October 10-12, 2021: MALA 2021 Fall Conference
Location: Margaritaville Hotel and Resort, Osage Beach
The tentative conference agenda is now available and includes several speakers and presentations over a three-day period. The option to attend all or just one day is included on the registration form.
Please see the conference link for further details.
QIPMO has collaborated with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) in response to the novel Coronavirus known as COVID-19. In doing so, QIPMO has formed a new Infection Control Assessment and Response (ICAR) team with a primary goal of assisting Missouri Long-Term Care Facilities to navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases.
Please see the flyer or visit the following QIPMO webpage – https://nursinghomehelp.org/icar-project/.
August 20-21, 2021: CARING for the OLDER ADULT Across the Continuum (Caring for the Frail Elderly) & 17th Annual Health Ethics Conference
Location: Holiday Inn Executive Center, Columbia, MO – (This is a Hybrid event, attend in-person or virtual)
The conference will provide a forum for updating interdisciplinary health professionals caring for older adults in the community, regardless of living situation, in the ethical care and treatment of older adults including, medical management, interdisciplinary care, research, and system change.
CMS is providing notifications to facilities that were determined to be out of compliance with Quality Reporting Program (QRP) requirements for CY 2020, which will affect their FY 2022 Annual Payment Update (APU). Non-compliance notifications are being distributed by the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) and were placed into SNFs’ CASPER folders in QIES on July 14, 2021. Facilities that receive a letter of non-compliance may submit a request for reconsideration to CMS via email no later than 11:59 pm, August 13, 2021.
If you receive a notice of non-compliance and would like to request a reconsideration, see the instructions in your notice of non-compliance and on the SNF Quality Reporting Reconsideration and Exception & Extension webpage.
Cultivating LTC Leaders Webinar Series
This 12-month webinar series addresses hot topics in nursing home operations to develop skills in managing current clinical-regulatory, legal and compliance risks. A team of expert presenters offers insight on systems and strategies to advance preparedness for the varied challenges facing LTC leaders, with practical solutions, templates, tools and resources. Recordings of live sessions are included with the webinar purchase.
Standards of Care Webinar Series
This 12-month webinar series focuses on nursing facility systems of care and managing common conditions treated in the LTC setting. Each session addresses standards of care, staff training/competency focus areas, critical nursing assessment/documentation principles, care planning guidance, recommended QA activities, and practical daily operations guidance with extensive use of case examples. Recordings of live sessions are included with the series purchase.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) requires nursing homes to submit information each week to the National Healthcare Safety Network’s (NHSN) COVID-19 Vaccination Data Reporting Module. The deadline for reporting the previous week’s cumulative vaccination rates is every Sunday by 11:59 p.m. ET.
To help keep your reporting weeks organized at-a-glance, the Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN) has developed a printable NHSN Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Data Reporting sheet outlining the NHSN submission deadlines for 2021.
HQIN has provided NHSN reporting assistance to many facilities across the state. If you would like to receive no-cost assistance, we encourage you to join the HQIN Nursing Home NHSN Reporting Group. This will enable HQIN to view your data for problem-solving and quality improvement purposes. Download How to Join the HQIN Nursing Home Reporting NHSN Group for easy instructions on how to join.
As your dedicated Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO), HQIN is available to support you and your facility with the required COVID-19 vaccine administration reporting. If you have questions, please contact HQIN.
About the Health Quality Innovation Network
Led by Health Quality Innovators and its quality improvement partners, the Carolinas Center for Medical Excellence, KFMC Health Improvement Partners, and the Kansas Healthcare Collaborative, HQIN is the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) for Kansas, Missouri, South Carolina and Virginia. To learn more visit https://www.hqin.org.
Testing remains a key tool to keeping Missourians safe and open for activity. Testing is not only for those who are symptomatic, but important for periodic surveillance especially when interacting with vulnerable populations and crowds. Many camps, events, and travel now require evidence of a test result before participation.
A simple test can provide peace of mind. Missouri provides several options for obtaining a free COVID-19 PCR test without any symptom criteria. The opportunities for testing include:
More information about testing can be found at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest.
July 16, 2021: Lots of Ideas for Getting Outdoors – An Artifact of Culture Change
Guest: Maggie Calkins, PhD, EDAC, Ideas Institute
Join us to grow your list of possibilities for getting people outdoors. We all know it is important but consider during this conversation taking a step into making it a priority for your culture. Getting outside benefits all of us. Do you ensure getting outdoors is on each person’s care plan?
This is a new Artifact of Culture Change along with the already existing artifacts of raised gardens and a walking/wheeling path. Don’t let your expensive courtyards or your vast grass lawns become wasted space. We’ve also learned we are all at lower risk of infection when spending time outdoors. Dine outside and hold meetings and other events in the great outdoors. Hear some of the insights from Dr. Calkins’ new white paper “Designing Gardens to Attract Activity: A primer for elder care communities.”
July 15, 2021: Giving and Receiving: Creating a Culture of Relationship with Persons Living with Dementia
Speakers: Anna Ortigara, RN, MS and Chris Mulrooney, MPS, PhD
Direct care workers face many challenges every day. Leaders also face many challenges if we are to be in right relationship with direct care workers. Do we understand, and are we sensitive to the needs of the direct care workforce? Do we provide education and support to help staff to be their best selves? Do care staff believe in us?
Anna and Chris will begin this webinar by discussing these and similar questions to assess where we are from an “organizational relationship” perspective post-pandemic. They will then explore the components of outstanding person-directed and relationship-based care, as well as identify what is different or added to these components for those who work with individuals living with dementia.
Attendees will gain an understanding of theories and applications they can draw on. These will include the work of Tom Kitwood, as well as Chris’ own research on the characteristics that distinguish outstanding caregivers, such as service orientation and empathy.
If you are looking for practical tools to help you create a culture of relationship, you won’t be disappointed.
August 12, 2021: Innovative Intergenerational Arts Programming in Response to the Pandemic: Five Programs in Three Countries
Speakers: Elizabeth “Like” Lokon, MGS, PhD, Founder/Director of Opening Minds through Art (OMA), Scripps Gerontology Center; Cindy Paulin, Executive Director for Art for the Journey (AFJ); Amy Skeels, third-year medical student at Marian University College of Osteopathic Medicine (MUCOM); Kathryn Bender, Recreationist, Trinity Village Care Centre in Kitchener, Ontario, Canada; Chloé Bradwell, Drama Practitioner, PhD Candidate at the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom; and Meghan Young, MGS, Associate Director of Opening Minds through Art (OMA), Scripps Gerontology Center
Five organizations responded to the challenge created by the pandemic: How to maintain intergenerational connections around the arts when in-person visits are not possible? Three programs went virtual and two programs did not. All five programs are rooted in person-centered philosophy, yet distinct from one another. They address the older adults’ needs for social and creative engagement while providing students with opportunities to develop communication skills and to build relationships with older adults, with and without dementia, outside their own families.
Presenters include faculty members, a recreationist, a visual artist, and students, representing universities, a non-profit arts organization, and retirement communities in three countries, the USA, Canada, and the UK.
The goal of this workshop is to inspire attendees to think outside the box and consider limitations imposed by the pandemic as opportunities to diversify offerings. Videos, example artistic creations, research findings, and tools for replication will be shared.
Of special note, because of the increase in cases in the Southwest region, there will be one additional testing day this week and one next week, Friday, July 2 in Joplin, and Tuesday, July 6 in Wright County– see below.
Testing remains a very important tool in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is now offering two options for FREE COVID-19 testing.
First, there are in-person testing events hosted around the state. Individuals are not required to pre-register or have an appointment, simply show up to one of the events below to receive the test. A government issued ID is not a requirement for this testing, but having one available onsite speeds up the registration process. Additional testing sites (with regular or one-time opportunities) may be added as indicators suggest the need for additional testing. The following events listed below are scheduled as of today. The latest information can always be found at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest.
Second, Missouri residents may order a free test to be mailed to their Missouri address. These are PCR kits that are designed for self-collection with a return FedEx shipping container. Once received back by the laboratory, the result is returned to the person tested (via email provided) within 48 hours. More information about the at home self-collection kits and a link to order are also found at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest.
In-person Testing Events Scheduled as of June 29, 2021:
St. Louis Area
Central Area
Southwest Area
Kansas City Area
Southeast Area
Community Corps Members:
Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, staff in nursing homes have been providing ongoing care to our nation’s most vulnerable. It’s on trusted messengers like you to make sure we’re reaching people who need to be protected from the COVID-19 virus.
Building vaccine confidence among Long-Term Care Facility staff and residents is important. That’s why we wanted to pass along useful data, materials, and resources to be able to guide conversations, answer questions, and help get people vaccinated.
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Resources:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Resources:
Keeping our communities safe has never been more critical. Thanks for all you do.
The HHS COVID-19 Community Corps Team
We are currently in the planning phase to host a virtual provider meeting 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 July 15, 2021 at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/83YX6GZ.
Creative writing and artistic expression are meaningful and compelling ways to highlight the importance of residents’ rights and how these rights can be carried out in all long-term care settings.
Residents of long-term care facilities are invited to get creative by participating in this year’s Resident’s Voice Challenge. The Resident’s Voice Challenge is an opportunity for long-term care consumers to respond to and reflect on this year’s Residents’ Rights Month theme – Reclaiming My Rights, My Home, My Life.
Find other resources for promoting Residents’ Rights Month.
How to Participate: Artwork Contest
This year’s theme emphasizes that the long-term care facility is the residents’ home. As part of the Resident’s Voice Challenge, we will be selecting original resident artwork to be featured on door hangers. These door hangers will serve as a reminder for anyone who visits that this is a home.
Alternatively, residents can respond to the Resident’s Voice Challenge in writing, audio, or via video by answering one or more of the following questions:
Possible entries include: Video or audio recordings, poems, essays, word collages, songs, artwork or drawings, or photos. Get creative!
Each participant featured in a photo or video must fill out a release form.
Find out how to submit entries.
Read full Resident’s Challenge guidelines here.
Entries are due September 1, 2021.
Professional Education Series 2021
June 29, 2021: Abuse in the Workplace: Identifying and Rectifying Abuse Towards Residents
Speaker: Robin Pendleton, Senior Staff Development Training Specialist for Adult Protective Services
Abuse and neglect in long-term care settings is an ongoing topic of concern amongst LTC professionals and advocates. Those on the front lines of care are, arguably, the best people to fight elder abuse and neglect in their communities. Learn how to identify abuse and neglect at the hands of family or caregivers. Further, learn what steps to take to protect residents – and yourself- when a coworker is a perpetrator.
July 27, 2021: How to Invest Strategically in Technology for your Long-Term Care Organization
Speaker: Amber Bardon, CEO, Parasol Alliance
Now more than ever before having a comprehensive technology strategy in place is essential for long-term care providers to succeed. In this session, learn how to build a customized technology plan for your community. Walk through how to create an actionable technology roadmap designed to meet their community’s unique business objectives and review the must-have components for any effective technology plan related to resident care, workforce collaboration, and security.
August 24, 2021: Working with Challenging Residents
Speaker: Chien Y. Hung, MSW, MA-G, RYT, Program Director of the Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Long-term care professionals will encounter individuals with a wide assortment of cultural beliefs and perceptions. Too many times, this creates situations that are deeply offensive to the caregiver. In a work setting, how can LTC professionals navigate “isms” (racism, sexism, etc.) directed at them by residents? How can you mitigate workplace toxicity and protect yourself against residents with this mindset?
The Health Education Unit is excited to announce our new changes to the CNA Rules – COMING SOON!
Along with the new implementation of the new CNA testing process, our rules are being updated and include proposed changes to the curriculum, reciprocity for out of state CNA’s coming to work in Missouri, and the requirement for our instructors to attend a four-hour update training every five years, as well as several others.
We invite you to attend one of our Q and A sessions to learn more about these changes. Our third party test administrator, Headmaster, will also join and be available to answer questions. Please access our website at https://health.mo.gov/safety/cnaregistry/ for log in information.
The scheduled dates and times are listed below:
June 16, 2021: DHSS/D & SDT Headmaster Q & A Webex Meeting
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Meeting number (access code): 177 675 4909 Meeting password: urUBZCPC265
Join from a video system or application
Dial 1776754909@stateofmo.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number. Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)
+1-650-479-3207, 1776754909## Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
+1-312-535-8110, 1776754909## United States Toll (Chicago)
Join by phone
1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
+1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Chicago)
Global call-in numbers
June 22, 2021: DHSS/D & SDT Headmaster Q & A Webex Meeting
Time: 3:30 p.m.
Meeting number (access code): 177 961 7383 Meeting password: VHvmrBY3Z83
Join from a video system or application
Dial 1779617383@stateofmo.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number. Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)
+1-650-479-3207, 1779617383## Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
+1-312-535-8110, 1779617383## United States Toll (Chicago)
Join by phone
1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
+1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Chicago)
Global call-in numbers
June 30, 2021: DHSS/D & SDT Headmaster Q & A Webex Meeting
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Meeting number (access code): 177 278 8445 Meeting password: 3fdQsTPs8X2
Join from a video system or application
Dial 1772788445@stateofmo.webex.com
You can also dial 173.243.2.68 and enter your meeting number. Tap to join from a mobile device (attendees only)
+1-650-479-3207, 1772788445## Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
+1-312-535-8110, 1772788445## United States Toll (Chicago)
Join by phone
1-650-479-3207 Call-in toll number (US/Canada)
+1-312-535-8110 United States Toll (Chicago)
Global call-in numbers
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) along with the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council released a new resource, the “Missouri Plain Language Guide for People with Disabilities, their Families and Caregivers,” on COVID-19 and the vaccine.
Through this partnership, the new guide will ensure that important information related to COVID-19 and vaccine access is more accessible to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and others with disabilities affecting reading, comprehension and other cognitive functions.
“After reading this new Missouri Plain Language Guide, I was very impressed with two very important things: 1) the amount of important and vitally necessary information that it contains; and 2) how plain and understandable the format is, that was used to present it, without diluting any of the valuable information that it conveys to the reader. I believe that this will prove to be a very valuable tool for persons with disabilities and many others,” said Cathy Enfield, Chairperson and Self-Advocate, Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.
“There is so much information available about COVID-19 and vaccines, that it could be hard to navigate through the information. We value the collaboration with DHSS, to provide accurate information in a plain language format that is accessible to so many who experience disabilities. We look forward to continuing this important work to ensure the disability community has information to make decisions about their health,” said Vicky Davidson, Executive Director, Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council.
People with disabilities, their family members and caregivers have been eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in the earliest phases of Missouri’s vaccine rollout. Currently, any Missourian age 12 and older is eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Since the beginning of 2021, DHSS and the Missouri Advisory Committee on Equitable COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution have been focused on deploying new strategies and resources to meet the disability community where they are – this new guide is a resource to support Missouri’s disability community and those individuals, family members and caregivers who support them.
“Since day one at DHSS, our goal has been to ensure Missouri’s most vulnerable, people with disabilities and those who support them (i.e., their families, caregivers and disability service providers) were at the front of the line to receive the free vaccine throughout our vaccine roll-out process. Throughout the year, we have also been working to deploy new strategies and resources to meet the disability community where they are. Our new plain language guide is an additional resource for Missourians with disabilities and those who support them,” said Sara Hart Weir, co-chair of the Missouri Advisory Committee on Equitable COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution.
Enfield added, “We simply need information to be supplied in a clear, plain and understandable way. As Chair of the Missouri Developmental Disabilities Council, I am proud of the work that our members and staff did on the document. I applaud their efforts and the efforts of all those who were involved.”
If you or someone you know is unable to visit a COVID-19 vaccination clinic without assistance, please call the COVID-19 Hotline at 877-435-8411 and press option 4 to be routed directly to your local Area Agency on Aging to make a vaccine appointment. You can also register individuals for the vaccine by visiting Missouri’s COVID-19 website, MOStopsCovid.com. COVID-19 Hotline hours of operation are Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-2 p.m. (Hotline is open on Saturdays through until June 11.) Individuals are encouraged to call soon to ensure their names are added to the list.
July 7, 2021: 2021 Train the Trainer
September 8, 2021: 2021 Train the Trainer
November 3, 2021: 2021 Train the Trainer
Participants must receive approval in order to attend this workshop. Those wishing to attend must submit the application and necessary paperwork to MALA at least five days prior to the workshop date.
Upon MALA’s review of your application, you will receive an approval/confirmation or denial letter via email.
July 26-28, 2021: 2021 ALF Assessment Training
As required by 198.005 RSMo and 19 CSR 30-86.047, residents of Assisted Living Facilities are required to undergo a community based assessment performed by an appropriately trained and qualified individual. This individual must complete a DHSS approved 24-hour training program prior to performing resident assessments. The MALA ALF Assessment Training satisfies this regulatory requirement.
DHSS will cease recoupment of excess Abbott BinaxNOW cards effective Friday, June 11 – meaning any recoupment requests must be received by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, June 11 in order to be sent a mailing label. As before, we will only accept unopened boxes and box lots that have at least 30 days or more to expiration, please refer to the most recent extension expiry letter from Abbott. After that date, the recoupment form will be removed from the DHSS website.
If your facility has an excess of Abbott BinaxNow Cards, which you are unable to use prior to them expiring, please provide your information on the recoupment form link: https://mophep.maps.arcgis.com/apps/opsdashboard/index.html#/1913bb3c639843c49b74350a4652d750.
SEMA will send you UPS shipping labels and the tests will be sent to the state warehouse for redistribution- so they do not expire before they can be used.
Please note the following:
CANCELLING DIRECT SHIPMENTS
June 2021 -December 2022 – 2nd Tuesday of each month from 12-1 p.m.: ICP Monthly Webinar Series
June 10 – Inaugural Webinar: Vaccines are Safe – How we know!
Lynelle Phillips, MPH, RN, Assistant Teaching Professor, Department of Public Health, School of Health Professions, Extension Service Nurse Specialist, University of Missouri, Columbia
July 8 – How do COVID vaccines affect immunity to COVID?
Taylor Nelson, DO, Infectious Disease, Internal Medicine, University of Missouri Health Care, Columbia. Board Certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine/Infectious Disease
August 10 – Environmental Health: Air Purification and Quality
Loie Couch, RN, BS, CIC, FAPIC, Infection Prevention Specialist, Barnes Jewish Christian (BJC) Hospital, St. Louis
July 28, 2021: Missouri Suicide Prevention Conference
The Missouri Suicide Prevention Network invites you to join us for our annual conference!
This year’s conference is brought to you by the Missouri Department of Mental Health, Missouri Behavioral Health Council and Community Counseling Center.
Visit us online at www.mospn.org/conference.
The virtual conference will be free of charge, unless you are needing continuing education. Continuing Education (CE) will be $10 per person.
The Missouri Behavioral Health Council has approved this program for up to 6.3 behavioral health continuing education contact hours. MBHC will be responsible for this program and maintain a record of your continuing education hours earned. See agenda for session breakdown.
Continuing Medical Education (CME) is currently pending approval for select sessions. See agenda for those eligible sessions.
Contains two webinars for NHA Credit- 1 PC Clock Hour each.
To register follow this link: https://extension.missouri.edu/courses/immunization-webinar-series-2-fy21
Webinar 3: Influenza Vaccine
Webinar 4: COVID-19 Vaccine
CE Available for Nurses, Social Workers, Nursing Home Administrators, and pharmacotherapeutics (RX)
We hand selected 12 of our most popular webinars from 2020.
https://web.cvent.com/event/dcf77498-045c-48e7-aa2a-d17a5cd8aa09/summary
Sessions for NHA CE:
Age Friendly Health Systems
John Morley, MD, Professor Geriatrics, St. Louis University Medical School
This session will address recognizing and managing geriatric syndromes. The 4M framework will be included to ascertain specific health outcome goals and care preferences.
Preserving Integrity in Turbulent Times
Cynda Ruston, PhD, RN, FAAN, Anne & George L. Bunting Professor of Clinical Ethics, German Institute of Bioethics/School of Nursing, Professor of Nursing & Pediatrics, John Hopkins University
Listen to a recognized and international leader in nursing ethics, from John Hopkins University. This session will focus on selected sources of moral suffering, consequences of moral suffering, and offers a pathway of moral resilience by restoring integrity.
Medication Considerations in the Elderly During the COVID-Pandemic
Curt Wood, R.PD., BCGP, FASP, Elder Care Pharmacy Consultant, LLC
Medication usage is even more critical in a pandemic as many long-term care communities are experiencing outbreaks of the virus. Ideas on gradual dose reduction and managing chronic diseases will be discussed.
Resiliency: Using Gratitude to Thrive Through Adversity
T.J. Sweet, MHA, Practice Manager, Ellis Administration, University of Missouri Hospital, Columbia
Learn how to use strategies to validate feelings and practical ways to support colleagues when exposed to high stress levels in uncertain times. Learn to thrive despite adversity and maintain a resilient mindset using gratitude.
Reducing Meds – The When, What and How to Minimize Adverse Outcomes
Craig Sever, BS, R.Ph., Clinical Coordinator Eversprings Pharmacy, St. Louis, Missouri
The speaker will provide insight on how to pharmacologically assess the most reducible meds and develop an appropriate reduction strategy for older adults.
Join us for the MU Leadership Development Academy for Nurse Leaders and Nursing Home Administrators in Long-term Care. We know that Long-term Care can be challenging. With an 11 year proven track record, hundreds of graduates and life-changing testimonials, this leadership course is designed for busy LTC professionals, all while earning 50 hours of CE credit.
The academy has been proven to increase leadership skills and improve confidence, which will help to create a working environment that encourages teamwork and quality improvement.
NO COST for RNs and NHAs from Skilled Nursing Facilities in Missouri (excludes Veterans Administration facilities).
The complimentary option is available to Missouri SNFs since the support for this academy is provided by CMP funds designated for Missouri SNFs.
More Information: https://extension.missouri.edu/programs/nursing-outreach/enhanced-leadership-development-academy.
ALFs, ICFs, and RCFs that have billed for “other” costs as of 5/3/2021 may continue to submit “other” necessary COVID-19 related invoices through June 30, 2021. All “other” invoices (as of 5/3/2021) submitted by ICFs, ALFs, and RCFs must include a new signed addendum.
SNFs may continue to bill for “other” necessary COVID-19 related invoices through June 30, 2021.
All Long-Term Care facilities (SNFs, ICFs, ALFs, and RCFs) may continue to submit testing invoices until further notice.
Due to time constraints, please do not wait until the last minute to submit these invoices.
The web portal can be found here: https://apps.dss.mo.gov/LongTermCareCovid19Invoices/