UPDATE Weekly

Due to low registration for tomorrow’s Situational Leadership workshop in Wilmington, NC, NCHCFA has decided to cancel the workshop. We will be offering this session again in Raleigh on September 20th. Registration information will be available soon.

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As part of NCHCFA’s Board adopted Strategic Plan, the Association has been developing a new Website to better serve our membership. NCHCFA is pleased to announce that our new Website will launch on Monday, June 18th at 12:00 noon. We thank our Board of Directors for the investment in this new tool, as well as members that volunteered their time and served on the ad hoc task force that helped in the design process and content of the new site: Michelle Grandy, Grant Hollowell, Debbie Hopper, Lisa Leatherwood, Ashley Neenan, Turner Prickett, and Ted Smith.

Our Board of Directors, task force, and staff look forward to introducing you to our new Website. All members will receive the new address, log-in instructions, and a Webinar highlighting new features next Monday at 12:00 noon. Our new site includes timely regulatory, quality, reimbursement, and legislative resources, an interactive calendar of all upcoming events, a helpful “Facility Finder” for consumers to search NCHCFA member facilities in a specific area, a user-friendly Associate Membership Directory, and much more! We hope our new site is a helpful resource you find useful on a daily basis.

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Over the past month in UPDATE, NCHCFA has been discussing the Fair Rental Value (FRV) Modernization Survey. The deadline for submission of these surveys, June 15th, is only 2 days away.

FRV has been in place for ten years and pays a more provider specific rate than the system it replaced. FRV rates are updated annually based on national construction data and provider submitted information. Our hope is to develop a modernized FRV system that more accurately reflects the true capital costs of operating a nursing facility, as well as providing more incentive to modernize existing buildings.

In order to develop a more provider specific rate, we must collect data on square footage from each facility. Completion of this survey is extremely important because providers missing square footage data in the rate model will be assigned the minimum default value.

This survey can be completed in two different ways.

1. Survey Monkey – This option is designed for the entry of data one facility at a time.
2. Excel Spreadsheet – The Excel spreadsheet is designed to ease the data entry for multiple facilities. If desired, it can also be used to submit information for a single facility. Once completed, the file should be e-mailed to samc@nchcfa.org.

Regardless of which submission method you choose to utilize, it is recommended that you take the following steps:

— Download and print the PDF version of this on-line survey and use it as a worksheet.
— Review the FAQs at the end of the PDF survey.
— With a completed worksheet in hand, you will be able to complete the on-line survey in one sitting or the Excel file.

The deadline for data submission is Friday, June 15, 2018.

Useful links:
PDF Copy of the Survey Worksheet
FRV Survey Link
FRV Excel Spreadsheet

If you have any questions on this process, please contact Sam Clark at samc@nchcfa.org or by phone at (919) 782-3827.

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In the past few weeks, some nursing facility providers noted unusual outputs from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) tools. Since then, the American Health Care Association (AHCA) has been in contact with CMS and they have updated several tools to correct errors. In regard to their updates, CMS notes:

“A few typographical and usability issues were recently identified by certain stakeholders with SNF PDPM the classification logic (SNF PDPM Classification Walkthrough, Grouper Tool, and NTA Comorbidity Mapping). In order to address these issues, we have posted revised versions of the three files below. Stakeholders should use these revised SNF PDPM files (Version 2) to inform their comments on the proposed rule.”

At their SNF Payment Model Research Webpage (click here), CMS has posted these updated versions and noted the specific corrections. Each is listed below with hyperlinks:

SNF PDPM Classification Walkthrough, Version 2

• Corrected typo on page 23 in definition of Extensive Services category “ES2”

SNF PDPM Grouper Tool, Version 2

• Corrected typo in ES1 and ES3 labels on the nursing tab
• Added D0600 logic to depression flag
• Added support item “did not occur” logic to ADL construction
• Improved clinical category logic so that the tool assigns the default clinical category for patients who have procedure info that will not impact category assignment
• Corrected GG-based function score rounding
• Updates final payment calculation to include proposed 18% nursing add-on for patients with HIV/AIDS

SNF PDPM NTA Comorbidity Mapping, Version 2

• Added ICD-10 code mapping for the category “Major Organ Transplant Status, Except Lung”

Suggested Member Next Steps

If your company has begun modeling PDPM and/or mapping patients into PDPM manually, AHCA recommends revisiting the outputs with the updated resources. Be sure you are using Microsoft EXCEL 2010 or a more recent version – AHCA members have noticed some problems using earlier versions. Please alert AHCA to any observations you might have that indicate additional flaws in the technical design of the CMS tools. CMS will not respond to suggested changes in the tools for easier use (i.e. you prefer direct number entry instead of a drop-down menu) or that related to matters of policy (i.e., NTAS should not taper, etc.). Use the changes above as a guide for what is appropriate to submit to CMS.

Please submit any additional issues to Dan Ciolek and dcioleck@ahca.org and Mike Cheek at mcheek@ahca.org.

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Don’t miss this informative program on Thursday, August 9th during the seventh annual NCHCFA Summer Symposium. The three-day event will be August 8-10, 2018 at the Embassy Suites Resort at Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, SC. Registration will open later this week.

Attorney Kevin Ceglowski will cover recent developments in employment law, with a specific focus on the following topics:

• Hidden cameras and monitoring the workplace – examination of the employment law restrictions on the use of these technologies and guidance for best practices.
• Federal government enforcement – update on specific enforcement focuses of the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and United States Department of Labor. Specific attention will be given to pregnancy discrimination claims and strategies for accommodating pregnant employees.
• Class action waivers and arbitration provisions – update on the recent United States Supreme Court decision allowing these waivers and advice on how and when to use them to minimize expense without disrupting the at-will employment relationship.
• Sexual harassment claims in the “me too” era – discussion of any changes in the number and type of sexual harassment claims and considerations for defending them in light of recent media to sexual harassment.

Kevin Ceglowski is an attorney with the law firm of Poyner Spruill, LLP. He represents employers in many areas of labor and employment law, including race, age, gender, religion, national origin, and disability employment discrimination claims, wrongful discharge claims, and wage and hour claims. He defends clients before administrative agencies such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the Department of Labor, and the North Carolina Employment Security Commission, in state and federal courts, and in arbitrations. Kevin also provides guidance to management to ensure employment practices are in full compliance with all applicable statutes and regulations.

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The proposed Medicare PPS Payment rule introduces providers to the Patient- Driven Payment Model (PDPM), this is a modified version of RCS-1 that was proposed by CMS last year. There is concern that consultants may be pressuring providers to purchase PDPM consulting services too soon and too in depth. As with RCS-1, it is believed that PDPM will change significantly and we strongly believe CMS will make changes, again, in the final rule.

We urge you to exercise caution in regard to consultant investment. In brief, we’d suggest:

1. Including a contract provision for a revision of work once the final rule is out; and
2. Instructing the contractor to keep their work higher level pending the final rule.

Finally, as you receive e-mail advertisements for PDPM trainings, we’d greatly appreciate it if you could forward them to Sam Clark at samc@nchcfa.org so we may track consultant training.

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Palmetto GBA has experienced a large number of providers submitting untimely and/or incomplete Medicare cost reports. A large majority of payment withholds are a result of submission of the cost report electronically through eServices, but failure to mail the worksheet with signature. It is imperative to file timely and complete to prevent being placed on payment hold! When a cost report is filed late, the provider will be placed on payment hold. The payment hold will be released after the cost report has been received, reviewed, and accepted. In peak periods (such as the month of June), it may take 30 days to accept the report.

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Make plans today to join your colleagues for the seventh annual NCHCFA Summer Symposium. The three-day event will be August 8-10, 2018 at the Embassy Suites Resort at Kingston Plantation, Myrtle Beach, SC. Call the Embassy Suites Resort at (800) 876-0010 to reserve your overnight room. Use group code “HCF” to identify yourself as a NC Health Care Facilities Association Convention attendee! To make your reservation online, visit https://tinyurl.com/ncsummersymposium2018. Brochures will be available soon.

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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is sponsoring a Webinar on Tuesday, June 19th at 1:00 PM ET, that will cover topics and questions related to the new CMS emergency preparedness rule, the 1135 waiver, and lessons learned (observations) within the past year.

To register for this free Webinar, click here.

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The updated List of Excluded Individuals and Entities (LEIE) database file, which reflects all OIG exclusions and reinstatement actions up to, and including, those taken in May 2018 has been posted. The updated files are posted on OIG’s Website at https://oig.hhs.gov/exclusions/exclusions_list.asp. Healthcare providers have an “affirmative duty” to check to ensure that excluded individuals are not working in their facilities or face significant fines.

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NCHCFA has scheduled a Fall Financial Summit for September 25-27, 2018 in Chapel Hill, NC. Unlike other events that NCHCFA has held over the years, this is the first event that focuses on topics having a direct connection to the financial aspects of owning and operating a successful nursing facility. Topics to be covered will include Medicaid managed care, financing options for capital, understanding and leveraging your facility’s performance, audit issues, the changing demographics of North Carolina and others.

More details to come! Brochures will be mailed in August.

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The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), in conjunction with Johns Hopkins University and NORC at the University of Chicago, has developed the AHRQ Safety Program for Improving Antibiotic Use. They are seeking long-term care facilities interested in joining a national program that aims to improve antibiotic prescribing practices and assist facilities with implementing effective antibiotic stewardship programs. This is a one-year program beginning in December 2018. There is no fee to participate. A future cohort will enroll ambulatory practices.

Learn more by attending an informational Webinar:

• Tuesday, July 10 at 12:30 PM ET
• Thursday, July 26 at 2:30 PM ET
• Tuesday, August 9 at 2:30 AM ET
• Thursday, August 30 at 10:30 AM ET

Email the program team at antibioticsafety@norc.org for more information.

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NCHCFA has an additional benefit of membership —a monthly Lunch and Learn Webinar Series. NCHCFA is offering a one-hour Webinar on a timely and relevant topic to its members at no additional charge. There will be no CEUs offered for these Webinars.

The next Webinar in the series is scheduled for June 21st, from 12 noon-1:00 pm. Webinar details are below:

Title: Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE) Medical Review
Presenter: Rhonda Craig, RC Consulting

The objectives of this Webinar include:

A) Definition and mechanics of the review
B) How error rates are calculated
C) What happens when a provider fails to improve the error rate
D) Common errors/denial issues
E) How to prepare

Click here to register.

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It’s time to register and make plans to join your colleagues from around the country in beautiful San Diego for the most valuable long term and post-acute care gathering of the year. AHCA/NCAL has a diverse slate of keynote speakers who will share personal stories of challenge and success that will inspire and motivate you.

Choose from more than 70 sessions with topics to support all professional roles in long term and post-acute care! By attending education sessions from Sunday through Wednesday, attendees can earn up to 16 administrator CEs (separate ticketed sessions can increase CEs). Hear from speakers with advanced degrees, advanced experience, and a passion to further the profession. AHCA’s faculty is ready to share their considerable expertise with you.

Register Today. The early bird registration deadline is July 20th, don’t miss it!

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Time is running out to nominate a long term or post-acute care colleague or volunteer for our national recognition programs. The application deadline for all awards has been extended to Friday, June 15th.

Visit AHCA Awards Program Website Here

• Volunteer of Year – 3 categories: Group, Adult and Young Adult
• ID/DD Hero of the Year
• Not for Profit Program of the Year
• Not for Profit Trustee Award

Recipients receive a free trip to San Diego for the 69th AHCA/NCAL Annual Convention and Expo! Give them the national spotlight! This is the ultimate way to thank and honor a valuable team member for quality caregiving.

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VBP for Nursing Homes
This Webinar is scheduled for:
June 26, 2018
1:00 PM – 2:00 PM

Starting in October of this year, all SNFs will have their Medicare payments adjusted based upon how many residents have been admitted to the hospital. SNFs with low readmission rates can receive bonus payments and SNFs with higher readmission rates will have their Medicare payments cut. Join Alliant to learn more about this program to avoid a possible pay decrease this Fall.

Register Here
Phone: (800) 747-5150
Access: 2323667#

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Metro Atlanta-based Second Wind Dreams received a $1.5 million grant from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services to expand its Virtual Dementia Tour in nursing homes throughout North Carolina. The nonprofit’s Virtual Dementia Tour (VDT) is meant to build sensitivity and awareness for caregivers of those with dementia and improve the quality of life for those with dementia. The tour is a simulation that allows people to experience sensory impairments, vision loss, imbalance and confusion those with dementia often experience. The funds will be used to provide this experience in 200 nursing homes in North Carolina beginning March 2018. Applications are first-come, first-served.

Eligible Nursing Homes will receive:

• VDT conducted by a Second Wind Dreams certified trainer
• Designation as a “Dementia-Sensitive Environment”
• Person-centered assessment of staff performance
• VDT conducted in the local community
• CEU credit for multiple domains
• Staff in-service training

ALL AT NO COST TO YOUR NURSING HOME!

All certified, skilled nursing homes are welcome to apply to participate in the CMP Funds project.

Contact Ebony Blanding, Grants Coordinator, at grants@secondwind.org for more information or by calling (470) 242-0170.

To download the flyer and application, click here.

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Based on years of research, this practical guide illustrates the far-reaching benefits of empowered work teams in long-term care organizations and explains in everyday terms how to implement the concept. The authors present a fully-validated model for introducing the empowered work team concept to direct care staff, gaining support from the administration, and supervising the teamwork process over time. Hands-on tools include assessment forms, staff training materials, and step-by-step implementation guidelines. Guidance and troubleshooting tips are provided in the resource’s final chapter. Facility and program administrators, directors of nursing, staff supervisors, and team leaders will find this guidebook an invaluable tool for nurturing a more effective and motivated staff and, as a result, an improved care environment.

To order, visit http://www.AHCApublications.org or call (800) 321-0343. Fax orders may also be placed at (800) 869-5605.

Product #8250
AHCA MEMBERS $34.95

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NCHCFA has partnered with nationally recognized speaker, Cara Silletto and her company Crescendo Strategies, to offer you a new online course. Are you having trouble retaining young workers? Do you find it hard to understand Millennials? If you missed our Full Day Workforce Summit, this 90-minute, self-paced online course shows leaders a Millennial speaker’s first-hand stories about the real generational issues on the T.A.B.L.E. (technology, authority, balance, loyalty, entitlement). Course participants will learn critical insights about all of today’s workers in order to bridge the widening generational gaps and reduce unnecessary employee turnover.

How companies use this online course:

• Consistent training across multiple locations
• Catch-up session for those who missed it live
• New supervisor and manager orientation
• Prep for strategic planning or leadership retreats
• Deep-dive diversity training beyond the basics
• Continuing education credits (1.5 NAB-approved credits)

NCHCFA is pleased to offer member discounts! Click here for more information and promotional codes. Click here to start the course (Remember to enter your promo code).

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6 Reasons Employees Don’t Talk to Their Managers

Leadership Freak Blog Article

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According to emotion recognition software, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa was 83% happy, 9% disgusted, 6% fearful and 2% angry.

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