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Governor proclaims May 14-20 National Nursing Home Week
 We were extremely happy to announce that Governor Vilsack has proclaimed May 14-20 National Nursing Home Week in Iowa. The Governor’s proclamation states that the week recognizes the caring and supportive services provided by nursing facilities that make quality of life possible for our loved ones and the contributions our nursing facility residents have made to Iowa and its communities. The elderly and developmentally challenged residents of long term care facilities have led exceptional and extraordinary lives that have helped enhance the quality of life in this great state. National Nursing Home Week is an opportunity to shine light on these wonderful residents, whose personal achievements and acts of kindness and inspiration are legendary and who continue to inspire us.
A copy of the proclamation to share with your residents and community is available at www.iowahealthcare.org, Members Only, Nursing Home Week.
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Dependent Adult Abuse: Cover all the bases!
 Make sure you're safe from the threat of dependent adult abuse! Register now for our upcoming IHCA• ICAL Dependent Adult Abuse Conference on Thursday, June 1. Your dependent adult abuse questions, concerns and situations will all be addressed by presenters who specialize in this topic and professionals who have confronted the problem head-on. Your facility leadership will not want to miss this important and valuable education!
LaVon Yeggy, Memory Loss Nurse Specialist with Elder Services, Inc., will discuss issues related to resident-to-resident verbal and physical aggression, unwanted sexual contact, and other forms of violence within long term care that fall outside the clear definition of dependant adult abuse.
Ken Watkins, IHCA's legal consultant from the Health Law Department at Davis, Brown, Koehn, Shors & Roberts, P.C. will present an analysis of federal certification requirements, state statues and regulations relating to definitions of dependent adult abuse, and identify a broad range of fact patterns that may constitute abuse. Staff education requirements and conducting effective investigations (including required protocols, documentation procedures, and notification requirements) and the legal ramifications of failure to investigate and report abuse will be covered.
Ann Marie Brick, Administrator of the Abuse Coordinating Unit in the DIA will lead a panel discussion with a long term care facility administrator; director of nursing; and director of operations for several long term care facilities. You'll hear their insights into the prevention and response to dependant adult abuse and examples of various situations and discussion of the roles and responsibilities of the staff and facility when it comes to dependant adult abuse.
CEUs are available for administrator/owners, department heads, nurses, social services and assisted living management certification. Brochures have been mailed to members. You can also find the brochure at www.iowahealthcare.org, Members Only, Education. Register online at www.iwoahealtcare.org, Calendar.
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Complete workforce survey; become eligible for FREE district meeting
Complete the IHCA•ICAL workforce survey and you'll be entered in a drawing to win a free July IHCA•ICAL District meeting registration! From all members who complete the survey, we will draw four names — one from each district — and award a free registration for the July District meeting (up to a $40 value).
The survey results will help assess health workforce shortages in Iowa and enable us to work with the IDPH Center for Health Workforce Planning to provide recommendations for strategies that IHCA·ICAL, Iowa long term care facilities, AHCA/NCAL, policymakers and others can implement to minimize this potential workforce crisis.
We are asking administrators or your organization's HR person to please review the instructions, complete the survey and return it by May 31, 2006, to IHCA by one of these methods:
E-mail: ihca@iowahealthcare.org
Fax: 515.327.5019
Mail: IHCA·ICAL, 6750 Westown Parkway, Suite 100, West Des Moines, IA 50266
This survey was sent to members directly via e-mail on Friday, May 5. You can also access the workforce survey at www.iowahealthcare.org, Members Only, What's New. If you have any questions on the survey, please contact Cindy Baddeloo, IHCA Deputy Director at cbaddeloo@iowahealthcare.org or 800-422-3106.
Direct links
Survey instruction: http://www.iowahealthcare.org/userdocs/Workforce_Survey_2006.pdf
Survey form: http://www.iowahealthcare.org/userdocs/Workforce_Survey.xls
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Today is Part D enrollment deadline; Seniors urged to sign up
Today is the deadline ending the initial enrollment period for Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Most Medicare beneficiaries who miss the May 15 deadline will have to wait until the first annual enrollment period, which begins on Nov. 15 and ends Dec. 31, 2006. Individuals who sign up for coverage during the Nov. 15 to Dec. 31, 2006 enrollment period, would have drug coverage effective Jan. 1, 2007.
Most people who enroll in a prescription drug plan after May 15 will have to pay a permanent premium penalty of 1 percent for each month they waited past that date.
CMS has announced that Medicare beneficiaries who qualify after May 15 for the limited-income subsidy available through the Medicare prescription drug program will be able to enroll in a drug plan after the May 15 deadline and will be exempt from the late penalty fees.
CMS officials said that prescription drug plans must accept mailed applications postmarked on or before May 15, 2006, and must treat incomplete applications received by May 15 as complete for purposes of meeting the deadline. CMS officials also said they are taking a number of steps to accommodate a possible last-minute surge in enrollment, such as operating additional 1-800-MEDICARE call center sites and having call center staff work through 3:00 a.m., EDT on May 16 to accept enrollments.
CMS officials say that Part D is a good deal for many seniors, particularly those that qualify for limited-income subsidies. However, Part D coverage is not advantageous for everyone. For example, many Medicare beneficiaries have existing drug coverage usually from employers or unions that is as good as or better than Medicare Part D coverage. Under Medicare Part D, drug coverage that is as good as or better than Part D’s standard benefit is called “creditable coverage.” People with creditable coverage who lose it for some reason can sign up for a Medicare Part D plan after May 15 without paying the premium penalty (if they enroll within 63 days of losing their creditable coverage).
Another reason to be cautious about enrolling in a Part D plan is that enrollment can trigger the loss of existing drug or medical coverage for both beneficiaries and their dependents who may rely on that coverage. Some employers have dropped people from retiree drug or medical plans when they enrolled or were auto-enrolled in a Part D plan. Such an action can affect not only a Medicare beneficiary living in an assisted living/residential care facility but also dependents living in the community. Medicare beneficiaries considering Part D need to check what type of existing drug and medical coverage they already have and assess what the consequences of Part D enrollment will be.
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The latest on Medicare Part D
Vaccines
CMS has issued a memorandum to Part D plans on vaccines covered under Part D. Note that CMS is signaling that while there is a small number of inexpensive vaccines covered under Part D currently, newer more expensive vaccines will be coming on the market, which will also be covered by Part D. The thrust of the memo is on improving access for beneficiaries to vaccines. CMS appears to be anticipating problems regarding access for beneficiaries who are outside of long term care facilities.
Incorrect cost sharing to dual eligible beneficiaries
CMS has received numerous complaints concerning full benefit dual eligible beneficiaries being charged incorrect co-payments at the pharmacy. CMS indicates that this memorandum is part of a three-step approach that CMS is taking to address the issue of incorrect cost sharing. CMS initiated these efforts on March 22, 2006 by requesting that states begin to report retroactive changes in beneficiary institutional status on the State Monthly MMA Enrollment File no later than July 2006. As a second step, CMS is conducting additional outreach with the pharmacy community explaining when a beneficiary is considered institutionalized for the purposes of the zero copayment as well as addressing the data lag associated with monthly state reporting and its impact on the Part D plan's systems updates. The final step in this effort to mitigate incorrect cost sharing to dual eligible beneficiaries is to outline CMS' expectations in three areas related to Part D plans changing a beneficiary's cost sharing levels.
Claims filing timeframes
http://www.ahca.org/members/finance/medicare/part_d/wu060512-9.pdf
CMS indicates that pharmacies often lacked the information necessary to identify the correct primary payer for Part D drugs provided to Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Part D plans. Consequently, through no fault of their own, pharmacies often billed the state and other payers instead of a beneficiary's Part D plan. CMS has addressed a major portion of these situations through the State-to-Plan and Plan-to-Plan reconciliation processes. The balance, however, may require resolution through claims reversal and rebilling. CMS is exercising its authority to establish requirements to ensure effective coordination between Part D plans and SPAPs and other entities providing prescription drug coverage, and will require plans to implement a 180-day claims filing timeframe for claims incurred during the period January 1 through June 30, 2006. This 180-day window is necessary to accommodate the identification and resolution of coordination of benefits issues requiring claims reversal and rebilling to appropriate payers. Further guidance on coordination of benefits requirements in this area for 2007 will be issued for comment in the next several weeks. See the CMS memo for more information.
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CMS issues final rule on provider enrollment
CMS has issued the final rule on provider enrollment: Medicare Program; Requirements for Providers and Suppliers to Establish and Maintain Medicare Enrollment; Final Rule; 77 Federal Register 20754, April 21, 2006. The rule requires that all providers and suppliers complete an enrollment form and submit specific information to CMS. The final rule also requires that all providers and suppliers periodically update and certify the accuracy of their enrollment information to receive and maintain billing privileges in the Medicare program. In addition, the rule implements provisions in the statute that require CMS to ensure that all Medicare providers and suppliers are qualified to provide the appropriate health care services.
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OSHA notifies employers with high injury and illness rates
On April 21, 2006, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced that approximately 14,000 employers had received notification letters that injury and illness rates at their worksites are higher than average and that assistance is available to help fix safety and health standards. Unlike previous years, the list of worksites notified does not designate those earmarked for future OSHA site-specific targeting (SST) inspections. An announcement of worksites to be inspected will be made later this year.
As in the past, the primary focus of LTC facility inspections is on ergonomic stressors relating to resident handling, exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials, exposure to TB and slips, trips and falls. This year, the SST covers worksites that reported 12 or more injuries or illnesses resulting in days away from work, restricted work activity or job transfer (DART) for every 100 full-time workers or 9 or more cases that involve days away from work due to injuries or illness (DAFWII) for every 100 full-time workers. OSHA continues, under the SST this year, to target for inspection and place on the primary inspection list only the highest 50% rated LTC facilities and none will be placed on secondary or tertiary lists.
Related memo from AHCA: http://www.ahca.org/members/operate/labor/osha/wu060512-2.htm
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AHCA/NCAL Quality Awards
 AHCA has received 442 applications for the AHCA/NCAL Quality Awards: 343 Step I, 71 Step II, and a record 7 for Step III. A resounding round of applause goes to the over 100 examiners who will work tirelessly for the next several months to bring us the results. Recipients can expect to be notified by AHCA on a rolling schedule starting in June for Step II, July for Step I, and August for Step III. All awardees will be honored at the closing general session, October 11, in San Antonio at the AHCA/NCAL National Convention.
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Tops in Survey
Congratulations to our IHCA and ICAL members who have received a deficiency-free survey or insufficiency-free inspection.
 Oakwood Care Center
Clear Lake
Sheri Weaver-Isvik, Administrator
Char-Mac Assisted Living
Lawton
Jeanine Chartier, Administrator
Margee Joines RN
Char-Mac Assisted Living
Holstein
Jeanine Chartier, Administrator
Kristi Waller RN
Hartley Senior Wellness Center, RCF
Hartley
Jeannine Bunge, Administrator
Linda Kunkel, RN Nurse Manager
Landsmeer Ridge Retirement Community
Orange City
Rob Gotto, Administrator
To have your facility's deficiency-free survey or insufficiency-free inspection recognized, e-mail Claire Seely at claire.seely@iowahealthcare.org. Please provide facility name, city and administrator name.
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Scholarship deadline June 2 - APPLY NOW
Every nursing home, assisted living program, RCF, senior housing and elder group home has at least one person who is working toward that next level of long term care nursing or administration education. The IHCA Foundation is looking to reward 21 of those hard working people at our member facilities with a $500 scholarship for the 2006-2007 academic year.
Administrators are encouraged to inform everyone on their staff about the John R. Grubb Health Care Scholarships and the Tom Juckette Long Term Care Scholarship offered by the IHCA Foundation. Entry materials are now available at www.iowahealthcare.org, Members Only, Scholarships.
Please be sure the information gets passed on to those employees who are the next generation of long term care leaders! Deadline for applications is June 2, 2006. Past winners are welcome to apply again!
Questions can be directed to Claire Seely at claire.seely@iowahealthcare.org.
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Check out our Trade Show vendors
The 2006 IHCA ICAL Trade Show is very close to being sold out! Our members can look forward to seeing over 80 vendors at the event on Monday, September 25. To get a preview of vendors planning to attend, click here.
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Join us at Summer Quarterly, June 21
Summer Quarterly is heating up with everyone's favorite topics - conflict management and survey! We've got great topics and great presenters that will zero in on what you need to know.
Keynote address
Conflict managment and dealing with difficult people — Talking through the differences presented by professional trainer Chris Battell and performance consultant Donna Honolddo
Survey
Preparing for a nursing home survey
Preparing for survey in an assisted living facility
Tips and Techniques for Successfully Challenging DIA Allegations of Noncompliance
Interactive Discussion on Countering Insufficiencies in an Assisted Living Facility
Plus
Fair Labor Standards Act
MDS: Friend or Foe
Summer Quarterly is Wednesday, June 21 at the Airport Holiday Inn in Des Moines. You can find the brochure at www.iowahealthcare.org, Members Only, Education. To register go to www.iowahealthcare.org, Calendar or fax your registration form to 515.327.5019.
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Get a jump on education this summer
Now's the time to register for these exciting IHCA•ICAL educations and seminars! To register go to www.iowahealthcare.org, Calendar or email Georgene at georgene.olson@iowahealthcare.org.
Assisted Living Nurses' Conference
May 17, 2006
Hilton Garden Inn, Johnston
Feeding Assistant Train-the-Trainer Program for Iowa Nursing Homes
May 23, 2006
IHCA Office, West Des Moines
CEUs approved for Adm, N
SE District Education
May 23, 2006
West Liberty Community Center, West Liberty
CEUs approved for Adm, N, DH, Act, ALMC
SW District Education
May 25, 2006
Atlantic Golf and Country Club, Atlantic
CEUs approved for Adm, N, DH, Act, ALMC
Dependent Adult Abuse Conference
June 1, 2006
Hilton Garden Inn, Johnston
5 CEU hours for Administrators, Dept. Heads,
Social Workers and Assisted Living Managers
6 CEU hours for Nurses
Director of Nursing Leadership Training Program
June 6 - 8, 2006
Hawthorn Suites, West Des Moines
2.1 CEU hours for Nurses
Non-Proprietary Conference (Watch for more info)
June 19, 2006
IHCA Office, West Des Moines
Summer Quarterly Education Conference (Watch for more info)
June 21, 2006
Airport Holiday Inn, Des Moines
MDS 201 - Advanced MDS 2.0 Training
June 28, 2006
Hawthorn Suites, West Des Moines
5 CEU hours for Administrators, Nurses, SS
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MedQIC online resource for NF staff
 The Medicare Quality Improvement Community (MedQIC), a free online resource for nursing home staff, has recently been updated to improve user navigation and content. MedQIC is part of the national network for Quality Improvement Organizations and is a website where healthcare professionals can find and share quality improvement resources. The website offers clinicians materials, guidelines, articles, quality improvement tools and links to other resources. To view the MedQIC Web site, go to www.MedQIC.org and click on ‘Nursing Home’ tab at the center/top of the screen.
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AL hospice operational guidance available
The National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO) has developed new operational guidance for assisted living. The guidance was developed to help hospice and assisted living providers establish collaborative arrangements to better meet the hospice needs of residents in assisted living.
The 28-page document covers issues such as communication assessments, service contracts, and assisted living’s expectations of hospice. For more information visit www.nhpco.org/marketplace and order Operations Guidance--Hospice and Assisted Living, Item #820928
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New release date for LTC survey manual
AHCA's updated Long Term Care Survey softbound binder with quarterly subscription updates will be available in early June. The manual is an invaluable tool that contains up-to-date information in a new, easy-to-read format covering CMS regulations effective June 1, 2006.
Updated content covers F248-9: Activities; F520: Quality Assurance; and Appendix P: Psychosocial Outcomes Severity, along with previously released information on pressure ulcers, incontinence care, medical directors, and activities.
AHCA’s Long Term Care Survey manual is the most comprehensive survey resource for long term care providers. Order online or call 800-321-0343 to place your order for our Long Term Care Survey binder subscription with quarterly updates (softbound edition also available).
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Mission Possible - Convention registration now open
Register today for Mission Possible! Join us at the AHCA/NCAL National Convention on October 8-11 in San Antonio, Texas. At this premier national event for long term care professionals, you can:
- EXPLORE more than 300 exhibits;
- LEARN from inspiring keynote speakers & long term care experts;
- CHOOSE from 4 pre-convention workshops & more than 75+ educational sessions;
- EARN up to 18 CEUs; and
- CONNECT with more than 3,000 of your colleagues in long term care.
Register before July 7 and save $100.00! Go to www.AHCAconvention.org or www.NCALconvention.org to register today. Housing reservations are also now available online.
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Iowa rehab placement needed
A 31-year-old male with a subluxation and dislocation of C5 and C6 with concomitant paralysis at the C7 level and below is in need of a comprehensive rehabilitation program to help him become more independent and learn how to take care of his body without the assistance. He sustained the spinal cord injury in 1989 and had a spinal fusion of C4, C5 and C6.
Since being discharged from rehabilitation in April 1990, he has had a series of medical complications including motor functioning and sensory perceptual problems, pressure sores and life-threatening urinary tract problems. He has not had any formal therapy since age 15.
If you would consider admission for rehab services, please contact Shelly Gansebom at 402.573.3748.
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TIP •Influenza and other airborne viruses can spread when droplets reach the eyes, nose, or mouth. Touching contaminated surfaces and then rubbing your eyes or touching your face can also cause a virus to spread. To limit your chances of catching an airborne virus like the flu, follow these practical steps of good hygiene: