LTCCareer.com's Posts - LTCCareer.com2024-03-29T01:38:34ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercomhttp://storage.ning.com/topology/rest/1.0/file/get/2992063415?profile=RESIZE_48X48&width=48&height=48&crop=1%3A1http://www.ltccareer.com/profiles/blog/feed?user=2bizqw5f4fb4m&xn_auth=noCapitol defense: United LTC industry tackles Washington challengestag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-07-12:5862844:BlogPost:403852013-07-12T16:58:06.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<p>July 10, 2013 <span class="submitted"> by Bob Gatty </span> …</p>
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<p>July 10, 2013 <span class="submitted"> by Bob Gatty </span> </p>
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<p>The challenges for the long-term care industry (LTC) continue to grow as state and federal officials, pressured to cut costs, increasingly target health care for savings with no end in sight.</p>
<p>Mark Parkinson, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association (AHCA), believes the organization is effectively poised to help defend member companies against further payment reductions he says could seriously impede their ability to provide the quality of care they are expected to deliver to their assisted living and nursing home clients.</p>
<p>Part of the reason for that is the recent merger with the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care, which further unifies the industry and strengthens the impact of lobbying efforts on Capitol Hill and in the state capitols across the nation. “We go into the battle this year with a more unified sector than we’ve had in 15 years because the Alliance has made the decision to combine with us. Now we can go to Capitol Hill with one voice, and I believe that will help us prevail,” Parkinson said in an interview with <em>Long Term Living.</em></p>
<p>Noting that the Great Recession took a heavy toll on the economy, including LTC providers and skilled nursing centers, he said the sector nevertheless has managed to find its way despite a series of Medicare and Medicaid reductions, and continues to move forward.</p>
<p>However, he added, skilled nursing facilities (SNF) margins, estimated by some as less than 1 percent, “are thinner than ever” even as a “new march towards quality has continued.” At the same time, Parkinson said, the policymakers are moving towards bundling of services, with payment based on an outcomes approach rather than the traditional system of payment for specific services provided. AHCA’s challenge, he said, is to help its members ease into this new payment system by making sure cuts in the current structure are not so severe that companies simply cannot succeed.</p>
<p>Parkinson outlined these immediate public policy challenges the industry must face:</p>
<p><strong>The Doc Fix.</strong> Congress must find a way by year’s end to prevent an across-the-board reduction of 24.4 percent in Medicare physician payments from taking effect—a cut that is required by Medicare’s Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula under current law. The latest 10-year cost of repealing the SGR is $138 billion, and Congress typically will look to the healthcare sector for savings needed to offset that cost. Parkinson fears SNFs could be adversely affected.</p>
<p><strong>Therapy Cap Extension.</strong> For the past several years, Congress has lifted the $1,900 cap on therapy payments under Medicare and, once again, AHCA is working to be sure that happens again this year. Combined, the one-year cost of that action, plus eliminating the 24.4 percent physician pay cut, will be about $22 billion—a cost that would be spread over 10 years.</p>
<p>“Our position is that because margins already have been cut to the bone, any further cuts will run the risk of our members not being able to provide the level of service they have provided in the past,” cautioned Parkinson. “In addition, that would be harmful as we move into this new payment model, which requires an investment in technology for electronic medical records capability. So cutting the rate would be counterproductive.”</p>
<p>In an “Issue Brief,” AHCA declared, “The increase in Medicare spending must be funded from other areas of the Medicare program because skilled nursing facilities’ Medicare rates already have been significantly reduced in a variety of ways.”</p>
<p><strong>The Debt Ceiling.</strong> Later this summer, Congress will be forced to increase the debt ceiling, an action that could bring with it demands from conservatives to further cut spending. “We will be closely monitoring that to make sure we are not used as a ‘pay for,’” said Parkinson.</p>
<p>Rather than simply telling Congress “No, don’t cut us,” AHCA has developed legislation that it says would enable SNFs to continue to provide quality care without unfairly being targeted for payment reductions. “The Guaranteed Savings & Quality Care Act” addresses the problem of hospital readmissions, which the organization acknowledges puts a strain on both patients and the taxpayer. Here’s how it would work:</p>
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<li>After establishing a baseline for the SNF 30-day readmission rate and calculating costs associated with those readmissions, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) would set a targeted readmissions reduction goal for SNFs necessary to save $2 billion from 2015–2022.</li>
<li>Skilled nursing facilities would work to reduce hospital readmissions to at least the targeted amount.</li>
<li>If the savings target was not achieved, SNF market basket updates—the cost of living adjustments under Medicare—would be reduced to make up the shortfall.</li>
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<p>In an “Issue Brief” on the topic, AHCA says the plan incentivizes SNF providers to improve quality and coordinate care; saves $2 billion to Medicare over 10 years; generates savings through improvements instead of simply slashing provider payments; and responsibly encourages SNFs across the country to share in the goal.</p>
<p>Parkinson is encouraged by the way the industry has come together to let lawmakers know of their concerns and their proposed solutions. In June, some 500 industry executives participated in a fly-in to take their message to Capitol Hill and on July 9, 20 industry leaders from across the country came to town to meet with lawmakers and staff in some 50 congressional offices.</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.ltlmagazine.com/article/capitol-defense-united-ltc-industry-tackles-washington-challenges?WA_MAILINGLEVEL_CODE=&spMailingID=42040975&spUserID=NTA3NzM1NjYxNzUS1&spJobID=194537401&spReportId=MTk0NTM3NDAxS0" target="_blank">Full Article</a></strong></p>
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</div>California Nursing Facilities Honored in National Quality Awardstag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-06-21:5862844:BlogPost:401842013-06-21T16:52:08.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
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<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C</strong>. – Four California skilled nursing facilities have been selected by the American Health Care Association as recipients of the national 2013 Silver – Achievement in Quality award. This is the second level in the AHCA National Quality Award program and recognizes a significant step toward performance excellence. </span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><br/> This year, 59 facilities across the country achieved the Silver award.<br/> The four California facilities are: Country Villa Monrovia Villa Maria Healthcare, Santa Maria Pacific Coast Manor, Capitola Turlock Nursing and Rehabilitation</span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><br/> The awards are based on the core values and concepts of the Baldrige Health Care Criteria – a national quality award program with three progressive step levels; Bronze, Silver and Gold. Applications are judged by trained examiners who provide feedback on opportunities for continuous improvements. Facilities must achieve an award at each level to progress to the next.<br/>“This is a notable achievement,” said Jim Gomez, CAHF CEO/president. “These members stand apart in demonstrating an ongoing commitment to deliver the best possible care to our residents.” <br/>This is the third year that CAHF members have earned four Silver Quality Awards. In all, 13 California facilities have achieved the silver step level.</span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><br/> Past Silver award winners:</span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><strong>2010</strong></span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Stonebrook Health Care, Concord</span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><br/><strong>2011</strong></span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Catered Manor Nursing Center, Long Beach </span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Golden LivingCenter, Reedley </span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Pacific Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Fresno </span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Willow Creek Healthcare Center, Clovis </span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><br/><strong>2012</strong></span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Country Villa Monte Vista Healthcare Center</span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Duarte Encinitas Nursing and Rehabilitation Center</span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Encinitas Golden LivingCenter - Hylond</span></div>
<div class="Normal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Fresno Life Care Center of Escondido, Escondido</span></div>
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</div>AHCA National Bronze Quality Award.tag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-05-28:5862844:BlogPost:394802013-05-28T20:55:57.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<p><span class="eonCDTitle" id="dnn_ctr1065_dnnTITLE_titleLabel">Dozens of California Providers Win National Bronze Quality Award</span></p>
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<p><span id="dnn_ctr1065_dnnTITLE_titleLabel" class="eonCDTitle">Dozens of California Providers Win National Bronze Quality Award</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;"><strong>WASHINGTON, D.C.</strong> – The American Health Care Association (AHCA) has named 33 California skilled nursing providers as recipients of the 2013 National Bronze Quality award. The national program provides a pathway for providers of long term care services to journey towards performance excellence.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">The program is based on the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program and has three progressive step levels. Applicants are judged by trained examiners who provide feedback on opportunities for improvement to support continuous learning. Facilities must achieve an award at each level to progress to the next level.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Bronze winners must develop an organizational profile including vision and mission statements, an awareness of their environment and customers’ expectations, and a demonstration of their ability to improve a process.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">“It’s heartening to see so many of our members participate in this national quality awards program,” said Jim Gomez, CAHF CEO/president. “Providing quality care is the centerpiece of the array of services we provide each year to our 300,000 skilled nursing center residents.”</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">The 2013 California Bronze Quality Award winners are listed below.</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">Sonoma Valley Hospital D/P SNF Lancaster Health Care Center Anberry Rehabilitation Hospital, Atwater Playa del Rey Care and Rehabilitation Center Norwalk Skilled Nursing and Wellness Centre Oak Park Convalescent Hospital, Pleasant Hill NorthPoint Healthcare Centre, Fresno Horizon Health and Subacute Center, Fresno Golden Living Center – FresnoArbor Nursing Center, Lodi Golden Living Center – Chateau, StocktonGolden Living Center – Reedley Laurel Creek Health Center, FairfieldCountry Villa Watsonville East Willows Care Center HaLe Aloha Convalescent Hospital, Ceres Pine View Center, Paradise Eureka Rehabilitation and Wellness Center Seaview Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Eureka California Park Rehabilitation Hospital, Chico Golden Living Center Clovis Pacific Rehabilitation and Wellness Center, Eureka Olive Vista Center for Problems of Living, Pomona Country Villa Wilshire, Los Angeles San Pablo Healthcare and Wellness Center Imperial Heights Healthcare and Wellness Center, Brawley San Jose Healthcare & Wellness Center Evergreen Nursing & Rehabilitation Care Center, Modesto Gridley Healthcare & Wellness Centre Hayward Healthcare and Wellness Center Southland Care Center, Norwalk Las Villas Del Norte, Escondido The Rehabilitation Center of Oakland</span></p>
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<p><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13px;">For more information contact Deborah Pacyna, CAHF Director of Public Affairs at 916-441-6400 ext. 226 or <a href="mailto:dpacyna@cahf.org">dpacyna@cahf.org</a></span></p>
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</div>OHCA Event Findertag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-05-28:5862844:BlogPost:395812013-05-28T16:56:48.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
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<tbody><tr><td><p>OHCA's Event Highlighter brings you announcements and information about upcoming <strong>Classes</strong>, as well as <strong>Conferences</strong>, <strong>Committee meetings</strong>, and other beneficial <strong>events</strong>.</p>
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<tbody><tr><td><p>OHCA's Event Highlighter brings you announcements and information about upcoming <strong>Classes</strong>, as well as <strong>Conferences</strong>, <strong>Committee meetings</strong>, and other beneficial <strong>events</strong>.</p>
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<p><strong>OHCA Classes</strong><br/><em>Visit the OHCA Calendar at <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0gqWSfeDELIXZfaDuuRT6x3_tjZ4c2QX8m2drgNEtQY76QqCfV4454jn2s-hgSzeZiHPDGua_oab6sTtPAL88An8rsWOJUt2OS99DopQpu4aWek8YFOiCjOECPlrNFd4MU=">http://www.ohca.com/category/events</a> to find other trainings coming soon to your area!</em></p>
<p><em><b>Are You Really Ready? LTC Emergency Preparedness Conference</b></em><br/><em>Date: May 30th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm</em><br/><em>Location: OMEF Event Center | Portland, OR</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0jHSedB1qnKzV2esoQS7g9H-dX-97OCNoTMvsIsMVdBsIvzAJzeipD9wNQPt3uq8Ue71uwhRqVs4wL7yusbOG7EvX4LZDLjhnQqlMwBDVnu8JYePOQLibyhqFmp6MS1akSNyd37WEwNr7scoj52sxCbq-hHi6SaiUk6rojyvQnNF1x62jQbPiJQRF1GnVKa-X70IBWfNtgR8g==">Click Here</a></em> <br/><br/><em><b>ALF/RCF Rules Webinar</b></em><b><br/><em>Successful Transitions of Care</em></b><br/><em>Date: April 30th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 10:00am - 11:30am</em><br/><em>Location: Online</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0gIO9sHPpdo-WNZHGNFhW6iepUWuZfKmfNdi9FgIW4ncsDPX0a5JLYqxXe4dIORSvWtysDWjRS9nQY-IBFeJn-fyxFBT05koUdExNWtNzuOICiJeOh1HDpdvnqPsmUjV4Ipo95tKk6-hwpraXT5LkmxgFSYjdhVjRQ=">Click Here</a></em><br/><br/><em><b>Navigating the MDS 3.0: RAI Training for Nursing Facility Staff</b></em> <br/><em>Date: June 6th - 7th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 9:00am - 5:00pm</em><br/><em>Location: Odd Fellows Retirement | Portland, OR</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0iMa8JCn40m1OKg40MQ5FBZRfi2xWHSWS2JG9AELzBxcQNjhFujlULfqyv-tuf-J5Rfnwvj1_gGPDjj0S3ZZNEgUPGCnYJnmGmL3_4WTLjioM3MTn8DRvDGDG8FKXUV_XISXsTt1p-s9BA2rWbRY2DQFIxWULphDfSHcs72T0LC9CqI-U9A9itNRH0Hx292HIN0MJdLY7kTlvcPPo7Ed1lDZ2Mx2CaZDIOBvIb5lWE6_ri9jf7D6Lke4ozuplGD5Gc=">Click Here</a></em><br/><br/><em><b>New Federal Regulations Webinar</b></em><b><br/><em>Requiring Direct Deposit of All Resident Checks: What Are Your Options?</em></b><br/><em>Date: June 6th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 10:00am - 11:00am</em><br/><em>Location: Online</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0hj3_hjpEn-QcqRIS_pqxJmYcsTiLYCv7JkLsQWp-8fKYTzlLPJJGs6_eA-xIBi0kGXbB_JpjvnUsG-IUj_zomSuj3-mLCfkvFJRHviE6pa6x61qNqn_qxSRMECj8GLJG4vzFRCngKgk-tjJUY_TDA6dUNK3EZxZKuDZvr9c9BVUut8BXd2_-1J">Click Here</a></em><br/><br/><em><b>How to be Measurably Successful: The Data of Health Care Reform</b></em> <br/><em>Date: June 7th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 8:30am - 3:00pm</em><br/><em>Location: The Allison Inn & Spa | Newberg, OR</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0ic1SwYplN-1Kx4E1aeixOfo3UQuSr5hILdhgTLNtinmPndsrcJ-JtXCrhwEG4Tq1deLNiSPWsbtXbIS6V_wxldDlafQsSMP8l85AEGm04GdC6efuI2wnSR-oY0SsdGiUJGvjY9LLilp503pKdwOU-mxu1vSHb4gQPaYGvwaKwjM1pXcnmBt1huhM1Vm_tUw039zI4aAjtbF4rGvZIj4xk1">Click Here</a></em><br/><br/><em><b>QAPI: Improving Resident Safety and Reducing Hospital Readmissions</b></em><br/><em>Date: June 12th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 9:00am - 11:30am</em><br/><em>Location: OMEF Event Center | Portland, OR</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0jT5Kl0JQkQa2i2t4mStVVSryR5MCzffv3Kl_I3ZpBmuUJxf2d9MCEEy9G1hEMZpxKELLHPmrMp3DsGkG2OOBzNYQ4sUJJI1jSsQC6BgxaQDg69gikRRjknvFvWe2aQ0zp7RK5IPp86k9_hkU3lYk6M7WXpIGt5b_PATKYkX9tmcbkECrJ_TPfewy25p4KChL96NzQr2sEpTanNvEKpwX04">Click Here</a></em> <br/><br/><em><b>Coaching Skills for Long Term Care Supervisors</b></em><br/><em>Date: June 19th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 12:30pm - 4:00pm</em><br/><em>Location: OHCA Board Room | Portland, OR</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0irECSVHgF3FgdUUggP5AAFi9PBPvbC0kls9aYl2K4ewm2b8kpmQDPvB-Rb9eZ6BojqfOeKeO7TgD_0rwesFgfN6EQzfttYvYDmRsg8m3UWvbW1UJIRmZyA171QXMC140VaJd38mwH1x4q2iaHRsUdvjJMamaU31382C1nBIOOCKY68BENi2LJE1P4b5DprOi8=">Click Here</a></em><br/><br/><em><b>ALF/RCF Rules Webinar</b></em><b><br/><em>Tools for Managing Change of Condition</em></b><br/><em>Date: June 20th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 10:00am - 11:30am</em><br/><em>Location: Online</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0iM76tjFhrIVTaxxnm8rLR7tB5BsbQ-4VB2k9XCoHLzsog69gPsTqo4SOmDtRCiBRW4ZPOKz6vOcf3laPnU0bn5BC_9vicI_VmmNKowpO0rv4Dw5ZYisyBWfujkRhnsPkSD0qlE9b4eNY4v7wyrJCdusyEAQCqRIII=">Click Here</a></em> <br/><br/><em><b>40-Hour ALF/RCF Administrator Training Program</b></em><br/><em>Date: June 24th - 28th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 8:30am - 5:00pm</em><br/><em>Location: OMEF Event Center | Portland, OR</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0g9mY-doYPfoHmIADXIz2i12SHyuOJDP1EULU9GIFmq-PJtsGwLnND3YIV8PM4oPhywvtq22ldvI0zkGiE2hSkqSKRlDrgBXiImfLI5HVEggJov-Cz5pHhVD5RFeC7NbG54JEN4EtDK1Fr-WHXw2HjhJ4y3HPoKhsMRnjIJ7p8FxL4olmaf18W0">Click Here</a></em> <br/><br/><em><b>Challenging Behavior: Understanding the Complex Needs of Residents</b></em> <br/><em>Date: June 27th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm</em><br/><em>Location: Flagstone Assisted Living | The Dalles, OR</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0hI7pQmvUeFr3T_21LCoIqdkAtdQa5ZC5xyiv2YWVlXGhLNKdoVHlTvcPrDs89n9R3zqdRENHspGG6VuH1KbnID5BcabjwiUOoIYl2KMxc2_FGWyem8bbg2UKTWXova6Feo774CvqrqGJXtcs4r2QQzjwrjlrRRdwyBp4H2mGDsauxZ6mSE0Xro">Click Here</a></em><br/><br/><em><b>In-Home Care Webinar:</b></em><b><br/><em>Nurse Delegation & Assessment</em></b><br/><em>Date: June 27th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 10:00am - 11:00am</em><br/><em>Location: Online</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0g-gTokruTlv11nSR5YApLckVk5gdn8wVx2UeM2jYumgI-beU6nDz1SJ5qZSst9t-Q7XQZ3Rpo0uxH8KOhiQhaEuDSQrRYQAFjyOmSvjhvxqkJUhTfTrxOKgGpdm-UFbKHy8hUvOXQfMmBBUVQdFqHzgL3H_cy7bRPcUZG8c-oemp9HaatjYaxkOd7yEdHceZM=">Click Here</a></em> <br/><br/><em><b>Preceptor Training: Nursing Facility Administrators</b></em><br/><em>Date: July 10th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 9:00am - 3:00pm</em><br/><em>Location: OHCA Board Room | Portland, OR</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0g4v2RKsb65JuntongDpBkEfmWf07aA8PXDROoLniLmQTNBHagaFrSSr_ObmZNGTEE85t0OgK0TvGA-OczZgrcgfrP2VLRF8HuubGtp3OJYgTohhv9Owkl19v2DvhT3yk-nqsEOZtpKMZWIsYsCrvqMceVUUqW8sDAIQWlz8zz-Ij_kajkoNDaC">Click Here</a></em> <br/><br/><em><b>ALF/RCF Rules Webinar</b></em><b><br/><em>Resident Weight Loss & Change of Condition</em><br/></b><em>Date: July 10th, 2013</em><br/><em>Time: 10:00am - 11:30am</em><br/><em>Location: Online</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0gni-jA1OxHZDSrb6eC2NEpXXDsINgAKn-1Ichumh-Jy1UgIciTDGotVFb5AVAWVD8bj8z2T-K3-oltZ5FsaYv_1F4jwS3TcVJED1g8JPLUnFvNTkQVZsjT2k-mX0rdgwvXptcGWJ0l_QusXGG9nIFvkbglx25lD1I=">Click Here</a></em></p>
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<p><strong>Conferences</strong><br/><em>CEUs available for all OHCA conferences</em></p>
<p><em><b>Are You Really Ready?</b></em><b><br/><em>LTC Emergency Preparedness Conference</em></b><br/><em>Date: May 30th, 2013</em><br/><em>Location: OMEF Event Center | Portland, OR</em><br/><em>Audience: All Long Term Care & Community Based Care Leadership and Maintenance Professionals</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0jHSedB1qnKzV2esoQS7g9H-dX-97OCNoTMvsIsMVdBsIvzAJzeipD9wNQPt3uq8Ue71uwhRqVs4wL7yusbOG7EvX4LZDLjhnQqlMwBDVnu8JYePOQLibyhqFmp6MS1akSNyd37WEwNr7scoj52sxCbq-hHi6SaiUk6rojyvQnNF1x62jQbPiJQRF1GnVKa-X70IBWfNtgR8g==">Click Here</a></em><br/><br/><em><b>Elder Abuse Awareness & Prevention Summit</b></em><br/><em>Date: June 13th, 2013</em><br/><em>Location: Holiday Inn Portland South | Wilsonville, OR</em><br/><em>Audience: All Long Term Care & Community Based Care Professionals</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0inBqT_Y44gsoftE5F2zjOO8naVY3dgRR0f3z8WLxyn_x-VBgdujA_8EWcbOXKxSVFjtFERUNd92rlbrq2ZKSIo2RasKjPyufsI88-rxBxGrg2bdo3-TRg92ync1NmhSviP3mLTS_e0jsPV3AZ80UXb92KN4chhyJj5ApxmeWspdc0JBzszAeJz">Click Here</a></em> <br/><br/><em><b>Annual Convention & Trade Show</b></em><br/><em>Date: September 16th - 17th, 2013</em><br/><em>Location: Oregon Convention Center | Portland, OR</em><br/><em>Audience: All Long Term Care & Community Based Care Facilities, In-Home Care Agencies</em><br/><em>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0hdvFgpY90K3pgAYJW4GLprWp7mJ1LaGvb_RDbNaLBEmN28DN2JSOgYKk6UeaI2vGmarSnAPa9zYfBoVSQU3_VQPBrU6yASRbpTitvHNV1170PR-LDlWgu5sTElIkZPkUlNoTpOZvURxkmB4sRF-LPOqSOqDYmExDBgrCj1fFi-AsxHyH2uPy7f">Click Here</a></em><br/><br/><em><b>Annual Quality Summit</b></em><br/><em>Date: January 2014</em><br/><em>Location: To Be Determined | Portland, OR</em><br/><em>Audience: All Long Term Care & Community Based Care Facilities</em><br/><em>More Info: Coming Soon!</em><br/><br/><em><b>Spring Expo</b></em><br/><em>Date: March 2014</em><br/><em>Location: Location To Be Determined</em><br/><em>Audience: All Long Term Care & Community Based Care Facilities</em><br/><em>More Info: Coming Soon!</em><br/><br/><em><b>In-Home Care Conference</b></em><br/><em>Date: April 15th, 2014</em><br/><em>Location: OMEF Event Center | Portland, OR</em><br/><em>Audience: All In-Home Care Agency Staff</em><br/><em>More Info: Coming Soon</em><br/><br/><em><b>Marketing Symposium</b></em><br/><em>Date: May 2013</em><br/><em>Location: OMEF Event Center | Portland, OR</em><br/><em>Audience: All Long Term Care & Community Based Care Marketing Professionals</em><br/><em>More Info: Coming Soon!</em></p>
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<p><strong>OHCA Committee Meetings</strong><br/><em>OHCA Committee meetings are open to current</em> <strong><i>OHCA Members only</i></strong><em>. If you would like more information on OHCA Membership, please visit us online at <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0gtwklRMS7AkCcZ6-3d_HMXlxLEvy2or24VZ8BzDyJ8sDqRhVMV8cCT4Nzwtp0Sg1qi3ADng7aJSWDxR5bNVokm9Q4ReIJdLG0gFAp2gkhxKd-vLqIiBOjnOBrp6131sKMnSdH3h4H7wsy5raUTusNf">http://www.ohca.com/join-ohca/business-members/</a>.</em><i><br/></i><br/><b>Nursing Facility Independent Owners Meeting</b><br/>Date: June 12th, 2013<br/>Time: 12:00pm - 2:30pm<br/>RSVP: <a href="mailto:cgrebin@ohca.com?subject=RSVP:">cgrebin@ohca.com</a><br/><br/><b>ALF/RCF Council</b><br/>Date: June 19th, 2013<br/>Time: 8:30am - 11:30am<br/>RSVP: <a href="mailto:lindak@ohca.com?subject=RSVP:">lindak@ohca.com</a><br/><br/> <b>In-Home Care Committee</b><br/>Date: July 16th, 2013<br/>Time: 1:00pm - 4:30pm<br/>RSVP: <a href="mailto:pruona@ohca.com?subject=RSVP:">pruona@ohca.com</a><br/><br/><b>Nursing Facility Independent Owners Meeting<br/></b>Date: September 5th, 2013<br/>Time: 12:00pm - 2:30pm<br/>RSVP: <a href="mailto:cgrebin@ohca.com?subject=RSVP:">cgrebin@ohca.com</a><br/><br/><b>ALF/RCF Council</b><br/>Date: September 25th, 2013<br/>Time: 8:30am - 11:30am<br/>RSVP: <a href="mailto:lindak@ohca.com?subject=RSVP:">lindak@ohca.com</a><br/><br/> <b>In-Home Care Committee</b><br/>Date: October 15th, 2013<br/>Time: 1:00pm - 4:30pm<br/>RSVP: <a href="mailto:pruona@ohca.com?subject=RSVP:">pruona@ohca.com</a><br/><br/><b>Nursing Facility Independent Owners Meeting</b><br/>Date: December 12th, 2013<br/>Time: 12:00pm - 2:30pm<br/>RSVP: <a href="mailto:cgrebin@ohca.com?subject=RSVP:">cgrebin@ohca.com</a><br/><br/><b>ALF/RCF Council</b><br/>Date: December 18th, 2013<br/>Time: 8:30am - 11:30am<br/>RSVP: <a href="mailto:lindak@ohca.com?subject=RSVP:">lindak@ohca.com</a></p>
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<p><strong>Other Events</strong></p>
<p><b>Oregon Patient Safety Commission Webinar<br/>Safety and Infection Prevention Strategies for Dialysis Patients in LTC</b><br/>Date: May 28th, 2013<br/>Time: 1:00pm - 2:00pm<br/>Location: Online<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0gbmECRn2rAgIYIq2zCy3jZN3qs2DNoxeWmz5CCA9d2pih-xL_sw4wlTuHFd7pB39X0kBjshurhruXF30TaXfBSfqqHbNDwmvfTEcdQFKTyo-LILEUbXq5YY0Wgky80AxK4UMcanxn4YauZHP1a9Cnl6y0RALakBdOA6sI8sfK8BE4fzO7qdqRLcYhlwL6Xil2gRYu7OHCIPZvJHqDaHx_F">http://oregonpatientsafety.org/news-events/events/nursing-home-knowledge-share-webinar2/673/</a><br/><br/><b>American Health Care Association (AHCA) Webinar<br/>Compliance with Privacy Regulations for LTC Facilities</b> <br/>Date: May 29th, 2013<br/>Time: 11:00am - Noon PST<br/>Location: Online<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0i176MF3Bp5x3RMwY0Bd4yrGw9gum_Q34iFxSOkpflImmGxY3OyPsbb30NmCDRxOjKn2FNu_Qa1wf3mtNblwsymkJsiDZFKos9hJ3nn7wpwCraXxZrpOWsjh6gPQ4np3KFgXV2zYE7lSjHKBPUJxsyH">http://webinars.ahcancal.org/session.php?id=10994</a><br/><br/><b>Seventh Annual Blue Mountain Occupational Safety and Health Conference<br/>Dare to be Aware: Cultivate Safety</b><br/>Date: June 4th, 2013<br/>Location: Pendleton Convention Center |Pendleton, OR<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0j3rMv8Ma6da4mnLJvv_3CIc21nBGKKLeu3qMjgcpCitCGCuqF7SNHZwnrN1m5pbnCMOXZ3dkFLJUf2el9BEHYuEWuCPZJaGO1gIAgB9J2_wR8lQ_dNc9sv">www.orosha.org/conferences</a><br/><br/><b>Oregon Health Authority's Office of Equity & Inclusion<br/>Semi-Annual Health Care Professionals of Color Gathering</b><br/>Date: June 5th, 2013<br/>Time: 6:00pm - 8:00pm<br/>Location: EcoTrust Building | Portland, OR<br/>More Info: Rachel Gilmer|(503) 688-0362 | <a href="mailto:rachel.b.gilmer@state.or.us">rachel.b.gilmer@state.or.us</a><br/><br/><b>Health Care Association of America Webinar<br/>Building a Team that Works Without You</b><br/>Date: June 5th, 2013<br/>Location: Online<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0hrTjxfMF4gtupN4hXAGeHC9dU8tV0EMFUYyhp9GvVn9rbrLfy3JEarK9yho-JGvRJuZnOnFSgxtkkcN7vnqWORXvmTUypC-2KPMbdC1jpBRRSfTAVr8dh_">http://www.homecareaoa.org/</a><br/><br/><b>NASW Network on Aging Steering Committee</b><br/>Date: June 11th, 2013<br/>Time: 8:15am - 9:45am<br/>Location: Calaroga Terrace | Portland, OR <br/><br/><b>Health Care Association of America Webinar<br/>Reducing Re-hospitalization Rates Through the Provision of Care Transition Best Practices</b><br/>Date: June 13th, 2013<br/>Location: Online<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0hrTjxfMF4gtupN4hXAGeHC9dU8tV0EMFUYyhp9GvVn9rbrLfy3JEarK9yho-JGvRJuZnOnFSgxtkkcN7vnqWORXvmTUypC-2KPMbdC1jpBRRSfTAVr8dh_">http://www.homecareaoa.org/</a><br/><br/><b>Scott C. Armstrong Mental Health & Elderly Conference</b><br/>Date: June 14th, 2013<br/>Time: 8:00am - 4:30pm<br/>Location: Tuality Health Education Center | Hillsboro, OR<br/>More Info: Coming Soon<br/><br/><b>Oregon Health & Science University<br/>Sleep and Shift Work: Impact on Health, Safety & Productivity</b><br/>Date: June 14th, 2013<br/>Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm<br/>Location: OHSU School of Nursing Auditorium | Portland, OR<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0hhjKwmrlsyWfY1831pJyHu1OoUUs0GG3VynGbU3Pa8mWfRmpWk4TvHTe3wQqdotJ0qiG2c21AsW6ezdfw-CVwQmHprz2N9r8WQ1S7785mZxfJFX8tLCBQvibOXLOsMOeZD0LXkGnBq7KBLTweEa9w4XD303t6tgLAQogJCDDyavttXA9kyefXUJDSAG3XEXwM=">http://www.ohsu.edu/xd/research/centers-institutes/croet/outreach/sleep.cfm</a><br/><br/><b>OHSU Center for Ethics in Health Care<br/>Statewide Conference: Difficult Conversations</b><br/>Date: June 21st, 2013<br/>Time: 9:00am - 4:00pm<br/>Location: Lane Community College Center for Meeting & Learning | Eugene, OR<br/>More Info: Margaret Jeppesen|(503) 494-4436 | <a href="mailto:jeppesem@ohsu.edu">jeppesem@ohsu.edu</a><br/><br/><b>Health Care Association of America Webinar<br/>Veteran's Pension With Aide & Attendance and How it Can Help Seniors at Home</b><br/>Date: June 25th, 2013<br/>Location: Online<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0hrTjxfMF4gtupN4hXAGeHC9dU8tV0EMFUYyhp9GvVn9rbrLfy3JEarK9yho-JGvRJuZnOnFSgxtkkcN7vnqWORXvmTUypC-2KPMbdC1jpBRRSfTAVr8dh_">http://www.homecareaoa.org/</a><br/><br/><b>The Geezer Gallery Fundraiser<br/>Support Senior Outreach Programs</b><br/>Date: July 4th, 2013<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0gGTQ6RjpvSbNPu_T9HkQux1eKWSnufGd1EWz32aXMY3Ge1-8Lxzh5oHYbJ8i0rtNc6cC-t_nMdfUEc5ukdDxUmu_Ze_a1sMtX6W6r8G1R5QuuIydVjhYIAVCxcGrrcij8PCzS83uFXNPtsNdCCTC5Z">http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/a-whole-new-old</a><br/><br/><b>Department of Human Services<br/>Community Based Care News Hour</b><br/>Date: July 10th, 2013<br/>Time: 9:00am - 10:00am<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0jMgFBU-PAe6fyd2iVqNXdYCoC_CS5SwSJzLtYqugTbhx3jKbENWcu3VULDoSNIMMwLdBEV4-Vgy4PcamHp6FKAkb2GoYVosCjny5JPmq_tibZyskZZG3A3Tt2_QZ90tnaT1REIId6Gtt_c0bjwRfpbRIbGpCW_TPZWUEG36CH7NA==">http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spd/Pages/provtools/cbc/index.aspx</a><br/><br/><b>National Resource Center on LGBT Aging<br/>Improving the Quality of Services and Supports for LGBT Older Adults</b><br/>Date: July 12th, 2013<br/>July 31st, 2013<br/>Time: 12:30pm - 4:30pm<br/>Location: Friendly House | Portland, OR<br/>More Info: Lauren Fontanarosa|(503) 224-2640| <a href="mailto:sage@friendlyhouseinc.org">sage@friendlyhouseinc.org</a><br/><br/><b>Pioneer Network Conference</b><br/>Date: August 11th - 15th, 2013<br/>Location: Hyatt Regency Bellevue | Bellevue, WA<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0i-cCjBd6PXm8Ce1-UZdey1qrbCMUPNfEaF4k4hVlPWFSHoPgtckPVnqHp-RUoah3TP9mhir71jnfeTEXybfFZ_i6MZlGCtI6a9PsuLS6wAek7yhaO46sto">http://www.pioneernetwork.net</a><br/><br/><b>American Health Care Association (AHCA)/National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL)<br/>Convention & Expo</b><br/>Date: October 6th - 9th, 2013<br/>Location: Phoenix, AZ<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0hz-3AZBl84gLf1I-pB4fiVeTMVVpfdVMNtG9zPb6KoS-Ocs6rVZahzEFN4McAIsV8O1_sZQ8O3al7TPHK4MDmug9c4UTkZR68UFPEhT-GI76kI2X4gmPUS">www.AHCAconvention.org</a><br/><br/><b>Department of Human Services<br/>Community Based Care News Hour</b><br/>Date: October 9th, 2013<br/>Time: 9:00am - 10:00am<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0jMgFBU-PAe6fyd2iVqNXdYCoC_CS5SwSJzLtYqugTbhx3jKbENWcu3VULDoSNIMMwLdBEV4-Vgy4PcamHp6FKAkb2GoYVosCjny5JPmq_tibZyskZZG3A3Tt2_QZ90tnaT1REIId6Gtt_c0bjwRfpbRIbGpCW_TPZWUEG36CH7NA==">http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spd/Pages/provtools/cbc/index.aspx</a><br/><br/><b>Worker's Compensation Educational Conference</b><br/>Date: November 12th - 13th, 2013<br/>Location: Salem Conference Center | Salem, OR<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0hYnr6pg89aiFTF5jCwSJDEkeyEXvQ0RsolnFyyscxYmXWLmpXT3TQ-sOs3sxwXl_zIWARWViml5rC1t-24WiFvsU5cfSNcijR-tWl0ZLVj8awGrleXKyw3luqxJOrKY0PHqfRcqHyLzv9gV1hJ-FeHfogByr7lKq6XBGQtkLz5Jw==">http://wcd.oregon.gov/communications/ed_conference/ed_conf.html</a><br/><br/><b>Department of Human Services<br/>Community Based Care News Hour</b><br/>Date: January 8th, 2014<br/>Time: 9:00am - 10:00am<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0jMgFBU-PAe6fyd2iVqNXdYCoC_CS5SwSJzLtYqugTbhx3jKbENWcu3VULDoSNIMMwLdBEV4-Vgy4PcamHp6FKAkb2GoYVosCjny5JPmq_tibZyskZZG3A3Tt2_QZ90tnaT1REIId6Gtt_c0bjwRfpbRIbGpCW_TPZWUEG36CH7NA==">http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spd/Pages/provtools/cbc/index.aspx</a><br/><br/><b>Department of Human Services<br/>Community Based Care News Hour</b><br/>Date: April 9th, 2014<br/>Time: 9:00am - 10:00am<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0jMgFBU-PAe6fyd2iVqNXdYCoC_CS5SwSJzLtYqugTbhx3jKbENWcu3VULDoSNIMMwLdBEV4-Vgy4PcamHp6FKAkb2GoYVosCjny5JPmq_tibZyskZZG3A3Tt2_QZ90tnaT1REIId6Gtt_c0bjwRfpbRIbGpCW_TPZWUEG36CH7NA==">http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spd/Pages/provtools/cbc/index.aspx</a><br/><br/><b>Department of Human Services<br/>Community Based Care News Hour</b><br/>Date: July 9th, 2014<br/>Time: 9:00am - 10:00am<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0jMgFBU-PAe6fyd2iVqNXdYCoC_CS5SwSJzLtYqugTbhx3jKbENWcu3VULDoSNIMMwLdBEV4-Vgy4PcamHp6FKAkb2GoYVosCjny5JPmq_tibZyskZZG3A3Tt2_QZ90tnaT1REIId6Gtt_c0bjwRfpbRIbGpCW_TPZWUEG36CH7NA==">http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spd/Pages/provtools/cbc/index.aspx</a><br/><br/><b>Department of Human Services<br/>Community Based Care News Hour<br/></b>Date: October 8th, 2014<br/>Time: 9:00am - 10:00am<br/>More Info: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0jMgFBU-PAe6fyd2iVqNXdYCoC_CS5SwSJzLtYqugTbhx3jKbENWcu3VULDoSNIMMwLdBEV4-Vgy4PcamHp6FKAkb2GoYVosCjny5JPmq_tibZyskZZG3A3Tt2_QZ90tnaT1REIId6Gtt_c0bjwRfpbRIbGpCW_TPZWUEG36CH7NA==">http://www.oregon.gov/DHS/spd/Pages/provtools/cbc/index.aspx</a></p>
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<p><b><a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001QOMXf0UjA0iTK9W5xLvrpPXyFsxEHtM4t5eOAi4_9wKpbSchFtIDB0ZEqYT-as5wsRbKLlPy67USgQ7T9KrL8WOxB-mG83bUKD187qFXR7rVnJ5oSP4WmkTL08qeo-wRJHKzR0d25T4=">View OHCA's Calendar Online</a></b></p>AHCA News RELEASE - Obama Budget Response: Solutions, Not Cutstag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-04-16:5862844:BlogPost:388982013-04-16T16:09:37.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<div class="ms-rteElement-H1">Obama Budget Response: Solutions, Not Cuts</div>
<div class="i3-articleSubTitle">Need lasting solutions to address Medicare & Medicaid challenges<hr></hr></div>
<div>AHCAPressOffice@ahca.org (202) 898-3165</div>
<div style="font-style: italic;"> </div>
<div id="ctl00_PlaceHolderMain_ctl06_label" style="display: none;">Page Content…</div>
<div class="ms-rteElement-H1">Obama Budget Response: Solutions, Not Cuts</div>
<div class="i3-articleSubTitle">Need lasting solutions to address Medicare & Medicaid challenges<hr/></div>
<div>AHCAPressOffice@ahca.org (202) 898-3165</div>
<div style="font-style: italic;"> </div>
<div style="display: none;" id="ctl00_PlaceHolderMain_ctl06_label">Page Content</div>
<div style="display: inline;" id="ctl00_PlaceHolderMain_ctl06__ControlWrapper_RichHtmlField" class="ms-rtestate-field"><p><strong></strong> <span class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><strong>Washington, DC</strong> – The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living issued the following statement from President and CEO Mark Parkinson in response to the President’s FY 2014 budget proposal:</span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"/><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"/><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">“In the last several years, long term and post-acute care providers have faced billions in Medicare cuts combined with severe Medicaid underfunding at the state level.</span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"/><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"/><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">“Unfortunately, the Medicare reductions proposed in the President’s 2014 budget only put added strain on our sector and risk jeopardizing access to care for millions. These proposed reductions will not solve the underlying, structural problems with our nation’s budget.</span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"/><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"/><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">“Our profession is not just arguing against additional cuts. Skilled nursing centers are at the table offering ways to maintain access to quality care while reducing health care costs.</span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"/><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"/><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">“We are all too aware of the need to fix the long-term financial woes of Medicare and Medicaid. The long term and post-acute care profession is ready with solutions that don’t simply rely on further cuts, but instead look at broad, structural changes that benefit both the taxpayer and our nation’s frail elderly. </span><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"/><br class="ms-rteFontSize-2"/><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">“Reform is necessary and skilled nursing hopes to be part of the solution. Our members are eager to participate in discussions of real and lasting reforms.”</span></p>
</div>LTC industry applauds legislation to roll back therapy capstag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-03-29:5862844:BlogPost:389092013-03-29T16:31:47.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<p>LTC industry applauds legislation to roll back therapy caps</p>
<p>March 22, 2013 by Bob Gatty</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Legislation that would roll back caps on therapy services to seniors in skilled nursing centers has been introduced in both the House and Senate and is being applauded by an industry reeling from one payment reduction after another. The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act was introduced in the Senate in mid-February by Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and…</p>
<p>LTC industry applauds legislation to roll back therapy caps</p>
<p>March 22, 2013 by Bob Gatty</p>
<p> </p>
<p>Legislation that would roll back caps on therapy services to seniors in skilled nursing centers has been introduced in both the House and Senate and is being applauded by an industry reeling from one payment reduction after another. The Medicare Access to Rehabilitation Services Act was introduced in the Senate in mid-February by Sens. Ben Cardin (D-MD) and Susan Collins (R-ME) and in the House by Reps. Jim Gerlach (R-PA) and Xavier Becerra (D-CA).</p>
<p>Created as part of the Balanced Budget Act of 1997, the therapy cap places an annual $1,900 financial limit on payment for outpatient therapy services under Medicare Part B. Physical therapy and speech language pathology services are under a combined cap and another is applied to occupational therapy.</p>
<p>The legislation would permanently end these limitations. “Long-term and post-acute care patients should be assured of receiving the full spectrum of necessary therapies prescribed by their doctors to complete their recovery,” said Gov. Mark Parkinson, president and ceo of the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). “Doctors and caregivers should be monitoring patient progress, not a cap, when administering these important therapies to their patients and our residents,” he asserted. “On behalf of the entire profession, I commend Senators Cardin and Collins as well as Congressmen Gerlach and Becerra for their leadership in this important fight.” .</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.ltlmagazine.com/article/lt-industry-applauds-legislation-roll-back-therapy-caps?WA_MAILINGLEVEL_CODE=&spMailingID=41240379&spUserID=MzI5NDgwMzczNgS2&spJobID=183022795&spReportId=MTgzMDIyNzk1S0" target="_blank">Full Article</a></strong></p>Medicare Observation Days: Support Needed to Fix the Problemtag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-03-18:5862844:BlogPost:383282013-03-18T21:13:08.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<h1> </h1>
<div class="info"><span>by <a href="Bio.aspx?id=128" rel="author">Barbara Gay</a></span><span class="date">Published On: Aug 10, 2012</span><span class="date">Updated On: Mar 17, 2013</span><div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style" style="padding-top: 3px;"><a class="addthis_button_print at300b" href="/Fix_To_Medicare_Observation_Days.aspx" title="Print"><span class="at16nc at300bs at15nc at15t_print at16t_print"><span class="at_a11y">Share on print…</span></span></a></div>
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<h1> </h1>
<div class="info"><span>by <a href="Bio.aspx?id=128" rel="author">Barbara Gay</a></span><span class="date">Published On: Aug 10, 2012</span><span class="date">Updated On: Mar 17, 2013</span><div style="padding-top: 3px;" class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style"><a class="addthis_button_print at300b" title="Print" href="/Fix_To_Medicare_Observation_Days.aspx"><span class="at16nc at300bs at15nc at15t_print at16t_print"><span class="at_a11y">Share on print</span></span></a><a class="addthis_button_email at300b" title="Email"><span class="at16nc at300bs at15nc at15t_email at16t_email"><span class="at_a11y">Share on email</span></span></a><a class="addthis_button_facebook at300b" title="Facebook"><span class="at16nc at300bs at15nc at15t_facebook at16t_facebook"><span class="at_a11y">Share on facebook</span></span></a><a class="addthis_button_twitter at300b" title="Tweet"><span class="at16nc at300bs at15nc at15t_twitter at16t_twitter"><span class="at_a11y">Share on twitter</span></span></a><a class="addthis_button_linkedin at300b" title="Linkedin" href="http://www.addthis.com/bookmark.php?v=250&winname=addthis&pub=ra-4dd40dda04964093&source=tbx-250&lng=en-us&s=linkedin&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.leadingage.org%2FFix_To_Medicare_Observation_Days.aspx&title=LeadingAge%3A%20Medicare%20Observation%20Days%3A%20Support%20Needed%20to%20Fix%20the%20Problem&ate=AT-ra-4dd40dda04964093/-/-/5147831bac704837/2&frommenu=1&uid=5147831bdddfeb07&ct=1&tt=0&captcha_provider=recaptcha" target="_blank"><span class="at16nc at300bs at15nc at15t_linkedin at16t_linkedin"><span class="at_a11y">Share on linkedin</span></span></a><div style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; width: 24px; height: 15px; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0px; font-size: 1px; vertical-align: baseline; float: none; display: inline-block;" id="___plusone_0"></div>
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<p>On March 14, Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) introduced Improving Access to Medicare Coverage Act (<a title="S. 569" href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/s569#overview">S. 569</a>), a bill that would specify that hospital stays under observation would count toward the 3-day hospitalization requirement for Medicare coverage of post-acute care. Patients that receive hospital care on "observation status" do not qualify for this benefit, even if their hospital stay lasts longer than 3 days.</p>
<p>The observation days problem affects residents and clients of all LeadingAge members, including residents of senior housing or home-based services clients who are hospitalized and released to nursing homes. They are all at risk of substantial out-of-pocket costs for post-acute care without this corrective legislation.</p>
<div><p>Please help us persuade Congress to solve this problem that affects so many Medicare beneficiaries and skilled nursing facilities. <a title="link to Contact Congress" href="http://capwiz.com/leadingage/issues/alert/?alertid=62513806&PROCESS=Take+Action">Contact your legislators</a> and urge them to cosponsor the corrective legislation.</p>
<p>The legislation would:</p>
<ul>
<li>Amend Medicare law to count a beneficiary’s time spent in the hospital on “observation status” towards the 3-day hospital stay requirement for skilled nursing care.</li>
<li>Establish a 90-day appeal period following passage for those that have a qualifying hospital stay and have been denied skilled nursing care after January 1, 2013.</li>
</ul>
<p>“When seniors are transferred from a hospital to a nursing home for further care they should be able to focus on their recovery instead of technicalities that could lead to sky high medical bills,” Sen. Brown <a title="said in a press relase" href="http://www.brown.senate.gov/newsroom/press/release/brown-introduces-legislation-to-ensure-skilled-nursing-care-for-seniors">said in a press relase</a>. “This bill would help ensure that seniors receive the care they need without incurring unexpected and unfair costs.”</p>
<p>The bipartisan bill, which was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as <a title="H.R. 1179" href="http://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/113/hr1179">H.R. 1179</a> by Rep. Joe Courtney (D-CT) and Rep. Tom Latham (R-IA), is endorsed by the following groups:</p>
<ul>
<li>AARP</li>
<li>American Medical Association (AMA).</li>
<li>American Health Care Association (AHCA).</li>
<li>The Center for Medicare Advocacy.</li>
<li>American Case Managers Association.</li>
<li>American Medical Directors Association (AMDA).</li>
<li>American Nurses Association (ANA).</li>
<li>LeadingAge.</li>
<li>National Association of Professional Geriatric Care Managers.</li>
<li>National Committee to Preserve Social Security and Medicare.</li>
<li>Society of Hospital Medicine.</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>Celebrate National Long Term Care Administrator's Weektag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-03-11:5862844:BlogPost:377212013-03-11T19:16:16.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<div align="center" class="caption"><h1><font color="#003366"><strong>Celebrate National Long Term Care Administrator's Week</strong></font></h1>
</div>
<div align="center"><h1><font color="#0000FF"><strong><font color="#003366">March 10-16, 2013</font></strong></font></h1>
</div>
<p>Since 1994, The American College of Health Care Administrators has sponsored this national observance each March. Long Term Care Administrator's Week honors and celebrates the important role the administrator has…</p>
<div class="caption" align="center"><h1><font color="#003366"><strong>Celebrate National Long Term Care Administrator's Week</strong></font></h1>
</div>
<div align="center"><h1><font color="#0000FF"><strong><font color="#003366">March 10-16, 2013</font></strong></font></h1>
</div>
<p>Since 1994, The American College of Health Care Administrators has sponsored this national observance each March. Long Term Care Administrator's Week honors and celebrates the important role the administrator has in providing leadership for the delivery of quality, resident-centered care and a supportive work environment for staff.</p>
<p>Here are some suggested ways in which you might honor and recognize your Administrator:</p>
<ul>
<li><strong>For individual recognition</strong> – flowers, candy or some other treat; lunch or dinner out; gift certificates such as to a spa so that they can be on the receiving end of care giving; tickets to area events.</li>
<li><strong>For center recognition</strong> – a special meal, social or theme day at the center hosted by someone other than your administrator; celebrate with special activities that include residents, family, volunteers and staff.</li>
<li><strong>For community recognition</strong> – email press releases to local newspapers (see below for press releases); <a href="http://www.50states.com/news/">click here</a> to search for newspapers in your area</li>
</ul>
<p>ACHCA commends, salutes and thanks those Administrators in nursing homes and assisted living centers who are committed to providing excellent quality of care and quality of life for the elderly. Congratulations on a job very well done!</p>
<p>Download following items to share your appreciation:</p>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.achca.org/content/pdf/LTCA%20Week_Press%20Release%20for%20Centers_rtf_130125.rtf">Press Release Template</a> for <strong>Centers</strong> to submit to local newspapers</li>
<li><a href="http://www.achca.org/content/pdf/LTCA%20Week_Press%20Release%20for%20Chapter%20Presidents_rtf_130125.rtf">Press Release Template</a> for <strong>Chapter Presidents</strong> to submit to state associations and/or newspapers</li>
<li><a href="http://www.achca.org/content/pdf/LTCA%20Week_Press%20Release%20for%20ACHCA_130125.pdf">Press Release</a> submitted by ACHCA to national associations and trade publications</li>
<li><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif"><a href="http://www.achca.org/content/pdf/LTCA%20Week%20certificate_130125.pdf">Certificate of appreciation</a> for your administrator </font></li>
<li><font face="arial,helvetica,sans-serif">Have ideas for LTCA Week 2013? Share them on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-American-College-of-Health-Care-Administrators/326597784597">ACHCA Facebook Page</a></font></li>
</ul>
<p>Please contact <br/><a href="mailto:achcamarketing@achca.org">achcamarketing@achca.org</a><br/><span style="display: none;">This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it <br/></span> for more information.</p>WHCA Launches Assisted Living Advocacy Initiativetag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-03-10:5862844:BlogPost:377112013-03-10T02:30:44.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<p align="left">Our work on Washington Medicaid funding in assisted living must be very focused over the next two weeks. The state revenue forecast is scheduled for March 20; the Senate Majority budget will be released soon after. We are working to help your legislators understand the importance of funding your Medicaid rates, but let's face it,</p>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p><b><font size="3">YOU MAKE THE BEST ARGUMENTS ABOUT YOUR QUALITY.</font></b></p>
<p>Please make it a point to help…</p>
<p align="left">Our work on Washington Medicaid funding in assisted living must be very focused over the next two weeks. The state revenue forecast is scheduled for March 20; the Senate Majority budget will be released soon after. We are working to help your legislators understand the importance of funding your Medicaid rates, but let's face it,</p>
<p align="left"> </p>
<p><b><font size="3">YOU MAKE THE BEST ARGUMENTS ABOUT YOUR QUALITY.</font></b></p>
<p>Please make it a point to help legislators understand what you do and why it’s important to fund your care and services. The first priority is the Senate.</p>
<p>It is important to personally communicate with your Senator, and even more important to have your residents, families, and employees also contact their legislators. Here are</p>
<p><font color="#0000FF" size="3"><font color="#0000FF" size="3">materials</font></font> <font size="3">to help you communicate.</font></p>
<p>Call the legislative hotline at 1-800-562-6000 to leave a message for your Senator. Here’s the message – "Make it a priority to fund Medicaid assisted living care."</p>
<p> </p>
<p>And, take a minute to email your legislators asking for support. Let them know:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><font size="3">There is no legislative oversight for DSHS rates setting in assisted living:</font></b> <font size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri"><font size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri">Skilled nursing facilities have statutory protections including provisions to update rates biennially; adult family home and in-home providers have annual collective bargaining rights. Lack of oversight means rates have been overlooked for years.</font></font></p>
<p> </p>
<p><b><font size="3">The DSHS rates model for assisted living rates has not been updated since 2005, leading the Legislature to make decisions based on incomplete and inaccurate information, to the detriment of assisted living-contracted providers.</font></b> <font size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri"><font size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri">Assisted living provides an excellent value for the state, including 24/7 care, meals, housekeeping, food, medications assistance, nursing services and more. Those services are delivered in a physical plant that is purpose-built to serve frail people – fire sprinklers, burn doors, and fire alarms are all part of the protections for frail residents. Because rates benchmarks have not been adjusted for 8 years, Medicaid rates fall short by over $10/resident day and providers must stringently limit their service to Medicaid residents. An increase in rates is an investment in quality care.</font></font></p>Best Nursing Homestag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-02-26:5862844:BlogPost:369492013-02-26T20:41:47.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
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<dt class="h-medium">Best Nursing Homes by State…</dt>
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<dt class="h-medium">Best Nursing Homes by State</dt>
<dd class="subwidget column-5 text-only subwidget-first subwidget-last subwidget-only subwidget-odd"><div class="item"><ul class="states">
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/al">Alabama</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ak">Alaska</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/az">Arizona</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ar">Arkansas</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ca">California</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/co">Colorado</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ct">Connecticut</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/de">Delaware</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/fl">Florida</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ga">Georgia</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="item"><ul class="states">
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/hi">Hawaii</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/id">Idaho</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/il">Illinois </a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/in">Indiana</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ia">Iowa</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ks">Kansas</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ky">Kentucky</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/la">Louisiana</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/me">Maine</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/md">Maryland</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="item"><ul class="states">
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ma">Massachusetts</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/mi">Michigan</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/mn">Minnesota</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ms">Mississippi</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/mo">Missouri</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/mt">Montana</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ne">Nebraska</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/nv">Nevada</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/nh">New Hampshire</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/nj">New Jersey</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="item"><ul class="states">
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/nm">New Mexico</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ny">New York</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/nc">North Carolina</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/nd">North Dakota</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/oh">Ohio</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ok">Oklahoma</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/or">Oregon</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/pa">Pennsylvania</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ri">Rhode Island</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/sc">South Carolina</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="item"><ul class="states last">
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/sd">South Dakota</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/tn">Tennessee</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/tx">Texas</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/ut">Utah</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/vt">Vermont</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/va">Virginia</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/wa">Washington</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/wv">West Virginia</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/wi">Wisconsin</a></li>
<li><a href="/best-nursing-homes/area/wy">Wyoming</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
</dd>
</dl>
</div>
</div>WHCA Legislative Issue Brieftag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-02-23:5862844:BlogPost:367892013-02-23T23:08:08.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<p align="left"></p>
<p align="center"><b><font size="5">Restoration of Skilled Nursing Facility</font></b></p>
<p align="center">Reimbursement System</p>
<p align="center">HB 1885</p>
<p align="justify"><strong>Issue</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p align="justify">The integrity of the Legislature’s reimbursement system for nursing homes is undermined by temporary, supplemental payments to providers that do not necessarily correlate with the provision of quality patient care. This is in direct conflict…</p>
<p align="left"></p>
<p align="center"><b><font size="5">Restoration of Skilled Nursing Facility</font></b></p>
<p align="center">Reimbursement System</p>
<p align="center">HB 1885</p>
<p align="justify"><strong>Issue</strong></p>
<p></p>
<p align="justify">The integrity of the Legislature’s reimbursement system for nursing homes is undermined by temporary, supplemental payments to providers that do not necessarily correlate with the provision of quality patient care. This is in direct conflict with all other payment methodologies currently in statute.</p>
<p align="justify"></p>
<p align="justify"><strong>Background</strong></p>
<p align="justify">The Legislature’s reimbursement plan for nursing homes requires that Medicaid payments be allocated within six specific categories of expenses common to every facility (direct care, operations, support services, property, financing costs, and therapy costs). Facility spending in each of the six categories is closely tracked and held within certain parameters to control growth in Medicaid.</p>
<p align="justify">In January 2011, in order to comply with budget reduction directives, the Legislature changed Medicaid nursing home expenditures within some categories of the reimbursement system. However, in order to ensure the continued provision of quality care, these reductions were intentionally offset by the adoption of a "Safety Net Assessment" fee program that generates additional federal funds for nursing home payments. Both the funding cuts and the addition of these new "Safety Net" payments were included in the same piece of legislation (SB 5581).</p>
<p align="justify"></p>
<p align="justify"><strong>Problem</strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p align="justify">The changes to the reimbursement methodologies made in 2011 remain in statute indefinitely. However, the supplemental payments generated by the Safety Net Assessment used to offset these reductions expire June 30, 2013. If not addressed and resolved, nursing home rates will be reduced by more than $44m annually, adversely impacting both access to services and quality of care.</p>
<p align="justify"></p>
<p align="justify"><strong>Solution</strong></p>
<p align="justify">Sustain necessary nursing home funding by restoring the original payment system provisions in effect before the current "Safety Net" payments were put into effect. Utilize current "Safety Net" rate payments to fund the restoration of the payment system’s original design. This will reinstate transparency and accountability to the reimbursement system. WHCA’s modeling of annual Medicaid spending on nursing facility services demonstrates that there is no additional cost to the state to achieve this objective. A DSHS cost analysis has been formally request by the bill sponsor.</p>
<p align="justify">Bill Status / <u>Action Needed</u></p>
<p align="justify"> </p>
<p align="justify"><font size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri"><font size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri">HB 1885 has not been scheduled for a hearing. <u>Urge your Representatives to urge House Health & Wellness Committee chair, Rep. Eileen Cody (bill sponsor) to convene a hearing on the bill.</u></font></font></p>Legislation to restore SNF payment structure introducedtag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-02-18:5862844:BlogPost:370112013-02-18T16:46:52.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<p><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><strong><span class="font-size-3">Legislation to restore SNF payment structure introduced</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span class="font-size-3" style="font-family: times new roman,times;">Endorsed by both WHCA and LeadingAge,…</span></p>
<p></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;"><strong><span class="font-size-3">Legislation to restore SNF payment structure introduced</span></strong></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-3">Endorsed by both WHCA and LeadingAge,</span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-3"><font color="#0000FF" size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri"><font color="#0000FF" size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri"><font color="#0000FF" size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri">HB1885</font></font></font><font size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri"><font size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri">, was introduced February 14, sponsored by House health committee</font></font></span></p>
<p><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;" class="font-size-3"><font size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri"><font size="3" face="Calibri,Calibri">chair Eileen Cody (D-West Seattle). The bill restores SNF payment methodologies and funding levels to those that were in effect, immediately prior to the adoption of the Safety Net Assessment two years ago. Because, both the SNA’s Comparative Analysis and Acuity Add-On payments</font></font></span> <span class="font-size-3"><span style="font-family: times new roman,times;">are scheduled to expire June 30, both WHCA and LeadingAge are proposing that these critical funds be utilized to "back fill" the payment changes made in 2011. Essentially, these two payments can fund the "buy back" of the SNF Medicaid rate setting formula. The two groups are also lobbying legislators for a long-overdue rebasing SNF rates, noting that it can be accomplished within the existing SNA revenues.</span></span></p>SOTU Response: We’re Ready for Reform, Not More Cutstag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-02-15:5862844:BlogPost:365932013-02-15T01:03:51.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<div class="ms-rteElement-H1"> </div>
<div class="i3-articleSubTitle"><strong>SOTU Response: We’re Ready for Reform, Not More Cuts</strong></div>
<div class="i3-articleSubTitle">Solutions to address Medicare & Medicaid challenges must go beyond further reductions, says Parkinson<hr></hr></div>
<div>AHCA Press Office AHCAPressOffice@ahca.org 202-898-3165</div>
<div style="font-style: italic;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</div>
<div>2/12/2013…</div>
<div class="ms-rteElement-H1"> </div>
<div class="i3-articleSubTitle"><strong>SOTU Response: We’re Ready for Reform, Not More Cuts</strong></div>
<div class="i3-articleSubTitle">Solutions to address Medicare & Medicaid challenges must go beyond further reductions, says Parkinson<hr/></div>
<div>AHCA Press Office AHCAPressOffice@ahca.org 202-898-3165</div>
<div style="font-style: italic;">FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE</div>
<div>2/12/2013</div>
<div style="display: none;" id="ctl00_PlaceHolderMain_ctl06_label">Page Content</div>
<div style="display: inline;" id="ctl00_PlaceHolderMain_ctl06__ControlWrapper_RichHtmlField" class="ms-rtestate-field"><div><span><span><strong>Washington, DC</strong></span> <span>– The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living issued the following statement tonight from President and CEO Mark Parkinson in response to the President’s State of the Union address:</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span><span>“President Obama’s remarks tonight set the right tone for what promises to be a difficult legislative session. We were encouraged that he is willing to listen to compelling solutions, no matter the author.</span></span></div>
<div><span><span>“Even though our profession did not hear specifics on how the Administration proposes to fix the long-term financial woes of Medicare and Medicaid, we are ready with our own. We are ready with solutions whose first prescription is not further cuts, but rather structural changes that benefit both the taxpayer and our nation’s frail elderly.</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<div><span><span>“Our message tonight is as simple and as powerful as President Obama’s: Reform is necessary. We are equal to the task, and eager to participate in discussions of real and lasting reforms of these critical programs.”</span></span></div>
<div> </div>
<p>The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represent more than 11,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail, elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit <a href="http://www.ahca.org/"%20/o%20"Double%20Click%20to%20follow%20link"><span>www.ahca.org</span></a> or <a href="http://www.ncal.org/"%20/o%20"Double%20Click%20to%20follow%20link"><span>www.ncal.org</span></a>.</p>
</div>Medicare Paid Claims for Inmates, Undocumented Residentstag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-01-27:5862844:BlogPost:363252013-01-27T00:36:16.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<h2>Medicare Paid Claims for Inmates, Undocumented Residents, Reports Find</h2>
<div id="articlebody"><p>Medicare paid more than $120 million from 2009 to 2011 for claims from inmates and undocumented residents, violating federal law, <a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/oas/reports/region7/71201113.asp" target="_blank">according to a pair</a> of <a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/oas/reports/region7/71201116.asp" target="_blank">reports by HHS' Office of Inspector General</a>,…</p>
</div>
<h2>Medicare Paid Claims for Inmates, Undocumented Residents, Reports Find</h2>
<div id="articlebody"><p>Medicare paid more than $120 million from 2009 to 2011 for claims from inmates and undocumented residents, violating federal law, <a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/oas/reports/region7/71201113.asp" target="_blank">according to a pair</a> of <a href="https://oig.hhs.gov/oas/reports/region7/71201116.asp" target="_blank">reports by HHS' Office of Inspector General</a>, <cite><a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2013/01/reports-medicare-paid-120m-in-illegal-care-86676.html" target="_blank">Politico</a></cite> reports.</p>
<p class="subheading">Details of Reports</p>
<p>According to the reports, nearly 3,000 undocumented residents filed thousands of claims resulting in $91.6 million in Medicare payments. In addition, 11,600 inmates submitted more than 75,000 claims resulting in $33.6 million in Medicare payments.</p>
<p>Although CMS already has a system to flag charges for inmates and undocumented residents, the reports recommended that federal officials establish a better system. The reports found that the current system does not flag payments until after they are paid and that CMS does not instruct its contractors to recoup such payments (Cheney, <cite>Politico</cite>, 1/24).</p>
<p class="subheading">CMS' Response</p>
<p>Acting CMS Administrator Marilyn Tavenner in a statement said that some of the payments could have been legitimate. She said the federal government covers the medical care of some inmates in states that make prisoners pay for care, which likely includes some of the inmates who received the Medicare payments.</p>
<p>Tavenner also said some of the payments to undocumented residents might have been proper because some individuals had their legal status "retroactively updated" (Carlson, <a href="http://www.modernhealthcare.com/article/20130124/NEWS/301249968/" target="_blank"><cite>Modern Healthcare</cite></a>, 1/24).</p>
</div>
<p>Read more: <a style="color: #003399;" href="http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2013/1/25/medicare-paid-claims-for-inmates-undocumented-residents-reports-find.aspx#ixzz2J8Dqw32T">http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2013/1/25/medicare-paid-claims-for-inmates-undocumented-residents-reports-find.aspx#ixzz2J8Dqw32T</a></p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2013/1/25/medicare-paid-claims-for-inmates-undocumented-residents-reports-find.aspx" target="_blank">FULL ARTICLE</a></strong></p>Skilled or unskilled nursing: Feds ramp up investigations, prosecutionstag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-01-25:5862844:BlogPost:365022013-01-25T16:07:54.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<h1 class="title">Skilled or unskilled nursing: Feds ramp up investigations, prosecutions</h1>
<div class="content-content" id="content-content"><div class="node odd full-node node-type-article" id="node-20104"><div class="meta"> January 23, 2013<span class="submitted"> by Thomas S. Brown …</span></div>
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<h1 class="title">Skilled or unskilled nursing: Feds ramp up investigations, prosecutions</h1>
<div id="content-content" class="content-content"><div id="node-20104" class="node odd full-node node-type-article">
<div class="meta"> January 23, 2013<span class="submitted"> by Thomas S. Brown </span></div>
<div id="page-content"><div class="field-deck"></div>
<div class="field-field-image"><a class="imagefield imagefield-lightbox2 imagefield-lightbox2-100x100 imagefield-field_image imagecache imagecache-field_image imagecache-100x100 imagecache-field_image-100x100 lightbox-processed" href="http://www.ltlmagazine.com/sites/ltlmagazine.com/files/imagecache/570x360/Brown2.jpg" rel="lightbox[field_image][Thomas S. Brown]"><img title="" alt="Thomas S. Brown" src="http://www.ltlmagazine.com/sites/ltlmagazine.com/files/imagecache/100x100/Brown2.jpg" width="100" height="100"/></a></div>
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<p><em>“The lack of supervision and monitoring of the residents is a serious safety concern.” </em></p>
<p><em>“Due to the facility’s inadequate documentation, the team could not determine if the resident was receiving the appropriate nursing care to meet her healthcare needs.” </em></p>
<p><em>“Areas of concern included decomposing walls at the floor level, uneven floor surfaces, peeling paint throughout the facility, non-functioning water fountains and heavily soiled floors, baseboards and doors.” </em></p>
<p><em>“In summary, systemic problems with the provision of medical care and services, with extreme polypharmacy and the unwarranted prescription of psychoactive agents without adequate indications or consent, create a risk of possible substantial harm to every resident of the facility.<a title="" href="#_edn1" name="_ednref1"><strong>[1]</strong></a>”</em></p>
<p>The above comments are from a series of memoranda prepared by the Operation Guardians inspection team, an investigative arm of the Department of Justice, Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, after conducting recent random inspections of SNFs in California. The inspections are part of an increased focus by the Attorney General’s office on the conditions in SNFs throughout the state of California and mirror the trend of enforcement and prosecution against those in the healthcare industry across the country<a title="" href="#_edn2" name="_ednref2">[2]</a>.</p>
<p>The descriptions are chilling and convey a growing concern among law enforcement agencies throughout the country—that those facilities and the owners, operators and administrators responsible for providing care to our elderly and infirm residents are failing to meet a basic standard of care. The result of this failure can have severe civil and criminal consequences.</p>
<p>The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) in the past few years has published a list of underperforming nursing homes throughout the nation. These facilities are subjected to increased visits from CMS survey teams under the Special Focus Facility (SFF). The teams conduct thorough inspections of nursing homes and monitor their compliance progress. Those facilities found to be non-compliant with CMS’ federal standards are listed on CMS’ website.</p>
<h2><strong>CALIFORNIA FOCUS</strong></h2>
<p>Almost every state has a similar program to that of the CMS survey teams and an example of this nationwide increased level of inspection and enforcement is readily apparent in California. The Operation Guardians (OG) is a multi-agency task force established in 2000 to conduct unannounced, on-site inspections of California’s SNFs. The task force comprises state regulatory and law enforcement officials such as district attorneys, city attorneys and geriatric care specialists, including physicians.</p>
<p></p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.ltlmagazine.com/article/skilled-or-unskilled-nursing-feds-ramp-investigations-prosecutions?WA_MAILINGLEVEL_CODE=&spMailingID=40886529&spUserID=MzI5NDgwMzczNgS2&spJobID=175523878&spReportId=MTc1NTIzODc4S0" target="_blank">FULL ARTICLE</a></strong></p>
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</div>Providers Prepare for Long Fight Against 10% Medi-Cal Rate Cuttag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-01-19:5862844:BlogPost:360702013-01-19T00:22:34.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<p class="date">Friday, January 18, 2013</p>
<br />
<h2>Providers Prepare for Long Fight Against 10% Medi-Cal Rate Cut</h2>
<div id="articlebody"><p>Certain health care providers in California are preparing for a long legal struggle over a proposed 10% cut to Medi-Cal reimbursements, <a href="http://www.modernphysician.com/article/20130117/MODERNPHYSICIAN/301179974" target="_blank"><i>Modern Physician</i></a> reports.</p>
<p>Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.</p>
<p>The payment reduction is…</p>
</div>
<p class="date">Friday, January 18, 2013</p>
<br />
<h2>Providers Prepare for Long Fight Against 10% Medi-Cal Rate Cut</h2>
<div id="articlebody"><p>Certain health care providers in California are preparing for a long legal struggle over a proposed 10% cut to Medi-Cal reimbursements, <a href="http://www.modernphysician.com/article/20130117/MODERNPHYSICIAN/301179974" target="_blank"><i>Modern Physician</i></a> reports.</p>
<p>Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program.</p>
<p>The payment reduction is included in Gov. Jerry Brown's (D) <a href="http://www.dof.ca.gov/documents/FullBudgetSummary_web2013.pdf" target="_blank">fiscal year 2013-2014 budget proposal</a> (Robeznieks, <i>Modern Physician</i>, 1/17).</p>
<p class="subheading">Background on 10% Cut</p>
<p>In October 2011, <a href="http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/publications/opa/Documents/11-06%20SPA%20Approvals.pdf" target="_blank">CMS approved</a> the state's plan to reduce certain Medi-Cal payments by 10% (<a href="http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2012/12/14/appeals-court-rules-calif-can-reduce-medi-cal-rates-by-10.aspx"><i>California Healthline</i></a>, 12/14/12). The state Department of Health Care Services has estimated that the cut will save the state $431 million (<i>Modern Physician</i>, 1/17).</p>
<p>According to DHCS, the cut would apply to:</p>
<ul>
<li>A number of providers and outpatient services, including clinics, dentists, laboratories, optometrists and pharmacists; and</li>
<li>Freestanding nursing and adult subacute care facilities, as well as other nursing facilities.</li>
</ul>
<p>Payment reductions would be retroactive to June 1, 2011.</p>
</div>
<p>Read more: <a style="color: #003399;" href="http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2013/1/18/providers-prepare-for-long-fight-against-10-medi-cal-rate-cut.aspx#ixzz2INOMwhf8">http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2013/1/18/providers-prepare-for-long-fight-against-10-medi-cal-rate-cut.aspx#ixzz2INOMwhf8</a></p>AHCA Advocacytag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-01-14:5862844:BlogPost:359452013-01-14T16:28:34.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<div class="ms-WPBody noindex" id="WebPartWPQ3"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">AHCA’s 11,000-strong membership is a powerful advocacy force for the long term and post-acute care profession. We’re dedicated to giving care providers the information they need to advocate both on Capitol Hill and in their statehouses. With our tools, resources and how-to guides, it’s easy speak out, stay informed and take action on issues affecting long term and post-acute care.…</span></div>
<div id="WebPartWPQ3" class="ms-WPBody noindex"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2">AHCA’s 11,000-strong membership is a powerful advocacy force for the long term and post-acute care profession. We’re dedicated to giving care providers the information they need to advocate both on Capitol Hill and in their statehouses. With our tools, resources and how-to guides, it’s easy speak out, stay informed and take action on issues affecting long term and post-acute care.</span></div>
<div class="ms-WPBody noindex"></div>
<div class="ms-WPBody noindex"><span class="ms-rteFontSize-2"><a href="http://www.ahcancal.org/advocacy/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">LINK</a></span></div>Distinguishing ‘Preventable’ from ‘Necessary’tag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-01-07:5862844:BlogPost:356752013-01-07T22:34:07.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<h1>Distinguishing ‘Preventable’ from ‘Necessary’ Hospitalizations in Long Term Care Is No Easy Task</h1>
<div class="date" id="single-date">January 4, 2013</div>
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<div class="author"><span class="by-author"><span class="sep">by</span> <span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" href="http://blog.kindredhealthcare.com/author/marcrothman99/" rel="author" title="View all posts by Marc Rothman, MD">Marc Rothman,…</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<h1>Distinguishing ‘Preventable’ from ‘Necessary’ Hospitalizations in Long Term Care Is No Easy Task</h1>
<div id="single-date" class="date">January 4, 2013</div>
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<div class="meta clear"><div class="tags"></div>
<div class="author"><span class="by-author"><span class="sep">by</span> <span class="author vcard"><a class="url fn n" title="View all posts by Marc Rothman, MD" href="http://blog.kindredhealthcare.com/author/marcrothman99/" rel="author">Marc Rothman, MD</a></span></span></div>
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<div class="entry clear"><div style="width: 310px;" id="attachment_1072" class="wp-caption alignright"><a href="http://kindredhealthcare.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/g55a5989.jpg"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1072" alt="Dr. Joseph Ouslander" src="http://kindredhealthcare.files.wordpress.com/2012/11/g55a5989.jpg?w=450&h=300" width="300" height="200"/></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Dr. Joseph Ouslander</p>
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<p>Once again, Dr. Joe Ouslander <a title="Geriatrics and the Triple Aim: Defining Preventable Hospitalizations in the Long-Term Care Population" href="http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.12002/abstract" target="_blank">points the way to a greater understanding</a> of the complexity of hospital readmissions from Long-Term Care settings. Because Long Term Care (LTC) comprises a distinct set of services, settings, interdisciplinary team members, and trade-off’s between benefits and burdens of a given decision to hospitalize, the measures currently used for hospital readmission payments or penalties fall short. Ouslander and Maslow summarize their exhaustive look into the design, validity, and evidence base for various measures of potentially preventable hospitalizations that have been considered since the 1990’s. (The exhaustive search is on line in <a href="http://www.ltqa.org/wp-content/themes/ltqaMain/custom/images/PreventableHospitalizations_021512_2.pdf" target="_blank">a Long-Term Care Quality Alliance white paper</a>.One surprising finding was how rarely the literature on potentially preventable hospitalizations reviewed or even mentioned the Emergency Department. Nearly half of all hospitalizations begin in the Emergency Department (ED), and 60% of all nursing home residents will visit the ED every year. The role of ED staff and physicians, their perceptions of available resources among LTC providers, and the set of tools they have on site to care for complex geriatric patients with multiple co-morbid conditions; all of these can impact the decision to admit a frail patient from LTC settings.</p>
<p>The authors are correct when they say that the use of rehospitalization metrics will only increase. In the community, nursing homes are already seeing an effort by Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) and hospital systems to stratify, or ‘prune’ their network of LTC providers. Central to that effort is a comparison of rehospitalization rates, albeit unadjusted and often unlinked from transitional care processes that are known to influence the outcomes of hospital transfers to LTC. Reports like this one highlight the limitations of that approach, and the need for further research into the factors that influence readmissions, both in and out of the hospital itself.</p>
</div>SNF that kept prison inmates constituted 'immediate jeopardy' for residents, state saystag:www.ltccareer.com,2013-01-02:5862844:BlogPost:357842013-01-02T20:50:23.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<h3>SNF that kept prison inmates constituted 'immediate jeopardy' for residents, state says </h3>
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<div class="grid_8 content_col" id="contentColumn"><div id="articleColumn"><div class="grid_12"><div class="articleAuthor"><a href="http://www.mcknights.com/elizabeth-leis-newman/author/932/" rel="author"><img alt="Elizabeth Leis Newman" border="0" class="authorThumb" src="http://www.mcknights.com/webservice/ImageResizer.ashx?n=http://media.searcheldercare.com/images/2011/06/06/newman,_elizabeth_171257.jpg&c=1&h=48&w=48" title="Elizabeth Leis Newman"></img></a> <a class="authorLink" href="http://www.mcknights.com/elizabeth-leis-newman/author/932/" rel="author">Elizabeth Leis Newman, Senior Editor…</a></div>
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<h3>SNF that kept prison inmates constituted 'immediate jeopardy' for residents, state says </h3>
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<div id="contentColumn" class="grid_8 content_col"><div id="articleColumn"><div class="grid_12"><div class="articleAuthor"><a href="http://www.mcknights.com/elizabeth-leis-newman/author/932/" rel="author"><img class="authorThumb" title="Elizabeth Leis Newman" border="0" alt="Elizabeth Leis Newman" src="http://www.mcknights.com/webservice/ImageResizer.ashx?n=http://media.searcheldercare.com/images/2011/06/06/newman,_elizabeth_171257.jpg&c=1&h=48&w=48"/></a><a class="authorLink" href="http://www.mcknights.com/elizabeth-leis-newman/author/932/" rel="author">Elizabeth Leis Newman, Senior Editor</a><div class="authorTwitter"> </div>
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<span class="articleDate">January 02, 2013</span><br />
<h1 class="articleHeadline">SNF that kept prison inmates constituted 'immediate jeopardy' for residents, state says</h1>
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<p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">An Oklahoma nursing home was slapped with $168,000 in fines after taking in jailed inmates following a prison riot.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">The state Health Department said the arrangement was “bizarre and reckless,” <a href="http://newsok.com/california-murderer-rapist-were-housed-at-midwest-city-nursing-home-report-shows/article/3739978/?page=2">The Oklahoman reported</a> last week. The department said the residents at Buena Vista Care and Rehabilitation Center were in “immediate jeopardy” during the month the inmates were at the center. Immediate jeopardy interpretations can vary by state or an inspector, prompting industry groups to <a href="http://www.mcknights.com/embrace-immediate-jeopardy-triggers-as-quality-assessment-tool-experts-say/article/262946/">ask for clarification</a>.</p>
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<p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">The <em>North Fork</em> Correctional Facility inmates were under guard and shackled to their beds, a spokesman for the prison operator, Corrections Corporation of America, told the paper. They had sustained severe injuries during the October 2011 riot and it was recommended by medical professionals that they go to a skilled nursing facility, he said. </p>
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<p style="margin: 0.1pt 0in;">Buena Vista received a total of $347,450 in fines following a March inspection, and is appealing the case.</p>
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</div>TAKE ACTION NOW TO STOP CUTS TO PROVIDERStag:www.ltccareer.com,2012-12-20:5862844:BlogPost:354262012-12-20T21:43:36.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_50d38595636ea3815755496">Hours from now, the House of Representatives will be asked to cut the Medicaid Provider Assessments as part of the “Spending Reduction Act of 2012.” This is not a manageable cut for many providers and for your state. Congress is being ask<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">ed to defer the defense sequester cuts on the backs of the poorest, oldest Americans. In addition to the…</span></div>
<div id="id_50d38595636ea3815755496" class="text_exposed_root text_exposed">Hours from now, the House of Representatives will be asked to cut the Medicaid Provider Assessments as part of the “Spending Reduction Act of 2012.” This is not a manageable cut for many providers and for your state. Congress is being ask<span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show">ed to defer the defense sequester cuts on the backs of the poorest, oldest Americans. In addition to the provider assessment reductions, the bill contains nothing to stop the 2% sequester cuts for Medicare.</span></div>
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<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed"><span class="text_exposed_show"><a href="http://capwiz.com/ahca/mlm/signup" target="_blank">LINK</a></span></div>Appeals Court Rules Calif. Can Reduce Medi-Cal Rates by 10%tag:www.ltccareer.com,2012-12-16:5862844:BlogPost:354082012-12-16T00:29:43.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
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<div id="articlebody"><p>On Thursday, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that California can reduce Medi-Cal payments for health care providers by 10%, overturning a lower court decision that blocked the cut, the <i>Sacramento Bee</i>'s "<a href="http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/12/federal-appeals-court-allows-lower-payments-to-medi-cal-providers.html" target="_blank">Capitol Alert</a>" reports.</p>
<p>Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program (Yamamura, "Capitol…</p>
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<div id="articlebody"><p>On Thursday, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that California can reduce Medi-Cal payments for health care providers by 10%, overturning a lower court decision that blocked the cut, the <i>Sacramento Bee</i>'s "<a href="http://blogs.sacbee.com/capitolalertlatest/2012/12/federal-appeals-court-allows-lower-payments-to-medi-cal-providers.html" target="_blank">Capitol Alert</a>" reports.</p>
<p>Medi-Cal is California's Medicaid program (Yamamura, "Capitol Alert," <i>Sacramento Bee</i>, 12/13).</p>
<p class="subheading">Background</p>
<p>In October 2011, <a href="http://www.dhcs.ca.gov/formsandpubs/publications/opa/Documents/11-06%20SPA%20Approvals.pdf" target="_blank">CMS approved</a> the state's plan to reduce certain Medi-Cal payments by 10%. State officials have projected that the cuts will save $623 million.</p>
<p>According to the Department of Health Care Services, CMS allowed the state to make a 10% reimbursement cut to:</p>
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<li>A number of providers and outpatient services, including clinics, dentists, laboratories, optometrists and pharmacists; and</li>
<li>Freestanding nursing and adult subacute care facilities, as well as other nursing facilities.</li>
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<p>The cuts would be retroactive to June 1, 2011.</p>
<p>In January, U.S. District Court Judge Christina Snyder <a href="http://www.cmanet.org/files/assets/news/2012/01/judge-snyders-tentative-ruling-01-30-2012.pdf" target="_blank">tentatively blocked</a> the cut, saying it could cause irreparable harm to patients.</p>
<p>In her ruling, Snyder wrote that California's "fiscal crisis does not outweigh the serious irreparable injury plaintiffs would suffer absent the issuance of an injunction" (<i><a href="http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2012/1/31/judge-tentatively-blocks-10-cut-to-medi-cal-reimbursement-rates.aspx">California Healthline</a></i>, 1/31).</p>
<p class="subheading">Details of New Ruling</p>
<p>A three-judge appeals court panel ruled that HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has authority to decide whether California and other states can reduce Medicaid rates while still adhering to program regulations.</p>
<p>The judges wrote, "Congress explicitly granted the Secretary authority to determine whether a state's Medicaid plan complies with federal law" ("Capitol Alert," <i>Sacramento Bee</i>, 12/13).</p>
<p class="subheading">Reaction to Ruling</p>
<p>Critics of the ruling say that California already provides one of the lowest Medicaid reimbursement rates in the U.S. They argue that the ruling could make it harder for patients to find physicians willing to accept Medi-Cal beneficiares after the program expands enrollment under the Affordable Care Act.</p>
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<p>Read more: <a style="color: #003399;" href="http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2012/12/14/appeals-court-rules-calif-can-reduce-medi-cal-rates-by-10.aspx#ixzz2FAcBcbNY">http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2012/12/14/appeals-court-rules-calif-can-reduce-medi-cal-rates-by-10.aspx#ixzz2FAcBcbNY</a></p>If You're Considering Creating Households, Let Go of Preconceptionstag:www.ltccareer.com,2012-12-11:5862844:BlogPost:349952012-12-11T17:05:24.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 16pt;">If You're Considering Creating Households, </span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 16pt;">Let Go of Preconceptions…</span></strong></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 16pt;">If You're Considering Creating Households, </span></strong></p>
<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><strong><span style="color: green; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 16pt;">Let Go of Preconceptions</span></strong></p>
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<p style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Georgia','serif'; font-size: 9pt;"> </span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black; font-family: 'Times-New-Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-bidi-font-family: 'Times New Roman'; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA;">Action Pact Development's Martin Dickmann says many organizations assume they can't afford households, or will need to do a lot of fundraising before starting. His recent blog post explains how letting go of assumptions and using an integrated planning process facilitate the development of a balanced project that fits an organization's unique circumstances. Click here to read Martin's blog post: <a href="http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001MrPjmUA23mgykrXaSyGbmqvNzBSpmAcuUE4FKt2CmwaifAbRrOmnQ-caXOcorfzEWwac_oiaYP6MwFDv4IeWPiHzjDt-ffevoIOkLGKfixfC0mlyWwzQpA==" shape="rect" target="_blank">http://wp.me/p2FWQ5-4b</a></span></p>20 National Organizations Send Letter to White House, Congress on Provider Assessmentstag:www.ltccareer.com,2012-12-09:5862844:BlogPost:345772012-12-09T03:47:43.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<p>20 National Organizations Send Letter to White House, Congress on Provider Assessments “Protect critical Medicaid funding from fiscal cliff deal for vulnerable Americans”</p>
<p>AHCA/NCAL, Michael Cowden (202) 898-3165 NAPH, Carl Graziano (202) 585-0102</p>
<p>Washington, DC –Twenty national organizations and associations representing Medicaid recipients and health care providers today sent a letter to the White House and Congress urging that provider assessments be protected from fiscal…</p>
<p>20 National Organizations Send Letter to White House, Congress on Provider Assessments “Protect critical Medicaid funding from fiscal cliff deal for vulnerable Americans”</p>
<p>AHCA/NCAL, Michael Cowden (202) 898-3165 NAPH, Carl Graziano (202) 585-0102</p>
<p>Washington, DC –Twenty national organizations and associations representing Medicaid recipients and health care providers today sent a letter to the White House and Congress urging that provider assessments be protected from fiscal cliff negotiations. Led by the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) and the National Association of Public Hospitals and Health Systems (NAPH), the letter stipulates that reducing or eliminating Medicaid provider assessments would do little to reduce health care costs and only threaten access to quality care for seniors, children, individuals with disabilities and low-income families. “Provider assessments are a critical tool for states in bridging the gap between what Medicaid funds and what it actually costs to provide care,” said Mark Parkinson, President & CEO of AHCA/NCAL. “In skilled nursing centers, Medicaid underfunded providers by $6 billion when nearly two-thirds of residents rely on the program for their daily care. Tampering with provider assessments puts at risk skilled nursing centers’ ability to continue providing access to care for our frail seniors and individuals with disabilities.” “Cutting provider assessments hurts patients,” NAPH President and CEO Bruce Siegel, MD, MPH, said. “Congress and the administration must recognize that limiting this crucial funding stream will shift costs onto states – costs that will trickle down to providers and, ultimately, to millions of beneficiaries who rely on Medicaid.”</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://publish.ahcancal.org/News/news_releases/Pages/20-National-Organizations-Send-Letter-to-White-House,-Congress-on-Provider-Assessments.aspx" target="_blank">Full Article</a></strong></p>The Fiscal Cliff and the Middle Class Poortag:www.ltccareer.com,2012-12-04:5862844:BlogPost:350112012-12-04T18:47:42.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
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<div class="info"><span>by <a href="Bio.aspx?id=133" rel="author">Larry Minnix</a></span><span class="date"> Published On: Nov 28, 2012 /</span> <span class="date">Updated On: Dec 03, 2012</span></div>
<div style="overflow: hidden;"><p>A number of members have been in contact with me recently to get perspective on the current budget battles in Washington -- the…</p>
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<div class="info"><span>by <a href="Bio.aspx?id=133" rel="author">Larry Minnix</a></span><span class="date"> Published On: Nov 28, 2012 /</span> <span class="date">Updated On: Dec 03, 2012</span></div>
<div style="overflow: hidden;"><p>A number of members have been in contact with me recently to get perspective on the current budget battles in Washington -- the so-called fiscal cliff issue. One was a CEO with multiple communities who has a commendable practice of meeting with residents and employees to interpret what they hear on cable news.</p>
<p>His questions mirrored what many members have been asking:</p>
<ul>
<li>How will residents’ benefits will be affected?</li>
<li>How will my grandchildren be affected?</li>
<li>How will my tax return change?</li>
<li>How will charitable giving be impacted?</li>
<li>How should my business and strategic planning change?</li>
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<p>Employees want to know whether they can spend more or less on Santa Claus, whether take home pay goes up or down, when they will have insurance coverage—and whether they will have a job.</p>
<p>Senior leadership teams want to know if Medicare reimbursement will change because its margins support services that do not break even. They want to know if they can give employee increases or if they will have to freeze pay or worse.</p>
<p>They wonder how to factor health insurance planning into operating budgets with the new insurance exchanges. They have capital plans and wonder how access to capital will be affected. In short, they all want to know WHO to worry about, WHAT to worry about -- and WHEN.</p>
<p>So, here are my thoughts on those questions looking out 4 years, 2 years, and 4 weeks.</p>
<h4>4 Years Out</h4>
<p>Because health care is such a major part of the economy, it will be priority number 1.</p>
<p>In 4 years, managed care will be the dominant delivery and financial paradigm. Fee-for-service is a “dead man walking.” Providers, managed care companies, state Medicaid programs -- all those that have learned how to do managed care well -- will be the winners in every community.</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.leadingage.org/The_Fiscal_Cliff_and_the_Middle_Class_Poor.aspx" target="_blank">Full Article</a></strong></p>
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</div>The New Nursing Home Alternative Is A 'Granny Pod' In The Backyardtag:www.ltccareer.com,2012-12-02:5862844:BlogPost:347562012-12-02T03:19:16.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
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<div class="content" id="content"><div class="post-top"><div class="byline"><a href="/author/meredith-galante">Meredith Galante</a></div>
<div class="byline"><span class="date-heat"><span class="date format-date">Nov. 27, 2012,…</span></span></div>
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<div id="content" class="content"><div class="post-top"><div class="byline"><a href="/author/meredith-galante">Meredith Galante</a></div>
<div class="byline"><span class="date-heat"><span class="date format-date">Nov. 27, 2012,</span></span></div>
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<p class="source"><a href="http://medcottage.com/index.php">MedCottage</a></p>
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<p>There's a new alternative to elder care in the U.S., and it's in the backyard.</p>
<p>A company called MedCottage is now selling high-tech cottages, nicknamed "granny pods," to families looking for affordable ways to care for aging family members, <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-politics/pioneering-the-granny-pod-fairfax-county-family-adapts-to-high-tech-dwelling-that-could-change-elder-care/2012/11/25/4d9ccb44-1e18-11e2-ba31-3083ca97c314_story.html?Post+generic=%3Ftid%3Dsm_twitter_washingtonpost">according to <span class="author vcard"><span class="fn">Fredrick Kunkle</span></span> of The Washington Post</a>.</p>
<p>The pods, which cost $85,000 but run closer to $125,000 after installation, are 12x24 feet and come equipped with a security system, small kitchen area, and medication dispenser.</p>
<p>Technology in the pods, which connect to the main home for water and electricity, can monitor vital signs and filter air.</p>
<p>The MedCottage is "essentially a portable hospital room," Kunkle wrote.</p>
<p>And while they aren't cheap investments, they can prove to be money savers over a couple of years, given that assisted living can run $40,000 annually.</p>
<p>So how is it going for the first MedCottage resident, an 88-year old named Viola who lives with her family in Fairfax County?</p>
<p>Convincing her to move into the backyard pod was difficult, but once she got there, she seemed to like it. Wrote Kunkle:</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Relatives brought photographs of Viola’s grandchildren and knickknacks, including a colorful row of miniature houses...</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">But Viola wanted nothing to do with the place. As the standoff dragged on, [her daughter] Soc worried that their money had been wasted, that their MedCottage would end up being the biggest, most expensive storage shed on the planet. Then the air conditioner in the house went kaput, and Viola retreated to the MedCottage for relief.</p>
<p style="padding-left: 30px;">Viola now seems used to her new home. On a cabinet in the kitchenette sits a row of faded black-and-white photographs of Viola, wearing a pretty dress and an alluring smile, that she sent to her new husband when he was away on duty.</p>
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<p>Read more: <a style="color: #003399;" href="http://www.businessinsider.com/medcottage-granny-pods-redefine-living-2012-11#ixzz2DrRJzMNG">http://www.businessinsider.com/medcottage-granny-pods-redefine-living-2012-11#ixzz2DrRJzMNG</a></p>CAHF TVtag:www.ltccareer.com,2012-11-27:5862844:BlogPost:347522012-11-27T20:01:50.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/cahftv?feature=results_main">http://www.youtube.com/user/cahftv?feature=results_main</a>
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/cahftv?feature=results_main">http://www.youtube.com/user/cahftv?feature=results_main</a>State Supreme Court Allows Patients To Sue Nursing Home Ownertag:www.ltccareer.com,2012-11-24:5862844:BlogPost:345422012-11-24T16:45:09.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
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<div id="articlebody"><p>On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a group of patients can sue Covenant Care for allegedly violating California nurse-staffing standards, the <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Patients-allowed-to-sue-nursing-home-owner-4038478.php" target="_blank"><i>San Francisco Chronicle</i></a> reports.</p>
<p>Covenant Care owns 16 nursing homes in Alameda County.</p>
<p>State standards require long-term skilled-nursing facilities…</p>
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<div id="articlebody"><p>On Wednesday, the state Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a group of patients can sue Covenant Care for allegedly violating California nurse-staffing standards, the <a href="http://www.sfgate.com/health/article/Patients-allowed-to-sue-nursing-home-owner-4038478.php" target="_blank"><i>San Francisco Chronicle</i></a> reports.</p>
<p>Covenant Care owns 16 nursing homes in Alameda County.</p>
<p>State standards require long-term skilled-nursing facilities to provide each patient with 3.2 hours of nursing care per day.</p>
<p class="subheading">Details of Legal Action</p>
<p>The patients filed a lawsuit against Covenant alleging that it violated state standards at least 35% of the time over a four-year period, beginning in December 2006.</p>
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<p>Read more: <a style="color: #003399;" href="http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2012/11/16/state-supreme-court-allows-patients-to-sue-nursing-home-owner.aspx#ixzz2D9w8bGd5">http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2012/11/16/state-supreme-court-allows-patients-to-sue-nursing-home-owner.aspx#ixzz2D9w8bGd5</a></p>Top 10 nursing home deficiencies, top 10 trouble statestag:www.ltccareer.com,2012-11-21:5862844:BlogPost:347502012-11-21T17:07:52.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<p>November 19, 2012 by Pamela Tabar, Associate Editor</p>
<p>ProPublica has released an updated version of its Nursing Home Inspect tool, offering a much wider view of nursing home violations, including more deficiency details and a longer look-back period. The software simplifies searches through the database information collected from the regulatory surveys of the nation’s nursing homes. The latest version includes 262,500 deficiencies, ranked on a scale of A to L, with L being the most…</p>
<p>November 19, 2012 by Pamela Tabar, Associate Editor</p>
<p>ProPublica has released an updated version of its Nursing Home Inspect tool, offering a much wider view of nursing home violations, including more deficiency details and a longer look-back period. The software simplifies searches through the database information collected from the regulatory surveys of the nation’s nursing homes. The latest version includes 262,500 deficiencies, ranked on a scale of A to L, with L being the most severe infractions, according to a ProPublica news release. The most common infractions shown in the database are in the categories of D, E and F, what are classifed as “no actual harm with potential for more than minimal harm that is not immediate jeopardy.” The top 10 states for the most serious deficiency ratings (K and L combined, in order of incident frequency) are Texas, New York, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Kentucky, Illinois, Florida and Indiana.</p>
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<p><strong><a href="http://www.ltlmagazine.com/news-item/top-10-nursing-home-deficiencies-top-10-trouble-states" target="_blank">FULL ARTICLE</a></strong></p>State AG Office Sets Sights on Nursing Home Elder Abusetag:www.ltccareer.com,2012-11-11:5862844:BlogPost:348422012-11-11T20:42:28.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
<p>Representatives for California Attorney General Kamala Harris (D) recently confirmed that Harris' office is establishing three specialized teams -- one in Sacramento and two in Southern California -- to pursue criminal charges against administrators and workers at nursing homes that are suspected of abusing their elderly residents…</p>
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<p>Representatives for California Attorney General Kamala Harris (D) recently confirmed that Harris' office is establishing three specialized teams -- one in Sacramento and two in Southern California -- to pursue criminal charges against administrators and workers at nursing homes that are suspected of abusing their elderly residents</p>
<p><strong><a href="http://www.californiahealthline.org/articles/2012/11/7/state-ag-office-sets-sights-on-nursing-home-elder-abuse.aspx#ixzz2BwsoXri4" target="_blank">READ MORE</a></strong></p>What President Obama’s re-election means for the future of long-term caretag:www.ltccareer.com,2012-11-09:5862844:BlogPost:348362012-11-09T16:35:27.000ZLTCCareer.comhttp://www.ltccareer.com/profile/LTCCareercom
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<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;">The re-election of President Obama and the retention of a Democratic majority in the Senate point toward a continuation of current policies and initiatives pertaining to the long-term care (LTC) industry. But control of the U.S. House of Representatives remains strongly with the Republican Party, adding the factor of party-based conflict among the legislature, much like after the presidential election in 2008.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;">However, the looming deadlines within the 2010 Affordable Care Act (ACA)—including sequestration and the tax increases of the so-named “fiscal cliff” should Congress fail to act by year’s end—mean lawmakers and the President still must work together on a host of challenges in the next two months.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;">No one can predict how Congress and the LTC industry players will choose to form their conjoined solutions, or how those solutions will affect skilled nursing facilities and other LTC operations, including the extent of the effects on Medicare. Some of the possible compromises already voiced include certain Medicare reductions and perhaps an increase in the eligibility age for beneficiaries from 65 to 67, among other proposals.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;">Yet, now that the Presidential election is over, many political entities no longer have reason to campaign heatedly against each other on national healthcare issues, leading to hopes of better bipartisan communication and cooperation down the road. “There is intense pressure in Washington to find a solution,” says Bob Gatty, founder and president of<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #006e94;" href="http://gnetcommunications.com/">G-Net Strategic Communications</a>, Sykesville, Md., and contributing writer to<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em>Long-Term Living</em>.<strong><span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span>“</strong>The early tone of [post-election] comments from President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner indicates that there may be a possibility of compromise between the [Republican-controlled] House of Representatives and the White House.”</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;">Now that the nation’s voters have had their say, it’s time to return to the hard work of working together on the issues troubling the U.S. healthcare system, says American Health Care Association President and CEO Mark Parkinson, in a<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #006e94;" href="http://www.ahcancal.org/News/news_releases/Pages/Skilled-Nursing-Profession-Responds-to-2012-Election-Results.aspx">statement<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></a>following the elections. “While we know that the President and our newly elected Congress must find ways to reduce federal spending and fund a wide variety of programs, now is the time to take a hard look at meaningful reforms to solve the issues that face both the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Stable Medicare and Medicaid funding will help ensure America’s seniors continue to have access to high quality long term and post-acute care.”</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;">Leading long-term care organizations also are ready to move beyond the election rhetoric and return to reform initiatives already underway. “I think our course is now known,” LeadingAge President and CEO Larry Minnix told<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em>Long-Term Living</em>. “We’re now beyond political posturing. We’ve got to get into actual implementation of [the ACA]. There are models that people are working on that will work.”</p>
<h2 style="margin: 0px 0px 0.5em; padding: 0px; line-height: 1.25em; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 17px; font-weight: bold;"><strong>AS THE ELECTION DUST SETTLES</strong></h2>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;">The LTC industry has long complained that continuing reductions in Medicare are jeopardizing patient care and that increases in funding are needed to overcome the failure of Medicaid to adequately cover the cost of serving those patients. However, given the pressure to deal with the federal budget deficit, it is rather unlikely that such increases will be approved by Congress.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;">Post-election frustrations abound among some in the LTC industry, a care sector that gets a huge amount of its reimbursements from Medicare. William V. Day, president of St. Barnabas Health System in Gibsonia, Pa., says he’s worried that as many as 50 percent of hospitals and nursing homes will close because of Medicare cuts. “Both parties project that $716 billion will be cut from Medicare to use in Obamacare,” he told<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span><em>Long-Term Living</em>. “I doubt that older Americans realize the impact Obamacare will have on their lives and their health in the future.”</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;">Day views the re-election of President Obama as a great victory for those in favor of increased government control of healthcare: “Regulations and inspections in the healthcare delivery system will be dramatic over the next four years,” he predicts.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;">The LTC space should prepare for more regulatory activities, agrees Caroline J. Berdzik, Esq., partner,<a style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; color: #006e94;" href="http://www.goldbergsegalla.com/" target="_blank">Goldberg Segalla LLP</a>. “We will continue to see more rule-making from the Department of Labor, OSHA and EEOC that will negatively impact nursing homes and result in increased labor costs and additional employment litigation defense costs,” she says.</p>
<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;">Berdzik also suggests that “a flurry of regulations under the ACA will be issued to gear up for 2014, and operators will need to pay very close attention, as these regulations will impact areas such as compliance, increased transparency disclosures and background checks of employees. It is highly unlikely that ACA will be repealed now, so operators will have to strategically prepare for these changes and also evaluate, if they have not done so already, how this will affect health insurance offerings to their employees. You may have employers looking to significantly reduce hours of employees to avoid increased health insurance costs. However, any proposed action will need to be analyzed in conjunction with maintaining excellent quality and continuity of care.”</p>
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<p style="margin: 1em 0px; padding: 0px; color: #000000;"><strong><a href="http://www.ltlmagazine.com/article/what-president-obama-s-reelection-means-future-long-term-care?WA_MAILINGLEVEL_CODE=&spMailingID=40522531&spUserID=ODE2NTE0MzM0MgS2&spJobID=166838065&spReportId=MTY2ODM4MDY1S0" target="_blank">Full Article</a></strong></p>
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