and residents.
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Tuesday, the Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held the bi-monthly Assisted Living Forum in Madison, with several points of interest to members.
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Congratulations and thank you to the following Assisted Living PEAL members for submitting Quarter 2 2017 Quality Improvement Variable Data.
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On Wednesday the Bureau of Assisted Living issued an announcement that effective three weeks ago, there have been changes to the licensing process for assisted living facilities. These changes have been in the works for some time and WiCAL has been providing comments and suggestions as to improvements to the process in hopes of reducing the backlog within the system.
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The Home and Community- Based Services (HCBS) Quality Measure Development webinar is the third event in ACL's HCBS quality informational webinar series. Agenda items will include discussion of the importance of quality measurement, how measures are developed, and the progress made through measure development. The webinar will conclude with a brief question and answer session.
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As the assisted living profession continues to grow, being involved in a Quality Improvement program has many advantages and can help address pertinent issues. Participating facilities will receive training and educational tools in recognized performance excellence and quality improvement processes. PEAL members: join us for an Infection Outbreak Prevention webinar on Thursday, August 10 from 1-2 p.m
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As the assisted living profession continues to grow, being involved in a Quality Improvement program has many advantages and can help address pertinent issues. Participating facilities will receive training and educational tools in recognized performance excellence and quality improvement processes.
PEAL members: join us for an Infection Outbreak Prevention webinar on Thursday, August 10 from 1-2 p.m.
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There is an Assisted Living Forum scheduled to be held in person at Madison College on Tuesday, August 15, 2017. As part of the individual provider breakout sessions, we are offering a question and answer session entitled “Ask BAL!” The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) Regional Director hosting the individual provider breakout session can answer your regulatory questions.
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National Assisted Living Week (NALW) provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and the surrounding communities to recognize the role of assisted living in caring for America's seniors and individuals with disabilities. The annual celebration encourages assisted living communities to offer a variety of events and activities to celebrate the individuals they serve.
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National Assisted Living Week (NALW) provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and the surrounding communities to recognize the role of assisted living in caring for America's seniors and individuals with disabilities. The annual celebration encourages assisted living communities to offer a variety of events and activities to celebrate the individuals they serve.
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National Assisted Living Week (NALW) provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and the surrounding communities to recognize the role of assisted living in caring for America's seniors and individuals with disabilities. The annual celebration encourages assisted living communities to offer a variety of events and activities to celebrate the individuals they serve.
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Connect with the public by reaching out to your local media outlets to spread the word about National Assisted Living Week. You can promote your unique NALW events or highlight innovative services or programs you offer.
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National Assisted Living Week (NALW) provides a unique opportunity for residents, their loved ones, staff, volunteers, and the surrounding communities to recognize the role of assisted living in caring for America's seniors and individuals with disabilities. The annual celebration encourages assisted living communities to offer a variety of events and activities to celebrate the individuals they serve.
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Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Secretary Linda Seemeyer today announced the managed care organizations selected to serve Family Care members and the IRIS (Include, Respect, I Self Direct) consultant agencies that intend to serve participants in the IRIS program in Dane County. This expansion will end the wait list for more than 450 people in Dane County with long-term care needs, including some who will have access to needed long-term care services for the first time.
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Last week we provided members with an update on the BAL changes to the licensure process intended to promote efficiency and shorten the overall review time for initial and change of ownership (CHOW) license review. The changes announced were to begin July 1 whereby the process will be modified such that established providers will not be required to submit the full complement of documents that a first-time applicant will otherwise need to submit.
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For members currently participating in the WiCAL PEAL program, data for the Quarter II reporting period can be submitted starting tomorrow through July 15, 2017. Submission of your quarterly QV information is a necessary component of participation in PEAL/WCCEAL, and failure to do so will affect your participation status and access to valuable data. For those members that may have missed an entry or two in the past and that has affected their participation status, it is particularly critical for you to make your quarterly submission in order to retain full participation status.
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For members currently participating in the WiCAL PEAL program, data for the Quarter II reporting period can be submitted starting tomorrow through July 15, 2017.
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Wisconsin’s commitment to achieving excellence in long-term care received special recognition from the Pioneer Institute of Massachusetts. The Pioneer Institute’s Better Government Competition is an annual contest that recognizes the nation’s most innovative public policy proposals. This year, the competition highlighted issues surrounding the topic, “Aging in America.” The Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL) was one of only nine proposals of the nearly 100 entries to receive recognition in the competition.
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Start preparing for the biggest week of the year with the National Assisted Living Week® (NALW) Planning Guide and Product Catalog. This year's planning guide contains creative activity ideas and spirited products to highlight this year's theme, "Family is Forever," which celebrates the unique bonds formed between staff and residents in America's assisted living communities.
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Last Friday, WHCA/WiCAL staff were briefed by BAL Director, Alfred Johnson, regarding changes coming to the assisted living license process aimed at streamlining the process and hopefully reducing the overall review workload to accelerate review and license determination.
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For members currently participating in the WiCAL PEAL program, data for the Quarter II reporting period can now be saved. *PLEASE NOTE: Data can only be SAVED at this time. July 1-July 15 is the submission period. This is to allow participants ample time to enter in data. However, you CANNOT SUBMIT until the specified date (July 1-July 15). Participants must log in and submit the saved data accordingly.
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For members currently participating in the WiCAL PEAL program, data for the Quarter II reporting period can now be saved. *PLEASE NOTE: Data can only be SAVED at this time. July 1-July 15 is the submission period. This is to allow participants ample time to enter in data. However, you CANNOT SUBMIT until the specified date (July 1-July 15). Participants must log in and submit the saved data accordingly.
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Be sure to mark your calendars for the next PEAL webinar, occurring next week, Thursday, June 8 from 1-2 p.m. via Adobe Connect. This webinar, presented by WiCAL Executive Director, Brian Purtell, will focus on Resident Satisfaction Surveys and Putting Data into Action.
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For a limited time only there are slots available for Free Dementia Training available to assisted living communities, Home Health Agencies and Personal Care Agencies that have contracts with a Family Care, Managed Care Organization (MCO). All of the UW-Oshkosh Dementia Training Courses that a person qualifies for are available.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living held a teleconference Assisted Living Forum on Tuesday May 16, 2017.
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Next week, David Soens, Life Safety Consultant, PE, RA, at Wisconsin Department of Health Services will present on what your facility needs to do to be in compliance with the inspection of the sprinklers in your facility.
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The Wisconsin Music and Memory Program is looking for Dane County-area SNFs interested in taking part in tablet grant opportunity.
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There is an Assisted Living Forum scheduled for Tuesday, May 16, 2017. This will be conducted utilizing Adobe Connect Pro software and is not an in-person Forum. The general session will run from 10:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. The individual provider breakout sessions will run from 12:45 p.m. – 1:45 p.m.
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If you are an Assisted Living facility (or are a SNF with an associated AL facility) not currently involved in PEAL/ WCCEAL, you are in luck! The WCCEAL new membership enrollment period is now open through May 14.
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Recall, this annual effort is both extremely valuable for your performance improvement efforts, and is one of only two requirements of participation in WCCEAL.
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With the April 30th postmark date approaching for submission of WCCEAL Resident Satisfaction surveys, we want to remind all members of this date to assure that you have (a) circulated your resident/family satisfaction surveys, and (b) remember that these must be postmarked April 30, 2017. Recall, this annual effort is both extremely valuable for your performance improvement efforts, and is one of only two requirements of participation in WCCEAL.
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The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) this week revealed “Family is Forever” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week®. The National celebration...
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The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) this week revealed “Family is Forever” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week®. The National celebration will take place Sept. 10-16, 2017.
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The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) this week revealed “Family is Forever” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week®. The National celebration will take place Sept. 10-16, 2017.
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For members currently participating in the WiCAL PEAL program, data for the Quarter I reporting period can be submitted through April 15, 2017. Submission of your quarterly QV information is a necessary component of participation in PEAL/WCCEAL, and failure to do so will affect your participation status and access to valuable data.
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REMINDER: The PEAL/WCCEAL QI Variable Submission period is open until this Saturday, April 15!
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As a leader in Assisted Living, you understand the need to stay at the forefront of long-term care quality initiatives and housing trends. WHCA/WiCAL wants to help you and your staff meet your professional development and education needs so you can continue to provide quality care to your residents.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held an in-person forum Tuesday at Madison College.
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A new webpage on the NCAL website offers a one-stop shop for all resources related to interacting with current residents, their loved ones and potential customers. The Customer Relations webpage, housed under Community Operations, also offers member providers the ability to request complimentary, professionally-printed copies of a number of brochures developed by NCAL.
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The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has a wonderful State of the States tool, which is a one-stop shop for key Medicaid and Medicare information impacting the long-term care profession. This tool now includes assisted living (AL) information!
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The Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living is pleased to announce that we will be offering a series of regular membership learning sessions in 2017 designed to help inform and engage managers and staff of WiCAL member facilities on a series of topics critical to the assisted living profession. These on-point meetings will be held via Adobe Connect, and will offer WiCAL members the opportunity to raise issues with their peers as well as WHCA/WiCAL staff, and have the opportunity to hear from a variety of experts, consultants, and professionals in areas relevant to assisted living providers.
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WHCA/WiCAL staff met with Wisconsin Department of Health Services officials on the progress of the development of the statewide transition plan for the Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Rule this week.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living and Division of Quality Assurance held their winter Assisted Living Forum via AdobeConnect on Tuesday, January 10.
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Mount Washington Residence, an Assisted Living community in Eau Claire, notified WHCA/WiCAL that it has been given notice by its property owner to close permanently by March 3, 2017.
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Exciting training and education will focus on the utilization of evidence-based standards of performance management and quality assurance. These webinar topics are not only great for managers, but are also useful for staff within the community!
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WiCAL's Performance Excellence in Assisted Living (PEAL) Program has set an exciting educational agenda for 2017.
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For members currently participating in the WiCAL PEAL program, data for the Quarter IV reporting period can be submitted through January 15, 2017. Submission of your quarterly QV information is a necessary component of participation in PEAL/WCCEAL, and failure to do so will affect your participation status and access to valuable data. For those members that may have missed an entry or two in the past and that has affected their participation status, it is particularly critical for you to make your quarterly submission in order to retain full participation status.
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For members currently participating in the WiCAL PEAL program, data for the Quarter IV reporting period must be submitted by January 15, 2017. Submission of your quarterly QI information is a necessary component of participation in PEAL/WCCEAL, and failure to do so will affect your participation status and access to valuable data. For those members that may have missed an entry or two in the past and that has affected their participation status, it is particularly critical for you to make your quarterly submission in order to retain full participation status.
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Don’t miss out on the first PEAL (Performance Excellence in Assisted Living) webinar of the New Year! Next week Thursday, January 12 from 1-2 p.m., the WiCAL PEAL program will host its monthly webinar session facilitated by WiCAL Executive Director Brian Purtell.
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It is very important that all surveys are completed and submitted to CHSRA by April 30, 2016. However, all surveys must be generated from the WCCEAL website by January 31.
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As a member of WCCEAL, you are required to conduct an annual satisfaction survey of your residents/tenants. The Center for Health Systems Research and Analysis (CHSRA), UW Madison will process the surveys. Individual survey results will not be shared with the Department of Health Services.
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As a member of WCCEAL, you are required to conduct an annual satisfaction survey of your residents/tenants. The Center for Health Systems Research and Analysis (CHSRA), UW Madison will process the surveys. Individual survey results will not be shared with the Department of Health Services.
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As a member of WCCEAL, you are required to conduct an annual satisfaction survey of your residents/tenants. The Center for Health Systems Research and Analysis (CHSRA), UW Madison will process the surveys. Individual survey results will not be shared with the Department of Health Services.
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Beginning January 1, 2017, participating member facilities can begin submitting their Q4 Quality Variable data on the WCCEAL webpage. Submission of variables is due by January 15th.
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The State Journal published five total articles and a Dane County database focused on assisted living centers.
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The National Center for Assisted Living has announced a new section of its website called Facts and Figures to assist providers, policymakers, stakeholders and consumers find the latest national data available on the assisted living profession.
The website is organized into four different categories: communities, finance (including reimbursement), residents, and workforce. NCAL compiled statistics from multiple, credible data sources to offer the most pertinent information related to each category.
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CMS has filed a Request for Information on additional reforms and policy options the agency might consider to accelerate the provision of home- and community-based services (HCBS) to Medicaid beneficiaries taking into account issues affecting beneficiary choice and control, program integrity, rate-setting, quality infrastructure, and the homecare workforce.
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The Association of Health Facility Survey Agencies (AHFSA) recognized the Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL) with one of its Promising Practices Awards. The honor is given to programs that promote innovative, effective practices addressing industry-wide issues.
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The Department of Health Services – Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held an online forum Tuesday, November 8 via Adobe Connect. Once available, handouts will be accessible.
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Don’t miss out on the upcoming PEAL (Performance Excellence in Assisted Living) webinar! Next week Thursday, November 10 from 1-2 p.m., the WiCAL PEAL program will host its monthly webinar session facilitated by WiCAL Executive Director Brian Purtell. The topic for this month will focus on data tools that are useful for assisted living providers.
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Thank you our WiCAL Assisted Living communities who submitted their Quality Improvement data for Quarter III of 2016 to WCCEAL (Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living). WiCAL had great participation with 85% of our active WCCEAL members submitting data: ¾ up from 80% from last quarter!
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If you are an Assisted Living facility (or are a SNF with an associated AL facility) not currently involved in PEAL/ WCCEAL, you are in luck! The WCCEAL new membership enrollment period is open Tuesday, May 1 through Thursday, June 14.
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If you are an Assisted Living facility (or are a SNF with an associated AL facility) not currently involved in PEAL/ WCCEAL, you are in luck! The WCCEAL new membership enrollment period is open Tuesday, May 1 through Thursday, June 14.
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If you are an Assisted Living facility (or are a SNF with an associated AL facility) not currently involved in PEAL/ WCCEAL, you are in luck! The WCCEAL new membership enrollment period is now open through February 14.
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If you are an Assisted Living facility (or are a SNF with an associated AL facility) not currently involved in PEAL/ WCCEAL, you are in luck! The WCCEAL new membership enrollment period is open Tuesday, May 1 through Thursday, June 14.
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If you are an Assisted Living facility (or are a SNF with an associated AL facility) not currently involved in PEAL/ WCCEAL, you are in luck! The WCCEAL new membership enrollment period will begin on November 1st and will only last for two weeks until November 14th.
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If you are an Assisted Living facility (or are a SNF with an associated AL facility) not currently involved in PEAL/ WCCEAL, you are in luck! The WCCEAL new membership enrollment period began on November 1. However, open enrollment will only last for two weeks until November 14.
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If you are an Assisted Living facility (or are a SNF with an associated AL facility) not currently involved in PEAL/ WCCEAL, you are in luck! The WCCEAL new membership enrollment period is now open through February 14.
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If you are an Assisted Living facility (or are a SNF with an associated AL facility) not currently involved in PEAL/ WCCEAL, you are in luck! The WCCEAL new membership enrollment period began on November 1. However, open enrollment will only last for two weeks until November 14.
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If you are an Assisted Living facility (or are a SNF with an associated AL facility) not currently involved in PEAL/ WCCEAL, you are in luck! The WCCEAL new membership enrollment period is open Tuesday, May 1 through Thursday, June 14.
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The National Quality Forum (NQF) has released the final report from its Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Committee: Quality in Home and Community-Based Services to Support Community Living: Addressing Gaps in Performance Measures. Under a contract with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), NQF convened a committee to develop recommendations for prioritization of measurement opportunities. AHCA/NCAL has been following this work closely, keeping members informed, and submitting comments with each report.
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The Association of Health Facility Survey Agencies (AHFSA) recently declared the Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living (WCCEAL) the winner of the Promising Practice Award in the category of Quality Improvement in the Regulatory Process.
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Don’t miss out on the upcoming PEAL (Performance Excellence in Assisted Living) webinar! Next week Thursday, October 13 from 1-2 p.m., the WiCAL PEAL program will host its monthly webinar session facilitated by WiCAL Executive Director Brian Purtell. The topic for this month will focus on data tools that are useful for assisted living providers.
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Submission of your quarterly QV information is a necessary component of participation in PEAL/WCCEAL, and failure to do so will affect your participation status and access to valuable data. For those members that may have missed an entry or two in the past and that has affected their participation status, it is particularly critical for you to make your quarterly submission in order to retain full participation status.
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For members currently participating in the WiCAL PEAL program, data for the Quarter III reporting period can be submitted from October 1-15. Submission of your quarterly QV information is a necessary component of participation in PEAL/WCCEAL, and failure to do so will affect your participation status and access to valuable data. For those members that may have missed an entry or two in the past and that has affected their participation status, it is particularly critical for you to make your quarterly submission in order to retain full participation status.
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Tomorrow is the last day to submit Quarter III reporting data. For members currently participating in the WiCAL PEAL program, data for the Quarter III reporting period can be submitted from October 1-15. Submission of your quarterly QV information is a necessary component of participation in PEAL/WCCEAL, and failure to do so will affect your participation status and access to valuable data.
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Senators Susan Collins (R-ME) and Claire McCaskill (D-MO), who serve as co-chairs of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, are working to ensure access to assisted living communities for individuals relying on Medicaid to cover their long-term care services.
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Be sure to also mark your calendars for the next PEAL webinar, occurring next week, Thursday, September 15 from 1-2 p.m. via Adobe Connect. This webinar, presented by WiCAL Executive Director, Brian Purtell, will focus on Infectious Diseases and Prevention in assisted living facilities.
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All new and existing PEAL members should have received the brand new WiCAL PEAL Participation Packet. This packet will act as a guide to the program and contains valuable information such as: background information on PEAL and WCCEAL, sample data submission forms and directions, membership benefits, important dates, and frequently asked questions. This packet is also now available on our website.
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All new and existing PEAL members should have received the brand new WiCAL PEAL Participation Packet. This packet will act as a guide to the program and contains valuable information such as: background information on PEAL and WCCEAL, sample data submission forms and directions, membership benefits, important dates, and frequently asked questions. This packet is also now available on our website.
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All new and existing PEAL members should have received the brand new WiCAL PEAL Participation Packet. This packet will act as a guide to the program and contains valuable information such as: background information on PEAL and WCCEAL, sample data submission forms and directions, membership benefits, important dates, and frequently asked questions. This packet is also now available on our website.
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All new and existing PEAL members should have received the brand new WiCAL PEAL Participation Packet. This packet will act as a guide to the program and contains valuable information such as: background information on PEAL and WCCEAL, sample data submission forms and directions, membership benefits, important dates, and frequently asked questions.
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All new and existing PEAL members should have received the brand new WiCAL PEAL Participation Packet. This packet will act as a guide to the program and contains valuable information such as: background information on PEAL and WCCEAL, sample data submission forms and directions, membership benefits, important dates, and frequently asked questions. This packet is also now available on our website.
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All new and existing PEAL members should have received the brand new WiCAL PEAL Participation Packet. This packet will act as a guide to the program and contains valuable information such as: background information on PEAL and WCCEAL, sample data submission forms and directions, membership benefits, important dates, and frequently asked questions. This packet is also now available on our website.
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All new and existing PEAL members should have received the brand new WiCAL PEAL Participation Packet. This packet will act as a guide to the program and contains valuable information such as: background information on PEAL and WCCEAL, sample data submission forms and directions, membership benefits, important dates, and frequently asked questions. This packet is also now available on our website.
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Congratulations to the 14 new PEAL member facilities! We are excited about your new journey and appreciate your time and dedication to quality long-term care!
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Nursing homes, community-based residential facilities (CBRFs), and residential care apartment complexes (RCACs) are required to provide prospective residents with a brochure about the pre-admission consultation service provided by the Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs).
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WiCAL encourages and invites members to join the majority of our assisted living members and enroll in the WiCAL PEAL program - the DHS approved performance improvement program for assisted living providers! With our recent enhancements to the PEAL program, coupled with the August 1-14 WCCEAL enrollment period, now is a critical time for all members to enroll in our PEAL program.
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WiCAL encourages and invites members to join the majority of our assisted living members and enroll in the WiCAL PEAL program - the DHS approved performance improvement program for assisted living providers! With our recent enhancements to the PEAL program, coupled with the upcoming WCCEAL enrollment period August 1-14, now is a perfect time for all members to enroll in our PEAL program.
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WiCAL encourages and invites members to join the majority of our assisted living members and enroll in the WiCAL PEAL program - the DHS approved performance improvement program for assisted living providers! With our recent enhancements to the PEAL program, coupled with the August 1-14 WCCEAL enrollment period, now is a perfect time for all members to enroll in our PEAL program.
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AHCA/NCAL just released a new resource for assisted living members on LTC Trend Tracker. This one-pager explains what LTC Trend Tracker is and how your assisted living community can utilize it as a tool for quality improvement.
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Thank you our WiCAL assisted living communities who submitted their Quality Improvement data for Quarter II of 2016 to WCCEAL (Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living). WiCAL had approximately 80% participation from our active WCCEAL members.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held an in-person Assisted Living forum Tuesday, July 12th at Madison College. WiCAL Executive Director Brian Purtell provides a review of the forum.
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WiCAL is excited to announce a worthwhile opportunity for Assisted Living communities to engage in a cutting-edge pilot program that provides high-quality evidence-based training and education to both your staff and residents. Lake Superior Quality Innovation Network (LSQIN) is partnering with WiCAL to launch the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) Pilot Program in the Madison area. DEEP is an education curriculum designed to help people gain a better understanding of diabetes self-care.
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Lake Superior Quality Innovation Network (LSQIN) is partnering with WiCAL to launch the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) Pilot Program in the Madison area. DEEP is an education curriculum designed to help people gain a better understanding of diabetes self-care.
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WiCAL is excited to announce a worthwhile opportunity for Assisted Living communities to engage in a cutting-edge pilot program that provides high-quality evidence-based training and education to both your staff and residents. Lake Superior Quality Innovation Network (LSQIN) is partnering with WiCAL to launch the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) Pilot Program in the Madison area. DEEP is an education curriculum designed to help people gain a better understanding of diabetes self-care.
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WiCAL is excited to announce a worthwhile opportunity for Assisted Living communities to engage in a cutting-edge pilot program that provides high-quality evidence-based training and education to both your staff and residents
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WiCAL is excited to announce a worthwhile opportunity for Assisted Living communities to engage in a cutting-edge pilot program that provides high-quality evidence-based training and education to both your staff and residents. Lake Superior Quality Innovation Network (LSQIN) is partnering with WiCAL to launch the Diabetes Empowerment Education Program (DEEP) Pilot Program in the Madison area. DEEP is an education curriculum designed to help people gain a better understanding of diabetes self-care.
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The UW-Madison La Follette School of Public Affairs has released its report for the Bureau of Assisted Living on how to promote and maintain effectiveness in ensuring regulatory compliance and resident protection.
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For members currently participating in the WiCal PEAL program, data for the Quarter II reporting period can be submitted starting today until July 15, 2016.
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Don’t miss out on the upcoming PEAL (Performance Excellence in Assisted Living) webinar! Next week Thursday, July 14th from 1-2 p.m. the WiCAL PEAL program will host its monthly webinar session facilitated by WiCAL Executive Director Brian Purtell. The topic for this month will focus on Root Cause Analysis (RCA) as a problem-solving method for conducting investigations into an incident, failure, or concern.
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Don’t miss out on the upcoming PEAL (Performance Excellence in Assisted Living) webinar! Next week Thursday, July 14th from 1-2 p.m., the WiCAL PEAL program...
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NCAL Members who have had success at recruiting and retaining excellent staff share their secrets to success!
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Last week the WiCAL PEAL (Performance Excellence in Assisted Living) program held a webinar session facilitated by WiCAL Executive Director Brian Purtell. The meeting focused on the significance of the PEAL Quality committee as well as running effective and efficient quality committee meeting in your facility. Upcoming training modules include further information and exercises for Quality Committee Root Cause Analysis activity for proactive and reactive performance improvement efforts.
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This year’s Planning Guide and Product catalog contains innovative activity ideas and exciting products to highlight this year’s theme, “Keep Connected” recognizing the increasing opportunity technology can offer to enhance the care and overall experience in assisted living communities.
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Beginning on Grandparents Day, September 11, and extending throughout that week until the 17, National Assisted Living Week will be celebrated in assisted living communities across the country.
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The National Assisted Living Week (NALW) Planning Guide and Product Catalog is now available to download at www.NALW.org. This year’s Planning Guide and Product catalog contains innovative activity ideas and exciting products to highlight this year’s theme, “Keep Connected” recognizing the increasing opportunity technology can offer to enhance the care and overall experience in assisted living communities.
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Here are some useful tips from the NALW planning guide for maximizing exposure during National Assisted Living Week!
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The National Assisted Living Week (NALW) Planning Guide and Product Catalog is now available to download at www.NALW.org. This year’s Planning Guide and Product catalog contains innovative activity ideas and exciting products to highlight this year’s theme, “Keep Connected” recognizing the increasing opportunity technology can offer to enhance the care and overall experience in assisted living communities.
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Beginning on Grandparents Day, September 11, and extending throughout that week until the 17, National Assisted Living Week will be celebrated in assisted living communities across the country. The 2016 theme, “Keep Connected,” encourages assisted living communities to support opportunities for residents to use the latest communication tools to engage with the world around them. The theme aims to help overcome the myth that seniors are not interested in using or do not have the ability to learn new technologies.
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The National Assisted Living Week (NALW) Planning Guide and Product Catalog is now available to download at www.NALW.org. This year’s Planning Guide and Product catalog contains innovative activity ideas and exciting products to highlight this year’s theme, “Keep Connected” recognizing the increasing opportunity technology can offer to enhance the care and overall experience in assisted living communities.
Read More
Beginning on Grandparents Day, September 11, and extending throughout that week until the 17, National Assisted Living Week will be celebrated in assisted living communities across the country. The 2016 theme, “Keep Connected,” encourages assisted living communities to support opportunities for residents to use the latest communication tools to engage with the world around them. The theme aims to help overcome the myth that seniors are not interested in using or do not have the ability to learn new technologies.
Read More
The National Assisted Living Week (NALW) Planning Guide and Product Catalog is now available to download at www.NALW.org. This year’s Planning Guide and Product catalog contains innovative activity ideas and exciting products to highlight this year’s theme, “Keep Connected” recognizing the increasing opportunity technology can offer to enhance the care and overall experience in assisted living communities.
Read More
The National Assisted Living Week (NALW) Planning Guide and Product Catalog is now available to download at www.NALW.org. This year’s Planning Guide and Product catalog contains innovative activity ideas and exciting products to highlight this year’s theme, “Keep Connected” recognizing the increasing opportunity technology can offer to enhance the care and overall experience in assisted living communities.
Read More
The National Assisted Living Week (NALW) Planning Guide and Product Catalog is now available to download at www.NALW.org. This year’s Planning Guide and Product catalog contains innovative activity ideas and exciting products to highlight this year’s theme, “Keep Connected” recognizing the increasing opportunity technology can offer to enhance the care and overall experience in assisted living communities.
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Wisconsin Department of Health Services officials this week provided an update on the implementation process for the Home and Community Based Settings rule.
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Earlier this week, NCAL hosted its Senior Living Executive Council meeting, where upper level management of NCAL’s membership meets to receive association-related information and discuss pressing and emerging issues facing AL providers.
WiCAL’s Executive Director, Brian Purtell, was tapped to present and discuss social media concerns and policy development in light of recent congressional interest following a Propublica article focusing on this issue in the LTC field.
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Is your assisted living facility participating in WiCAL's PEAL Program? Has your facility participated in the past, but is no longer active?
If either of these statements apply to you... Now is the perfect time to participate in PEAL (Performance Excellence in Assisted Living) and utilize this valuable member benefit.
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The Department of Health Services - Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held an online forum Tuesday, May 10 via Adobe Connect.
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The NCAL Awards Program recognizes assisted living employees from around the country who demonstrate exemplary work within the profession. Each year, members may nominate colleagues for four categories: NCAL Administrator of the Year, NCAL Assisted Living Nurse of the Year, Noble Caregiver in Assisted Living Award and the National Assisted Living Week Programming Award.
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Each year, members may nominate colleagues for four categories: NCAL Administrator of the Year, NCAL Assisted Living Nurse of the Year, Noble Caregiver in Assisted Living Award and the National Assisted Living Week Programming Award.
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The NCAL Awards Program recognizes assisted living employees from around the country who demonstrate exemplary work within the profession. Each year, members may nominate colleagues for four categories: NCAL Administrator of the Year, NCAL Assisted Living Nurse of the Year, Noble Caregiver in Assisted Living Award and the National Assisted Living Week Programming Award.
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The NCAL Awards Program recognizes assisted living employees from around the country who demonstrate exemplary work within the profession. Each year, members may nominate colleagues for four...
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The NCAL Awards Program recognizes assisted living employees from around the country who demonstrate exemplary work within the profession. Each year, members may nominate colleagues for four categories: NCAL Administrator of the Year, NCAL Assisted Living Nurse of the Year, Noble Caregiver in Assisted Living Award and the National Assisted Living Week Programming Award.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held an in-person forum Tuesday at Madison College.
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Assisted living members should be aware of the recently issued DQA memo, 16-001 Electronic Video Monitoring and Filming in BAL Regulated Facilities which replaces an earlier memo on this subject. Members that either currently use, or are considering use, of surveillance type monitoring must review this memorandum to assure compliance with the stated interpretations as to the impact on resident privacy and confidentiality.
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The Assembly Committee on Mental Health Reform met Monday in executive session to vote on the 10 Assembly Bills introduced by members of the Speaker's Task Force on Alzheimer's and Dementia. A public hearing was held last Monday on the bills, and all 10 bills were recommended for passage by the Committee today.
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The Assembly Rules Committee has schedule AB 791, relating to acknowledgement forms in CBRFs, for Assembly floor debate on Thursday, February 18, the last day of the winter floor period.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held the Adobe Connect Assisted Living Forum online on Tuesday last week.
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According to a Saturday, January 2, 2016, article entitled "Feds to pay for some disabled veterans’ assisted living" by Peggy McCarthy of the Conn. Health I-Team, “The federal government will pay for disabled veterans now residing in assisted-living facilities, under a bill passed by Congress in December. But the measure doesn’t cover veterans who may move to such places in the future.
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The Bureau of Assisted Living is pleased to announce four (4) informational webinars scheduled in 2016 to provide information about what prospective providers must know when starting an Adult Family Home (AFH) or Community Based Residential Facility (CBRF).
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WiCAL's national partner NCAL sent out this message earlier this week... This year was witness to a variety of issues for the assisted living profession. From government reports and proposed rules to new resources and leadership opportunities, NCAL members wanted information that would help them stay ahead of the curve. Check out the top 10 articles you wanted to read more about in 2015.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held the Adobe Connect Assisted Living Forum online Wednesday afternoon.
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The National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS) released two new data briefs utilizing data from the 2014 National Study of Long-Term Care Providers (NSLTCP): Variation in Residential Care Community Resident Characteristics, by Size of Community: United States 2014 and Variation in Operating Characteristics of Residential Care Communities, by Size of Community: United States 2014. Links to state-level estimates can be found in the data briefs.
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The following announcement was sent out on the DQA Listserve...The purpose of this ListServ announcement is to inform providers and other stakeholders of a change in location for the Division of Quality Assurance, Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) and Bureau of Nursing Home Resident Care (BHNRC), Southern Regional Office.
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The Wisconsin Coalition for Collaborative Excellence in Assisted Living, of which WiCAL is a participating member, held a regular organizational meeting recently, during which DHS officials said Wisconsin will receive $1 million grant. The state's assisted living provider associations will share in a $440,000 portion of that grant over the next five years.
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OSSEO - Plans were officially announced today for Dove Healthcare’s soon to be constructed, state-of-the-art skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility with attached assisted living at 51019 Ridgeview Road. Mayor Tom Twesme, residents and staff from the current facility, and several other community representatives were in attendance at the groundbreaking ceremony to welcome and support the occasion.
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Two Assembly Committees on Aging and Long-Term Care and the Health Committee will hold meetings on Wednesday next week with subjects that relate to long-term care.
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The Department of Health Services Bureau of Assisted Living this week released the dates for the 2016 Assisted Living Forums...
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The DHS-Bureau of Assisted Living held its quarterly Assisted Living Forum at Madison College on Tuesday this week.
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services is continuing its efforts to encourage providers to respond the residential provider self-assessment related to the home and community-based settings rule.
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The DHS - Bureau of Assisted Living sent out the following message late Thursday night... "It is with regret that I inform you of the resignation of Paul Peshek as Southern Regional Office Assisted Living Regional Director, effective October 9, 2015.
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Washington, D.C. – Beginning today and continuing through Saturday, Sept. 19, thousands of America’s assisted living communities and their staff, residents, families, volunteers, and local members of their community will celebrate National Assisted Living Week® (NALW). The national observance – which begins each year on Grandparent’s Day – honors the individuals served as well as the individuals who serve in assisted living and residential care communities across the nation with special activities and events.
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On Wednesday, DHS held the first of 8 public hearings seeking public input and recommendations for redesign of the state’s Family Care. Not surprisingly, all individuals appearing at the hearing applauded the current system and challenged the need for significant system reform.
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The 64th Annual WHCA/WiCAL Fall Convention has a whole slate of educational offerings available for administrators, managers and staff of skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. This year's Fall Convention offers 16 possible continuing education credits across 4 educational tracks, and includes other exciting events and networking opportunities as well.
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The AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program is rooted in the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program. This means that organizations must “evaluate performance, assess where improvements or innovation are most needed, and get results.”
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The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held the in-person Assisted Living Forum Tuesday at Madison College in downtown Madison.
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The The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Assisted Living Listserve sent out the following announcement earlier this week... Please join us for an Adobe Connect webinar that will offer tips and strategies to incorporate into your facilities’ fall prevention plans.
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As National Assisted Living Week® approaches, now is the time to begin planning outreach to your local press and sharing the great events you have planned for your community! NALW is a time of celebration and excitement, a week to highlight the best your community can be. There is no better time to invite media into your community to share with them the special people and events that make it home for residents.
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The deadline for submission of the HCBS Residential Self-Assessment survey is today, July 17th. Most members likely completed the on-line version sent via email earlier this year.
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In a letter dated July 8, 2015, Sens. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Susan Collins (R-Maine) asked the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to “undertake a review of Medicaid spending and federal and state oversight of care provided to Medicaid enrollees in assisted living facilities.”
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Late last Thursday, DHS notified WHCA/WiCAL and other long-term provider associations that a "large" number of residential providers had failed to respond to the Department's earlier requests to complete a residential provider self-assessment.
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State regulations prohibit CBRF’s from hiring staff under the age of 18. (DHS 83.16(2)) Although DQA has allowed facilities to request waiver of the restriction, its policy required a facility to seek a separate wavier for every minor it was considering for employment. The time, effort, and delay inherent in compliance with this policy made it impractical for CBRFs to consider or pursue employment of qualified staff under the age of 18. The policy not only impeded a facility’s ability to secure much needed staff, it created an inappropriate constraint on employment of qualified minors that have expressed and exhibited a desire to become caregivers.
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On Monday, AHCA/NCAL named Scott Tittle as the new Executive Director of NCAL. Tittle joins the Center from the Indiana Health Care Association – a state affiliate of AHCA – where he served as president for both the skilled nursing profession in the state as well as assisted
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services - Division of Quality Assurance - Bureau of Assisted Living and the Division of Long Term Care (DLTC), Bureau...
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LTC Trend Tracker has been the quality and performance solution for skilled nursing care centers looking to track their data and benchmark themselves to their...
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WHCA/WiCAL will hold a free webinar next week on the HCBS Self-Assessment tool released last week for all Wisconsin residential providers that participate in the...
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WHCA/WiCAL held a webinar on Thursday on the HCBS Self-Assessment tool that was released recently for all Wisconsin residential providers that participate in the Family Care, Partnership, IRIS, CIP and COP waiver programs.
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This week DHS distributed its HCBS Self-Assessment tool to all Wisconsin residential providers that participate in the Family Care, Partnership, IRIS, CIO and COP waiver...
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As has been discussed for several months, the DHS has begun sending residential providers that are participating in the Family Care, Partnership, IRIS, CIP and...
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NCAL recently commented on a proposed rule that impacts the Aid & Attendance (A&A) benefit program for veterans residing in assisted living communities. Published on Jan. 23,...
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Let the planning begin! NCAL is proud to announce the 2015 National Assisted Living Week® (NALW) theme – suggested by you – “Nourishing Life: Mind,...
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Know an outstanding assisted living nurse or administrator? Last year, did your community create the best National Assisted living Week® programming based on the "Magic...
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The Wisconsin Department of Health Services sent out the following press release earlier this week... MADISON—The Ash Center for Democratic Governance and Innovation at the...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Inspector General (OIG) this week released its much-anticipated report on hospice care in assisted living....
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