Category: Events

CMS Social Media Campaign – Community Champions

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On May 5, 2021, as a part of CMS’ ongoing COVID response efforts to support the long term care community, CMS debuted their first social media video highlighting staff, also referred to as Community Champions, who moved from being initially uncertain about receiving the COVID-19 vaccine to accepting the vaccine – and encouraging their peers to do the same.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, staff in nursing homes have been providing ongoing care to our nation’s most vulnerable. This social media campaign is intended to help increase vaccine acceptance amongst long-term care staff.

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 data for October 1 – December 31 (Q4) of CY 2020 must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on May 17, 2021.

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 must be transmitted to CMS through the Assessment Submission and Processing (ASAP) system to the Quality Improvement Evaluation System (QIES). No additional reporting is required.

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 IRFs, LTCHs, and 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:

Pioneer Network’s Virtual Symposium

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June 16, 2021: Envisioning the Future – Dementia Care: 2021 and Beyond

The second in our 2021 four symposium series based on the theme, Envisioning the Future, this virtual event is designed to provide valuable learning on the topic of Dementia Care. Held within a 6-hour window, there will be four general sessions followed by an opportunity to gather together with the general session speakers to ask questions, explore the topics, and further define our vision for the future.

Pioneer Network: Hot Topics – Culture Change in Action

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May 6, 2021: Spring Forward: Three Person Centered Care Strategies to Change the Trajectory for Residents in Senior Living
Speakers: Rosemary Laird, M.D.,M.H.S.A; Deanna Vigliotta, National Sales Manager, TZMO USA, Inc; and Penny Cook, President & CEO, Pioneer Network

Join us for a discussion on some Hot Topics, including the importance of a person-centered approach to care; how now may be the perfect time for senior living communities to reevaluate their outdoor space for residents; how rethinking a community’s indoor space may help to increase social engagement for residents; and how revisiting current policies related to continence care may lead to better outcomes and costs savings. Three strategies will be explored in hopes that through education and understanding, together we can change lives.

Missouri Vaccinators to Resume Janssen/J&J Vaccine

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The CDC and FDA lifted the pause on the Janssen/J&J vaccine, and use of the vaccine will resume in Missouri. Please follow the links below to updated information for Missouri.

Conversations with Carmen

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May 21, 2021: Artifacts of Culture Change (ACC) 2.0 and ACC – Assisted Living: Part 3
Presenters: Host Carmen Bowman and her Guest Karen Schoeneman

An Artifacts 2.0 version for nursing homes, and a first-ever Artifacts for Assisted Living are now available, thanks to the Pioneer Network. The ACC is an internal self-assessment tool — inspirational and educational, reflecting concrete practices that change institutional culture or “artifacts” of culture change. Walk through each of the over-130 items with the developers Karen Schoeneman and Carmen Bowman in three sessions (March 19, April 23 and May 21) and be inspired to learn culture change practices you may have not considered – to shift the focus from institutional to individual, and institution to home.

These detailed and in-depth sessions build on the overview provided during the Pioneer Network’s webinar (Feb. 18, 2021) introducing the Artifacts.

SPECIAL COVID PRICING STILL IN EFFECT!

Preceptor Training

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June 6, 2021: Camden on the Lake, Lake Ozark
October 21, 2021: MANHA Office, Jefferson City

The Missouri Board of Nursing Home Administrators requires an individual applying to become a preceptor to future nursing home administrators who require an AIT program in Missouri to complete a prescribed course of instruction and training. A work internship in a nursing home under the direct supervision of a licensed nursing home administrator who is designated as a preceptor by the board is an important part of the preparatory training. The supervision by a preceptor is a valuable contribution to the growth and development of the intern, to nursing home administration, and ultimately, long term care. This course has been approved by the Missouri Board of Nursing Home Administrators as a requirement in the application process of becoming a preceptor.

Please see the brochure for registration details.

Pioneer Network’s Hot Topics

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April 22, 2021: Compassionate Leadership in Action

A characteristic we look for in leaders is compassion, but what does it look like in practice? How do leaders support a culture of compassion in their organization? What characteristics do they share?

Our panelists are leaders at organizations known for their compassionate cultures. Donna Moore, serves as COO at Isakson Living, Deke Cateau, is the CEO, at A.G. Rhodes, and Jill Vitale-Aussem, who through most of the pandemic served as CEO of The Eden Alternative and is now CEO of Christian Living Communities. Each will share the beliefs and values that guide their leadership philosophies and discuss how they have put them into action to grow and support a culture of compassion in their organizations. They will also provide tangible ideas you can take away as you work to support and grow a culture of compassion in your organization.

As a Thank-You to our Coalition Partners, use code PNCoalition2021 for a 15% Discount

COVID-19 FREE Testing

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The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services continues to offer FREE COVID-19 testing. Individuals seeking a free testing opportunity 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. Testing is still a very important tool in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Event information can always be found at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest. Additional sites (with regular or one-time opportunities) may be added as indicators suggest the need for additional testing.

Personal Needs Allowance

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This memo was originally released in 2013 and was a collaboration with the Family Support Division and the Social Security Administration to clarify their expectations regarding resident funds. The memo has been updated to reflect the current monthly personal needs allowance only. The remainder of the guidance remains the same.

If you have any questions feel free to contact Lynn Gilmore, Senior Auditor, at Lynn.Gilmore@health.mo.gov or 573-508-4150.

Reimbursement for COVID-19 Outbreak Testing and Other Necessary Expenses – Deadline Extended to June 30, 2021

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Deadline Extended to June 30, 2021

All LTC facilities (SNF-ICF-RCF-ALF) may submit for reimbursement of outbreak testing through March 31, 2021.

All Skilled Nursing Facilities may invoice for other necessary COVID-19 expenditures up to a maximum cap of $345 per licensed bed. The previous cap of $303, which originally expired on December 30, 2020, has been extended to June 30, 2021 and the cap increased to $345 which is a $42 per licensed bed increase. Facilities cannot bill for expenses that have been previously invoiced.

All other facilities may submit invoices for other necessary COVID-019 expenses up to the previous existing cap of $330/licensed bed, which originally expired on December 1, 2020 and has been extended to June 30, 2021. Facilities cannot bill for expenses that have been previously invoiced.

If any facility previously submitted for reimbursement and did not get reimbursed up to the cap, they can submit for additional reimbursement up to the cap. If you have previously submitted invoices for reimbursement that meets or exceeds the cap, please do not resubmit those items. They are being re-reviewed at this time.

Please see this link for the portal and other additional information: https://apps.dss.mo.gov/LongTermCareCovid19Invoices/.

COVID-19 FREE Testing

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The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services continues to offer FREE COVID-19 testing. Individuals seeking a free testing opportunity 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. Testing is still a very important tool in fighting the COVID-19 pandemic.

Event information can always be found at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest. Additional sites (with regular or one-time opportunities) may be added as indicators suggest the need for additional testing. The following events are available for the month of April 2021:

St. Louis Area

    • Every Monday – 11:00 am -7:00 pm
      IBEW Local #1
      5850 Elizabeth Avenue
      St. Louis, MO 63110
    • Every Thursday – 11:00 am -7:00 pm
      Laborers Local #110
      4532 S Lindbergh Blvd
      St. Louis, MO 63127
    • Every Saturday – 11:00 am -7:00 pm
      Machinist Lodge #777
      12365 St Charles Rock Rd
      Bridgeton, MO 63044

Central MO Area

    • Sunday (dates below)
      11:00 am – 7:00 pm
      April 11, 18
      American Legion #1423
      Tanner Bridge Road
      Jefferson City, MO 65101

Southwest Area

    • Every Tuesday – 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
      Mother’s Brewing Company
      Open Lot located on the corner of West College and Grant Avenue
      Springfield, MO 65806

Kansas City Area

    • Every Monday – 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
      Heavy Construction Laborers, Local #663
      7820 Prospect
      Kansas City, MO 64132
    • Every Thursday – 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
      Heavy Construction Laborers, Local #663
      7820 Prospect
      Kansas City, MO 64132
    • Every Saturday – 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
      Teamsters Local #955
      4501 Emanuel Cleaver II Blvd.
      Kansas City, MO 64130

Southeast Area

    • Sunday (dates below)
      11:00 am – 7:00 pm
      April 25
      Red Show Barn
      410 Kiwanis Drive
      Cape Girardeau MO 63701

Vaccine Information

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This COVID-19 Vaccine document outlines processes to address the ongoing vaccination needs for residents and staff in long term care communities.

  • For residents and staff who received their first dose at the final clinic conducted by CVS or Walgreens and are in need of a second dose of Moderna vaccine: Regional Implementation Teams and the Missouri National Guard will be coordinating with local partners to provide onsite vaccine for these residents and staff. Please review the attached document for additional information on this process.
    • Walgreens has indicated they will also be conducting outreach to those communities where they provided onsite clinics to ensure there is opportunity for administration of this second dose. This outreach by Walgreens may be ideal for ensuring residents who have been discharged to home have access to the vaccine if they don’t have the ability to return to the long term care community for the second dose.
  • For residents and staff who have yet to receive vaccine (new residents and staff, and residents and staff who did not receive vaccine at the onsite clinics): Several options are outlined in the attached document for ensuring ongoing access to vaccine. The University of Missouri-Columbia COVID Accountability Team (CAT) team will be available to assist communities with determining which option best meets their needs and with navigating through the process. DHSS hosted a WebEx call on Monday, March 29th at 1:30 for long term care communities that are interested in becoming a vaccinator. The WebEx was recorded and can be viewed by clicking on the link below.

Long Term Care Facilities and Vaccination-20210329 1830-1

Thank you to our partners for assisting us with developing these processes and for assisting with coordination efforts moving forward! Questions related to ongoing vaccine efforts may be addressed to Shelly Williamson at shelly.williamson@health.mo.gov.

Action Pact’s Conversations with Carmen

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April 23, 2021: Artifacts of Culture Change (ACC) 2.0 and ACC for Assisted Living
Presenters: the developers of the Artifacts, our Host Carmen Bowman and her guest Karen Schoeneman

An Artifacts 2.0 version for nursing homes, and a first-ever Artifacts for Assisted Living are now available, thanks to the Pioneer Network. The ACC is an internal self-assessment tool — inspirational and educational, reflecting concrete practices that change institutional culture or “artifacts” of culture change. Walk through each of the over-130 items with the developers Karen Schoeneman and Carmen Bowman in three sessions (March 19, April 23 and May 21) and be inspired to learn culture change practices you may have not considered – to shift the focus from institutional to individual, and institution to home.

These detailed and in-depth sessions build on the overview provided during the Pioneer Network’s webinar (Feb. 18, 2021) introducing the Artifacts. (The recording of that webinar will soon be offered for free on the Pioneer website.)

Health Quality Innovation Network – Complete and Compliant Vaccine Tracking Tools

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April 8, 2021: Don’t Lose Track! Complete & Compliant Vaccine Tracking Tools

As COVID-19 vaccination rates increase there is an opportunity for your facility to ensure accurate vaccine tracking among team members and residents. The Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN) has developed COVID-19 vaccination administration and tracking tools to show you at-a-glance where your facility coverage stands and what gaps you need to address. Not only do these tools strengthen compliance monitoring, they also can assist with optional NHSN COVID-19 vaccine reporting. During this 30-minute Office Hours session, an infection preventionist and LTC nurse will walk you through the new tools to facilitate vaccine tracking compliance and target improvement efforts.

Resource links:

COVID-19 FREE Testing (Sponsored by Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS))

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Community testing events serve the residents of Missouri. There is no eligibility other than to have a Missouri address. The testing is free. There is no fee collected or charged to insurance for administration of the test. DHSS makes this testing available in order to offer an opportunity for anyone desiring testing to do so without any financial barriers other than getting to the testing site. Even as the number of new positive case counts decrease and more individuals are vaccinated, it is important to be tested to give yourself peace of mind that you are not asymptomatic and carrying a virus that could make someone else sick. If you are symptomatic you most definitely should seek testing. Many camps, events, and travel now require evidence of a test result before participation.

Testing locations can be found here.

TBI Survivor Healthcare Access Needs Assessment

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The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), in collaboration with the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD), has received grant funding to conduct a healthcare access and experiences survey with survivors of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Missouri. Results from this survey will inform the development of a Missouri Plan to improve healthcare access and equity for people living with TBI and their families.

As a professional who provides supports and services to TBI survivors and their families, we hope that you can assist with disseminating this survey. With your assistance, we would like to reach as many survivors and families as possible to best identify areas of need and shape statewide initiatives in the coming years. Below, you will find survey information and weblinks for distribution. We have also linked a paper version of the survey in the text for those who prefer to complete and mail in a hard copy. Postage paid envelopes are available upon request. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Kelli Barton from the UMKC Institute for Human Development at bartonkn@umkc.edu.

On behalf of the project team, thank you for your continued partnership and support!

English Survey
Encuesta en Español

Printable English Survey
Encuesta en Español para Imprimir

FREE COVID-19 Testing Events

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The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services continues to offer FREE COVID-19 testing to Missouri residents. Individuals seeking this testing opportunity should visit our website at www.health.mo.gov/communitytest for a listing of events and a link to register. Residents are encouraged to visit this website frequently as new events will be added regularly. While registration guarantees testing, walk-ins to the event will be accommodated if registration slots are still available.

Upcoming events include:

Date

Time

City

County

Location

March 22, 2021

9AM – 4PM

St. Louis

St. Louis City

CareSTL Health

March 22, 2021

8AM – 5PM

Lexington

Lafayette

Health Care Collaborative of Rural Missouri

March 22, 2021

8:30AM – 2PM

Salem

Dent

Salem Community Center @ the Armory

March 22, 2021

8:30AM – 11:30AM

Florissant

St. Louis County

James J. Egan Civic Center

March 22, 2021

9AM – 1PM

Branson

Taney

Cox Health

March 22, 2021

10AM – 6PM

Sedalia

Pettis

Katy Trail Community Health

March 22, 2021

9AM – 11AM

Marshfield

Webster

Marshfield Fairgrounds

March 23, 2021

9AM – 3PM

New London

Ralls

Forget-Me-Not Senior Center

March 23, 2021

12PM – 3PM

St. Louis

St. Louis City

Affinia Healthcare

March 23, 2021

9AM – 4PM

St. Louis

St. Louis City

CareSTL Health

March 23, 2021

8AM – 12PM

Springfield

Greene

Jordan Valley Community Health Center

March 24, 2021

9AM – 1PM

St. Louis

St. Louis County

NAACP St. Louis County Building

March 24, 2021

9AM – 6PM

Kansas City

Clay County

Worlds of Fun

March 24, 2021

8:30AM – 11:30AM

Florissant

St. Louis County

James J. Egan Civic Center

March 24, 2021

1PM – 3PM

Camdenton

Camden

Mid-County Fire

March 25, 2021

12PM – 3PM

St. Louis

St. Louis City

Affinia Healthcare

March 25, 2021

10AM – 1PM

St. Charles

St. Charles

Harvester Christian Church

March 26, 2021

9AM – 1PM

Lamar

Barton

ACCESS Family Care

March 26, 2021

12PM – 4PM

Kansas City

Jackson

Kansas City Zoo (Near the Bandstand Pavilion)

March 26, 2021

10AM – 2PM

St. Joseph

Buchanan

St. Joseph Aquatic Center

MU Nursing Outreach Presents: Free Online Healthcare-Associated Infection Courses

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Virtual Healthcare Job Fair

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April 6, 2021: Virtual Healthcare Job Fair

The Missouri Office of Workforce Development is hosting another healthcare virtual job fair to support the needs of the healthcare industry across the state on April 6, 2021. Employers may now engage with job-seekers through the chat feature, or initiate video chat sessions.

The deadline to register is March 26, 2021. Please register at https://returnstrongmo.getyourbooth.com/.

The Missouri Office of Workforce Development will promote the virtual job fairs and recruit job seekers who may be interested in a healthcare career. Job seekers register at https://returnstrongmo.easyvirtualfair.com/prefair/.

Long-Term Care Administrator’s Week: Show Thanks to Healthcare Heroes

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March 8-12, 2021 is National Long-Term Care Administrator’s Week. During this week, staff, residents, families and volunteers have the opportunity to say “thank you” and honor the administrators who lead our nation’s long-term care communities. This year, Long-Term Care Administrator’s Week holds added significance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our nation’s long-term care leaders have been at the forefront of the response, taking responsibility for the care of the most vulnerable.

Missouri’s administrators manage the daily care of over 55,000 people who reside in long-term care facilities across the state. Administrators are key players in the care team and are entrusted with the responsibility of managing the care of our loved ones. They touch the lives of residents and families, and most importantly, ensure that their staff provides the highest level of quality care to a vulnerable population. To become an administrator takes commitment and dedication.

Rachel Patterson with JMS Senior Living said, “It would be amazing if we could all take the time to thank an administrator for their hard work. These healthcare heroes have rolled up their sleeves and filled whatever role necessary to keep their residents safe and their staff supported. They have poured their heart and souls into their work, often working weeks at a time without a break, and doing it without question or a second thought. Showing appreciation can be as simple as a card, or even an email, but it can really brighten an administrator’s day.”

For more ideas about how to recognize the administrator in your life, visit the American College of Health Care Administrators website.

MANHA’s Annual Convention

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June 6-9, 2021: People, Purpose, and Passion: The Pathway to Success

Missouri Association of Nursing Home Administrators is pleased to invite you to attend our Annual Convention. We have all experienced a very challenging year and need to recharge. The goal of this conference is to provide long-term care administrators and their staff practical and inspirational education hours along with the opportunity to network and socialize with colleagues.

Dementia Hacks: Expert Strategies for the Most Difficult Symptoms & Behaviors

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April 30, 2021: Dementia Hacks: Expert Strategies for the Most Difficult Symptoms & Behaviors

Memory Care Home Solutions is proud to offer this event in partnership with Saint Louis University & the Gateway Geriatric Education Center.

Join us on April 30th for Dementia Hacks: Expert Strategies for the Most Difficult Symptoms & Behaviors, an interactive six-hour virtual continuing education event to explore the most puzzling and challenging dementia symptoms! Memory Care Home Solutions clinicians will provide training and coaching in management of common behavioral and psychological symptoms including resistance to care, agitation, refusal to bathe, and more. This event will feature guest speakers including Washington University geriatrician Dr. Timothy Holden to discuss the medical management of dementia symptoms and Project Present founder Ann Marie Mohr on creative communication strategies. Attendees will leave with new knowledge and skillsets in behavioral management strategies to immediately apply in their work and caregiving roles.

Included with event registration, participants will have access to a Dementia Hacker Chat Drop-in session on May 14th with clinical experts to brainstorm and discuss their experiences in applying the strategies and refining approaches.

Course approval applications are being submitted for continuing education credit for nursing home administrators, physical therapists, physicians, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and social workers. For more information on course objectives and to register, visit our website at https://memorycarehs.org/events/ceu/.

Money Follows The Person (MFP) Stay Requirement Change

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Starting January 26, 2021, the MFP Program requirement of a 90 day stay in a nursing facility prior to transition has been reduced to 60 days. Additionally, days at a nursing facility which were considered short-term rehabilitation days can now count toward fulfillment of the 60 day stay requirement.

For more information on the MFP program, please visit the Missouri Money Follows the Person Demonstration Grant webpage.