Recently-reelected Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers (D) has announced his intention to deliver the State of the State address on February 7, 2023. The Governor will also unveil his proposed 2023-25 State Budget bill either in late February or early March.
Read More
For nursing home providers, CMS released revised survey/enforcement guidance meant to align with the new CDC guidance. However, AL providers have been looking for additional clarification from the state on how the new guidance impacted AL facilities' abilities to adjust or relax staff masking policy.
Read More
The Quality Award Program’s intent to apply (ITA) deadline is approaching on November 15, 2022. The Program team encourages applicants who plan to apply for...
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Adult HCBS Minimum Fee Schedule Provider Cost Survey is now available. You’re invited...
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Adult HCBS Minimum Fee Schedule Provider Cost Survey is now available. You’re invited...
Read More
The Quality Award Program’s intent to apply (ITA) deadline is approaching on November 15, 2022. The Program team encourages applicants who plan to apply for...
Read More
For nursing home providers, CMS released revised survey/enforcement guidance meant to align with the new CDC guidance. However, AL providers have been looking for additional clarification from the state on how the new guidance impacted AL facilities' abilities to adjust or relax staff masking policy.
Read More
For nursing home providers, CMS released revised survey/enforcement guidance meant to align with the new CDC guidance. However, AL providers have been looking for additional clarification from the state on how the new guidance impacted AL facilities' abilities to adjust or relax staff masking policy.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Adult HCBS
Minimum Fee Schedule Provider Cost Survey is
now available. You’re invited to participate. Read More
Assisted living providers and stakeholders are invited to attend the Assisted Living Forum on October 18, 2022, from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) will provide information on several topics, including regulatory updates, the Direct Care Professional (DCP) Certificate project, and additional information related to infection control.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will launch its
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Adult HCBS
Minimum Fee Schedule Provider Cost Survey in
early October 2022. You’re invited to participate. DHS will use survey data to develop a minimum fee schedule for select home and community-based services (HCBS) in the Family Care and Family Care Partnership programs.
Read More
WCCEAL is recognized by the Bureau of Assisted Living and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). It is also being reviewed by national organizations. Join us and be part of an elite group of Assisted Living providers.
Read More
WCCEAL is recognized by the Bureau of Assisted Living and Managed Care Organizations (MCOs). It is also being reviewed by national organizations. Join us and be part of an elite group of Assisted Living providers.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will launch its
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Adult HCBS
Minimum Fee Schedule Provider Cost Survey in
early October 2022. You’re invited to participate. DHS will use survey data to develop a minimum fee schedule for select home and community-based services (HCBS) in the Family Care and Family Care Partnership programs.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will launch its
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Adult HCBS
Minimum Fee Schedule Provider Cost Survey in
early October 2022. You’re invited to participate. DHS will use survey data to develop a minimum fee schedule for select home and community-based services (HCBS) in the Family Care and Family Care Partnership programs.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) will launch its
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Adult HCBS
Minimum Fee Schedule Provider Cost Survey in
early October 2022. You’re invited to participate. DHS will use survey data to develop a minimum fee schedule for select home and community-based services (HCBS) in the Family Care and Family Care Partnership programs.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) has shared updated compliance information and timelines for providers serving Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) residents.
Read More
WHCA/WiCAL’s national affiliate, American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), is aggressively advocating on our behalf to convince Congress to pass HR 7744. This bill would reverse CMS’ action sunsetting the temporary nurse aide waiver and reinstate it for up to 24 months following the end of the public health emergency.
Read More
September is another important time period for the WCCEAL program. First, if you are an Assisted Living provider and not a member of WCCEAL, we have until September 14
th to get you enrolled. If you would like to take advantage of this nationally-renowned quality improvement program, please contact Pat Boyer at
pat@whcawical.org as soon as possible
Read More
National Assisted Living Week 2022 will be observed from Sunday, September 11
th through Saturday, September 18
th. The theme for this year’s celebration is, “Joyful Moments”, highlighting the incredible and compassionate care provided by essential caregivers who do so much to create special memories for residents, their families and loved ones.
Read More
Recently, Department of Health Services (DHS) announced a new grant opportunity that will be open to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) providers. There will be $30 million of ARPA funding available through two to three rounds of the grant.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) has shared updated compliance information and timelines for providers serving Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) residents.
Read More
Recently, Department of Health Services (DHS) announced a new grant opportunity that will be open to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) providers. There will be $30 million of ARPA funding available through two to three rounds of the grant.
Read More
Assisted living centers now have access to free COVID-19 testing for their staff and residents through December 31, 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Operation Expanded Testing (OpET) program expanded access to free testing nationwide to now include assisted living communities, which previously targeted schools, shelters, and correctional facilities.
Read More
On Tuesday, August 23, the DHS Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) held its quarterly Assisted Living Forum to discuss relevant and emergent matters to Wisconsin's...
Read More
The Staff Stability Survey-Aging and Physical Disabilities will collect state and national data on workforce demographics, turnover rates, length of employment, vacancy rates, hourly wages, benefits, recruitment, and retention strategies.
Read More
Recently, Department of Health Services (DHS) announced a new grant opportunity that will be open to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) providers. There will be $30 million of ARPA funding available through two to three rounds of the grant.
Read More
Assisted living centers now have access to free COVID-19 testing for their staff and residents through December 31, 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Operation Expanded Testing (OpET) program expanded access to free testing nationwide to now include assisted living communities, which previously targeted schools, shelters, and correctional facilities.
Read More
Assisted living centers now have access to free COVID-19 testing for their staff and residents through December 31, 2022. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Operation Expanded Testing (OpET) program expanded access to free testing nationwide to now include assisted living communities, which previously targeted schools, shelters, and correctional facilities.
Read More
We encourage all of our WiCAL members to attend the Department of Health Services' next Assisted Living Forum on Tuesday, August 23
rd at 10:00 am.
Read More
Recently, Department of Health Services (DHS) announced a new grant opportunity that will be open to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) providers. There will be $30 million of ARPA funding available through two to three rounds of the grant.
Read More
The Staff Stability Survey-Aging and Physical Disabilities will collect state and national data on workforce demographics, turnover rates, length of employment, vacancy rates, hourly wages, benefits, recruitment, and retention strategies.
Read More
The Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL) provides informational videos for prospective providers who are opening a Community-Based Residential Facility (CBRF) or an Adult Family Home (AFH).
Read More
Recently, Department of Health Services (DHS) announced a new grant opportunity that will be open to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) providers. There will be $30 million of ARPA funding available through two to three rounds of the grant.
Read More
Last week, Department of Health Services (DHS) announced a new grant opportunity that will be open to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) providers. There will be $30 million of ARPA funding available through two to three rounds of the grant.
Read More
Last week, Department of Health Services (DHS) announced a new grant opportunity that will be open to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) providers. There will be $30 million of ARPA funding available through two to three rounds of the grant.
Read More
The Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced this week a new grant opportunity that is open to all assisted living centers (AFH, RCAC, CBRFs, etc.) that offer Home and Community Based Services (HCBS).
Read More
The Department of Health Services (DHS) is requesting participation by assisted living centers in a staffing stability survey. The data of from the survey will be used to assisted in improving the quality and stability of the assisted living facility workforce. Facilities participating in the survey will receive an incentive payment of up to $1000 for doing so.
Read More
Effective July 5, 2022, the Division of Quality Assurance reassigned certification and survey responsibilities for Adult Day Care Centers (ADCC) to the Bureau of Health Services (BHS). Certification and survey responsibilities were previously assigned to the Bureau of Assisted Living (BAL).
Read More
Lakeland Care, Inc. (LCI) has recently announced that they will be issuing a one-time payment to providers who had a contracted rate decrease in 2021. As described in a June 24
th letter to providers, LCI promised to pass on profits to providers with a contracted rate decrease if it became available.
Read More
Lakeland Care, Inc. (LCI) has recently announced that they will be issuing a one-time payment to providers who had a contracted rate decrease in 2021. As described in a June 24
th letter to providers, LCI promised to pass on profits to providers with a contracted rate decrease if it became available.
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
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.
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.
Read More
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).
Read More
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).
Read More
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.
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
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
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.
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
Last week, the Bureau of Assisted Living sent out guidance on using staff who are COVID-19 positive.
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
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.
Read More
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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 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.
Read More
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!
Read More
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).
Read More
The Satisfaction Survey period began in January. Between January 1-April 15, participating WCCEAL members can generate and return their surveys.
Read More
