News In Brief - February 13, 2014

Legislators off and running during short session
The Oregon State Legislature received a positive revenue forecast this week and is working quickly to move bills as the clock ticks on its shorter, "off year" legislative session. Read more in our Legislative Update.

Eternal truths about senior communities
LeadingAge President and CEO Larry Minnix offers some interesting food for thought about the future of senior communities and four emerging fundamental truths that he says will assure thriving senior services organizations. Elders, he says, want:

Free Feb. 26 webinar to explain new Early Discussion and Resolution process
The Oregon Patient Safety Commission has scheduled a free webinar Feb. 26 for nursing homes to understand and provide input into the Early Discussion and Resolution process, which will become effective on July 1. Early Discussion and Resolution was authorized in 2013 by Senate Bill 483 as an innovative approach to medical liability reform. The process is a confidential, voluntary and structured way for healthcare providers to notify, discuss and (if necessary) mediate serious adverse events as an alternative to litigation. Read more. Register for the webinar.

New requirements for clinical training in Oregon effective July 1
Beginning July 1, 2014, health professional students must meet a standardized, universal set of administrative requirements before doing their clinical training in Oregon healthcare settings, including nursing homes and residential care/assisted living facilities. The requirements include immunizations, screenings, trainings and proof of insurance coverage. The new standards cover a long list of health care professions, including nurses, nurse aides, medication aides, therapists, regulated social workers and more. Colleges and training programs will be responsible for verifying and maintaining documentation of the requirements for each student. Read more on the Health Profession Student Clinical Placement program website, which includes a summary of the new requirements as well as information sheets for health profession programs, students and clinical sites.

Concordia University to host Feb. 16 screening of documentary on veterans and end-of-life care
Healthcare providers are invited to a free screening of the documentary “Go in Peace,” a film that focuses on veterans who are at end of life or who are confronting their own mortality through serious illness. The Feb. 16 program will include a viewing and discussion with film director Karen van Vuuren. The screening will be held in Concordia University’s Luther Hall, Room 121, 2811 NE Holman St., Portland from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

Contact Congress to block therapy caps
This year’s physician payment reform bill does not include the usual relief from annual caps on Medicare therapy coverage. If the current exceptions process is not extended, therapy caps would take effect April 1. Please contact your Oregon congressional representatives and tell them to fix the therapy caps problem!

Nearly one-third of nursing home residents with dementia are under-nourished
A new report from Alzheimer’s Disease International states that 30 percent of nursing home residents with dementia are under-nourished, and long-term care providers should take steps to evaluate these residents’ eating habits and maximize nutrition. Read more.

Dementia care focus of Feb. 26 national provider call
The National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes has scheduled its next provider call on Wednesday, Feb. 26 from 11 to 12:30 p.m. Pacific time. Topics will include the role of surveyors, the importance of leadership, and proper pain assessment. Register for the call.

Online English learning tool for healthcare workers open during testing phase
A new online English learning program for healthcare workers is being offered free for testing. The program includes information and exercises to help non-English speakers who work as nurses, aides or other healthcare professionals better understand and speak English. The testing program is limited to the first 100 who sign up by Feb. 14. Learn more.

Plans in place for ICD-10 webinar and in-person training
LeadingAge Oregon has partnered with LeadingAge Washington to offer ICD-10 trainings targeted to long-term care staff. Please mark your calendars for the following programs and watch for registration soon:

April 10 Webinar, 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. – ICD-10: An Operator’s Guide for Compliance (for administrators, nurses, medical records, MDS coordinators, business office, etc.).
May 8-9 Two-day Training, Sysco Food Services, Wilsonville – ICD-10-CM Essentials for Long-term Care (for coders, billers, medical records, MDS coordinators)

AgeTech West

Study reveals trends in seniors’ internet, social media usage
The digital age is having a greater impact on senior lifestyles and habits than generally thought, according to a study by AgeTech West and Link-age Connect. According to the study of nearly 1,800 older adults in Oregon, Washington and California between the ages of 65 and 103, sixty-seven percent are online, and half of those are active on social media channels. The survey served as a “beta test” of AgeTech’s ability to build a senior survey network among West Coast LeadingAge membership. Read more.