The attached advance copy of the hospice sections of Chapter Two of the State Operations Manual includes revised interpretive guidance related to the revised Hospice CoPs that were effective December 2, 2008.
http://www.aahsa.org/article.aspx?id=10049
9/29/09
9/25/09
ProviderOne Resource Page
Required for all Wa. state nursing homes who receive Medicaid funding, effective Dec. 6, 2009. Don't delay...
http://www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/providerone/
http://www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/providerone/
White House expresses support for voluntary long-term care services insurance
Aging Services of Washington supports the CLASS Act:
http://www.mcknights.com/White-House-reiterates-support-for-CLASS-Act/article/149660/
http://www.mcknights.com/White-House-reiterates-support-for-CLASS-Act/article/149660/
H1N1 Flu Resource Webpage
H1N1 Flu Resources for Community Based Providers & Organizations
http://www.flu.gov/professional/community/cfboguidance.html#B5
http://www.flu.gov/professional/community/cfboguidance.html#B5
National Sex Offender Website
Housing authorities and projects may be asked by HUD to voluntarily adopt practices to aggressively pursue termination of assistance for lifetime sex offenders until such time as legislative changes could be passed to require such additions to existing policy. Further, the Office of Multifamily Housing stated in their response to an OIG audit that they believe owners currently have the authority to deny continued assistance and terminate tenancy based on lease provisions that cover terminations for criminal activity that threatens the health, safety, or right to peaceful enjoyment of the premises by other residents (including property management staff) etc.
For your reference, the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website can be accessed at www.nsopr.gov/ and contains useful click-throughs to public registry sites for all 50 states (plus Guam and Puerto Rico).
The electronic audit report (an interesting read) may be viewed directly at http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/oig/reports/files/ig0970001.pdf
For your reference, the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website can be accessed at www.nsopr.gov/ and contains useful click-throughs to public registry sites for all 50 states (plus Guam and Puerto Rico).
The electronic audit report (an interesting read) may be viewed directly at http://www.hud.gov/utilities/intercept.cfm?/offices/oig/reports/files/ig0970001.pdf
New MDS form for new & revoked users
Attached is a form for MDS Login accounts: “New User/Revoke User Account Request” form.
This is to add and revoke users for MDS, CASPER Reporting, and the MDS Final Validation Report link. https://www.qtso.com/download/User_Account_Request.pdf
This is to add and revoke users for MDS, CASPER Reporting, and the MDS Final Validation Report link. https://www.qtso.com/download/User_Account_Request.pdf
9/24/09
Delay granted for changes to HUD's rent and income policies & EIV usage
Another delay, this time through Jan. 31, 2010:
HUD announced in the August 28, 2009 Federal Register that implementation of the rule entitled "Refinement of Income and Rent Determination Requirements in Public and Assisted Housing Programs" (first published in the Federal Register on January 27, 2009), has been further delayed until January 31, 2010. Significant issues to be considered include comments requesting that HUD clarify the definition of annual income, questions concerning how the rule would affect participants that might have difficulty obtaining social security numbers for their children, and noted confusion regarding the use of HUD's EIV system.
Changes to the occupancy portions of the rule, including requirements to verify citizen/non-citizen status, that all family members must disclose a valid Social Security number, and new income calculations, originally scheduled to be effective on March 30, 2009, will now become effective on January 31, 2010.
For further details: http://www.aahsa.org/article.aspx?id=9923
HUD announced in the August 28, 2009 Federal Register that implementation of the rule entitled "Refinement of Income and Rent Determination Requirements in Public and Assisted Housing Programs" (first published in the Federal Register on January 27, 2009), has been further delayed until January 31, 2010. Significant issues to be considered include comments requesting that HUD clarify the definition of annual income, questions concerning how the rule would affect participants that might have difficulty obtaining social security numbers for their children, and noted confusion regarding the use of HUD's EIV system.
Changes to the occupancy portions of the rule, including requirements to verify citizen/non-citizen status, that all family members must disclose a valid Social Security number, and new income calculations, originally scheduled to be effective on March 30, 2009, will now become effective on January 31, 2010.
For further details: http://www.aahsa.org/article.aspx?id=9923
9/23/09
FBI background checks delay Wa. State licensing for certain health care professions
In response to the delays caused by national (FBI) fingerprint-based background checks, the Wa. State Dept. of Health has adopted emergency rules to allow the issuance of temporary practice permits to applicants for eligible secretary authority professions. The emergency rules were effective September 1, 2009.
These temporary practice permits are for out-of-state applicants for licenses and credentials. Affected professions include nursing assistants certified and registered, boarding home and adult family home caregivers now defined as home care aides as a result of I-1029, licensed health care assistants, registered and licensed practical nurses and nursing home administrators.
These temporary practice permits are for out-of-state applicants for licenses and credentials. Affected professions include nursing assistants certified and registered, boarding home and adult family home caregivers now defined as home care aides as a result of I-1029, licensed health care assistants, registered and licensed practical nurses and nursing home administrators.
Wa. State Boarding Home HIV/AIDS training requirements
The Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving (RFOC) that your caregivers are required to complete INCLUDES HIV TRAINING and no additional HIV training is required for those caregivers. The Dept. of Health and DSHS have agreed in writing that the '2-3 hours' spent within the RFOC on HIV issues is sufficient to meet DOH requirements.
Those who complete the RFOC WILL NOT BE GIVEN a separate document indicating completion of HIV training. The RFOC certificate is the only proof that is needed. If you have any trouble with this, contact me please.
Other boarding home staff who might come into contact with bodily fluids, etc., and who are not required to complete RFOC, must take '2-3 hours' of HIV training, just as was agreed to by the two depts. for the RFOC fulfillment. This fulfills WAC 388-112-02625. They are NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE 7 HOURS OF HIV TRAINING. These staff will need to receive a certificate of completion of their HIV training.
Nursing Assistants Certified and Registered meet the requirements for HIV training within their credentialing process, and are not subject to additional HIV training requirements. These people will also NOT HAVE and do not need a separate certificate of completion of HIV Training. Again, if you have any problems in this areas, please contact me.
Some of you have indicated you use the Dept. of Health's KNOW curriculum, which is fine and can be ordered online through the state. (https://fortress.wa.gov/prt/printwa/wsprt/default.asp - you'll need to set up a password). Just know that you do not need to use that exact curriculum, only that what you do use must be 'based on it'.
Those who complete the RFOC WILL NOT BE GIVEN a separate document indicating completion of HIV training. The RFOC certificate is the only proof that is needed. If you have any trouble with this, contact me please.
Other boarding home staff who might come into contact with bodily fluids, etc., and who are not required to complete RFOC, must take '2-3 hours' of HIV training, just as was agreed to by the two depts. for the RFOC fulfillment. This fulfills WAC 388-112-02625. They are NOT REQUIRED TO TAKE 7 HOURS OF HIV TRAINING. These staff will need to receive a certificate of completion of their HIV training.
Nursing Assistants Certified and Registered meet the requirements for HIV training within their credentialing process, and are not subject to additional HIV training requirements. These people will also NOT HAVE and do not need a separate certificate of completion of HIV Training. Again, if you have any problems in this areas, please contact me.
Some of you have indicated you use the Dept. of Health's KNOW curriculum, which is fine and can be ordered online through the state. (https://fortress.wa.gov/prt/printwa/wsprt/default.asp - you'll need to set up a password). Just know that you do not need to use that exact curriculum, only that what you do use must be 'based on it'.
Wa. State Dept. of L & I proposes rate increase
The Dept. recently announced plans to increase Worker's Compensation premiums by 7.6 %-9.3% for 2010, citing rising costs. Public hearings will be held on this proposal during the fall. The rate increase will likely be imposed beginning Dec. 1, 2009. While the rate increase is coming at a time of severe economic distress for most businesses, it is far less than the double digit increase being discussed by the Dept. in late spring of this year.
Over the past 10 years L&I rates have increased a total of 53 percent.
Over the past 10 years L&I rates have increased a total of 53 percent.
Wa. Adult Day Health Services Restored
Residents of Boarding Homes & Adult Family Homes should be receiving a reinstatement letter from DSHS/ADSA soon. People do not need to wait for case management approval to attend adult day health ~ They simply need to contact their Adult Day Health provider to return; Medicaid transportation will be provided.
Are you SURE that you are meeting the requirements of Fair Housing with your policies for pets, assistive devices, etc?
You might be surprised at the applications of these policies for retirement communities and CCRCs.
You might be surprised at some of the new interpretations and findings!
Register today for our webinar via GoTo Meeting, to be held Tuesday, Sept 29 from 1:30-3:00 pm : http://agingwa.org/documents/Take-awayTools-RobinDale.pdf
You might be surprised at some of the new interpretations and findings!
Register today for our webinar via GoTo Meeting, to be held Tuesday, Sept 29 from 1:30-3:00 pm : http://agingwa.org/documents/Take-awayTools-RobinDale.pdf
Medical and assistive devices guidance from ADSA
Important for survey & licensing inspections:
A Dear Nursing Home and Boarding Home Administrator letter was recently issued regarding the usage of medical and assistive devices. It is important to continually assess, inform and monitor the usage of these devices on behalf of your residents.
http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/letters/BH/2009/
A Dear Nursing Home and Boarding Home Administrator letter was recently issued regarding the usage of medical and assistive devices. It is important to continually assess, inform and monitor the usage of these devices on behalf of your residents.
http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/Professional/letters/BH/2009/
NEW CMS Guidance - Nursing Home Infection Control
Infection Control Survey Guidelines:
CMS has recently issued revisions to interpretive guidance at F Tag 441 concerning infection control.
Highlights of this guidance:
There is no change to the regulatory language.
F Tags 442, 443, 444, 445 are deleted and the regulatory language and guidance have been moved to F Tag 441.
The effective date of the changes is September 30, 2009.
Dear NH Administrator Letter & Attachment to CDC notice: http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/letters/nh/2009/09-015.htm
CMS has recently issued revisions to interpretive guidance at F Tag 441 concerning infection control.
Highlights of this guidance:
There is no change to the regulatory language.
F Tags 442, 443, 444, 445 are deleted and the regulatory language and guidance have been moved to F Tag 441.
The effective date of the changes is September 30, 2009.
Dear NH Administrator Letter & Attachment to CDC notice: http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/letters/nh/2009/09-015.htm
Flu & Pneumonia Shot Reminders
A reminder from ADSA for Boarding Home and Nursing Home Administrators & Home and Community Services Providers now that flu season is almost upon us:
Nursing homes must meet federal and state requirements related to flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Boarding homes & Home and Community Based Service providers should take every precaution for staff and residents.
You may access information on Medicare coverage and reimbursement rules for the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine and for seasonal flu coverage and reimbursement at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0920.pdf
http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/letters/nh/2009/09-014.htm
Nursing homes must meet federal and state requirements related to flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Boarding homes & Home and Community Based Service providers should take every precaution for staff and residents.
You may access information on Medicare coverage and reimbursement rules for the H1N1 (swine flu) vaccine and for seasonal flu coverage and reimbursement at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/SE0920.pdf
http://www.aasa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/letters/nh/2009/09-014.htm
9/21/09
HIPAA and the stimulus package
The provisions of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) required the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide regulations related to the notification of breaches of unsecured protected health information. On August 24, 2009, HHS released the “Breach Notification for Unsecured Protected Health Information; Interim Final Rule.” These interim final regulations require covered entities as defined under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) contact its participants in the event their unsecured protected health information (PHI) is breached. Generally unsecured PHI means PHI that is not rendered unusable, unreadable, or indecipherable to unauthorized individuals through the use of a technology or a methodology approved by HHS.
See the link here for more information: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/coveredentities/breachnotificationifr.html
See the link here for more information: http://www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/coveredentities/breachnotificationifr.html
Employers responsible for training on Personal Protective Equipment to each and every employee
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently revised several of their rules to clarify the fact that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for employees, along with training on PPE, is to be provided to each and every employee. The department (WISHA) made the same changes to their rules in order to remain as effective as OSHA as mandated by statute.
These changes make clear that the employer is to provide the necessary PPE and training to every employee. The changes were adopted 7/21/2009 and became effective on 9/1/2009.
Here's an easy to read list of employer responsibilities as posted on the Dept. of Labor & Industries web site:
http://lni.wa.gov/wisha/rules/corerules/HTML/296-800-160.htm
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has recently revised several of their rules to clarify the fact that Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for employees, along with training on PPE, is to be provided to each and every employee. The department (WISHA) made the same changes to their rules in order to remain as effective as OSHA as mandated by statute.
These changes make clear that the employer is to provide the necessary PPE and training to every employee. The changes were adopted 7/21/2009 and became effective on 9/1/2009.
Here's an easy to read list of employer responsibilities as posted on the Dept. of Labor & Industries web site:
http://lni.wa.gov/wisha/rules/corerules/HTML/296-800-160.htm
Preparing for Pandemic Flu - Audio Conference
Register today for this important audio conference: http://www.agingwa.org/documents/PandemicFluPreparation10_29.pdf
Sign up today for this educational session!
Audio Conference Training: * Get a Grip on ‘GEN Y’! How to Successfully Recruit & Retain Our Next Generation of Professionals* Tuesday, October 27th
Audio Conference Training: Hoarding Behaviors
Sign up today! * Hoarding: When Collecting Goes Bad * Thursday, October 1st. 1:30 pm
Senior Housing Design and senior community tours
Interested in the Design of Senior Housing Communities?
The Seattle AIA Design for Aging Committee has scheduled two more up-coming post-occupancy evaluation visits of exemplary senior living facilities. As an educational opportunity for our group, we are arranging visits and preparing a document of greater Seattle area senior living communities to highlight Best Practices in senior housing and lessons learned.
Please email me if you would like to participate in one of the following
visits:
September 30th The Bellettini, Bellevue by Wattenbarger Architects.
October 9th Fairwinds, Redmond by Wattenbarger Architects.
The Bellettini is an upscale, downtown Bellevue community. This is a Leisure Care Community based on a hospitality model of living environment. Leisure Care's philosophy is that their residents have worked hard and now have the chance to explore the rewards of life and the time to consider what is most enriching and meaningful to them.
Fairwinds is a Leisure Care Fairwinds is a suburban community in contrast to The Bellettini. The philosophy of enjoying the rewards of life is also a theme at Fairwinds.
The visit day involves the following:
1. A tour of the facility.
2. Lunch at the facility.
3. Discussions with the manager, program director, support staff, and residents to discuss design and use of facility.
4. Writing up your notes.
All are welcome. If you would like to participate, please email me.
Warm Regards,
Valerie Thiel,AIA,LEED
valthiel@netzero.com
206-694-3441 c
The Seattle AIA Design for Aging Committee has scheduled two more up-coming post-occupancy evaluation visits of exemplary senior living facilities. As an educational opportunity for our group, we are arranging visits and preparing a document of greater Seattle area senior living communities to highlight Best Practices in senior housing and lessons learned.
Please email me if you would like to participate in one of the following
visits:
September 30th The Bellettini, Bellevue by Wattenbarger Architects.
October 9th Fairwinds, Redmond by Wattenbarger Architects.
The Bellettini is an upscale, downtown Bellevue community. This is a Leisure Care Community based on a hospitality model of living environment. Leisure Care's philosophy is that their residents have worked hard and now have the chance to explore the rewards of life and the time to consider what is most enriching and meaningful to them.
Fairwinds is a Leisure Care Fairwinds is a suburban community in contrast to The Bellettini. The philosophy of enjoying the rewards of life is also a theme at Fairwinds.
The visit day involves the following:
1. A tour of the facility.
2. Lunch at the facility.
3. Discussions with the manager, program director, support staff, and residents to discuss design and use of facility.
4. Writing up your notes.
All are welcome. If you would like to participate, please email me.
Warm Regards,
Valerie Thiel,AIA,LEED
valthiel@netzero.com
206-694-3441 c
HUD unveils redesign of their web site
http://portal.hud.gov/portal/page/portal/HUD/
The multifamily housing web page remains as is: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/hsgmulti.cfm
The multifamily housing web page remains as is: http://www.hud.gov/offices/hsg/hsgmulti.cfm
Stimulus Funding Used to Fill HUD Rental Subsidy Gaps Will Trigger New Reporting Requirements for Some
Because the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) used approximately $2 billion from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA or "stimulus") to fill payment gaps for a number of rental assistance contracts and to effectuate full 12-month contract renewals for others, some 5,000 properties will have to report at least once, and others quarterly for the year -- or until their portion of the ARRA funds are expended. HUD will issue reporting details and provide guidance for answering questions on www.federalreporting.gov. The first quarterly reports must be submitted online between Oct. 1-10. All owners reporting on ARRA funds or renewing HUD subsidy contracts in the future will be required to use a Data Universal Numbering System (DUNS) number. To access your number, visit http://www.hud.gov/grants/index.cfm
Payment update included in Senate draft health care reform legislation
Your outreach to legislators on the fiscal 2010 Medicare payment update made a difference. The Senate Finance Committee’s draft health care reform measure allows for the full payment update next year for skilled nursing facilities, home health care and hospice providers. The bill also implements one of our long-standing objectives: a better accounting under Medicare for the resources nursing homes commit to nurse staffing. The Finance Committee’s proposal will be merged with the health care reform draft that the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee issued earlier in the summer. We must keep reminding legislators that final health care reform legislation must include the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) provisions for a new system of financing the services you provide.
Senate Passes Fiscal 2010 Housing Appropriations
The Senate completed its work on the fiscal 2010 HUD appropriations bill, leaving intact senior housing appropriations and administrative provisions adopted in Committee. For the Section 202 program, the Senate provided $785 million, $20 million more than last year’s appropriation. For capital advances and new PRAC amounts and PRAC renewals, $542 million will be available. Like the House, the committee made $90 million available for service coordinators, $25 million will be available for the Assisted Living Conversion Program and emergency capital repairs, and $20 million will be provided for pre-development grants. The House adopted its appropriation bill prior to the summer recess.
MDS Coding and & the H1N1 vaccine
When coding the MDS during the upcoming flu season, nursing facilities should code only for the "seasonal influenza vaccine," not for the "H1N1 influenza vaccine." Nursing facilities should follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for H1N1 influenza.
50th Anniversary of HUD 202 program celebrated
On Sept. 16, AAHSA housing staff attended a celebration to mark the 50th anniversary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 202 program. The celebration was broadcast to HUD field offices nationwide and featured film that highlighted AAHSA member Eliza Bryant Village among others and gave special recognition to current and past HUD staff involved with the program. HUD will release an extended version of the video and a range of materials to help others plan celebrations of the program and highlight the importance of the section 202 program in their communities
OSHA to target Nursing Homes
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) will inspect 300 nursing facilities and personal care facilities nationwide for the 2009 Site Specific Targeting (SST) program. Facilities in SIC Code 805 having a "Days Away, Restricted or Transferred" (DART) rate for 2008 at or above 17.0 or a "Days Away From Work Injury Illness" (DAFWII) case rate for 2008 at or above 14.0, will be inspected. Facilities with a DART or DAFWII rates may be inspected if the primary list is completed before expiration of the 2009 SST program after one year. The inspections will focus on ergonomic stressors, exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials, exposure to tuberculosis and slips, trips and falls. The scope inspection’s scope may be expanded if additional hazards come to inspector’s attention.
New HUD Form 92006
HUD issues instructions and new Form 92006 to be used for all new tenants:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/notices/hsg/files/09-13h-09-36p.doc
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/notices/hsg/files/09-13h-09-36p.doc
9/3/09
2009 Fall Leadership Conference
Explore issues of personal and professional growth in a challenging economic environment. Understand elements of a comprehensive approach to develop healthy, learning teams in your organization. Focus on practical skills and processes that can be shared with colleagues in the workplace. Relax, renew, refresh, network and grow.
More details and registration:
http://agingwa.org/documents/FallRegistration9_3.pdf
More details and registration:
http://agingwa.org/documents/FallRegistration9_3.pdf
The latest news from the federal front: AAHSA
Home & Community Based Services
http://aahsa.org/tag-single.aspx?id=920
http://aahsa.org/tag-single.aspx?id=920
The latest news from the federal front: AAHSA
The August Nursing Home Regulatory Report http://aahsa.org/article.aspx?id=9921
Boarding Home Rates Workgroup Formed
In response to legislation passed during the 2009 session, DSHS/ADSA has convened a boarding home stakeholder workgroup and is hosting a series of meetings related to the Medicaid rates paid to contracted boarding homes. A committed group of volunteers from the Aging Services Assisted Living committee is participating in these monthly meetings with our staff. The workgroup is scheduled to wrap up its work by the end of the year.
For further details, contact Paul or Julie at Aging Services of Washington.
For further details, contact Paul or Julie at Aging Services of Washington.
Caregiver Training Revisions
With the coming implementation of I-1029 and resulting changes in training requirements for boarding home (assisted living) and nursing home caregivers, DSHS/ADSA is reviewing the existing 'learning outcomes' of the current Revised Fundamentals of Caregiving curriculum for necessary amendments.
Aging Services is participating in this effort and will continue to keep its members apprised of any changes and their potential impacts. For more information, contact Aging Services of Washington.
Aging Services is participating in this effort and will continue to keep its members apprised of any changes and their potential impacts. For more information, contact Aging Services of Washington.
Nursing Home Rules Being Amended
Aging Services is involved in current rulemaking as DSHS/ADSA seeks to amend the nursing home licensing WACs.
According to a recent Dear Administrator letter, the purpose of amending these rules is to consider making editorial and clarifying changes, and to make it consistent with current laws and standards.
For further details, contact Aging Services of Washington.
According to a recent Dear Administrator letter, the purpose of amending these rules is to consider making editorial and clarifying changes, and to make it consistent with current laws and standards.
For further details, contact Aging Services of Washington.
Boarding Home Rules Being Amended
Aging Services is involved in current rulemaking as DSHS/ADSA seeks to amend the boarding home licensing and Medicaid contracting WACs.
According to a recent Dear Administrator letter, changes to contracting WACs are: to clarify boarding home physical requirements for contracted assisted living services; to include kitchen sink requirements in resident units that were inadvertently omitted during a previous rulemaking; and to clarify rule language and delete unnecessary or redundant language
Changes to licensing WACs are to consider making editorial and clarifying changes, and to make them consistent with current laws and standards.
For details, contact Aging Services of Washington.
According to a recent Dear Administrator letter, changes to contracting WACs are: to clarify boarding home physical requirements for contracted assisted living services; to include kitchen sink requirements in resident units that were inadvertently omitted during a previous rulemaking; and to clarify rule language and delete unnecessary or redundant language
Changes to licensing WACs are to consider making editorial and clarifying changes, and to make them consistent with current laws and standards.
For details, contact Aging Services of Washington.
9/2/09
Wa. State Senior Citizen's Foundation hosts annual conference
October 30, 2009
Held at the Doubletree Hotel in Seatac, 18740 International Blvd. from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration ($35) includes lunch and parking. Event details posted at www.waseniorlobby.org. Info at (360) 754-0207 or info@waseniorlobby.org.
Held at the Doubletree Hotel in Seatac, 18740 International Blvd. from 9 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration ($35) includes lunch and parking. Event details posted at www.waseniorlobby.org. Info at (360) 754-0207 or info@waseniorlobby.org.
Seniors, visit the Life Manor Senior Health Fair on October 17th!
Oct 17 – Life Manor Senior Health Fair:Life Manor Retirement Community is hosting its 2nd Annual Senior Health Fair on October 17th from 10am-2pm. This event is free for the public! Come get your flu shot, your blood pressure and balance checked, clean hearing aids, win raffle prizes and listen to our speakers on resources in the community for seniors.
Life Manor is located at 1601 South Union Ave in Tacoma. If you have any questions please contact Sarah Sommerman at sarahhs@villageconcepts.com or 253-779-3803.
Life Manor is located at 1601 South Union Ave in Tacoma. If you have any questions please contact Sarah Sommerman at sarahhs@villageconcepts.com or 253-779-3803.
Healthier Aging in Washington conference, October 15, 2009
Co-sponsored by the Wa. State Departments of Health and Social and Health Services, this event will highlight evidence based program strategies, partnerships and successes. The program includes an overview of statewide accomplishments towards healthy aging programs as well as a panel of Area Agency on Aging and community based providers for the Chronic Disease Self Management Program (CDSMP). Held 8 a.m. – 4 p.m. at the Holiday Inn at SeaTac.
Register at: www.peopleware.net/2697 and choose the conference. The conference is limited to the first 150 who respond; there will be no registration at the door.
Register at: www.peopleware.net/2697 and choose the conference. The conference is limited to the first 150 who respond; there will be no registration at the door.
Falls Prevention Day Celebrated on Sept. 17, 2009
Sept 17 – Falls Prevention Day national resources available at http://www.healthyagingprograms.org/content.asp?sectionid=149
Do your part to help prevent our senior citizens from experiencing the injuries which can occur from falls.
Do your part to help prevent our senior citizens from experiencing the injuries which can occur from falls.
Aging Services' member Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community honored
Named Best Retirement Facility in the South (Puget) Sound & Best Place to Work by South Sound Magazine!
Congratulations are in order. Tacoma Lutheran is located at 1301 N. Highlands Parkway, Tacoma. More at www.tacomalutheran.org.
Congratulations are in order. Tacoma Lutheran is located at 1301 N. Highlands Parkway, Tacoma. More at www.tacomalutheran.org.
Home Health modified payment system recommended by MedPAC
“This recommendation charges the Secretary with developing additional changes to home health payments to safeguard beneficiary care. The Commission believes that two types of safeguards need to be developed: financial safeguards that can be proposed concurrently with the rebasing recommended for 2011, and quality of care safeguards that can be implemented as soon as practicable.
Financial safeguards, such as profit and loss corridors, should be proposed concurrently when the rebasing is implemented in 2011. These financial safeguards would help to mitigate any adverse effects of the across-the-board reductions in Recommendations 2E-1 and 2E-2 by redistributing payments based on agency losses and profits. In addition, the Secretary should study possible refinements to PPS, such as altering the length of the episode and refinements to better account for patient characteristics related to chronic conditions. The results of the Secretary’s analysis would be financial safeguards that can be proposed in 2011, concurrently with the rebasing.
Financial safeguards, such as profit and loss corridors, should be proposed concurrently when the rebasing is implemented in 2011. These financial safeguards would help to mitigate any adverse effects of the across-the-board reductions in Recommendations 2E-1 and 2E-2 by redistributing payments based on agency losses and profits. In addition, the Secretary should study possible refinements to PPS, such as altering the length of the episode and refinements to better account for patient characteristics related to chronic conditions. The results of the Secretary’s analysis would be financial safeguards that can be proposed in 2011, concurrently with the rebasing.
HUD Section 811 NOFA published
Section 811 is out too – and available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa09/grpsec811.cfm .
Applications are due November 16, must be made via Grants.gov, and comprise $90.6 million in funding.
Applications are due November 16, must be made via Grants.gov, and comprise $90.6 million in funding.
HUD Section 202 NOFA now available
Go to http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa09/grpsec202e.cfm for all the related materials.
This NOFA contains approximately $420.9 million in capital advance funds, plus project rental assistance contract (PRAC) funds for an initial term of 3 years. Applications are due by November 13.
In a reversal of early expectations, the NOFA finally resolves the pending question of method of application: applications for the FY2009 Section 202 program must be submitted using the online systems.
This NOFA contains approximately $420.9 million in capital advance funds, plus project rental assistance contract (PRAC) funds for an initial term of 3 years. Applications are due by November 13.
In a reversal of early expectations, the NOFA finally resolves the pending question of method of application: applications for the FY2009 Section 202 program must be submitted using the online systems.
HUD Senior Housing Grants now available
HUD's Assisted Living Conversion Program, offering $20 million for conversions of physical spaces to facilitate the delivery of assisted living services in existing HUD housing, is posted at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa09/grpalcp.cfm
The Service Coordinator program funding announcement, also offering $20 million for new service coordinator grants, is available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa09/grpscmh.cfm .
Applications for both of these programs are due on November 5, and require electronic applications on Grants.gov.
The Service Coordinator program funding announcement, also offering $20 million for new service coordinator grants, is available at http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/grants/nofa09/grpscmh.cfm .
Applications for both of these programs are due on November 5, and require electronic applications on Grants.gov.
MDS: Building Blocks for Success
MDS Training offered free, Oct. 28 & 29, 2009. Click here for details: http://www.adsa.dshs.wa.gov/professional/MDS/training.htm
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
