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July 15, 2016

NEXT WEEK: Preparing for Hazards, Preparing for New Requirements

In 2014, CMS issued its proposed emergency preparedness rule, which will establish national emergency preparedness requirements for Medicare- and Medicaid-participating providers and suppliers. WHCA/WiCAL is offering a program that will provide participants with a significant leg-up on meeting the expected requirements of the soon-to-be-final rule. Participation in this program will allow facilities to thoughtfully and proactively take steps now toward the pending heightened expectations in the area of emergency preparedness.
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False Claims Act Penalties Increase

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has released an interim final rule announcing that it will increase the minimum per-claim penalty under the False Claims Act (FCA) from $5,500 to $10,781, and the maximum per-claim penalty from $11,000 to $21,563.
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Medicare Part A SNF PPS Pricer Update FY 2017

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently released a MLN Matters article intended for Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs) submitting claims to Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) for services provided to Medicare beneficiaries paid under the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS).
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CDC Investigates Multistate Outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia Infections

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is collaborating with the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), multiple state and local health departments, and numerous healthcare facilities to investigate a multi-state outbreak of Burkholderia cepacia infections. These infections have occurred primarily in ventilated patients without cystic fibrosis and who are being treated in intensive care units.
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Reminder of AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Recertification Policy

In 2014, the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program implemented a recertification policy that impacts ALL current and previous recipients. Under this policy, Bronze and Silver Quality Award recipients have three years to apply for the next award level (Silver or Gold) before being designated as a “past recipient” of the award. As a past recipient, an organization must reapply at the Bronze level if they decide to participate in the program again.
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Fall Continuum - Premium Advertising Space Available

Advertising space for WHCA/WiCAL's Fall issue of Continuum is now available! Continuum contains legislative updates and information pertaining to the top products and service suppliers serving Wisconsin providers. As such, Continuum is read by all of the leaders in Wisconsin’s skilled nursing and therapy center provider community, most assisted living providers, hospital discharge planners, as well as state and federal legislators, regulators and policymakers.
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WHCA/WiCAL Gold Business Partner Package: Enrollment Period Now Open

The Wisconsin Health Care Association and the Wisconsin Center for Assisted Living are pleased to invite you to sign up for the WHCA/WiCAL Gold Business Partner Package. By joining this exclusive group, you reach the most influential decision makers in Wisconsin's long-term care provider community. You will be visibly exposed to managers and department heads responsible for specifying, recommending, and approving purchases on behalf of their facilities.
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NOW AVAILABLE: National Assisted Living Week Planning Guide and Product Catalog

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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