News In Brief - March 12, 2014

Legislative session ends on a positive note for seniors
The Oregon Legislature ended its short legislative session on Friday, and we are pleased to report that legislators funded almost all of the items contained in the Special Purpose Appropriation Funding request that was collectively developed and supported by Oregon’s Campaign for Seniors and Disabilities. Elder advocates are also pleased with the passage of SB 1553, which establishes a Public Guardian and Conservator in the office of the state Long-term Care Ombudsman. Read more about the budget and fate of bills in our End of Session report.

Welcome to new member MacDonald Residence
We would like to extend a warm welcome to new LeadingAge Oregon provider member MacDonald Residence, joining the association as of April 1. MacDonald Residence, managed by Mennonite Management Services, is a 100% Medicaid, stand-alone assisted living facility with 54 apartments in downtown Portland, serving individuals who may otherwise be living on the street. For some, it’s the best home they’ve ever known – a wonderful example of an organization dedicated to their mission. We look forward to getting to know Program Director Mo Mills and her intrepid team!

Nominate and celebrate! Awards nominations due April 4
Nominations are open for the LeadingAge Oregon annual Awards Program, so be sure to send in nominations for your Unsung Hero, Caring Spirit and Innovative Program! All of the award honorees, including our 25-year Silver Stars, will be honored at our Annual Meeting Awards Luncheon on May 20 at Eagle Crest Resort during the LeadingAge Oregon Annual Conference. All nominations must be completed online. Deadline is Friday April 4. Read more and access the nomination forms.

Small….or BIG?
Is your organization thinking small, or are you thinking BIG? If you haven’t read the most recent thought-provoking letter from LeadingAge President and CEO Larry Minnix, you’ll want to check it out, and consider sharing with your Board of Directors!

Current ALF/RCF survey forms posted
We requested and received this morning the current forms that ALF/RCF surveyors are using during their inspections. According to CBC Survey Manager Joan Morris, the survey process hasn’t changed, and the forms aren’t substantively different than previous versions, but we thought they may be useful for those of you preparing for a survey in the months ahead. Access the current survey forms. We have also incorporated the current forms in the full 2008 Community-based Care Survey Process Guide.

New nursing facility CNA staffing ratios go into effect April 1
Nursing homes are reminded that the new CNA staffing ratios take effect April 1. They call for 1 nurse aide per 7 residents on day shift (unchanged); 1 per 9.5 residents on evening shift; and 1 per 17 residents on night shift. More information and updated forms are posted on the DHS Administrator Alert web page. Questions may be directed to Joanne Birney at the DHS Office of Licensing and Regulatory Oversight (OLRO), 503.362.3510, or [email protected].

HUD’s Portland office last in line for consolidation
HUD’s Portland Multifamily Housing Program operations are scheduled to be relocated to San Francisco by the summer of 2015, according to HUD’s updated Multifamily Transformation plans. HUD is consolidating its 17 multifamily housing field offices into 5 hubs and 7 satellite offices. The San Francisco hub (and Denver satellite office) will be the fifth and final hub to be consolidated under the transformation plan. Read more.

Draft rules issued for Early Discussion and Resolution process for adverse health events
The Oregon Patient Safety Commission has published draft rules for the Early Discussion and Resolution Process, which was authorized by the legislature to provide a confidential, voluntary and structured way for healthcare providers to notify, discuss and (if necessary) mediate adverse events as an alternative to litigation. According to Commission Executive Director Bethany Walmsley, similar programs in other states have led to a reduction in health care lawsuits and legal costs and faster resolution of claims. The process is set to launch July 1.

APD hires new Deputy Director
The Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) division of the Department of Human Services has announced that Ashley Carson Cottingham has been hired as Deputy Director. An attorney, Cottingham worked on Capitol Hill as staff director for aging-related committees, was Executive Director of the national non-profit organization Older Women’s League, and most recently was Director of Policy and Advocacy for Compassion & Choices, an organization dedicated to improving care and expanding choices at the end of life. She will begin her new job April 8.

FDA offers Patient Lifts Safety Guide
The Food and Drug Administration has produced a guide with general safety information regarding the use of lifts in institutional and home settings. The colorful, easy-to-read guide includes sections on such areas as selecting sling size, preparing the equipment and environment, safety checks and best practices in lifting and lowering. Access the guide.

LeadingAge provides summary of nursing facility regulatory activity for 2013-2014
Having trouble keeping track of the regulatory changes impacting nursing facilities this past year? LeadingAge has made it easier for you by publishing a Summary of Nursing Facility Regulatory Activity from February 2013 to February 2014. Access the summary.

Department of Labor posts information on new wage and hour rules for home care workers
In September 2013 the Department of Labor (DOL) published final rules that repealed the “companionship exemption” utilized by many home care employers. The rule clarifies that direct care workers are entitled to: minimum age for all services; overtime when hours worked exceed 40 hours per week; and compensation for time spent traveling between clients. The rules are effective January 1, 2015. Learn more about what employers must do to comply with federal wage and overtime laws on the DOL home care information page.

Volunteer Recognition Luncheon scheduled April 29 at Mennonite Village
Once again this year we are traveling down to Albany for our Volunteer of the Year Luncheon. This luncheon honors residents of LeadingAge Oregon member communities who volunteer either in their senior housing community or in their community at large. The program started around 1995 with each LeadingAge Oregon member community eligible to elect one volunteer or volunteer committee to honor. The honorees are recognized at the luncheon with a slide presentation and a display of collages representing them at work. Contact Karen Nichols for more information about how to honor your resident volunteer, [email protected].

Value First partners with Medline for cost savings, clinical and quality solutions
Value First, the group purchasing organization owned by LeadingAge Oregon and other LeadingAge state affiliates, recently selected Medline Industries as its newest healthcare product supplier and clinical education partner. Medline is providing its extensive portfolio of products to Value First members at significant savings. The company also offers quality assurance and clinical education programs, the abaqis quality management system, the INTERACT eCurriculum training program and 250 free online courses through Medline University. For more information on how you can save money through Value First, contact Karen Nichols at [email protected].

Join our Facebook community!
Last week we posted pictures on Facebook from our ALF/RCF Networking Meeting, Community-based Care Nurses class and our Leadership Academy Advocacy Training at Capital Manor. Check them out and join the “community conversation” by posting information about your organization on our page!

AgeTech West

Join us for free AgeTech West webinar
Figuring out what kind of technology platforms to adopt can be difficult unless you can see and hear how the technology works, and learn how other organizations are using it. AgeTech West will attempt to start answering some of those questions for you with its first webinar on April 8, “Boost Census and Streamline Placements through Web-based Technology.” Participants will learn about OpenPlacement, a new web-based platform that can connect nursing homes, assisted living and residential care facilities to discharge planners, care seekers and caregivers. Learn more. Register for the webinar.

(AgeTech West is a collaborative founded by LeadingAge California, LeadingAge Oregon and Leading Age Washington).