The American Health Care Association (AHCA) this week released a new
report that dives deeper into the economic crisis faced by nursing homes across the country. Conducted by accounting and consulting firm CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen LLP), the report assesses the potential impact on access to care and health equity, especially among racial and ethnic minority groups, as thousands of nursing homes may be considered “at financial risk” (operating with a margin of negative 7.5 percent or lower) in 2022 if cuts to Medicare and Medicaid are implemented and nursing costs continue to increase.
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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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The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) is seeking nursing homes to
participate in a pilot study of the Workplace Safety Supplemental Item Set for the Surveys on Patient Safety Culture (SOPS) Nursing Home Survey. The new supplemental item set focuses on the extent to which nursing homes’ organizational culture supports the safety of staff in the workplace.
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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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Governor Tony Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) announced earlier this week announced a $6 million in WisCaregiver Careers, a workforce development program administered by WHCA and LeadingAge Wisconsin designed to address the CNA shortage in Wisconsin nursing homes by providing free training, free certification testing, and $500 caregiver bonuses.
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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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The HAI Prevention Program has released a new guide designed to aid Wisconsin nursing homes in the prevention and control of a group of highly concerning "targeted" MDROs.
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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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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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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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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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The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program recently announced that the
2023 application year is now open. For the first time, application packets are available three months earlier than previous years so that skilled nursing care centers and assisted living communities can begin to prepare.
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The Wisconsin Caregiver Project was originally developed in 2006 by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS), Division of Quality Assurance (DQA), in partnership with the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh (UWO), Center for Community Development, Engagement and Training (CCDET) to help prevent abuse and neglect by caregivers in long-term care settings. Since that time, DQA and UWO CCDET have continued to collaborate to develop hundreds of hours of curriculum and provide thousands of hours of training to support the development of caregivers, supervisors and managers across the state.
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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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Wisconsin continues to receive allocations of the COVID-19 oral antivirals Paxlovid and Lagevrio (molnupiravir). Long-term care residents continue to be at risk of serious illness from COVID-19, it is strongly recommended that facilities connect them to one of these treatments authorized for use by the Food and Drug Administration. If prescribed and then taken within five days of symptom onset, these medications substantially decrease the likelihood of serious illness and death. In particular, in clinical trials, Paxlovid showed an 88% decrease in severe illness and death.
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Dining is an important part of the day for everyone, including those that are aging. No one wants to settle for just any food on their plate. Dining offers an opportunity for celebration, socialization, enjoyment and improved health!
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