4350.3 now in searchable .pdf format

Great news if you haven't seen this yet: HUD has put the complete 4350.5 handbook online in an easy to use and search format. Try it!

Website for conducting sex offender background checks

Although this Federal Notice was issued directly to HUD Housing Providers, the website link below is an excellent resource for all senior care providers:

Notice H 2009-11 - State Lifetime Sex Offender Registration, issued on September 9, 2009, directs owners and management agents to perform necessary criminal history background checks determining if an applicant, or a member of an applicant‟s household, is subject to a lifetime registration requirement under a State sex offender registration program.

HUD O/As and PHAs should verify the information provided by the applicant by searching the Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Database. The Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Database is an online, searchable database, hosted by the Department of Justice, which combines the data from individual state sex offender registries. The website for the database is located at: http://www.nsopw.gov/.

Dec. 15 - deadline to begin offering HUD Form 92006

Housing Notice & Attached HUD Form 92006 on ALL APPLICATIONS:
http://www.hud.gov/offices/adm/hudclips/notices/hsg/files/09-13h-09-36p.doc

Although it is not required, O/As and PHAs should provide tenants who were not provided the opportunity to provide contact information at the time of application and admission, the option to complete form HUD-92006 and provide contact information at the time of their next annual reexamination/recertification.

Comments submitted on HUD's Strategic Plan 2010-2015

House passes Red Flags Rule exemption for small businesses

On Oct. 22, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed H.R.3763, a bill that would exempt a health care practice with 20 or fewer employees from the requirements of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) “Red Flags” rule on identity theft.

In addition, the bill would allow any business, regardless of size, to obtain an exemption from the rule if the FTC determines that the business knows its customers or clients individually, only performs services in or around the residences of its customers or has not experienced incidents of identity theft and is part of an industry that rarely experiences identity theft.

The Red Flags Rule, which is now delayed (again) until June 1, 2010, is an anti-fraud regulation, requiring “creditors” with covered accounts to implement programs to identify, detect, and respond to the warning signs, or “red flags,” that could indicate identity theft.

The FTC notes that although many covered entities have already developed and implemented appropriate, risk-based programs, some – particularly small businesses and entities with a low risk of identity theft, such as aging services providers – remain uncertain about their obligations.

The House bill was introduced by John Herbert Adler (D-N.J.), Paul Collins Broun, Jr. (R-Ga.), and Mike Simpson (R-Idaho). It now moves to the Senate.

Intergenerational affordable housing project wins $50,000 award

The Marvin is a unique intergenerational facility that provides 52 seniors with affordable, interactive housing while offering three- and four-year olds early childhood education at The Marvin Children’s Center in Columbia, MD. A presence in the community for 12 years, The Marvin provides enriched services for the frail, but also offers a basic level of congregate housing services appropriate for seniors who may need only occasional help. Outdoor gardens are maintained by residents, and enhance the attractive setting of this property, an adaptive-reuse of a 19th Century school building.

http://www.aahsa.org/article.aspx?id=10554

Comments made to HUD for senior housing improvements

Aging Services of Washington and its parent organization, the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, has submitted comments on the Administration's Choice Neighborhoods Initiative proposal encouraging a greater focus on making the new program work for senior housing and services. The new program will replace the HUD HOPE VI program, which funded the redevelopment of public housing.

See the title link above for our comments.

Online Living Will Registry - Register by January!

Did you know that Washington is one of the few states in the nation to offer an online registry for living wills and advance directives? Registering these documents online will allow health care providers quick and easy access to end of life wishes. The security of the electronic data has been an important piece of the work done by the Department of Health in implementing enabling legislation from the 2008 session.

The registry is subject to state budget cuts in the 2010 legislative session; the Washington State Medical Association is encouraging residents to register their documents by January 2010 to show support for the program. Please go to http://www.doh.wa.gov/livingwill/ for more information and instructions on how to register.

Elderly Voting in Long Term Care Facilities

Kitsap County is one of 7 localities studied by the Government Accountability Office over the past 12 months on efforts by election officials to facilitate voting by long term care facility residents. The report is available below, and was conducted at the request of Congress.

The 1-page highlight:
http://www.gao.gov/highlights/d106high.pdf
The full report:
http://www.gao.gov/new.items/d106.pdf

2 new technology applications for elders

Digital Tools Help Prevent Falls: Besides causing serious injury and even death, falls among the elderly can also be expensive – costing up to $75 billion a year in the United States. For a tiny fraction of that cost, researchers at the Oregon Center for Aging are using digital tools to determine an older person’s risk of falling so they can design interventions to prevent those falls from occurring. The center is sponsored by Oregon Health and Science University, a Center for Aging Services Technology member, and Intel, a CAST sponsor. Read the full article: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/08/business/08unboxed.html?_r=1



Intel Introduces Portable Text Reader for Visually Impaired: Intel’s new Text Reader uses a camera and text-to-speech software to help people with visual impairments read a variety of materials. Users point the device at the reading material and take a picture. The device can then either read the material aloud or let users magnify the text so they can read it themselves. The new device, which can also play talking books, comes from Intel’s Digital Health Group, a CAST member. Watch this great video: http://www.intel.com/healthcare/reader/video.htm

Paul Opgrande, President and CEO, Tacoma Lutheran Retirement Community

Aging Services' member Paul Opgrande has been honored by AAHSA and appointed to the 2010 Nominations Committee.

The AAHSA Nominations Committee is responsible for proposing a slate of 'Strategically Appointed Board Members', whose appointment would increase the diversity of the Board. Diversity means expertise in areas such as public policy, business or any other area that may be underrepresented on the Board. Diversity also means helping AAHSA achieve its goal of "significant participation of minorities and women on the Board of Directors.”

Mr. Opgrande has been a leader within Aging Services of Washington and AAHSA for many years, and we are pleased to congratulate him.

State budget forecast grim

Washington's revenue collection forecast is down another $760 million, pushing the state's budget deficit to $2.7 billion through June, 2011. The official November update to the revenue forecast was provided to Gov. Gregoire, who will then write an updated state budget. Governor Gregoire will release her Supplemental Operating Budget proposal in December, perhaps as early as December 7 or 8.

Congratulations are in order!

Congratulations to Glen Pierce (far right) and staff on the Grand Opening of their new HUD Housing community, Lilac Plaza in Spokane.

HUD seeks feedback

HUD Deputy Secretary Ron Sims announces the following: "With great pleasure, I’d like to tap your expertise and to invite you to provide your input on the development of HUD’s fiscal year 2010-2015 Strategic Plan. The Plan will shape the future vision and mission of our Department over the next several years."

"... another channel that will allow our external stakeholders and partners an opportunity to contribute real-time feedback to improve our Department. Stakeholders can submit ideas through an interactive website called HUD Ideas In Action. I hope you will take a few moments and share your thoughts and ideas with us.

As a partner, you have proven to be one of the best sources of input for ideas to transform the way HUD does business. This is another great opportunity for all of us to contribute insights about what we think works well and what can be improved, and it will be an incredible resource for our partners to share their ideas as well.

Free Pressure Ulcer Guides Available

International Pressure Ulcer Prevention and Treatment Quick Reference Guides are available at no cost on the National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) Web site. The guidelines, developed by the NPUAP, in collaboration with the European Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (EPUAP), provide specific recommendations regarding many aspects of pressure ulcer prevention and treatment as well as research supporting each recommendation. To access the Quick Reference Guides, use the following link: http://npuap.org/resources.htm.

CMS' Advancing Excellence campaign

has lined up two new areas for Nursing Home improvements in 2010: Staff Satisfaction and Advance Care Planning, Goals 6 & 7 from the original scope of work to be completed by the QIOs.

EIV Mandatory - Jan 2010

Remember to apply for your user and/or coordinator access number prior to December 15, 2010. Instructions can be found at the link above.

CMS Issues 2010 Therapy Cap Values

Therapy caps for 2010 will be $1860. See title link above for further details.

New Guide for Dementia Care in Home Settings

Click on the title link above to read the report, issued by the Alzheimer's Association.

Personal & Home Care Aide Wage Report

The Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI) PolicyWorks released a July 2009 updated state chart book on wages from personal and home care aides, 1999-2008. The chart book tracks wages in all 50 states and the District of Columbia for the period 1999-2008. It shows that nationally, the median real wage (adjusted for inflation) for personal and home care aides decreased by 3 percent over 9 years, from $7.50 to $7.31.

The report and state-by-state data can be found in the title link above.

Adult Day Services and the VA

The Veterans Administration (VA) is initiating demonstration programs for “patient-centered alternatives to institutional extended care.” While the program funding will go to VA facilities, these facilities may contract with outside organizations to provide the services. Adult day services programs with a significant number of veterans are encouraged to contact the VA medical center in their area and suggest they apply for these funds. The VA will be seeking innovative clinical demonstration pilots that hold promise for efficacy, sustained success, and subsequent dissemination. It is also looking for pilots that are integrated and coordinated with other initiatives, such as patient-centered medical home (PCMH). VA facilities must submit their applications by Dec. 7. .

Health Care Reform advocacy urged in the Senate

Senior supports are urged in correspondance with Senators considering Health Care Reform. The CLASS Act provisions, medicare home health and nursing home payment updates, and Home and Community Based Services funding are all at risk. A Contract Congress letter is linked above.

Dear DNS & NH Administrator letter posted on QAN Survey

In February of 2009, Residential Care Services (RCS) sought your feedback through a short survey that was developed to assess the Quality Assurance Nurse (QAN) protocols. Specifically, RCS was looking at what happens to the protocol information that is shared by the QAN, and the perceived benefits or limitations of the information transfer that occurs. Your input was sought in order to give RCS vital first-hand knowledge about this unique program, how well it is working, and its value to you and your residents. Based on feedback obtained from customers like you, RCS is planning to update and/or revise the QAN protocols in 2010.

The letter, linked in the title above, includes the summary results.

Dear BH & NH Administrator letter on Green River flooding

DSHS informs boarding homes and nursing homes that the following zip codes need to be prepared for the impact of a possible flood disaster in the Green River Valley: 98001, 98002, 98055,98030, 98031, 98032, 98057, 98092, and 98188.

A variety of resources, as well as specific recommendations for planning, are outlined in the letter.

Asian Pacific Islanders and Medicare Part D assistance

Free assistance with Medicare Part D plans are available through the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging. Clink the title link above for toll-free numbers and assistance in many Asian Pacific languages.

OCAFs published for 2010

Listed by state.

REAC inspection process changes for elevators

Click on the title link above to read an important notice from HUD on new inspection protocol for REAC inspections of elevator equipment rooms. The effective date of the new protocol is January 4, 2010.

Caregiver Training rule-making underway

Aging Services of Washington is participating in the Dept. of Health's rule making work to implement the certification requirements for boarding and adult family home caregivers, or home care aides, per Initiative 1029 and session law as passed by the legislature in 2009. We have submitted amendments to both rule drafts to date, particularly in the area of ensuring caregivers hired PRIOR to January 1, 2011 do not have to COMPLETE their training prior to that date but are only subject to the existing requirements as of December 31, 2010.

DSHS is also in the rule-making stage of implementing the initiative, with their role as detailing the content and learning outcomes.

Credit enhancements and energy efficiency finance programs

The Wa. State Housing Finance Commission has applied for money for credit enhancements to assist with a recent legislative mandate to create a new energy efficiency finance program.  Aging Services supported their grant proposal.  The Commission would partner with an energy services company to allow for the financing of energy efficient retrofits and new construction projects with energy saving elements in multifamily housing, including senior housing.

Senate now works on Health Care Reform Bill

Key Aging Services' provisions are important...click the title link to read AAHSA's message and a request for your help in a message to your Senators.

Northaven honored

Northaven Inc. has been awarded a Business Excellence Award from the Northgate Chamber of Commerce.  They were honored  at the Business Excellence Awards dinner on Wednesday, October 28 at the Hotel Nexus. Northaven received the award for the Not-For-Profit category. Receiving this award reflects Northaven’s solid business practices, active and effective Boards of Directors, and demonstrated service to the Community.

Congratulations!

Interesting article on poverty levels among senior citizens

The poverty rate among people aged 65 and older fell from 25.0% in 1968 to 9.7% in 2008.  Growth in real wages—and in the Social Security and pensions based on wages—contributed to the decline in the percentage of older Americans living in poverty; however, because the poverty threshold is indexed to rising prices, the poverty line has fallen relative to median income.  Click on the title link to read the Congressional Research Service article of Nov. 4 2009.

Market survey of long term care costs released

The full report, with state by state data about services and average costs, is available here:
http://www.metlife.com/assets/cao/mmi/publications/studies/mmi-market-survey-nursing-home-assisted-living.pdf

Included in the report are home care, adult day services, assisted living and nursing home rate averages.

New senior housing community opens in Spokane

Mark your calendar for the Lilac Terrace Grand Opening!
Introducing Lilac Terrace, adjacent to Lilac Plaza Retirement Community, both sponsored by Spokane Baptist Association. The newest and most innovative, affordable Senior Community in the Inland Northwest.  Congratulations to Glen Pierce and the entire staff for a job well done!

Place: 7015 N. Wiscomb
Date: November 19th, 2009
Time: 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Deficiency-Free Boarding Home Inspection

Congratulations to Paula "Tommy" Tomlinson and staff at Legacy House for a perfect licensing inspection.

NEW RN and LPN requirements coming soon

The Department of Health is in the beginning stages of rule-making to make mandatory continuing competency requirements for RNs and LPNs.  It is expected that the new rules will take effect in mid-2010.
The Nursing Commission has been discussing this issue for the last few years, and undertaken much study of other programs across the country. 

While we will be working with the DOH and participating in the rule-making process, it is expected that some of the requirements will include the provision of documentation that demonstrates continuing competency addressing active nursing practice, and completion of continuing education including compliance with required educational focus areas idenfied by the NCQAC.

Part of this program is for the nurse to complete a self assessment in two major areas: professional responsibility, knowledge based practice, and legal and ethical practice.

This will be an agenda item for the Nursing Forum in November. Stay tuned for more details.

New Member Service - census surveys

At the request of the Marketing Forum, Aging Services will now be distributing a (short, online) monthly census/marketing survey to all members.  The survey is of course voluntary, and information will only be shared among those members participating.  It's a great way to help understand how the market is doing around you, who you might be able to refer a resident to if you cannot meet their needs, etc.  If you are interested and want to be sure to receive announcements of the survey, email jpeterson@agingwa.org.
    

DSHS proposes significant bed licensing fees in 2010

The DSHS' Aging and Disability Services Administration's 2010 supplement budget will include a request to increase license fees in nursing homes, boarding homes and adult family homes. Under the proposal, the nursing home license fee would increase to $329/bed (from $275) and the boarding home fee would increase to $114/bed (from $79).  DSHS has been asked by the Governor to produce a 2% savings in expenditures of state funds; of that ADSA's target is approximately $100 M in reductions.  Other areas included are a phased reduction in adult day health services through client attrition, and a delay in the new caregiver training and certification requirements as a result of Initiative 1029.

The department's proposal will be considered by the Governor as she prepares her budget proposal, due in December 2009.

Aging Services Participates in Senior Lobby Conference

The Washington State Senior Citizen's Foundation held its Annual Conference Oct. 31, with Governor Gregoire kicking off the event.  Aging Services of Washington was present, representing its members and their services to over 350 attendees.  The Washington State Senior Citizens’ Lobby formed in 1977 as a volunteer, non-profit advocacy organization for seniors.  Aging Services is a member of its Board of Directors.

Important vote this week on long-term care services

This week, we expect the U.S. House of Representatives to vote on the Affordable Health Care for America Act (H.R. 3962), which includes the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) plan for financing long-term services and supports. Very few amendments will be permitted, so we are confident that the CLASS provisions will remain in the measure through House passage. We now are working for a similar outcome in the Senate, where we also hope to improve other sections of the bill applicable to providers of long-term services and supports.

Senior Housing and Transit-Oriented Developments

Boosters of transit-oriented housing should be mindful of the need to preserve—and carve out—affordable housing options for low-income seniors and other individuals, advocates said at a recent forum. More information can be found by clicking on the link above.

HUD website re-designed

Fair Market Rents set

New Fair Market Rents are available online, and became effective October 1, 2009.

PBCA contracts to be re-bid under new HUD standards

HUD is seeking comments on an Operational Framework Powerpoint presentation (click on link above), which they are planning to use for the issuance of all Performance Based Contract Administrators, effective January 2011.  All contracts will be re-bid using this new system during 2010.

Tax Credit Workshop

AAHSA, NAHMA, and NAA Offering a Tax Credit Compliance Webinar: (Flyer attached)
Specialist in Housing Credit Management (SHCM) Webinar on "Key Housing Credit Compliance Issues" on Tuesday, Nov. 17, at 2 p.m. Eastern with Grace Robertson, IRS Housing Credit Compliance Specialist.

RED Flag Rule delayed again...

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) again extended the enforcement deadline for the “red flags” rule until June 1, 2010. Enforcement was scheduled to begin on Nov. 1. The move follows the U.S. House of Representatives' approval last month of legislation that would exclude small businesses, including health care providers, with 20 or fewer employees from having to comply with the rule. Other businesses could petition the FTC for an exclusion on a case-by-case basis. The bill still needs to be considered by the Senate.