NHSN Revisions to COVID-19 Module Pathways

The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) recently announced various revisions to the COVID-19 module pathways.
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Clarification of In-Service Training Waiver Requirement Terminating June 6, 2022

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has provided clarification on the In-Service Training requirements of §483.95(g)(1) for SNFs and NFs; this requires nursing assistants to receive at least 12 hours of in-service training annually. This waiver requirement was set to terminate on June 6, 2022.
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June 21: DQA Long-Term Care Webinar

Nursing Home providers and stakeholders are invited to attend a webinar hosted by the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA). During this webinar, the DQA will provide information and updates related to COVID-19 and long-term care facilities.
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ICYMI: Temporary/Emergency Nurse Aide Programs Scheduled to End - ACT NOW to Avoid Future Workforce Complications

On Thursday, April 7, CMS issued QSO-22-15-NH & NLTC & LSC - Update to COVID-19 Emergency Declaration Waivers for Specific Providers. The memo announced that CMS is ending some (not all) COVID-related 1135 waivers, including federal waivers which allowed for the creation of Emergency and Temporary Nurse Aide Training Programs here in Wisconsin. These employment and training flexibilities will end 60 days from the publication of QSO-22-15-NH & NLTC & LSC.
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AHCA/NCAL Announces 2022 Bronze National Quality Award Recipients

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) last week announced the names of the 180 recipients of the 2022 Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award. 
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AHCA/NCAL Launches 2022 Revenue Cycle Management Academy

AHCA’s online training program titled Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Academy takes a holistic interdisciplinary approach toward SNF revenue management. RCM Academy helps develop concrete strategies to secure earned dollars and to “stay paid” when thinking about Managed Care payment recoveries. RCM Academy helps SNFs:
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ICYMI: DHS Takes Positive New Approach to Granting NATCEP Two-Year Prohibition Waivers

Personnel with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) have notified WHCA/WiCAL that they are adopting a new approach to granting waivers from the two-year prohibition for nursing facilities hosting Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Programs.
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Call for Speakers! Submit Your Proposals for the 2022 Fall Convention

The Education Committee is looking for programs that may be of interest to all long-term care disciplines so please forward program information at your very earliest convenience. Potential topics could be related to reimbursement, Requirements of Participation, workforce Issues, resident-focused issues, leadership, technology/innovation, survey management, use of social media, and more!
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OnGo Rapid Antigen Test Kit Supply

DHS recently announced that they have expanded their supply of antigen tests to include OnGo rapid antigen tests. Please note that future orders placed for rapid antigen tests may be fulfilled with OnGo. You will be notified via email when your antigen order is filled with OnGo tests. Distribution is anticipated to start within the next week.
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Register Today for the June 16 WisCaregiver Careers Employer Webinar

All nursing home employers are invited to attend WisCaregiver Careers’ next webinar on Thursday, June 16, at 2:30pm. At this webinar, we will provide important information employers must know to receive their reimbursements for training and bonuses.
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Registration Now Open for the Care Classic Golf Outing! Hit the Links with WHCA/WiCAL

The Care Classic benefits the George F. MacKenzie scholarship fund, supporting those pursuing a career in long term care, and those advancing their career path and education practicum within long term care.
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Deadline Today! SNF Members Encouraged To Submit Comments on CMS FY 2023 SNF Proposed Payment Rule

On Monday, April 11th, CMS released the proposed rule, FY 2023 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNFs) Prospective Payment System Rate Update and Quality Reporting Requirements (CMS-1765). Due to the proposed parity adjustment, CMS estimates that the net market basket update would decrease Medicare SNF payments by approximately $320 million.
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