News In Brief - June 12, 2014

Provider tax calculated for FY 2015
LeadingAge Oregon participated in a stakeholder meeting in which DHS provided a "calculations and documentation briefing" on the Nursing Facility Provider Tax (formerly called the Long Term Care Assessment) for FY2015. The amount of the tax beginning July 1st will be $19.37, down from the current rate of $20.46. CCRCs with nursing facility (NF) beds are being assessed the tax beginning January 1, 2014. The amount of the assessment to be paid by NFs equals the assessment rate times the number of patient days, including Medicaid patient days, at the NF for the calendar quarter. Each NF must submit a revenue report on a form prescribed by DHS by September 30 of each year and pay any assessment amount due. Failure to file the annual report and pay any reconciliation payment due, as well as failure to file the quarterly report and pay the quarterly assessment, are subject to a penalty of $500 per day of delinquency. Click here to obtain a copy of OAR 411-069 governing the Long Term Care Assessment.

Do you have the LeadingAge Oregon Fall Leadership Conference on your calendar?
Be sure to mark your calendar for the LeadingAge Oregon Fall Leadership Conference, to be held October 6-8 at the Hood River Inn. Once again we will offer a special track for your boards of directors as well as sessions targeted to CEOs, administrators, department directors and and all other staff in leadership positions. Watch for more information later this summer!

More details revealed about Nursing Facility Reduction Initiative
LeadingAge Oregon staff and members met this week with state Aging and People with Disabilities staff and other nursing home providers to learn more about Oregon’s Nursing Facility Reduction Initiative. The meeting revealed additional details about how the state plans to approach the initiative, which aims to reduce excess nursing facility capacity by eliminating 1500 beds statewide by December 31, 2015. Watch for a separate update from CEO Ruth Gulyas with more information.

OHLA office closed until noon Monday June 23
The Oregon Health Licensing Agency, which handles nursing home administrator licensing, will be closed until noon on Monday June 23 as the agency transitions to a new information technology system. The agency will return to its regular hours and testing schedule June 24.

Infection prevention focus of July 17 program
The Oregon Patient Safety Commission is sponsoring an educational program in Portland July 17 on infection prevention in long-term care facilities. The program is geared toward nurses, administrators, CNAs, medical directors and any staff whose responsibilities include implementation, oversight or supervision of infection prevention functions. Read more. Register online.

CMS offers webinars on compliance plans
The CMS Medicare Learning Network is offering a webinar in June that reviews how to establish an effective compliance program, meet the Affordable Care Act requirements, and incorporate best practices. The program is targeted to all Medicare providers. The webinar will be offered on June 17 and June 26 (same webinar, so participants are asked to register for just one date). Register for June 17. Register for June 26.

Have you checked out the LeadingAge MDS tips?
LeadingAge has hired an expert MDS consultant to offer tips and guidance on various aspects of the Minimum Data Set. The latest article includes a step-by-step guide to coding pain management medication. Read more.

OSHA publishes brochure on Safe Patient Handling
Residential care and nursing staff experience some of the highest injury rates among workers, nearly twice the rate of those who work in construction, according to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data. As part of its ongoing campaign to reduce the high rate of injuries among healthcare workers, OSHA has published a new brochure on “Safe Patient Handling.” Access the brochure.

HUD updates Section 8 renewal forms
HUD recently updated its Section 8 renewal forms and posted them on HUDCLIPS. Access the new forms.

20 things not to say or do to a person with dementia
A woman who has been diagnosed with younger-onset dementia has posted “20 things not to say or do to a person with dementia,” helpful tips for those who work in aging services. Read her tips.

Ageless Art Contest and Luncheon scheduled for August 14
LeadingAge Oregon member Willamette View will host the LeadingAge Oregon Ageless Art Contest Judging and Luncheon on Thursday, August 14. Residents of LeadingAge Oregon communities are eligible to enter art in the contest, with a limit of one entry per person. Deadline for submitting completed entry forms is July 11. If you believe any of your residents would be interested in participating in this creative and inspiring program, please read more details in our Ageless Art Informational Packet. Additional questions may be directed to Karen Nichols, [email protected].

LeadingAge Oregon member named RHF 2014 Manager of the Year
Darleen Nelson, manager of Desert Sage Manor, an affordable housing community in Hermiston, was recently named the Retirement Housing Foundation 2014 Manager of the Year. Retirement Housing Foundation is one of the nation’s largest nonprofit providers of housing and services for older adults, persons with disabilities, and low-income families. Darlene was honored as an exemplary manager who delivers the highest quality of service to her residents, which is reflected in the 100 percent overall satisfaction rate on the most recent Desert Sage resident satisfaction survey. Congratulations Darleen!

Check out Value First “specials” page for deals
Value First, the LeadingAge group purchasing program, has set up a special web page where it will be posting links to companies offering discount programs and nationwide specials. Be sure to check it out on a regular basis so you don't miss out on any money-saving opportunities! Companies with specials are listed on the right hand side of the specials web page.

Last chance to register for June 18 Dr. Al Power dementia program
We still have a few spots available at the June 18 Dementia Symposium featuring Dr. Al Power, so register today if you haven't already! Read more. Register online.