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This Week's Top News:
CAST Technology Day Resources Now Available
At AAHSA's Future of Aging Services Conference, more than 700 members participated in our Center for Aging Services Technologies' (CAST) first technology day. Participants heard from researchers, corporate executives, thought leaders and other providers about technology's potential to transform aging. In addition, the event featured a demonstration with technologies focused on dispensing medication, managing wandering and falls and maintaining cognitive fitness for older adults. Couldn't make it to the conference? Not to worry. Visit the CAST Web site to find handouts and audio streams from this first-of-its-kind educational event. Contact: LaTanya Clemencia, (202) 508-9475.
See the technology day resources.
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Invest in Older Americans: Ask for a 10 Percent increase in the OAA budget
Senators Lincoln (D-Ark.) and Smith (R-Ore.) are circulating a "Dear Colleague letter" in support of an overall funding increase of at least ten percent for all Older Americans Act programs in the fiscal 2008 Labor-HHS-Education appropriations bill. Additionally, Senators Hillary Clinton (D-N.Y.), Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Barbara Mikulski (D-Md.) circulated another letter to their Senate colleagues in support of Alzheimer's disease programs and Older Americans Act preventive health, nutrition, caregiver support, and ombudsman programs. It is urgent that you tell your Senators that these programs are important to help older Americans live independently in whatever place they call home. Contact: Peter Notarstefano, (202) 508-9406.
View more information and a sample letter.
Prepare for National Provider Identifier (NPI) Contingency Planning
If your organization doesn't have its NPI yet or you won't make the May 23 deadline, now's the time to read the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) materials on contingency plans. These materials include a new plan announced by announced by fee-for-service Medicare. CMS also urges providers to pay attention to information from the health plans they bill so that they are aware if and when a health plan announces its own contingency plan. Finally, CMS will host a roundtable call on May 10 from 2-3:30 p.m. Eastern Time to answer your questions about the planning. Contact: Iara Woody, (202) 508-9429.
Register for the CMS call.
Read frequently asked questions on NPI compliance contingency guidance.
See the latest CMS articles and resources on our NPI page.
Read the Latest Housing News from AAHSA
In our April Housing Report, you'll find a fair housing to-do-list as well as updates on senators supporting more Section 202 and 811 funding, emergency capital repair grant funding, AAHSA's Limited English Proficiency translations workgroup, the impact of Administration on Aging budget cuts on Older Americans Act services and the new Government Accountability Office report on project-based assistance. Contact: Alayna Waldrum, (202) 508-9476.
See the report.
CMS Proposes 2.9 Percent Increase for Home Health in 2008
The rule just proposed by CMS announces the statutory Medicare market basket update for home health, 2.9 percent for 2008. The rule would also require providers to report quality measures in order to receive the full market basket update. Providers that failed to do so would receive an update of only 0.9 percent. The proposed rule adds two quality measures to the ten that are currently reported: emergent care for wound infections-deteriorating wound status; and improvement in status of surgical wound. We urge you to take advantage of the sixty-day comment period on the proposed rule to give CMS your views on the change in the payment system. The deadline is June 26. Contact: Peter Notarstefano, (202) 508-9406.
Read the CMS announcement.
Senate Aging Committee Retrospective on OBRA '87
On Wednesday, the Senate Special Committee on Aging will hear stakeholders' views on what has been accomplished in the twenty years since federal nursing home standards were enacted as part of the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA '87), and what challenges remain. We will submit a statement that will outline the leadership you have demonstrated in the vast reduction in the use of restraints, culture transformation, Quality First and Advancing Excellence in America's Nursing Homes. Our statement also will discuss the many OBRA changes for which we have advocated to make the survey and certification system a more effective means of ensuring quality. Contact: Barbara Gay, (202) 508-9489.
Does Your CCRC Know the Secret to Greatness in Aging Services?
AAHSA and LarsonAllen, a national CPA, consulting, and advisory firm, want to know your answers. That's why we are launching the Pathways to Greatness Recognition Program this week. This program is designed to honor great aging-services organizations and use their expertise to develop a framework others can use in their work for older adults. All continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) that are AAHSA Quality First Covenant signers are encouraged to apply for this honor. Selected organizations will be recognized at AAHSA's 2007 Annual Meeting & Exposition in Orlando in October and will also be given the opportunity to share their knowledge with our Leadership Circle. Watch your e-mail inboxes for a letter from AAHSA President & CEO Larry Minnix and LarsonAllen's John Richter with more information about this new program. Contact: Steve Maag, (202) 508-9498.
Learn more about the "Pathways to Greatness" recognition program.
AAHSA Gets You The Latest Nursing Home News from CMS and the FDA
In our latest Nursing Homes Regulatory Update, find out how your facility can participate in the Advancing Excellence in America's Nursing Homes campaign. Also, read about NPI implementation's impact on survey and certification and the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) latest notices on medication and medical equipment. Contact: Barbara Gay, (202) 508-9489.
Read the news update.
Make your Philanthropy Relationships and Messages Matter
Attention fund-raising and development professionals: don't miss AAHSA's Philanthropy Summer Forum, July 16-17, in Boston. At this year's forum, you'll explore how new fundraising and messaging strategies and techniques will help you build enduring relationships and achieve financial success. Read the APN brochure for complete program details and registration information. Registration closes on June 8, so reserve your spot today. Contact: meetings@aahsa.org, (888) 508-9441
See the brochure.
CMS Accepts CMS-1500 (12-90) Form for Medicare Claims Through June 1
Because the Government Printing Office (GPO) sold incorrectly formatted versions of the revised CMS-1500 (08-05) CMS will continue accepting the previous CMS-1500 (12-90) form until June 1. Contractors will be directed to return, not manually key, any Form CMS-1500 (08-05) forms received that are not printed to specification. If you receive back an incorrectly formatted claim form, please notify your form supplier. Contact: Iara Woody, (202) 508-9429.
Read an article about the new form.
How Can Your Organization Celebrate Order Older Americans Month/Homes for the Aging Week?
Use a free guide from the Minnesota Health & Housing Alliance to find out. The guide includes tips and tools you can use to honor the older adults in your community. You can also order products featuring the 2007 theme, "Linking Generations." New products for this year include sun visors, magnifying book marks and more. Members from Illinois, Iowa, Missouri, Washington and Wisconsin can receive a discount by ordering the products through their state associations. Start planning today. Contact: Jenny Mims.
See the guide.
Order the products.
Summit to Explore New Health IT Information and Opportunities
What's the role of health information technology (HIT) in your work? Find out at the third annual Long-Term Care Health IT Summit on June 20-21 in Chicago. This event brings together a variety of professionals to analyze HIT's impact on the future of long-term care. At the summit, attendees will identify strategy-setting opportunities for adopting HIT in long-term care settings, discuss HIT funding issues, receive updates on new technologies and explore the link between HIT and higher quality care and services. Contact: Karyn Downie, (202) 508-9410.
Learn more about the summit.
 3,200 Covenant signers! Have you signed yet? |
The Aging Services Providers' Checklist for AAHSA Quality First is a list of the characteristics of quality in an aging services organization. The Checklist, based on the AAHSA Quality First 10 Elements of Quality, covers the primary functions and duties of all types of organizations. Nursing homes can participate in the Advancing Excellence in America's Nursing Homes campaign as another way to assess quality in their work for older adults. Contact: Bruce Rosenthal, (202) 508-9499.
See the Aging Services Providers' Checklist for AAHSA Quality First.
See the Advancing Excellence in America's Nursing Homes campaign Web site.
Revised Interpretation Helps You Avoid Deficiency Citations for Door Gaps
CMS's April 20 survey and certification letter clarifies requirements for door gaps in the 2000 edition of the Life Safety Code (LSC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 101. This significant revision in interpretation will reduce or prevent many door-related deficiency citations under the LSC survey. You might be able to save thousands of dollars in correction costs. The revision applies to nursing homes, Programs of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) and critical access hospitals. Contact: Evvie Munley, (202) 508-9478.
Read the revisions.
CASP Core Course Three Now Available
Register now for the Certified Aging Services Professional (CASP) Core Course III Course: Managing the Financial and Physical Environments. This course will focus on the skills you need to monitor the financial solvency of a retirement community as well as it physical plant. Some of the sessions will feature topics like the budgeting process, financial trends, environmental design, facility management and dining services. The course will be held May 15-16 at the Simpson House in Philadelphia. Sign up now to reserve a spot. Contact: (940) 565-2733.
Learn more about course.
Comment on Clinical Guidelines on Pressure Ulcers
The American Medical Directors Association (AMDA) asked us to review and comment on revisions to the Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG): Pressure Ulcers and the Pressure Ulcer Companion, which will be combined into one CPG. If you or a staff member have an interest or expertise in this topic, and would like to participate in reviewing these CPGs, please make track change on the draft directly. Please send comments to AAHSA's Evvie Munley or AMDA's Jacqueline Vance by May 31.
Read the draft CPG.
Warning to Home Health Agencies on Anti-Kickback Violations
According to the Stark anti-kickback law, your home health agency's medical director should submit a time sheet listing his or her hours before you generate a paycheck. Violations can lead to a court case, a fine and even worse, not receiving Medicare payments until the situation is corrected. CMS urges providers to pay their medical directors on a per-hour basis, and to document those hours with a time sheet or time card that lists all tasks completed. Also, medical directors' responsibilities should be part of their orientation. Contact: Peter Notarstefano, (202) 508-9406.
View more information on a court case about this issue.
OIG Finds Tardy Survey and Certification of Hospices Under Medicare
Using July 5, 2005, CMS survey and certification data for 2,537 Medicare hospices, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) found that 14 percent of the hospices were past due for certification and, on average, were surveyed for nine years. That is three years longer than the CMS standard at the time. Contact: Evvie Munley, (202) 508-9478.
Read the OIG report.
Toolkit, Audioconference Available on Nursing Home/Assisted Living Contracts with Hospice
Reinhart, Boerner, Van Deuren, s.c., the legal counsel for AAHSA's Wisconsin association, recently developed contracting toolkits based on their experience working with hospices and nursing facilities nationwide. The toolkit can help you avoid the pitfalls and related legal headaches involving contractual arrangements with your medical director, hospice and assisted living providers. Purchase the "Hospice and Nursing Home/Assisted Living Contracting Toolkit" by May 11 and attend a free audio conference.
Contact: Brian Schoeneck, (608) 255-7060.
Order your toolkit.
Read an article from the toolkit, Questionable Practices By Hospices And Nursing Homes Under Health Care Fraud And Abuse Rules.
Featured Group Purchasing Partner:
Partner is a One-Stop Shop for Your Transportation Needs
Mid America Coach offers AAHSA members discounted prices on a variety of products and services for their transportation programs, including wheelchair capable minivans, raised top vans and shuttle buses. The company also offers nationwide delivery and financing options to meet their needs and budgets. Contact Mid America Coach, (800) 821-5451.
Read more about the program.
Visit Mid America's Web site.
Opportunities Available on AAHSA's Job Mart
Several career opportunities in aging services are now available and listed on Job Mart. Take a look. Pass along the news. If you have a job to post, consider using AAHSA Job Mart. Contact: Phillip Blackmon, (202) 508-9404.
Post a job.
Jobs posted in the past week (April 20-26):
AdministratorAssistant Administrator - Jamestown, N.Y.
Nursing Home Administrator - Joliet, Ill.
Administrator - Health Care - Florida
CEO/President/Executive Director
Executive Director - Annapolis, Md.
Finance
Chief Financial Officer - Philadelphia, Pa.
Director of Financial Services - Indiana
Other
Associate Director - St. Louis, Mo.
Director of Arts and Leisure - Southern Pines, N.C.
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American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging
2519 Connecticut Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20008
Tel (866) 783-2242, Fax (202) 783-2255