News In Brief - January 15, 2014

Have you connected with us on Facebook?
This week LeadingAge Oregon launched a Facebook page, another avenue for us to communicate with you – and for you to communicate with the LeadingAge Oregon community! Members will be able to comment on our posts as well as post their own press releases, information and photos. Think of it as an online “town square” for LeadingAge Oregon members. Check out our page (and don’t forget to “like” us!) We look forward to connecting with you!

Portland area workforce initiative to target long-term care employer needs
LeadingAge staff met this morning with representatives from the Portland metro area Workforce Investment Boards (WIBs) to discuss a new workforce initiative targeting long-term care. The organizations plan to convene a meeting of long-term care providers from the tri-county area and Southwest Washington in early February to begin the process of developing a long-term care workforce plan targeting such concerns as attracting and retaining staff, career pathways, and job churn. We will be looking for LeadingAge members interested in participating in this important work; watch for a separate e-mail invitation.

Survey citations on the rise
The average number of citations per survey for ALFs, RCFs and nursing facilities rose in the final quarter of 2013, according to the DHS Top 10 Citations Trend Report. Nursing facility deficiencies for recertification surveys increased from an average of 3.2 in the prior quarter to 5.8. Citations for drug labeling/storage (431), notification of changes (157) and policies and procedures to prohibit abuse and neglect (226) were new to the top 10. Life safety code inspectors appear to be paying particular attention to plans and documentation for evacuation/fire drills.

On the ALF/RCF side, average citations rose from 4.3 to 5.8, with citations for abuse reporting and investigation (231) and on and off-site health services (290) new to the top 10 this quarter.

CMS releases Home and Community Based final rule revisions
On Friday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the long awaited final rule for Medicaid’s home and community-based services (HCBS) programs that includes a definition of HCBS settings. LeadingAge Oregon submitted their concern with the original proposed definition that would have negatively impacted HCBS (ALF and RCF) settings in Oregon. Fortunately, due to stakeholder comment, the final rule establishes a more outcome-oriented definition of HCBS settings, rather than one based solely on a setting’s location, geography, or physical characteristics. Access the qualifications to be met by HCBS settings and additional requirements for community based residential settings. The rule specifies that any modification to these additional requirements must be supported by a specific assessed need and justified in the person-centered service plan.

CMS to discuss initiative to reduce rehospitalization of nursing home residents
A CMS initiative to reduce avoidable rehospitalizations among nursing home residents is the topic of an open door forum conference call tomorrow (Thursday January 16) at 11:00 a.m. Pacific time. To participate, dial 1.800.837.1935 and use conference ID 71096296. Participants are asked to dial in 15 minutes before the starting time.

New guidance posted on bed rail safety
The Food and Drug Administration and other national agencies have partnered to provide new guidance to providers and consumers about bed rail safety. The site includes information on types of bedrails, concerns about safety, and recommendations for health care providers. Access the bed rail safety website.

CCRC dining contracts topic of Ziegler CFO Hotline
CCRCs and other campuses with independent living residents might be interested in checking out a recent Ziegler CFO hotline that polled CCRCs across the country on their meal plans, including how meals are tracked, spending patterns and meal credits. Access the hotline.

Senior living online marketing topic of free webinar
Senior Housing News is hosting a free webinar next week on how senior living providers can increase the return on investment (ROI) of their online marketing. The webinar will be held on Thursday January 23 at noon Pacific time. Read more.

Nursing homes: Don’t get caught without a robust quality improvement (QAPI) program!
A provision in the Affordable Care Act mandates that nursing homes implement an effective Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) program. Because it takes time to set up QAPI systems, it’s important that nursing homes begin establishing those systems now – before heavy-duty enforcement begins. Access the information and tools you will need by attending our two-day program “The QAPI Mandate: Designing, Implementing and Sustaining Excellence” January 30-31. Read more. Register for the class.

Welcome to our new Business Associates!
EcoDigital Media designs and installs high-impact digital signage systems. The business helps facilities keep their residents informed and engaged using digital media and LCD displays. EcoDigial Media can be contacted at 971.270.070, or contact Kimberly Brecko at 503.260.3505, [email protected] Website: www.ecodigitalmedia.com.

Optima Healthcare Solutions’ suite of web-based products comprises the nation’s fastest growing electronic therapy record system. They help providers take control of their business, so providers can help residents take control of their lives. Learn more at www.optimahcs.com or contact Jim Butcher at 800.619.4243 or [email protected].