News In Brief - July 2, 2014

Let's see some Oregon applications for the LeadingAge Innovations Fund!
LeadingAge has once again opened applications for its Innovations Fund and this year is offering grants in two areas: innovative dementia care programs, and programs addressing mental health needs in affordable senior housing settings. Applicants may apply for $50,000 for new projects or $25,000 to implement existing programs that are adapted in a new way. A conference call for interested applicants is scheduled July 9 at 10:30 a.m. Pacific Time. Learn more. Register for the conference call.

Nursing Facility Reduction Initiative Update
LeadingAge Oregon nursing home members should have received an e-mailed update this week about the state's Nursing Facility Reduction Initiative, which aims to reduce excess nursing facility capacity in Oregon by eliminating 1,500 beds statewide by Dec. 31, 2015. Nursing facilities that "buy and close" other facilities would receive an additional $9.75 per resident day for four years from date of purchase. At a recent meeting on the initiative, DHS Aging and People with Disabilities Director Mike McCormick indicated that the possibilities for the type of arrangements that can take place between buying and selling facilities are emerging as the program proceeds, so it is important that providers contact the state with any questions about possibilities under the program. Read the nursing facility update and access additional resources about the initiative.

Landlords can't discriminate against Section 8 voucher holders as of July 1
Beginning this month, housing providers in Oregon can't refused to rent to an applicant solely because the applicant has a Section 8 voucher/rental subsidy. According to Multifamily Northwest, landlords can still perform applicant screening for financial capacity and background checks, as long as they require the same criteria for all applicants. However, if a Section 8 applicant meets all the rental criteria and is next in line to be considered for a vacancy, the landlord would have to accept the applicant and the voucher. LeadingAge Oregon is working with the law firm Bittner & Hahs to offer a webinar explaining the implications of this new law. In the meantime, read more about Section 8 vouchers on the Home Forward website.

Oregon Patient Safety Commission launches Early Discussion and Resolution
As of July 1, the Oregon Patient Safety Commission has officially launched a new way for health care providers and patients to seek resolution after a serious physical injury or death. Early Discussion and Resolution is a voluntary process and alternative to litigation that offers patients and health care providers an opportunity to confidentially communicate, understand what led to a serious physical injury or death, and seek a prompt resolution. Either a patient or provider can begin the process. Nursing homes are among the health care providers that can participate in Early Discussion and Resolution. Read more.

Don't forget to respond to CBC (ALF/RCF) News Hour survey!
At the last LeadingAge Oregon ALF/RCF networking meeting, participants lamented that they rarely could listen to the Community-based Care (CBC) News Hour due to its timing, and wondered if state staff would be open to changing the date and time. We made that request, and the CBC team has sent out a survey to all Oregon ALF/RCF administrators to see if they can find a time that works better for larger numbers of ALF/RCF staff. Please complete their survey so they know what days and times work best for you!

CMS releases proposed changes to rule governing Home Health Agencies
On July 1, 2014 CMS released the proposed rule for Medicare and Medicaid Programs; CY 2015 Home Health Prospective Payment System Rate Update; Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements; and Survey and Enforcement Requirements for Home Health Agencies (CMS-1611-P). In the proposed rule, CMS projects that Medicare payments to home health agencies in CY 2015 will be reduced by 0.30 percent, or -$58 million. Read a summary of the changes in the proposed rule prepared by Peter Notarstefano, LeadingAge Director of Home and Community-Based Services.

Online modules examine LGBT aging issues
The Administration for Community Living has developed an online learning tool entitled "Building Respect for LGBT Older Adults." The tool is intended for long-term care and other aging services providers as an introduction to LGBT aging and consists of six modules, each approximately 10 minutes long. Access the learning tool.

Website offers ideas, resources for energy and resource management
The website "Sustainability Roadmap for Hospitals," designed to help hospitals share information on how to reduce energy use, waste and cost and enhance the environment for patient care, offers a wealth of resources that also can be applied in aging services settings. Access the website.

HUD releases TRACS 202D implementation schedule
HUD has released its TRACS 202D implementation schedule. Owners/agents can begin submitting transmissions in TRACS202D beginning August 1, and must begin to do so by January 31. TRACS will accept 202D transactions only on or after Feb. 1, 2015.

Oregon story of transformation gets national attention
The summer edition of LeadingAge magazine features an article by Rose Villa CEO (and LeadingAge Oregon member) Vassar Byrd about the journey of the Milwaukie CCRC as it undertakes a major transformation while honoring and maintaining the community's spirit and heritage. Read the article.