The American Health Care Association (ACHA) is now offering their new webinar, “Preparing for Upcoming CMS Guidance Changes: Key Updates and Action Items for Compliance.”...
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The U.S. Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has released the updated Nursing Facility Industry Segment Specific Compliance Guidelines last...
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The American Health Care Association announced the release of their comprehensive Five-Star Quality Rating System, a training for nursing facility administrators and nurse leaders to...
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The American Health Care Association’s (AHCA) Emergency Preparedness/Life Safety Committee is sharing a newly published resource to improve the ability for long term care facilities...
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The final application deadline for the National Quality Awards is quickly approaching! Eligible members who have demonstrated exception commitment to quality are encouraged to apply...
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The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is now approving Medication Aide Training Programs and registering approved CNAs to the medication aide registry....
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The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is maintaining its focus on the Respiratory Protection Standard (29 CFR 1910.134) to make sure heightened efforts to...
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The 2025 Intent to Apply (ITA) deadline for the National Quality Awards has officially closed with Michigan submitting 86 ITA’s. These submitted ITA’s help the...
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The 2025 Intent to Apply (ITA) deadline for the National Quality Awards has officially closed with Michigan submitting 86 ITA’s. These submitted ITA’s help the...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has begun the transition from the 12th to the 13th Scope of Work (SoW) for the Quality...
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports, containing provider performance scores for quality measures, will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog...
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The deadline for the 2025 National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) is quickly approaching on Thursday, November 14, at 8 PM EST. We encourage...
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports, which contain provider performance scores for quality measures, are now available for review for the January 2025...
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On November 21, 2024, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) will begin to clean up outdated 3877/78s in the OBRA system. The...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services issued a Final Rule to modify the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) Privacy...
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The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) now has resources available on their website including an Earned Sick Time Webinar recording and FAQs to assist employers...
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The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) is experiencing technical issues in several modules in their Long-term Care Facility Component. Current Issues in the Respiratory Pathogens...
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The American Health Care Association (AHCA) developed a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) resource to help providers affected by planned power shutoffs, intended for preventing...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Hyperlink Update Supplement v1 for the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual. This...
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The Michigan Supreme Court confirmed the future increases to the state's minimum wage following their initial ruling in August that reinstated a 2018 initiative impacting...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated Skilled Nursing Facility Advance Beneficiary Notice (SNF ABN). The SNF ABN form and instructions are available for...
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As nursing facilities continue to experience cases of COVID-19 among residents, it is important to comply with existing COVID-Relief Facility (CRF) programs. Nursing facilities designated...
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Updated Skilled Nursing Facility Provider Preview Reports are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data...
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) next virtual touchpoint meeting with nursing facility providers is tomorrow, August 8, 2024, at 11 a.m....
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On July 23, Michigan’s medical waste law was updated to provide greater flexibility to facilities managing sharps. Governor Whitmer signed Senate Bill 482, amending the Medical Waste...
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The Long-Term Care National Infection Prevention Forum (NIPF) was established in 2023 as part of a grant from the CDC Project Firstline. This forum was...
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On July 31, CMS released updated Five-Star ratings that incorporated the following changes related to QSO-24-14-NH: Revised the PBJ turnover definition to 90-days from 60-days, and...
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Michigan law MCL 333.21794 and federal regulation CFR 483.60(h)/F811 require providers to use a state-approved dining assistant training course. Providers must maintain records demonstrating compliance...
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Please beware that Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs state surveyors may be looking more closely for Legionella and other pathogens in the water...
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Staffing data for Q2 2024, April 1–June 30, 2024, is due by 11:59 p.m. EST on August 14. Skilled nursing providers are advised to submit...
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is hosting monthly virtual touchpoint meetings with nursing facility providers. Previously known as the Nursing Facility...
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The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is now approving Medication Aide Training Programs and registering approved CNAs to the medication aide registry....
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The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Professional Licensing regularly reviews the rules regarding Nursing Home Administrator (NHA) licensing, with new rules expected...
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The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) created two resources to help members understand the new nondiscrimination rules which took effect in...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released QSO-24-14-NH regarding updates coming to Nursing Home Care Compare and Data.cms.gov on July 31, 2024. The updates reflect...
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is hosting monthly virtual touchpoint meetings with nursing facility providers. Previously known as the Nursing Facility...
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The U.S. Office of Health and Human Services (HHS), the Office of Civil Rights (OCR) and CMS released two new rules advancing protections against discrimination...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule under...
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All Michigan nursing facility licenses expire July 31, 2024. There are no grace periods or exceptions. You must have an active license to continue operating on...
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The Michigan Bureau of Survey and Certification (BSC) is partnering with the Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS) State Licensing Consultative Section (SLCS) to...
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Testing Collection and Coordination (TCC) reports that all Michigan long-term care facilities — skilled nursing facilities,...
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Don't Miss This: Nursing Facilities Must Comply with Enhanced Facility Assessment by August 8, 2024 The first requirement of the new "Minimum Staffing Standards for...
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The online license renewal portal for all Michigan nursing facilities is now open. All Michigan nursing facility licenses expire July 31, 2024. There are no grace...
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The Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) recently revised the Administrative Rules for prescribing of controlled substances; the changes are effective immediately. Please note: Gabapentin...
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The June 2024 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the FY 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now available to download in...
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The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) has begun approving Medication Aide Training Programs and registering approved CNAs to the medication aide registry. HCAM...
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The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.19.1 are now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0...
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A component of Public Act 187 of 2022, which was enacted to deliver a better survey process in Michigan, included the development and implementation of guidance...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued a final...
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The Skilled Nursing Facilities/Long Term Care Open Door Forum has been cancelled for May 16, 2024, 2-3 p.m. ET. See the registration webpage for upcoming sessions.
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The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) shared that they have received an influx of questions regarding who is maintaining the Michigan Nurse Aide...
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The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is seeking input to identify requirements that make the process of obtaining a license challenging. Your...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a 4-minute, animated video to help providers accurately determine when the use of other sources is...
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The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office for Civil Rights and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final...
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We previously shared an HCAM Member Update covering the projected impact of the Minimum Staffing Rule collectively across Michigan if it were implemented today. You now...
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As a reminder, Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data for the first quarter of calendar year 2024, covering January 1 through March 31, 2024, must be...
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Tomorrow, May 2, 2024, at 2 p.m. ET, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a webinar, "Overview of the Early Look...
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will...
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On April 23, 2024, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule to promote competition by banning employment non-competes in most circumstances nationwide. About one in...
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AHCA's regulatory team compiled into one document a comprehensive listing of all regulatory guidance and resources for members. An AHCA login is required to access the list,...
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In early 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began a pilot study of risk based recertification surveys. CMS recently announced they will...
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On March 29, OSHA published a final rule clarifying the rights of employees to authorize a representative to accompany an OSHA compliance officer during an inspection of...
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As we shared on March 29, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued the proposed rule for the skilled nursing facility prospective payment system (PPS) for...
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New laws, Public Acts 271 and 272 of 2023, require health facility operators to post signs informing individuals they may be subject to penalties if they assault or threaten...
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HCAM is applying for a Civil Monetary Penalty (CMP) grant that will offer Wound Care training opportunities to the staff at HCAM member facilities. We...
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The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) is hosting a Personal Safety and Active Shooter/Targeted Violence Prevention training session with in-person and virtual options. It is...
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The March 21, 2024, Skilled Nursing Facilities/Long-Term Care Open Door Forum has been rescheduled to April 2, 2024, from 2 to 3 p.m. ET. Registration is required...
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AHCA reports that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has communicated with its regional offices and select state survey agencies that it is...
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Nationally, F-880 Infection Control citations are on the rise related to the handling of both clean and soiled linens. In response, AHCA recently shared a review of...
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The March 2024 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now available to...
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Members are required to report Annual Healthcare Personnel Influenza Vaccination data by May 15, 2024, under the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (SNF QRP). Failure...
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The National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Annual Reporting Survey for members is not mandatory for all facilities. Please review the data below to determine if your...
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CMS’s Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) created the Behavioral Health Needs Assessment as a resource for your required annual facility-wide assessment. Nursing...
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The Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s final rule, “Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses,” took effect January 1, 2024. It does not change what information LTC...
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The Bureau of Survey & Certification (BSC) hosted a webinar last month entitled “Writing and Implementing an Effective Plan of Correction.” The recording is now...
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Are you stumped by coding intricacies or concerned that your Minimum Data Set (MDS) coding isn’t capturing an accurate picture for reimbursement and quality measures? Check...
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On September 25, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released QSO-23-23 Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program (CMPRP) Revisions, which outline the revised use of...
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The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) announced it is piloting a survey of direct care workers (DCW) from residential care settings and nursing...
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The Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s final rule, “Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses,” took effect January 1, 2024. It does not change what information LTC...
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Updated Skilled Nursing Facility Provider Preview Reports are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data...
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The Bureau of Survey & Certification's (BSC) January 2024 LTC Stakeholders Webinar covered information and guidance related to the use of Attestation in Lieu of...
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The Bureau of Survey & Certification will host a webinar, "Writing & Implementing an Acceptable Plan of Correction," Wednesday, January 31 at 11 a.m. David Donahue, Long Term...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) developed a video tutorial to assist in accurate coding of C1310 of the Minimum Data Set (MDS)...
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The December 2023 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now available to...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shared upcoming measure removals from the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP). A grouping of...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will release Minimum Data Set (MDS) changes in January 2024 that will become effective October...
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During a recent Skilled Nursing Facilities/Long Term Care Open Door Forum, Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) staff shared the agency's intent to begin...
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Beginning January 1, 2024, new dietitians seeking to become registered will face increased educational requirements with the minimum degree requirement for eligibility to take the...
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The Bureau of Survey & Certification (BSC) recently shared a Special Focus Series webinar, “Why the Grinch Won’t Steal Christmas: How to safely decorate for...
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Skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are required to report Q2 2023 (March 27, 2023–June 25, 2023) Weekly Healthcare Personnel COVID-19 Vaccination Summary data to the National...
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With the recent revisions to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Civil Monetary Grant (CMP) program, CMS is seeking opportunities to support adding...
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Today, November 15, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an unpublished version of its Transparency Final Rule in the Federal Register, implementing the...
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Your Top-Line is a LTC Trend Tracker publication that includes metrics and graphics outlining your skilled nursing (SNF) center's progress on Five Star performance, the...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) posted errata updates to the Minimum Data Set Resident Assessment Instrument (MDS-RAI) Manual, version 1.18.11 on the MDS 3.0...
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The October 2023 release of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data is now available on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC). The data...
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Long-term care facilities can bill Medicare for these four respiratory viruses: RSV, Influenza, Pneumococcal and COVID. All Part B vaccines (e.g., Influenza, Pneumococcal and COVID)...
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Whether your residents celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Diwali, Eid al-Fitr, Kwanzaa, or just enjoy winter festivities, don't let the Grinch steal your facility's joy! In a...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has given notice of upcoming measures slated for removal from the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP). Those...
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Updated Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports are available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare and Provider Data...
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The state asks that you share a few tips with your Nurse Aide staff to help them navigate the new MI-NATES: Michigan Nurse Aide, Training,...
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Last week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released QSO-23-23-NH, which updates and reopens the Civil Money Penalty Reinvestment Program (CMPRP). CMS reports that program...
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A three-minute video, “BIMS and BIMS Summary Score: Stopping and Coding an Incomplete Interview” from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services can help SNFs...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released QSO-23-21-NH regarding updates coming in April 2024 to Nursing Home Care Compare Staffing and Quality Measures. The updates accommodate previously...
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The National Health Safety Network (NHSN) Vaccination Team hosted a webinar to review important changes to the surveillance definition of Up to Date with COVID-19...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) recently posted updated Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting (SNF QRP) manuals and measure calculation resources on the...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its final Minimum Data Set (MDS) Item Sets version 1.18.11v5 and the corresponding Resident Assessment Instrument...
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HCAM and the American Health Care Association (AHCA) continue to advocate against the Minimum Staffing Mandate, for which the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services...
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Quality Measure Calculations and Reporting User’s Manual Version 5.0, Change Table, Risk Adjustment Appendix File, Imputation...
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"Your Resident Profile" is a LTC Trend Tracker℠ publication that provides the information you need to begin the resident profile portions of Components 1 and...
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The final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.18.11 and the final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) User’s Manual...
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The August 2023 Performance Score Reports (PSRs) for the FY 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now available to download via...
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Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment data and data submitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) via the Centers for Disease Control and...
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Registration is now available for the live Webinar Fall Joint Provider Surveyor Training (JPST) on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Click the links for the 2023 Fall...
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For members who missed the live CMS MDS training sessions, the recorded sessions are now available, along with PDF versions of the coding workshop presentations. Available...
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Changes to section Q (Participation in Assessment and Goal Setting) include: Reformatting of Question Q0100 (Participation in Assessment) to Q0110 (Participation in Assessment and Goal...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a video tutorial to assist providers with guidance on interview strategies and coding of the Brief...
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available for review prior to public posting. These reports contain provider...
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Section N and Section O are highlighted to identify the changes in item criteria along with sharing tips & training tricks with staff. Changes to...
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As of July 26, 2023, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) will transition the registry services for nurse aides from Headmaster, L.L.P...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services completed updates to the final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.18.11. The Item Sets are now...
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The Bureau of Community Health Services (BCHS) will host a webinar covering the updated Nurse Aide Administrative Rules, which went into effect earlier this year. Webinar:...
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Michigan skilled nursing facility state licenses expire July 31, 2023. The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) notes that it takes approximately three...
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CMS Training: CMS is offering a virtual training program to provide instruction on the updated guidance for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Minimum Data Set (MDS)...
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Today, June 28, 2023, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shared their intent to begin publishing ownership data including names of affiliated owners...
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HCAM continues to find ways to support your workforce needs to foster employee recruitment and retention in both skilled nursing and assisted living settings. We...
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The 2023-2024 state licensing renewal cycle for nursing facilities is now open. Standard renewal notices were mailed to the correspondence address on file of each...
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The June 2023 Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now available for...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will host virtual training sessions to provide instruction on the updated guidance for the Skilled Nursing Facility...
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The MDS 3.0 version v1.18.11 final item sets and draft RAI guidance were released April 3, 2023, and substantial changes were made to several sections. Section A — Changes made...
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As of July 26, 2023, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) will transition the registry services for nurse aides from Headmaster, L.L.P...
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Beginning June 12, 2023, John Woodcox will serve as the temporary survey manager for the UP North team. Three ways to reach John: Email:
[email protected], phone (231) 350-6469...
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The 2023-2024 state licensing renewal cycle for nursing facilities is now open. Standard renewal notices were mailed to the correspondence address of each nursing facility....
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Effective July 26, 2023, the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems, will transition the Nurse Aide Registry from...
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Some facilities have experienced issues accessing the HPS component in NHSN to report the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) required data on...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering virtual training on the updated guidance for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Minimum Data Set...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updates to several downloadable survey resource documents, including the Entrance Conference form and the Infection Prevention, Control, and...
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) announced on May 15 that Meghan Groen will head the state’s Medicaid programs covering physical and...
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Bureau of Survey and Certification (BSC) Director Jennifer Belden shared a message with providers at the initial Long Term Care Stakeholder meeting held last month:...
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The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Community and Health Systems (LARA/BCHS) will host a Zoom webinar featuring state agency team members who will...
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available for review. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality...
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Per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Reporting Rules, CMS Certified Skilled Nursing Facilities are required to submit an annual report on staff...
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports were updated and are now available from iQIES. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures,...
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The Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) for Minimum Data Set (MDS) record submissions and reports is now available. All MDS submissions that were...
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§483.24 Activities of Daily Living: In fall 2022, CMS issued Admin Info: 22-09-ALL, which outlined several regulatory focus areas for Federal Monitoring Surveys related to specific F-tags for...
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§483.80 Infection Control- Infection Preventionist: In the fall of 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued Admin Info 22-09-ALL, which outlined several...
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The Bureau of Survey & Certification recently shared a call for agenda items and discussion topics for the first upcoming LTC Stakeholder Meeting: “In preparation...
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In late March, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Center for Clinical Standards and Quality/Quality Safety Oversight Group issued a long-awaited revised QSO...
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This week, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the final Draft MDS Item Sets version v.1.18.11, along with the updated Draft RAI...
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The transition to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) system takes place April 17, 2023. Are you ready? Has your...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released updated training materials regarding Minimum Data Set (MDS) coding for item sets that cross over to...
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The Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) announced the final Nurse Aide, Trainer and Nurse Aide Training Program Administrative Rules have been signed and are effective...
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As you know, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is planning for the federal Public Health Emergency (PHE) for COVID-19, declared under Section...
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In last week’s Open Door Forum, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) shared that they will release training opportunities for providers to learn...
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), in collaboration with local public health and health care partners, is investigating the emergence of Candida...
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The March 2023 Interim Quarterly Confidential Feedback Reports for the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now available to download...
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Last week, Bureau of Survey and Certification (BSC) Director Jennifer Belden shared the following message with all skilled nursing facilities: In July of 2022, the Michigan Department...
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The Public Health Emergency (PHE) will end May 11, 2023. This means that many of the flexibilities put in place to respond to the COVID-19...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a new fact sheet, CMS Waivers, Flexibilities, and the Transition Forward from the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, as...
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is continuing to provide free qualitative fit testing apparatus kits and Michigan Occupational Safety and Health...
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The Bureau of Community and Health Systems and the Bureau of Survey and Certification is pleased to announce that registration is now available for the in-person Spring...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently posted a proposed rule to increase ownership, managerial, and other information required to be disclosed by Medicare and...
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The Bureau of Survey & Certification (BSC) recently updated their Survey Team Map to reflect recent changes in coverage and oversight. The map includes contact information for each...
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On January 30, 2023, President Biden announced his intent to end the Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023. This means that many of...
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As previously announced, in preparation for the release of the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) for Minimum Data Set (MDS) submission in early...
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On December 3, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released the full version set of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0.v1.18.11. Last...
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February 14, 2023, is the deadline for iQIES Payroll Based Journal (PBJ) data submission for dates covering October 1, 2022 through December 31, 2022. There...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will collaborate on Thursday, January 5, 2023 at...
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The draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version (v)1.18.11 are now available in the Downloads section on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident...
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The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) released a "Know Your Rights" poster, which updates and replaces the previous “EEO is the Law” poster. Covered employers...
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The Centers For Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) continues to allow states to use their discretion to expand opportunities to use Evidence of Deficiency Correction...
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The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) presented a webinar on November 10 outlining proposed changes to current Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP)...
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Experts are predicting the coming winter season may present a tripledemic – a combined high incidence of COVID, Influenza, and Respiratory Synovial Virus (RSV). The prediction...
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Your Top-Line is a LTC Trend Tracker℠ publication that includes metrics and graphics outlining progress on Five Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative, your journey...
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As we enter colder weather and the holiday season where SARS-CoV-2, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) rates typically rise, the Michigan Infection Prevention Resource...
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On November 5, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) published an interim final rule with comment period. This rule establishes requirements regarding...
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The October 2022 release of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data is now available on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog (PDC). The data...
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CMS updated resources on the Nursing Homes website as of October 26, 2022. Specifically, the Medicare and Medicaid Programs; Reform of Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities portion of...
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F-Tag §483.10-Resident Rights (SNF) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made changes to §483.10 – Resident Rights including the following: F557-Respect, Dignity/Right to...
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CMS made changes §483.60-Food and Nutrition Services guidance: F801-Qualified Dietary Staff. Regulation was updated to reflect additional qualifications that count toward meeting this requirement. F812-Food Procurement,...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made changes to §483.95 – Training Requirements: F940-Training Requirements. Added new guidance for the stem requirements for all...
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The Michigan Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs (LARA) Bureau of Community and Health Systems (BCHS) is requesting your help by completing a Health Facility and...
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Thursday, November 10, at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom: The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems (LARA/BCHS) will host a Zoom...
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Michigan's Surveillance for Healthcare-Associated & Resistant Pathogens Unit along with the Infection Prevention Resource and Assessment Team are co-hosting an Infection Prevention Symposium. The three-hour,...
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Historically, provider demographic data is maintained in the Automated Survey Processing Environment or ASPEN software; however, CMS will be transitioning to use the demographic information...
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will...
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The effective date of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Requirements of Participation (ROP) changes is next week, October 24, 2022. These changes...
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Yesterday, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) issued an Epidemic Order to update current long term care (LTC) COVID testing protocols. The...
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The next CMS Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)/Long Term Care (LTC) Open Door Forum will be held Thursday, October 6, 2022, from 2 to 3 p.m....
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The Bureau of Professional Licensing (BPL) within the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) released an update regarding the implementation status for Public Acts...
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An update to the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Annual Payment Update (APU) Table for Reporting Assessment-based Quality Measures (QMs) and Standardized...
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Life Safety and Emergency Preparedness are two critical regulatory compliance components that are consistent areas of survey focus. This webinar, hosted by AHCA, reviews some of...
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The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made changes to guidance under F- Tag 656 to ensure that each resident’s comprehensive care plan includes...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made changes to the guidance of §483.12 Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation and updated the Psychosocial...
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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS), on behalf of the Governor's Nursing Home Workforce Stabilization Council, is seeking front-line nursing home staff...
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CMS is hosting a virtual listening session with individual health care staff on emergency preparedness on Tuesday, September 27 at 1 PM Eastern. Space is limited so...
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Recent updates were made to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidance to §483.90(g)(1)‐(2) Resident Call System. The regulation states the facility must...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made changes to the §483.25-Quality of Care guidance. Changes include the following: F686-Pressure Ulcers. CMS updated guidance...
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Recently, some members have received written notification from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Quality Improvement Organization (QIO) for Michigan, Superior Health Quality...
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The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Quality Measure Calculations and Reporting User’s Manual Version 4.0, Change Table, Risk Adjustment Appendix File, and...
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The draft Minimum Data Set (MDS) Nursing Home Comprehensive (NC) Item set version 1.18.11 has been released and is now available in the Downloads section...
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§483.80-Infection Control The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services made changes to the §483.80-Infection Control, and include the following: F880-Infection Control. Facility must have an...
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The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) August 16, 2022 LTC Survey Processes Webinar and presentation is now posted and can be found at...
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On September 28, 2022, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time (ET), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will host an educational webinar: Overview of...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released advance copies of updated Critical Element Pathways (CEP) for survey processes. The revisions are reflective of...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is preparing to release the Internet Quality Improvement Evaluation System (iQIES) for Minimum Data Set (MDS) submission...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made changes to the §483.15-Admission, Transfer, and Discharge guidance. Changes include the following citations: F622-Transfer and Discharge...
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The Bureau of Community and Health Systems is pleased to announce that Registration is now available for the Fall Joint Provider Surveyor Training (JPST) on...
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The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) made changes to §483.30-Physician Services and §483.35 Nursing Services. Changes include the following citations: §483.30-Physician Services F712-Physician...
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Providers can now access the latest Provider Preview Reports via the Certification and Survey Provider Enhanced Reports (CASPER) application. Once released in CASPER, providers will...
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With the allowance of hybrid Nurse Aide Training Programs (NATP) in Michigan, it is easier than ever to establish an in-house program. AHCA recently shared guidance...
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To ensure an efficient testing infrastructure in Michigan for Certified Nurse Aides (CNA’s), D&SDT-Headmaster is looking for long-term care facilities interested in becoming regional test...
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AHCA is advocating at the federal level to extend the 1135 Waivers allowing for the use of Temporary Nurse Aides (TNA) as a means of...
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Your Top-Line is a LTC Trend Tracker℠ publication that includes metrics and graphics outlining skilled nursing center's progress on Five Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality...
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The August 2022 Performance Score Reports (PSRs) for the Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now available to download via the Quality...
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The July 2022 release of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data is now available on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is preparing to transition Minimum Data Set (MDS) submissions and reporting to iQIES beginning in early 2023. As...
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Providers often ask, Am I eligible for a Desk Review? Utilizing a desk review in lieu of an on-site revisit can be an effective and efficient...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has contracted with an outside firm to aid in completing a nursing facility minimum staffing study. As part...
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Who: The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Survey & Certification (LARA/BSC), will host a Zoom Webinar for all providers and stakeholders. Speakers...
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Who: The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems (LARA/BCHS) in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services...
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Your Top-Line is a LTC Trend Tracker℠ publication that includes metrics and graphics outlining skilled nursing center's progress on Five Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality...
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The August 2022 Performance Score Reports (PSRs) for the Skilled Nursing Facility Value-Based Purchasing (SNF VBP) Program are now available to download via the Quality...
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The July 2022 release of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data is now available on Care Compare and Provider Data Catalog...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is preparing to transition Minimum Data Set (MDS) submissions and reporting to iQIES beginning in early 2023. As...
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Providers often ask, Am I eligible for a Desk Review? Utilizing a desk review in lieu of an on-site revisit can be an effective and efficient...
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Under §483.85, facilities must have a comprehensive Compliance and Ethics (C&E) program meeting all requirements laid out by CMS. Surveyors will be reviewing the facilities’...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has contracted with an outside firm to aid in completing a nursing facility minimum staffing study. As part...
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Who: The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Survey & Certification (LARA/BSC), will host a Zoom Webinar for all providers and stakeholders. Speakers...
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Who: The Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs, Bureau of Community and Health Systems (LARA/BCHS) in conjunction with the Department of Health and Human Services...
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In June 2022, the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) began using the updated definition of up-to-date COVID-19 vaccination issued by the Centers for Disease Control...
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Each week through October, AHCA will be focusing on a particular F-tag(s) to help providers break down the Phase 2 updates and Phase 3 new...
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MDHHS issued an alert to all providers regarding the recent changes at Blue Cross Blue Shield and Blue Care Network to their self-service tools. The content...
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SNF Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available.
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Non-compliance notifications are being distributed by the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and were placed into facilities’ CASPER folders in QIES on July 13th, 2022.
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July 19, 2022 from 1 PM – 2 PM (ET)
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The program was set to expire on July 7, 2022.
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Additional details regarding the staffing rating methodology are included in the
Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating Technical Users' Guide.
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The association recently revised the Residents' Rights booklets and posters to reflect changes to the Public Health Code Section 333.20201(1) and (3)(a), recognizing the scope...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently issued QSO-22-19-NH, which outlines revisions to the following: Surveyor Guidance for some Phase 2 & and...
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The Phase 3 requirements go into effect October 24, 2022.
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This legislation is the culmination of efforts between HCAM and the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) to address the inefficacies of the survey process.
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DOL's Wage and Hour Division is providing additional resources for workers on their rights to take leave for serious mental health conditions and for employers to better understand how to comply with the
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The 2022 – 2023 renewal cycle for LTC state licensed health facilities is now open.
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All providers must use the MI-FRI application to report incidents as required by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
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The association recently revised the Residents' Rights booklets and posters.
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Sherry Stepaniak will take over as the new Up North survey team manager on June 9
th.
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The requirements apply to both new applicants as well as those renewing their existing licenses or registrations as of JUNE 1, 2022.
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Visit
Coronavirus waivers & flexibilities for more information from CMS on waivers.
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F-888 and MI-FRI reporting information.
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Please be sure to report into both into NHSN and EMResource until otherwise notified.
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LARA released the recording of the LTC Enforcement Webinar
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Report includes metrics and graphics outlining skilled nursing center's progress on Five Star performance, the AHCA/NCAL Quality Initiative, journey through the Quality Awards program, and other necessary data to help you achieve your desired goals.
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Distributed semi-annually, this report allows you to review the resident populations for your center(s) to help determine the resources required to provide person-centered care and aid in establishing services residents need in both day-to-day operations and emergencies.
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Survey Copies – When a survey enters the facility make sure to assign a point person for copies. Introduce this individual to the survey team leader,...
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MDHHS is alerting healthcare providers of the increasing emergence of
Candida auris (
C. auris) cases.
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AHRQ is seeking nursing homes to participate in a pilot study of the Workplace Safety Supplemental Item Set for the SOPS Nursing Home Survey.
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The April 2022 refresh of the SNF QRP data is now available on
Care Compare and
Provider Data Catalog (PDC).
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Data on changes of ownership is now available in the CMS data.cms.gov database under the
Change of Ownership section, and is expected to be updated on a quarterly basis going forward
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The self-nomination period for the Governor’s Award of Excellence is open through May 31, 2022.
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The archived recording of Summary of Rule and Response Needed is now available.
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The department shared the enforcement actions expected to be utilized for the COVID Vaccine Mandate compliance reviews.
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CMS shared they will be moving forward to adjust the QM rating thresholds with the upcoming April 2022 database refresh.
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LARA Bureau of Community and Health System will offer a virtual MDS 3.0 training on section M-Skin Condition.
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LARA/BCHS will host a Zoom Webinar for all providers and stakeholders on Tuesday, March 29, 2022, at 9:00 a.m.
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Failure to enter accurate discharge details in CHAMPS could create access to care issues for the Medicaid beneficiary.
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When reporting FRIs to LARA, providers should be utilizing the MI-FRI tool located within
Michigan’s MILogin portal.
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Members offering bonuses or other wage options to staff to pick up open shifts, stay over, or for other incentive purposes should be cognizant of the DOL wage and benefit implications.
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LARA shared an announcement of a new Survey Manager for the Detroit South survey team.
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The Department of Licensing & Regulatory Affairs will transition from Prometric to Headmaster, L.L.P. to provide competency evaluation testing and nurse aide registry services.
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The OBRA Office issued
information regarding the workflow and process that hospitals, nursing facilities and community providers should follow when the electronic system is down for more than 2 hours outside of State of Michigan
normal business hours.
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CMS released the January 2022 updates to its
5 Star User Guide.
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The updated 2022 Reportable Diseases in Michigan list is now available.
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The benefits MiPLUS offers include an online account and an electronic application.
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During a recent CMS call with the survey state agencies, the new
CMS QSO 20-39-NH (revised 11-12-21) was discussed.
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CMS is issuing an 1135 waiver for directors of food and nutrition services, granting an extension on certain requirements that previously would have hit a deadline of this Sunday, November 28.
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released an updated web-based training series on the Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment and coding of Section GG.
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CMS announced it is granting a two-year extension to a specific group of existing Time Limited Waivers (TLW).
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The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services has initiated the
Michigan Immunization Portal.
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The CDC Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) shared vaccination recommendations for the upcoming 2021/2022 influenza season.
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The Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) released
L-Letter 21-63 directing community transition service agencies to reach out to nursing facility residents who may be interested in learning more about home and community based services.
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On Monday October 18, the Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) released L-Letter 21-66, extending previous flexibilities related to the completion of existing...
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a web-based training course that provides an overview of the assessment and coding of Section O: O0100. Special Procedures, Treatments, and Programs.
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CMS is offering a web-based training course that provides an overview of the assessment and coding of K0200: Height and Weight and K0500: Nutritional Approaches.
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