UPDATE Weekly

NCHCFA would like to thank all facilities that submitted nominations for the 14th Annual Fabulous 50. We had a great response to help recognize front-line staff for their contributions. Nomination forms will be judged on September 17th, 2013. As soon as all winners have been notified, the 2014 Fabulous 50 will be listed in UPDATE.

The dates for the 14th Annual Fabulous 50 Celebrations are:

District I – October 15, 2013, Grand Bohemian Hotel, Asheville
District II – October 21, 2013, Hilton Charlotte University Place, Charlotte
District III – October 24, 2013, Grandover Resort, Greensboro
District IV – October 29, 2013, Mad Boar Restaurant, Wallace
District V – November 4, 2013, Renaissance North Hills Hotel, Raleigh

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The Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)/Long-Term Care (LTC) Open Door Forum (ODF) addresses the concerns and issues of the Medicare SNF, the Medicaid NF, and the nursing home industry generally. The types of issues that come up during this forum are often related to the Minimum Data Set, SNF Consolidated Billing, the roles and responsibilities of different SNF, NF or LTC professional staff under CMS regulations, clarifications of issues that are covered during a survey and certification process, and the many rules and requirements under which different related services can be payable. Timely announcements and clarifications regarding important rulemaking, quality program initiatives, and other related areas are also included in the forums.

The Thursday, September 5, 2013, SNF/LTC Open Door Forum has been rescheduled to Thursday, September 12, 2013 from 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM ET, due to the Jewish holiday, Rosh Hashanah. If you wish to participate, dial (800) 837-1935 and reference Conference ID 36228549.

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The North Carolina Culture Change Coalition (NCCCC) presents “Alive Inside” the story of Music & Memory© with founder Dan Cohen. “Alive Inside” is a film documentary that captures the transformation that takes place when nursing home residents are handed iPods loaded with music from their youth. It explores the findings of extensive neuroscience research on the power of music and shows the dramatic impact of the program called Music and Memory© for those with dementia and other cognitive impairments.

Two people from every certified nursing home may attend FREE; CMS requests 1 of the free attendees to be an activity staff person; any additional staff will be $50 per person.

• October 1 – Durham Double Tree by Hilton Raleigh Research Triangle Park
• October 2 – New Bern Double Tree by Hilton New Bern-Riverfront
• October 16 – Statesville Ramada Conference Center Statesville

To receive registration information contact Becky Wertz, becky.wertz@dhhs.nc.gov, or (919) 855-4580.

This session is intended for surveyors, ombudsmen and nursing home staff. NCCCC has applied for Administrator Credit Hours.

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Please join the American Health Care Association (AHCA) for a Webinar, titled “ICD-10-CM – What is it? Why? And What Next?,” on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2013, at 2:00 PM ET, to learn more about implementation and the upcoming deadlines for the transition from ICD-9-CM to ICD-10-CM.

As you are aware, on October 1, 2014, the ICD-9 code sets used to report medical diagnoses and inpatient procedures will be replaced by ICD-10 code sets. The transition to ICD-10 is required for everyone covered by the Health Insurance Portability Accountability Act (HIPAA); which includes all SNFs/NFs and some assisted living facilities. Unfortunately, most of the information and materials you read about in the media or find on the internet is focused around hospital compliance. LTC providers also must understand the implications and make the successful transition from ICD-9 to ICD-10 or claims will not be processed. CMS has instructed all providers to develop an implementation strategy now that includes an assessment of the impact on the organization, a detailed timeline and a budget.

To learn more about how to get started, please join AHCA, with expert Deborah Johnson, RHIT, CHP (Life Care Centers of America, Corporate Director of Health Information Management/Privacy Officer; and AHIMA – Approved ICD-10 Trainer), and learn the background and reasons for the upcoming changes, as well as the first steps to take to begin to implement the changes. Learning objectives include:

• Learn the basics about ICD-10 and CMS’ timeline for implementation;
• Understand why the change from ICD-9 to ICD-10 and the ensuring differences;
• Discuss the important steps in an ICD-10 implementation strategy including how to perform an impact analysis, develop training and get additional ICD-10 expert help; and
• Learn about important budget considerations for ICD-10 implementation.

To register for this free Webinar, go to http://webinars.ahcancal.org/session.php?id=11516.

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Advance registration for the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo is now closed. If you wish to attend this year’s event, you can register in Phoenix. On-site registration will be available and opens Sunday, October 6th at 6:45 am. AHCA/NCAL housing is open and reservations will continue to be accepted through Friday, September 13. Download this year’s Convention & Expo Preliminary Program.

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Mark your calendar today for the North Carolina Health Care Facilities Association’s “Falls Prevention-Train the Trainer” with Sue Ann Guildermann! This comprehensive two-day program will cover Empira’s comprehensive fall prevention and reduction program in more detail. If you missed Sue Ann’s one-day seminar in March, you will NOT want to miss this two-day program!

This two-day course will be held November 13-14, 2013 in Greensboro, NC. Brochures will be mailed this fall! You must attend both days to receive credit.

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The NCHCFA Annual Convention and Trade Show will be held February 23-26, 2014 at the Sheraton Four Seasons Hotel/Koury Convention Center in Greensboro, NC! Brochures outlining specific program information will be mailed in December.

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This three-part DVD training series includes must-have background information for feeding assistants (Getting Started, 20 minutes), specific job responsibilities and procedures (Proper Feeding Techniques, 18 minutes), and helps prepare employees in case problems or emergencies arise (Problem Behavior and Emergencies, 14 minutes).

To order, visit http://www.AHCApublications.org or call (800) 321-0343.

Product # 6790D
AHCA Members (on-line price) $99.00

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This brochure outlines what physical restraints are, when they should be used, rules and regulations concerning restraints, and making decisions about using them. Contact Jan Williams at janw@nchcfa.org to order brochures for your facility.

NCHCFA Member: $30.00 per 100 brochures plus tax and shipping

Non-Members: $60.00 per 100 brochures plus tax and shipping

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The First Victim of Sept. 11 – He was likely the first person killed, but his influence was felt that entire terrible day—online.

http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/history/2013/09/danny_lewin_the_first_victim_on_9_11_and_an_architect_of_the_internet.html

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The New York City Chief Medical Examiner’s office announced that as of February 2012, 1,633 Sept. 11th victims have been identified, leaving as many as 1,120 unidentified. In July, 2013, the remains of firefighter Lt. Jeffrey P. Waltz, who was last seen in the north tower of the World Trade Center, were most recently identified.

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