Category: Events

Free Dementia Training – Changing Talk: Online Training (CHATO) to Reduce Behavioral Symptoms in Dementia

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CHAT educates staff about reducing elderspeak (infantilizing communication) and results in reduced behavioral symptoms and need for psychotropic medication for residents with dementia. The new online version (Changing Talk: Online Training (CHATO)) consists of 3; one-hour interactive online modules that provide flexible and accessible access for staff.

There is no cost, direct-care staff can earn 3 contact hours, and all staff get a Certificate of Completion for their file.

Benefits to you, your staff, and your residents include:

  • A person-centered approach.
  • Education about elderspeak and better communication strategies.
  • Reduction in resistiveness to care and other behavioral symptoms in residents with dementia.
  • Reduction in the need for psychotropic medication.
  • Convenient, online educational format for busy nursing homes.
  • Qualifies for CMS dementia care training hours requirements.
  • A free, nonpharmacological, evidence-based intervention is an excellent addition to a Quality Improvement Plan.

Here is also a one-page summary of the study.

Please see the website to learn more about CHATO and view our training resources or

Access the Google drive to download the NEW pilot research and CHATO National Trial information.

Interested parties can email Carissa Coleman (below) or complete the interest form on the website.

Carissa K. Coleman, PhD, MA
Research Assistant Professor
University of Kansas School of Nursing
t: 970-270-6839 | ccoleman3@kumc.edu

Prospective Reimbursement Plan for Nursing Facility and HIV Nursing Facility Services Reimbursement Rates Methodology

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The MO HealthNet Division (MHD) is modifying the reimbursement plan for nursing facility and HIV nursing facility services to provide for the transformation of MO HealthNet nursing facility reimbursement rates by establishing a new reimbursement methodology, effective for dates of service beginning July 1, 2022. The primary changes from the current reimbursement include updating the cost base for the rates (i.e., rebasing), applying an acuity adjustment or Case Mix Index (CMI) to patient care costs, and providing quality based incentives or Value Based Purchasing (VBP) add-ons to the rate when the facility meets specified quality measures.

The following documents can be found at the MO HealthNet Alerts and Public Notices webpage:

An additional resource, The Missouri Medicaid Nursing Facility Reimbursement Methodology Summary for Fiscal Year 2023, created by MO HealthNet, provides a summary of the changes for the reimbursement plan found in the Prospective Reimbursement Plan for Nursing Facility and HIV Nursing Facility Services document.

Webinar Registration & Recap: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for COVID-19 Vaccination Modules

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Information for NHSN users

The NHSN Vaccination Team hosted a webinar on Thursday, June 23rd to review changes to the definition for individuals considered Up to Date with COVID-19 vaccines for data reporting through the NHSN COVID-19 Vaccination Modules. We learned that some users were unable to join the webinar due to the number of participants exceeding capacity. We apologize for this inconvenience. To address this, NHSN is hosting a second webinar on the same topic (Up to Data Vaccination Status Surveillance Definition Change) on Tuesday June 28th from 12:00-1:00 PM Eastern Time.

Please click the link below to register for the webinar on Tuesday June 28th from 12:00-1:00 PM Eastern:

https://cdc.zoomgov.com/j/1619745620?pwd=ODE3QTNGb1FzNlRvMFB1bHQvd3NGUT09

After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the webinar.

We also wanted to provide answers to a few frequently asked questions that came up during the webinar:

  • The guidance we provided on how to report Up to Date COVID-19 vaccination applies to all facilities that report vaccination data through the NHSN COVID-19 Vaccination Modules including long-term care facilities (LTCF), dialysis facilities, acute care hospitals, inpatient psychiatric facilities, inpatient rehabilitation facilities, long-term acute care hospitals, and ambulatory surgery centers. The information provided regarding case reporting through the Resident Impact and Facility Capacity (RIFC) Pathways applies only to LTCFs.
  • NHSN’s surveillance definition of Up to Date with COVID-19 vaccines is based on CDC’s clinical considerations and Up to Date definition for the first day of the reporting quarter. CDC recently updated the definition of Up to Date vaccination, so the NHSN surveillance definition will change for Quarter 3, 2022, which begins during the reporting week of June 27, 2022 – July 3, 2022.
  • For LTCFs, the NHSN event-level (person-level) vaccination form will classify individuals as up to date and will apply this new definition beginning 6/27. In order for this to happen, you will need to enter date of birth beginning 6/27 for all individuals in the facility since age is now taken into consideration for determining up to date vaccination status. The Excel Data Tracking Worksheets have been discontinued for LTCFs and removed from the NHSN website since the event-level (person-level) vaccination tool is now available for LTCFs.
  • For all other non-LTC facility types (e.g., dialysis, acute care, ambulatory surgery, etc.), the Excel Data Tracking Worksheet is being updated to incorporate the new definition of up to date vaccination. It should be available in the coming weeks. This Excel tool will be maintained until the NHSN event-level vaccination forms are available for non-LTC facilities.

Community Education from VOYCE

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July 12, 2022: A focus on Aging Ahead and St. Louis Area Agency on Aging
Presenters: Jan Keith, Director of Community Engagement, Aging Ahead and Jamie Saunders, Information & Assistance Coordinator, St. Louis Area Agency on Aging

Join VOYCE for this Community Education webinar presentation to learn about the valuable services for seniors offered by Aging Ahead and St. Louis Area Agency on Aging. We’ll learn about important services offered throughout the Greater St. Louis region including Senior Housing, Legal Services, Meals on Wheels, Health Insurance Marketplace, Long-Term Care assistance, and Medicare and Medicaid support.

2022 Annual SLCR Provider Meeting

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August 24, 2022: Region 6
Location: Capitol Plaza Hotel & Convention Center, Jefferson City

September 1, 2022: Region 5
Location: Quality Inn & Suites, Hannibal

September 7, 2022: Region 4
Location: Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, St. Joseph

September 8, 2022: Region 3
Location: Adams Pointe Conference Center, Blue Springs

September 15, 2022: Region 2
Location: Drury Plaza Hotel Cape Girardeau Conference Center, Cape Girardeau

October 5, 2022: Region 1
Location: Oasis Hotel and Convention Center, Springfield

October 12, 2022: Region 7
Location: Crowne Plaza St. Louis Airport, Bridgeton

The 2022 Updated Provider Meeting Agenda is now available. Please see the flyer for location details.

 

2022 Handouts
1. COMRU Online Application
2. CNA Testing and Renewal Process
3. LTC Regulatory Interpretive Guidance Update
4. Missouri Medicaid Case Mix
5. Section Update
6. Mental Health First Aid – Oct 12 2022
7. Mental Health Care & Crisis Planning For Nursing Facilities
8. ARPA Funding
THE ARTIFACTS OF CULTURE CHANGE 2.0

2022 Enhanced Leadership Development Academy for LTC Leaders

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Do you…..

❍ need a leadership course that addresses the unique challenges SNF leaders face?
❍ want to feel inspired and passionate about leading your SNF?
❍ want to connect with other SNF leaders and have access to free professional development, tools, and resources?
❍ want free CE credit without sacrificing quality and practical application?
❍ want to have the flexibility to learn at the pace and place the works best for you?

If you answer YES to any of these questions, this course may be for YOU!

For more information visit our web site, download the postcard or contact Todd Winterbower at winterbowert@missouri.edu.

Take the survey now to see if you qualify for FREE registration.

MHCA Webinar – Developing New Leaders in Your Facility

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Full series recordings are available through September 1, 2022: Developing New Leaders in Your Facility

Ensuring that potential or new supervisors have the skills to lead is vital to the achievement of your clinical, financial, regulatory, and resident experience goals. Far too often staff are promoted simply because they were exceptional in their current roles. A great nurse, cook, or admission coordinator may not yet be ready to be a great unit manager, food service or marketing director. This series will help your people make that leap – and familiarize you with the strategies you need to help them succeed!

MU Care of the Older Adult

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August 19-20, 2022: Care of the Older Adult
Location: Holiday Inn Executive Center, Columbia & Virtual

This conference will provide health professionals the opportunity to gain knowledge in interdisciplinary approaches to clinical management and ethical treatment of older adults, a forum to discuss complex care issues common to all who care for the older adult and an awareness of innovative models of geriatric care delivery. The focus is on promoting excellence in gerontology health care by keeping abreast of the latest evidence-based practice.

This conference will be a hybrid event, you may attend in-person or online/virtual. If you choose to attend virtually, information will be emailed to you prior to the conference, using the email address you provide during registration.

Provider Feedback Survey

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The Section for Long-Term Care Regulation is again seeking input from providers we serve. We are asking for your help in identifying areas in our Section where excellent customer service is provided and areas where we need to focus on improving our customer service experience. Please take a couple minutes to complete our 2022 Provider Feedback Survey by June 30, 2022 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/72PRNZY.

June 15 is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

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World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) was launched in 2006 by the International Network for the Prevention of Elder Abuse and the World Health Organization at the United Nations, in an effort to unite communities around the world to raise awareness about elder abuse.

Each year, an estimated 5 million older adults are abused, neglected, bullied or exploited. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15 serves as a call-to-action for individuals, organizations and communities to raise awareness about abuse, neglect and exploitation of elders. In Missouri, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) receives and investigates reports of abuse, neglect, bullying and exploitation of the elderly and disabled. Last year, DHSS received and investigated 42,422 reports, an average of about 116 each day. That number is on the rise, though the crimes are vastly underreported.

DHSS is excited to host a WEAAD Facebook Live event on Tuesday, June 14 at 11 a.m. to help build strong supports for elders in Missouri. Join the discussion and learn how to recognize the signs of adult abuse and how to report it. Everyone is encouraged to wear purple and communities across Missouri are encouraged to display purple ribbons, flags, pinwheels or light up landmarks on June 15 to bring awareness to this public health issue.

Anyone who suspects a senior or disabled Missourian is being abused, neglected, bullied or exploited, should call the toll-free Missouri Adult Abuse and Neglect Hotline at 1-800-392-0210 or report online at health.mo.gov/abuse. The hotline is operational from 7:00 am through 8:00 pm, 365 days a year. Online reporting is available 24/7.

WEAAD reminds us that elder abuse has implications for all of us. It is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and communities to learn how to identify, address, and prevent elder abuse so we can all do our part to support everyone as they age. To learn more about WEAAD, Adult Abuse in MO, and what you can do to help or to access the WEAAD promotional toolkit, visit: www.health.mo.gov/weaad.

MHCA Annual Convention

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August 28-31, 2022: MHCA 74th Annual Convention & Trade Show
Location: Branson Convention Center, Branson

The Missouri Health Care Association invites you to join us at the 74th Annual Convention & Trade Show! MHCA is excited to bring you another year of the most requested and up-to-date education sessions available. Each day is scheduled to offer a wide range of education to meet the needs of the entire staff. Convention will be held again this year at the Branson Convention Center, conveniently located adjacent to the Branson Landing which is enjoyed by many. Don’t miss the opportunity to tour the Trade Show, widely regarded as the leading long term care trade show in Missouri with over 150 booths.

Show-Me ECHO Invites Participants

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The Show-Me ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) invites you to join the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care ECHO (PAC/LTC). Sponsored by the Missouri Telehealth Network at the University of Missouri, the PAC/LTC ECHO supports providers and administrators who work at or with residential care communities. The ECHO meets virtually on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month from 9:30 – 10:30 am (central time). To learn more about the PAC/LTC ECHO, please see flyer or visit www.showmeecho.org.

Virtual CST Certification Training & Summer Geriatric Institute

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June 15, 2022: Cognitive Stimulation Therapy Certification Training
June 16-17, 2022: Caring for Older Adults and Families

The Saint Louis University Summer Geriatric Institute is an annual continuing education event for practitioners, faculty, fellows, residents, and students who are or will provide care and services to older adults and their families. The Institute includes lectures and workshops by an interprofessional group of practitioners and researchers on new and emerging areas of geriatric medicine and services. As an extension of the Institute, a one-day training on Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (CST) will be offered. CST is a non-pharmacologic intervention for persons with mild to moderate dementia. The training fulfills the first requirement for CST Facilitator Certification.

The audience for this program includes students and professionals working with older adults, with a special emphasis on clinicians and administrators, including physicians, nurses, occupational therapists, social workers, physical therapists, speech therapists, dietitians, marriage and family therapists, nursing home administrators, and those who specialize in alternative medicine.

COVID-19 Testing Reimbursement and Supplies

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COVID-19 TESTING REIMBURSEMENT ENDING JUNE 15, 2022:
The last day to submit COVID-19 testing invoices for reimbursement via the DSS invoice portal is June 15, 2022. After June 15, 2022, the portal will be closed and no other testing invoices will be accepted.

Additional Testing Resources:
Free Antigen Testing Supplies
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) continues to have an adequate supply of free ACON Flow Flex rapid antigen tests all Long Term Care Facilities may apply to receive. Full details regarding the product, CLIA requirements, standing physician orders, and the Rapid Antigen Test Kit Application can be found here: https://ltc.health.mo.gov/archives/15339.

Update for COVID-19 Module Surveillance Pathways and Weekly HCP and Resident COVID-19 Vaccination Module Training dates

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The NHSN Vaccination team will host 2 training sessions in preparation for the upcoming NHSN release on May 30th. These sessions were previously scheduled to incorporate the LTC COVID-19 Module Surveillance Pathways, however the training has been scaled down to solely focus on the COVID-19 Vaccination Module.

Please register to attend one or more sessions to learn how reporting forms will change and how to report data accurately. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. Please note these training sessions are repeated and you may not find it necessary to register more than once. After each training session, you will be allowed to ask questions as it pertains to the webinar.

Thanks for your participation!
The NHSN LTCF Team

**COVID-19 Vaccination Modules Webinar**

When: Tuesday, May 17, 2022, 1:00 – 2:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Updates to the COVID-19 Vaccination Modules for Residents and Healthcare Personnel
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_2vwCHWGkQj63Nvka5h5GUA

When: Thursday, May 19, 2022, 1:00 – 2:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Updates to the COVID-19 Vaccination Modules for Residents and Healthcare Personnel
Register in advance for this webinar:
https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_dG7knYLOQJu9lwT__8cV2Q

2022 SLCR Annual Provider Meetings

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We are currently in the planning phase to host in-person provider meetings in all regions this year and are considering the best topics to provide the most beneficial information. We would like to hear from you about what LTC related topics and info you believe would be helpful and educational!

Please take a moment to answer complete a short questionnaire by May 31, 2022 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9287QZQ.

SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Submission Deadline Reminder

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SNFs are required to report data to meet the SNF QRP requirements. The submission deadline for the SNF QRP is approaching. MDS and NHSN data for 10/1/21 through 12/31/21 must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on May 16, 2022.

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 must be transmitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through the Assessment Submission and Processing (ASAP) system to the Quality Improvement Evaluation System (QIES). Data for the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) measures must be submitted to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). No additional data submission is required for the claims-based measures.

As a reminder, it is recommended that providers run applicable CASPER reports prior to each quarterly reporting deadline, in order to ensure that all required data has been submitted.

Swingtech sends informational messages to SNFs that are not meeting APU thresholds on a quarterly basis ahead of each submission deadlines. If you need to add or change the email addresses to which these messages are sent, please email QRPHelp@swingtech.com and be sure to include your facility name and CMS Certification Number (CCN) along with any requested email updates.

More information about SNF QRP can be found on the following webpages:

Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) Submission Deadline Reminder

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Nursing homes are required to electronically submit direct care staffing information to the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system. Submissions must be received by the end of the 45th calendar day (11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time) after the last day in each fiscal quarter to be considered timely. PBJ data for 1/1/22 through 3/31/22 is due May 15, 2022. Please submit PBJ data as soon as possible to avoid delays. CMS recommends running staffing reports in CASPER prior to the submission deadline to ensure the accuracy and completeness of submissions. Please remember, the Final File Validation Report verifies that the submission was successful.

Please note: If you need assistance with the PBJ quarterly submission and the deadline falls on a weekend, you must contact the QIES/iQIES Service Center no later than the Friday before the submission deadline, as the Service Center will be unavailable to assist on the weekend.

More information about PBJ can be found on the following webpages:

Office Hours and Frequently Asked Questions Webinar for the Optional Event-Level

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The NHSN Vaccination Team is providing two webinars on Tuesday, April 12th and Tuesday, April 19th at 2:00 PM Eastern Time to provide additional training on the Event-Level COVID-19 Vaccination Forms in the COVID-19 Vaccination Modules and to answer frequently asked questions. These worksheets are available in the NHSN application for long-term care facilities (other modules coming soon!) to manage person-level vaccination data and simplify data for weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Modules.

During this session, the team will review key points about the forms and provide answers to frequently asked questions raised during the training webinars held in March 2022. Users attending the training can also ask questions in in the Q&A box.

Registration information for both webinars is listed below. The content for both webinars will be the same, but individuals are welcome to register for and join both for additional reinforcement if they choose.

When: Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Event-Level COVID-19 Vaccination Forms: Office Hours and FAQs

Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_CQN5faRJTRictvPA512RmA
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

When: Tuesday, April 19, 2022 at 02:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Event-Level COVID-19 Vaccination Forms: Office Hours and FAQs

Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_asYca_YuTj2gzJbMiFM7ow
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

For specific questions about registration for this webinar, please e-mail NHSN@cdc.gov and place in the subject line: Event-Level COVID-19 Vaccination Form Office Hours.

CNA Renewals/Work Updates

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Note: The requirement to renew the CNA certification every 24 months is not a new regulation; however, the process to renew has been updated and a fee has been added.

**Please see this link for information on how to renew.

When a CNA passes the final examination, the individual’s name is placed on the CNA active registry. For nurse aide certification to remain active, CNAs are required to submit documentation (e.g., pay stubs, W-2, letter from employer, etc.) of their work in nursing or nursing related services for at least one (1) day (e.g. eight (8) hours) within each twenty-four- (24-) consecutive month time-period. Documentation shall be submitted to the department approved third party test administrator and a fee will be assessed for each renewal.

  • If you are a CNA needing to renew your certification and work in a facility: Log into your profile in TMU and enter your employment under the employment tab, upload your documents for proof of 8 hours of work and then pay the required fee. After the fee is processed, you will show active on the registry.
  • If you are a CNA needing to renew your certification with out of state employment: Log into your profile and select “out of state employment” and send an email from your employer with name, date of birth, employment dates and hours worked to missouri@hdmaster.com.
  • If you are CNA working private duty: Log into your profile in TMU and select private duty from a drop down menu. You will need to process the payment then email the proof of work documents to missouri@hdmaster.com. After work is confirmed, your certification will show active on the registry.
  • If you are a facility wanting to pay for multiple CNA’s renewal: You will need to fill out the form Employer Renewal Payment. If you have additional questions please email them at missouri@hdmaster.com or call at 800-393-8664 and ask for the Missouri team.

CNA Upcoming Testing

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Headmaster D & S: 1-800-393-8664 – Please ask for the Missouri Team!

  • April 9, 2022 – St. John
  • April 12, 2022 – St. Louis(Knowledge) & Jefferson City
  • April 13, 2022 – Trenton & Kansas City
  • April 14, 2022 – Gladstone & St. John
  • April 15, 2022 – Kansas City
  • April 21, 2022 – Gladstone, Kansas City & St. John
  • April 23, 2022 – St. Louis
  • April 24, 2022 – Kansas City
  • April 25, 2022 – Kansas City
  • April 28, 2022 – Gladstone, Kansas City, Jefferson City, St. John & Hillsboro
  • April 29, 2022 – Kansas City
  • April 30, 2022 – Kansas City

All Regional dates are viewable on the online calendar at https://mo.tmutest.com/calendar.

To help with scheduling your testing event, contact Headmaster a few days after the CNA course starts.

Report Release Webinar: The National Imperative to Improve Nursing Home Quality

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April 6, 2022: The National Imperative to Improve Nursing Home Quality: Report Release Webinar

Join the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Committee on The Quality of Care in Nursing Homes as it discusses the soon to be released report, The National Imperative to Improve Nursing Home Quality: Honoring Our Commitment to Residents, Families and Staff.

This new report examines how our nation delivers, finances, regulates, and measures the quality of nursing home care with particular emphasis on challenges that have arisen in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A public report release webinar will be held on Wednesday, April 6, 2022 from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM (Central Time) during which members of the committee will provide an overview of key findings, conclusions, and recommendations, followed by a moderated question and answer period.

MHCA Developing New Leaders in Your Facility-The Skills That Make All the Difference

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May 17-June 1, 2022: Developing New Leaders in Your Facility

Ensuring that potential or new supervisors have the skills to lead is vital to the achievement of your clinical, financial, regulatory, and resident experience goals. Far too often staff are promoted simply because they were exceptional in their current roles. A great nurse, cook, or admission coordinator may not yet be ready to be a great unit manager, food service or marketing director. This webinar series will help your people make that leap – and familiarize you with the strategies you need to help them succeed!

MHCA’s Federal Review Course for NHA’s

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June 27-28, 2022: Federal Review Course for Nursing Home Administrators Examinees

The purpose of the Review Course is to help attendees prepare for the nursing home administrators federal licensure exam. Theoretical, philosophical and practical aspects of long-term care administration are discussed. The instructor will review sample test questions from the study workbook, which is provided free to all attendees. Study tips will be suggested throughout the workshop, therefore, it is recommended that attendees allow sufficient time to study on their own after attending the review course and before sitting for the exam. Review course materials have been revised and updated to reflect the structure of the current examination. This workshop is being offered both in-seat and virtually.