| Nursing Home Leaders Request Meeting with President, HHS Secretary | https://www.providermagazine.com/Breaking-News/Pages/Nursing-Home-Leaders-Request-Meeting-with-President,-HHS-Secretary.aspx | Nursing Home Leaders Request Meeting with President, HHS Secretary | <p>The American Health Care Association (AHCA) sent the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) a <a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/Letters/AHCA-Letter-HHS-NursingHomeReformPlan.pdf" target="_blank">letter</a> today requesting a meeting with the White House, HHS, and CMS to clarify some of the inaccuracies informing the president’s nursing home reform agenda released last week. <br> <br>The industry hopes to set the record straight, including on how:<br></p><ul><li>The quality of nursing home care was increasing over the past decade, specifically thanks to initiatives where federal regulators and providers were working together.</li><li>The rhetoric surrounding last week’s White House announcement was disappointing and demoralizing to an already beaten down health care sector.</li><li>During the COVID pandemic, nursing homes were not prioritized by public health officials for resources and the lack of a coordinated, federal response enabled high spread in the general population that ultimately lead to nursing home outbreaks.</li><li>President Biden’s plan does not address the chronic underfunding of Medicaid or offer meaningful supports to help nursing home providers meet increasing requirements. Until policymakers properly invest in long term care, nursing homes will continue to struggle, and more facilities will have to close their doors – limiting access to care for potentially millions of elderly Americans.</li></ul><div>Read more in the <a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Fact-Sheets/Letters/AHCA-Letter-HHS-NursingHomeReformPlan.pdf">letter</a>.</div><div><br></div><div><br></div><div style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.ahcancal.org/" target="_blank"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:350px;height:42px;" /></a><br></div> | It is crucial that dedicated nursing home operators and professionals are heard regarding the quality
efforts that are already taking place, the successes that SNFs have achieved, and the bold plans
for the future. | 2022-03-08T05:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/white_house_3.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Caregiving;CMS |
| Research Shows Community Spread is Primary Driver of COVID Outbreaks in Nursing Homes | https://www.providermagazine.com/Breaking-News/Pages/Research-Review-Shows-Community-Spread-Is-The-Primary-Driver-Of-COVID-Outbreaks-In-Nursing-Homes.aspx | Research Shows Community Spread is Primary Driver of COVID Outbreaks in Nursing Homes | <p>A <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=76c2edff5bea49f1a5276c94646eb0c6&_e=cWzCnZ8hvd5lsxdb8yvmR1Og8nEbhnrloFis18DqNxKX8TRPoaENyqvLYJZNCm1pb8bj3xEKNdJ7g-Np9dU7RkLwReEVhkg8-H_c6EqMLT-OiY6XAonZdO4E9v3AnK3jBlS99PMQ3l-BFbnxBK51xmR9MZGlhODWWSP_zmJojC2U9oPPkMFoEGg7xW8MtRkjEESweAmy1wngTDAid6VYYLk-F7TKyPakB1Wa52pB6fGbkBBloKBLMysjZdO6vU_JKax3vjscZ-k2xxraNDwh_8wKscVNjzrZMdHr7q2o4bq-Vo1ga0uiLGQwlUcFqtAn" title="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=76c2edff5bea49f1a5276c94646eb0c6&_e=cWzCnZ8hvd5lsxdb8yvmR1Og8nEbhnrloFis18DqNxKX8TRPoaENyqvLYJZNCm1pb8bj3xEKNdJ7g-Np9dU7RkLwReEVhkg8-H_c6EqMLT-OiY6XAonZdO4E9v3AnK3jBlS99PMQ3l-BFbnxBK51xmR9MZGlhODWWSP_zmJojC2U9oPPkMFoEGg7xW8MtRkjEESweAmy1wngTDAid6VYYLk-F7TKyPakB1Wa52pB6fGbkBBloKBLMysjZdO6vU_JKax3vjscZ-k2xxraNDwh_8wKscVNjzrZMdHr7q2o4bq-Vo1ga0uiLGQwlUcFqtAn" target="_blank">review of scientific research</a> by leading academic experts in the field found that community spread was the primary driver of COVID-19 outbreaks in long term care facilities. The review examined 36 different studies, and the final analysis was published in the <em>Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.</em> The paper supports <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=76c2edff5bea49f1a5276c94646eb0c6&_e=cWzCnZ8hvd5lsxdb8yvmR4OjThAbfOcxH3Rrri5bzJg6O0y46qax9NGO5nTfDUR06Eo54m1IC6bbeTkABDcwdKvcFwrnIslVY4bHYe5vI4B5zi6dByzRXBnoh-8U41pAHf2gvAdoiuMn20KcmN8WpAqF1XwcMk-he3FCvNyuJIPePh1Jkr5-DKlHZe7tj1xJ2b5l-L_Du3XZjVbCpZU956AcLdrnZnDN_MUmAt9OTBGK4mTlqjN6m-L44Lhm-mrbswXzUZGiOuC83ZxZ_FPyX1O1_w66TG_BKhp5hgDEKTLWJLBF23KjYDOtA3WxSuqZG7YEtuVYlPZCLUCSmw9zTGAmytnMltFI6DSg1465gBBV7iaJnIo-gB5oi28LEHtR">prior findings</a> that showed that the size and location of a facility were the strongest and most consistent predictors of COVID-19 outcomes, especially if the facility was located in an area with high COVID-19 rates.</p><p>The study concluded that if communities had been better able to control the spread of the virus, nursing homes would have had a better chance at mitigating outbreaks and safeguarding residents. Additionally, the scientific review found that ownership type and quality performance were not strong indicators of how prepared a nursing home was for the pandemic. This means a facility’s rating within the Five-Star Quality Rating System and any previous infection control citations were not associated with COVID cases and deaths. The conclusion of the research stated:</p><p>“Given the importance of community COVID-19 prevalence and facility size, studies that failed to control for these factors were likely confounded. Better control of community COVID-19 spread would have been critical for mitigating much of the morbidity and mortality long-term care residents and staff experienced during the pandemic. Traditional quality measures such as Nursing Home Compare 5-Star ratings and past deficiencies were not consistent indicators of pandemic preparedness, likely because COVID-19 presented a novel problem requiring extensive adaptation by both long-term care providers and policymakers.”</p><p>Long term care residents are more susceptible to the virus because of their age and underlying medical conditions. And while heroic caregivers did everything they could to help prevent cases, they often lacked support from the public health sector for much-needed resources such as personal protective equipment (PPE), testing, and staff support.</p><p>While access to testing and PPE has greatly improved, long term care residents and staff still need support. The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) recently released a State of Skilled Nursing Facility Industry <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=76c2edff5bea49f1a5276c94646eb0c6&_e=cWzCnZ8hvd5lsxdb8yvmR4OjThAbfOcxH3Rrri5bzJg6O0y46qax9NGO5nTfDUR06Eo54m1IC6bbeTkABDcwdKvcFwrnIslVY4bHYe5vI4Bak6ExC_AksSF_T2Z5PPwu3mFLdrK85mAR46nDt2Jon8KAHXo6w8q1Sixkp9s1M_v8x1qSFxGZegSVw_Cciq_bgnpnS2Ta1FfqcevS1ZdnvDlfTLn3XUbjTXxqA0oqn1o07UCBBxR82JRENDTT4mIoTmPTjd-OKvwXJKgeWI7HTjz1tAHyD9x7G80lOpil85JovfIltaNN4y9-qCw_UFdp6K4PSQzUHZvNohxMLWRG-zk2pqROR00WybDvYdya7pj-wuSG7JK9gbDryCE9jSkjd79ITk21H0KkGRJl3HuLDA%3D%3D" target="_blank">report</a> that showed the dire economic and workforce crises facing the long term care sector due to the pandemic.</p><p>AHCA/NCAL sent a <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=76c2edff5bea49f1a5276c94646eb0c6&_e=cWzCnZ8hvd5lsxdb8yvmR4OjThAbfOcxH3Rrri5bzJg6O0y46qax9NGO5nTfDUR06Eo54m1IC6bbeTkABDcwdI2ZaaxkoNORkob7FcF5sNiFtzd2m8CH18gqoxPng1wq1knqT_U0aSRdp6JlLDmQDbc1neiFLqx39Y_JmHP3P8FxqCRqxjMLXkzEBGZNDmLcPESQ8uGLhGEj7j0j7RJKObHf0se4x4CJwOpyzOna-gjwxXmrKBEG7FXV2syI0c-tjb3dL0hxGPlnV-Js5uEj_FTX7dACrmrbPgEqKn9RnZQMkQYCR-lZGNZ3a0AOyq4Y9ZiKsod3Qiutu0DlEVhAOc4Nh8HhaBoP6AXCSST02UCOGYh7ckWxLxi7Gu_PuzuU" target="_blank">letter</a> last week requesting meetings with President Biden, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to discuss ways the Administration and providers can work together to implement meaningful change to benefit residents and caregivers.</p><p>Long term care providers are committed to learning from this pandemic to help ensure it does not happen again, but as this research shows, they cannot do it alone. We need policymakers to prioritize our most vulnerable and give them full support and cooperation to make meaningful improvements possible. </p><p>Read the full research review <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=76c2edff5bea49f1a5276c94646eb0c6&_e=cWzCnZ8hvd5lsxdb8yvmR1Og8nEbhnrloFis18DqNxKX8TRPoaENyqvLYJZNCm1pb8bj3xEKNdJ7g-Np9dU7RkLwReEVhkg8-H_c6EqMLT8XVDELLlE1C480ZbG3CrnRF0i-EjGMCzi0-D3m3k3PkIxfBpg7EoaWcBqpYfC_UF_7JkTVxBsMaxacy_BGBA5Oj5rToj1re3KudZgwPJc5s_FzYI6YlO72EAWK2YK64EklOlo8DnOuLSFNEXVl-2hEzzfWww5AJE4UH-4c2eWUm2xUR4m89PdJ_bL62oH7nQCvDjnvCLBmPSaJ8UQWuSPf" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</p><p><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.ahcanca.org/" target="_blank"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:36px;" /></a><br></p> | LTC providers are committed to learning from this pandemic to help ensure it does not happen again, but as this research shows, they cannot do it alone. | 2022-03-14T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/mask_3.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | COVID-19 |
| New Training for Providers Focuses on Improving Resident Mobility and Independence | https://www.providermagazine.com/Breaking-News/Pages/New-Training-for-Providers-Focuses-on-Improving-Resident-Mobility-and-Independence.aspx | New Training for Providers Focuses on Improving Resident Mobility and Independence | <div>AHCA/NCAL’s online training titled <em><a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/p/FunctionalOutcomesImprovement" data-feathr-click-track="true" target="_blank">Functional Outcomes Improvement</a></em>
is designed for all staff who have a role in improving patient
functional outcomes quality and services, including nurses, CNAs,
therapists, activities staff, and recreational therapists. Patients and
residents often arrive at long term care facilities with the goal of
improving their mobility and independence levels. </div><div><br></div><div>This
course advances knowledge and skills about functional improvement
through an array of learning tools and resources designed to meet the
educational needs of various staff and departments. This includes
learning about daily care best practices and real-world tools that
improve functional outcomes. </div><div><br></div><div>The Medicare
Payment Advisory Commission, the IMPACT Act, and CMS called for the
development of functional improvement measures based on the self-care
and mobility sections of the <a href="https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/Post-Acute-Care-Quality-Initiatives/CARE-Item-Set-and-B-CARE" data-feathr-click-track="true" target="_blank">Continuity Assessment Record and Evaluation (CARE) tool</a>. </div><div><br></div><div>The
program is flexible and can be completed in one sitting or one module
at a time. The training is delivered in five modules, including:</div><div><br></div><div><ul><li><strong>Module 1</strong>
– Explores the connection between functional outcomes and
person-centered care, and how utilization of evidence-based pragmatic
programs leads toward continuous improvement.</li><li><strong>Module 2</strong>
– Reviews the regulations related to functional outcomes, including the
CMS Requirements of Participation and how functional improvement
impacts reimbursement.</li><li><strong>Module 3</strong> – Covers best
care coordination practices for short- and long-stay patients, including
coordinating with therapy processes, and provides an overview of
effective restorative nursing programs.</li><li><strong>Module 4</strong>
– Closely examines care practice application and what individuals can
do to increase function, team engagement and concludes with a discussion
of various quality initiatives that lead to better outcomes.</li><li><strong>Module 5</strong> – Reviews the tools and resources needed to further functional outcomes improvement approaches to person-centered care. <br></li></ul></div><div>The
cost for the training program is $199 for AHCA/NCAL members and $650
for non-members and offers 6.5 NAB CE credits for administrators and 6.5
contact hours for nurses through the Iowa Board of Nursing. There is a
quiz at the end of four of the five modules and participants must pass a
final exam with a score of 80 or higher to receive credit. Click <a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/p/FunctionalOutcomesImprovement" data-feathr-click-track="true" target="_blank">here</a> to register or go to <a href="https://educate.ahcancal.org/p/FunctionalOutcomesImprovement" data-feathr-click-track="true" target="_blank">ahcancal.org/functionaloutcomes</a>. </div><div><br></div>Members
will need to login with their AHCA/NCAL usernames and passwords to
register. For assistance obtaining usernames and passwords, members
should email <a href="mailto:educate@ahca.org" data-feathr-click-track="true" target="_blank">educate@ahca.org</a> with their name and facility contact information.<p></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.ahcancal.org/"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:350px;height:42px;" /></a><br></p> | Training courses designed for all staff who have a role in improving patient functional outcomes quality and services. | 2022-03-10T05:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/staff_2.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Quality;Management |
| AHCA/NCAL's 22nd Congressional Briefing Open for Registration | https://www.providermagazine.com/Breaking-News/Pages/AHCA-NCAL's-22nd-Congressional-Briefing-Open-for-Registration.aspx | AHCA/NCAL's 22nd Congressional Briefing Open for Registration | <p><a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Education-Events/Congressional-Briefing/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" target="_blank">AHCA/NCAL’s Congressional Briefing</a> is back in 2022 and it’s time to <a href="https://members.ahcancal.org/Events/Calendar-Of-Events/Registration-Start?meetingid=%7b80AF8134-307A-EC11-80D3-0050568B2F7A%7d" data-feathr-click-track="true" target="_blank">register!</a> Mark your calendars for June 6-7
and join us at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill. Learn
about the latest happenings in long term and post-acute care, make an
effective and immediate plan of action with your colleagues, and meet
with your Representatives and their staffs. Speaking face-to-face with
members of Congress is the most effective way to advocate for the kind
of quality care you want to provide in your centers.</p><p>This
year’s keynote is Major Garrett, CBS News’ Chief Washington
Correspondent and Columnist at Large for the National Journal. For 30
years, Garrett has reported from the front lines of the nation’s
pressing issues, doggedly chasing and breaking news stories. He began
his illustrious journalism career as a police and general assignment
reporter and has since covered Congress for two major magazines and
served as White House correspondent for three television networks.</p><p>The registration deadline is April 29, 2022. Visit the <a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Education-Events/Congressional-Briefing/Pages/default.aspx" data-feathr-click-track="true" target="_blank">Congressional Briefing website</a> for the most up-to-date information.<br></p> | Registration now open for 2022 AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing. | 2022-03-10T05:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/0420_News1.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Congress |
| Drive to 25: California’s Campaign to Increase CNA Wages | https://www.providermagazine.com/Breaking-News/Pages/Drive-to-25-California’s-Campaign-to-Increase-CNA-Wages.aspx | Drive to 25: California’s Campaign to Increase CNA Wages | <p>The <a href="https://www.cahf.org/" target="_blank">California Association of Health Facilities</a> (CAHF) is calling on the state to provide a living wage for certified nursing assistants (CNAs) who work in skilled nursing homes by 2025. The “Drive to 25” campaign is part of a series of reforms needed to deal with a crippling workforce shortage that is threatening access to skilled care in nursing homes.<br></p><p>CAHF is requesting that the Medi-Cal program establish a nursing home CNA minimum wage that will grow to $25 per hour in the next 3 years. <br></p><p>Fifty one percent of direct care staff, the backbone of care delivery in nursing homes, are eligible for public assistance according to a report by the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. <br></p><p><img src="/Topics/Special-Features/PublishingImages/2022/State%20Execs/CraigCornett.jpg" alt="Craig Cornett" class="ms-rtePosition-1 ms-rteImage-1" style="margin:5px;width:135px;height:134px;" />“For too long skilled care workers have been overlooked, overworked and underpaid,” said CAHF CEO Craig Cornett. “This reform is focused 100 percent on strengthening and developing the nursing home caregiver workforce and will not enrich facility operators.” <br></p><p>Cornett noted almost 80 percent of the state’s direct care workforce is comprised of women. Fifty percent are immigrants, and many are single mothers. <br></p><p>“A living wage will help workers, increase caregiver retention and benefit resident care,” he added.<br></p><p>The SNF Medi-Cal reimbursement level has never adequately provided for the sickest, poorest and often oldest Californians. The Medi-Cal program reimburses the average nursing home $250 a day to provide an individual 24 hours of care. By comparison, the state pays the average IHSS worker about $130 a day to cover one 8-hour shift to support an IHSS resident in their own home, without the delivery of any nursing care, meals, utilities or rent.<br></p><p>Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in California are almost 100 percent government funded, with most SNFs receiving approximately 66 percent of their funding from the Medi-Cal program (the remaining funding comes almost exclusively from Medicare). The government payments that SNFs receive provide funding for wages for nursing staff (RNs, LVNs, CNAs, etc.), wages for support staff (janitorial, housekeeping, food service, and office support), payment for operating expenses including utilities, supplies, food and rent to pay for resident housing costs.<br></p><p>Under the proposal, SNFs will pay a specified minimum wage with Medi-Cal covering the costs of approximately two thirds of the wage increases. The rest will be covered by facility funds. The Medi-Cal share of this cost will be funded as a direct pass-through from the state to facility employees. The new “CNA living wage” will not be discretionary but required to be paid to all CNAs.<br></p><p>In addition to the minimum wage proposal, CAHF also supports additional reform proposals, including enhanced registered nursing in skilled nursing facilities, workforce investment in skilled nursing facilities, and a two-year study to establish evidence-based standards for specific minimum care requirements during times of normal and emergency nursing home operations.<br> <br>For more information contact CAHF Director of Public Affairs, <a href="mailto:dpacyna@cahf.org" target="_blank">Deborah Pacyna,</a> or visit the California Association of Health Facilities <a href="https://www.cahf.org/Resources/Media-Center/Press-Releases/CAHF-Calls-on-State-to-Provide-Living-Wage-for-Nursing-Home-CNA" target="_blank">website</a>. </p> | CAHF is requesting that the Medi-Cal program establish a nursing home CNA minimum wage that will grow to $25 per hour in the next 3 years. | 2022-03-03T05:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/nurse_5.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Management;Workforce |
| 'We urge you to take action': An Important Message from Mark Parkinson | https://www.providermagazine.com/Breaking-News/Pages/Important-Message-from-Mark-Parkinson.aspx | 'We urge you to take action': An Important Message from Mark Parkinson | <p>Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL president & chief executive officer, sends an important message to providers everywhere: now is a time to take action to protect the sector.</p><p><br></p><p></p><center><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ZiJ0CfHf700?enablejsapi=1&origin=https://www.providermagazine.com" title="YouTube video player" allowfullscreen="" data-gtm-yt-inspected-32388671_20="true" id="308504194" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0"></iframe></center>
<br>
<p></p><p>As a new COVID-19 strain emerges, the workforce shortage remains, and new proposed legislation and payment rules circulate, Parkinson urges providers to be at the ready in two primary ways:</p><div><ol><li><p>Attend this year's <a href="https://www.ahcancal.org/Education-Events/Congressional-Briefing/Pages/default.aspx?utm_source=ahcancal_homepage&utm_medium=main_rotator&utm_campaign=CB">AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing</a> event to share critical messages with Members of Congress</p></li><li><p>Be ready to leave comments on the Proposed Rule later this year.</p></li></ol><p>Stay tuned to
<em>Provider</em> for the latest information on these efforts.
<br></p></div><p>
<br>
</p> | Mark Parkinson, AHCA/NCAL president & chief executive officer, sends an important message to providers everywhere. | 2022-03-18T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/MParkinson_3.17.22.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Policy;COVID-19 |
| AHCA/NCAL Highlights Nursing Home Quality Improvements Over The Past Decade | https://www.providermagazine.com/Breaking-News/Pages/AHCA-NCAL-Highlights-Nursing-Home-Quality-Improvements.aspx | AHCA/NCAL Highlights Nursing Home Quality Improvements Over The Past Decade | <p>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) released a new <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=241e0014c9854698a6fd8702ff5f2d5c&_e=S4LjOSWZq3kDIeNkz_FCF36GO8WUmQczcji82CLPpQXa11oSgkydbmtYEru8AlA2HDu9sdk13H7k_TdwI0SOtFsOp3jMvBhOgrDeKX6sNm1lx9RsCA3x-ytX4t32hWIdYFLSVtuCxoQluAecXnwr9zZulFAgxK0UOAyugmhBgdkrtddk3SXg_9kyLu09UWR2NOn24DIZNm6aEqwYBt3ARxzVGEVdbBucEKZEk61ltovrCAkXYvlkrThKKSwa5nHSr8-XE2v9rwN4xTt4j1BO9YdWFtGcImuHsqgkKcaBhcKwCPXGE0cUq8d73THIE2nEyefUccj94QFsDkkEBJVqBbzfYg_wcdMTGSb9LWBHvY-lKLp9Iwg4JRxNzOotA4cU" target="_blank">report</a> today highlighting data that shows the quality of care in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) has been on an upward trend in the 10 years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Information collected by the federal government proves that industry-wide efforts to raise the standard of care have benefited long term care residents across the country. </p><p>Key findings from the report include:</p><ul><li><p>Nursing homes welcomed approximately 3.5 million admissions from hospitals each year for the past decade, and nearly two-thirds of those patients were able to return home after receiving rehabilitation therapy from SNFs.<br></p></li><li><p>Since 2011, 8.7 percent fewer residents were sent to the hospital during their nursing home stays.<br></p></li><li>On average, nurses were putting in an additional 198 total hours of care per nursing home each quarter.</li></ul><p></p><p>One out of three nursing homes received four or five stars from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for staffing.<br></p><p></p><p></p><p>Fewer than one in seven nursing home residents are receiving antipsychotic medication – a 40 percent decline since 2011.<br></p><p></p><p></p><p>Nursing homes improved on 19 out of the 22 quality outcomes measured by CMS.</p><p></p><p>"Long term care providers have led the way in making changes to enhance the quality of care provided to residents,” said Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “Providers and caregivers should be recognized for these improvements made over the past decade, even as we raise the bar even higher. But that will only be possible if health policy officials and lawmakers help us secure the resources we need moving forward.” </p><p>AHCA/NCAL recently sent a <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=241e0014c9854698a6fd8702ff5f2d5c&_e=S4LjOSWZq3kDIeNkz_FCF36GO8WUmQczcji82CLPpQXa11oSgkydbmtYEru8AlA2HDu9sdk13H7k_TdwI0SOtGUnMBjr3pj53GDaYYfaq7veYclNfEolkGLWtDRQVOqeZGTQeHoE2eTq-tgRK4r2l9O62LveDAizJ9A5p3cZLWaPX0cGbebPZVO4YBx-hfEXP3BvaSB8J-58JozltoDCRpx_ZBEjRIMjGPRZ9XD6oyTnolruDZM1MUiIxh_nRJhIa-diD5kzqsaIrtm5Rg3x1LrqUPa0lOiIqkYqsPnbmfuKrSsU9gIHgBEAtWRW_DeyS81R3vuzxzkZp4tEk_wJ7ijix1zQS0Ja6z3zxJfO0B4CSVGNPCMdwN2c66MXIZu4" target="_blank">letter</a> to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to request a meeting with the White House, HHS and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to discuss President Biden’s nursing home reform agenda. AHCA/NCAL also recently released a separate <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=241e0014c9854698a6fd8702ff5f2d5c&_e=S4LjOSWZq3kDIeNkz_FCF36GO8WUmQczcji82CLPpQXa11oSgkydbmtYEru8AlA2HDu9sdk13H7k_TdwI0SOtFsOp3jMvBhOgrDeKX6sNm2wv2WRseWdSg6wb0ODR5X5CZO91qZzCbS6CS9KG9PMmaiqw2ml1KUKF4B4G8HxMRK3smu2_cW4BtFJS6kG7lu-zFyK1csmcyz-wcpDEXato_sshSTYlQ1tsvY4R8TKsg1sBHjQhimw04sAt51xc1CqTdXidf_E6zwVFCL7DryXwCyfAlXhvo32Z03qN6P_PJsrPrrEq3BQpzowiTr2oGX_5jKEJb4-Q0_fHsE5HLX1eFHk3qiHEGgEylIcLr-eV37hoVtoyiYKT1hpQKs6QVi_DXkJXSpwL7CHDish4MiXTQ%3D%3D">report</a> with CliftonLarsonAllen LLP (CLA) emphasizing the economic crisis that nursing homes are facing as a result of lack of prioritization from Congress in the face of the pandemic. </p><p>The full Nursing Home Quality Improvement report is available <a href="http://links.ahca.org/u/click?_t=3abc5280edfa42b5905fbea7c0fff5c2&_m=241e0014c9854698a6fd8702ff5f2d5c&_e=S4LjOSWZq3kDIeNkz_FCF36GO8WUmQczcji82CLPpQXa11oSgkydbmtYEru8AlA2HDu9sdk13H7k_TdwI0SOtFsOp3jMvBhOgrDeKX6sNm1lx9RsCA3x-ytX4t32hWIdYFLSVtuCxoQluAecXnwr9zZulFAgxK0UOAyugmhBgdmZL-h0CWUSRxSC8X1XiXNnCuzKOg1hQ-7n2aioL77dLPyRpZhR11HP4TlO6sWX9GLBpPL-X_x-Vqs5_e8nv8YPlzEdTbDulXibhkM3iROf7tovNhwBq3FKQNK5jxSvlnUTAVEnVMB-NtWF9A2s6ZLLg0Qw3zyHTaQfQQnSWX_hmFcIB3nNV4H7TxVGj2Fo_L80I9UgJ4iJ8LiRylUK6Kir" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </p><p><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.ahcancal.org/" target="_blank"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:300px;height:36px;" /></a><br></p> | Information collected by the federal government proves that industry-wide efforts to raise the standard of care have benefited long term care residents across the country. | 2022-03-18T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/0320_News4.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | Quality |
| Statement on Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet | https://www.providermagazine.com/Breaking-News/Pages/Statement-on-Medicare-Advantage-and-Part-D-Advance-Notice-Fact-Sheet.aspx | Statement on Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet | <p>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) have released the following statement in regards to CMS’ release of the Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice <a href="https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2023-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-advance-notice-fact-sheet" target="_blank">Fact Sheet</a>. The following statement is attributable to AHCA/NCAL:</p><p>“AHCA/NCAL appreciates CMS’ recognition and support of provider-led initiatives. Provider-led Medicare Advantage (MA) Special Needs Plans (I-SNPs) are essential tools in allowing providers to meaningfully participate in the full care experience of their residents and patients. Provider-led I-SNPs account for 36 percent of all I-SNP plans, and they provide residents and patients on-site enhanced primary care and help prevent hospitalizations, resulting in higher quality care, as well as improved patient outcomes and satisfaction.</p><p>Forty percent of all long term care plans serve rural populations. Through MA plans, patients have access to enhanced primary care in these underserved areas. We encourage CMS to take steps to expand beneficiary access to locally committed, specialized plans that meet the unique needs of a medically frail population.”</p><p><br></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="http://www.ahcancal.org/" target="_blank"><img src="/SiteCollectionImages/logos/ahca_ncal_cobrand.jpg" alt="" style="margin:5px;width:250px;height:30px;" /></a><br></p> | AHCA/NCAL have released the following statement in regards to CMS’ release of the Medicare Advantage and Part D Advance Notice Fact Sheet. | 2022-03-25T04:00:00Z | <img alt="" src="/Breaking-News/PublishingImages/740%20x%20740/notes_2.jpg" style="BORDER:0px solid;" /> | CMS |