Category: Events

MC5 Webinar

Posted on

March 6, 2024: The Validation Method:  Connect and Communicate with Older Adults
Presenter: Vicki deKlerk, Executive Director, The Validation Institute

Over 37 years ago, when reality orientation was the norm, Naomi Feil, a woman with unique empathy and insight into the world of disoriented elders, created the Validation Method, motivating older adults with cognitive decline to communicate more, relieve stress, and enhance dignity and happiness in their final stage of life.

Today, the validation method is practiced around the world, and her daughter, Vicki deKlerk, continues her work through the Validation Training Institute, providing education, quality standards and easy pathways for learning this evidence-based method.

Through the magic of Zoom, Vicki will join us from the Netherlands, using interactive exercises, she will describe, demonstrate and share 2 key prerequisite skills of the Validation Method. There will be an opportunity to share in conversation and engage in a Q & A with attendees.

Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) Submission Deadline Reminder

Posted on

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 10/1/23 through 12/31/23 is due February 14, 2024.

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:

CMS PBJ webpage – https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Staffing-Data-Submission-PBJ
PBJ Reference Manuals – https://qtso.cms.gov/vendors/payroll-based-journal-pbj-vendors/reference-manuals
PBJ Training – https://qtso.cms.gov/training-materials/payroll-based-journal-pbj

SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) Submission Deadline Reminder

Posted on

SNFs are required to report data to meet the SNF QRP requirements. The submission deadline for the SNF QRP is approaching. The following data must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on February 15, 2024:

  • MDS data for 7/1/23 through 9/30/23;
  • NHSN data for COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Among Healthcare Personnel for 7/1/23 through 9/30/23;

The Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 must be transmitted to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) through the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES). 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 MDS 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:

CMS SNF QRP Data Submission Deadlines webpage – https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Skilled-Nursing-Facility-Quality-Reporting-Program/SNF-Quality-Reporting-Program-Data-Submission-Deadlines
CMS SNF QRP Help webpage – https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Skilled-Nursing-Facility-Quality-Reporting-Program/SNF-Quality-Reporting-Program-QRP-Help
CMS SNF QRP Measures and Technical Information webpage – https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Skilled-Nursing-Facility-Quality-Reporting-Program/SNF-Quality-Reporting-Program-Measures-and-Technical-Information
CMS SNF QRP Training Webpage – https://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Skilled-Nursing-Facility-Quality-Reporting-Program/SNF-Quality-Reporting-Program-Training

MLN Nursing Home Administrator Conference

Posted on

May 21-23, 2024: 33rd Annual Nursing Home Administrator Conference
Location: Downstream Casino, Quapaw, OK

Elevate your leadership at the 33rd Annual NHA Conference hosted by the Missouri League for Nursing at Downstream Casino from May 21-23, 2024. Join MLN for a Quad-State Extravaganza that promises unmatched insights, networking, and celebration tailored to meet the unique challenges and opportunities in the realm of nursing home administration.

VOYCE Professional Development Webinar

Posted on

March 7, 2024: Climb Out of the Cost Burden: Resources Available for Low-Income Housing Needs

Over 10 million households headed by someone 65 and older are cost-burdened, meaning they pay more than 1/3 of their income on housing. Service providers encountering clients needing low-income housing must be aware of the available programs and services to ensure smooth transitions. Join VOYCE to understand the current issues in St. Louis regarding low-income housing for older adults and what factors in individuals’ lives impact, and sometimes inhibit, their capacity to live independently in low-income housing. This presentation will explore St. Louis-based aid that can help people mitigate unique barriers to housing and locate their next home, including Show-Me Home, Missouri’s Money Follows the Person program.

DMH Free Webinars – Tools for Everyone

Posted on

February 8, 2024: Registration
February 13, 2024: Registration
February 21, 2024: Registration
February 29, 2024: Registration

Tools of Choice is an evidence-based program focused on the implementation of universal positive practices. This two-hour introductory training is open to community members, parents, and professionals. It covers key concepts of the Tools of Choice curriculum, including: What is behavior, building positive relationships, and how to increase desirable behavior. Join the Positive Support Consultants in learning strategies to make positive change by implementing universal positive practices.

Registration is also available on the Upcoming Webinar Webpage.

Upcoming COMRU Training

Posted on

Central Office Medical Review Unit (COMRU) is hosting a FREE webinar concerning the online Level 1 Pre-Admission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) application process via Webex on February 8, 2024, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. This webinar will cover the following topics:

  • common errors requiring applications to be returned,
  • what triggers a Level 2 screening on the application, and
  • how to check the status of an online application.

Complete the registration and meeting invitation will be forwarded to your email address the week of the webinar. To register to attend: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WF7BDZ5.

Regulation Summation Monthly Webinar Series 2024

Posted on

January 31-December 18, 2024: Regulation Summation Monthly Webinar Series 2024

LeadingAge Missouri in conjunction with LeadingAge Iowa is pleased to provide a monthly webinar series throughout 2024 reviewing the regulations contained in Appendix PP of the State Operations Manual. The Regulation Summation will provide attendees with a detailed review of the regulations including the regulatory language, interpretative guidance, examples of noncompliance, and strategies to maintain compliance.

VOYCE Professional Development Webinar

Posted on

February 1, 2024: Assisting with Addiction: The Growing Threat of Substance Use Disorder in Older Adults

Substance use disorder is a significant issue in Missouri, but its impact on older adults is often overlooked. Join us for an insightful conversation in which we will explore the trends in substance use and mental health among older Missourians and discuss the steps that healthcare providers can take to develop effective interventions and provide equitable treatment for individuals. Presented by VOYCE and led by Dr. Julie Gary, Ph.D., MPH, St. Louis City Department of Health.

Recreation and Activity Professionals Webinar Series

Posted on

February 5-8, 2024: Recreation and Activity Professionals Webinar Series

Hear talks about the industry by nationally-renowned speakers and recreation and activities experts and come up to speed on best practices in programming and resident care– all information and ideas you can immediately put into practice! This is a DON’T MISS event if you seek to enhance your knowledge, elevate your residents’ and clients’ experiences, and improve your programs.

VOYCE’s Upcoming Events

Posted on

January 23, 2024: Nutrition and Dietary Changes as We Age: Feed Your Soul

Discover the essential elements to guarantee that you or your friends and relatives receive assistance with making healthy choices and access to resources for ongoing support. Enjoy a cooking demonstration, and learn about how nutritional needs, dietary deficiencies, and appetite levels change throughout life.

 

February 5, 2024: Prepare Your Family: Will Your Wishes Be Honored?

Have the uncomfortable conversations now to ensure your wishes are carried out. The benefits of having these documents in place: Property Power of Attorney, Health Care Power of Attorney, HIPAA Authorization, Advanced Directives, Guardianship, DNR, and Out-of-hospital DNR.

 

February 20, 2024: Put the Care in Caregiving

The pressures of caregiving, whether inside or outside the home, can lead to a lack of empathy and several physical symptoms, known as caregiver compassion fatigue or burnout. In the wake of a pandemic that claimed over 5.5 million lives, knowing your limits and what to do when you’ve reached them is essential. Learn the signs of caregiver compassion fatigue to identify them in yourself or others and explore options for relief.

 

February 29, 2024: Summit to Protect Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

This summit is a conversation with the community, professionals, older adults, and others to learn what needs to be fixed in the adult protection system.

Preventing Frozen Sprinkler Pipes/Systems

Posted on

Across the state, sprinkler pipes are freezing and breaking due to the extreme temperatures making it difficult to maintain building temperature.  Below is a quick list of items you can use to help prevent sprinkler systems from freezing/breaking.

  • Per NFPA 13, facilities must maintain a minimum of 40 degrees F in the spaces containing the systems
  • Check attic insulation. Tradesmen may have moved the insulation and not replaced it.
  • Add additional insulation.
  • Install temperature sensors to check for cold spots.
  • Possible heat tracing for branch lines per NFPA 13. Remember these are not allowed on valve bodies.
  • Re- balance HVAC to ensure adequate coverage in all areas.
  • Install additional permanent heaters (temporary heaters (such as space heaters) are not allowed)

 

NFPA 13, 2010 edition

  • 16.4 Protection of Piping.
  • 16.4.1 Protection of Piping Against Freezing.
  • 16.4.1.1 Unless the requirements of 8.16.4.1.2 are met, where portions of systems are subject to freezing and temperatures cannot reliably be maintained at or above 40°F (4°C), sprinklers shall be installed as a dry pipe or preauction system.
  • 16.4.1.2 Small unheated areas are permitted to be protected by antifreeze systems or by other systems specifically
  • listed for this purpose, including but not limited to listed heat tracing systems.
  • 16.4.1.3 Where aboveground water-filled supply pipes, risers, system risers, or feed mains pass through open areas, cold rooms, passageways, or other areas exposed to temperatures below 40°F (4°C), the pipe shall be protected against freezing by insulating coverings, frost proof casings, listed heat tracing systems, or other reliable means capable of maintaining a minimum temperature between 40°F (4°C) and 120°F (48.9°C).
  • 16.4.1.4 Where listed heat tracing systems are used, they shall be supervised.
  • 16.4.1.5 Where listed heat tracing is utilized for branch lines, it shall be specifically listed for use on branch lines.

MC5 Route 71 Region

Posted on

January 25, 2024: You’re Not Special: Navigating Staffing in the Me Culture
Presenters: Wendy Boren, BSN, RN, QIPMO, University of Missouri, Sinclair School of Nursing and Nicky Martin, MPA, BS, LNHA, CDPQIPMO, Sinclair School of Nursing

Staffing is a constant battle, but the current culture makes staffing healthcare a different kind of challenge than we’ve ever faced before. Recruiting and retaining staff in the “me” culture requires ingenuity, patience, compromise, and a new spin on professionalism. This program will highlight those challenges through interactive discussion and give participants real tools to creative winning strategies that may just take them from “me” to “we.”

MALA & DSDS Sessions for RCF/ALF

Posted on

March 6-13, 2024: Various Locations

The Missouri Assisted Living Association (MALA) and Division of Senior and Disability Services (DSDS) have scheduled sessions to share new resources, upcoming initiatives and clarify information related to Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) in Residential Care Facilities (RCF) and Assisted Living Facilities (ALF). Please see the attached for additional information and for the locations, dates and time.

Dementia Training for I/DD Service Providers Webinar

Posted on

January 16, 2024: Dementia Training for I/DD Service Providers Webinar

Join the ACL-funded National Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center (NADRC) for the webinar, “Strengthening the Dementia Capable Workforce: Dementia Training for Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Service Providers.”

This webinar will explore educational programs utilized when training providers of aging and I/DD services and how to build systems to support individuals, families, and providers within local communities.

NADRC webinars are free of charge and open to the public, although pre-registration is required. The webinars are recorded and will be available for future viewing on the NADRC website. Closed captioning is available during the webinar and will be included in the recording.

Contact NADRC-Webinars@rti.org with any questions.

Master Plan on Aging Town Hall Meetings

Posted on

February 26, 2024-March 8, 2024: Various Locations

Aging with Dignity: Missouri’s Master Plan on Aging is a multi-sector initiative aimed at countering age and disability discrimination, dismantling barriers to graceful aging, and fostering dignity among Missouri’s aging citizens. The overarching goal of the master plan on aging (MPA) is that all Missourians, regardless of age or ability, will have access to person-centered programs and services necessary to help them age in their environment of choice and in a safe and healthy manner.

We need your help! Meetings will be held across the state to gather feedback from local individuals who know about issues and needs in their communities. These in-person town hall-style events are open to anyone who wants to influence the direction of the state when it comes to aging in Missouri. Attached is a flyer containing information about the 10 in-person town halls that will be occurring in locations around the State between February 26 – March 8, 2024. In addition, there will be two virtual sessions held on March 21st for those unable to attend the in-person town hall meetings. Please see the attached graphic invitation for information about registration for the virtual sessions. Both the in-person and virtual sessions will have similar formats with the same objective, so there is no need to attend more than one session. While in-person attendance is preferred, the virtual option is available for those who cannot attend in person. If an accommodation is needed to attend the town halls, please call the Senior Resource Line at 1.800.235.5503 and you will be connected to your local Area Agency on Aging to make these arrangements. More information about the Master Plan on Aging can be found at: Master Plan on Aging | Senior & Disability Services | Health & Senior Services (mo.gov).

Candida auris Information

Posted on

The Healthcare-Associated Infections/ Antimicrobial Resistance (HAI/AR) Program at the Department of Health and Senior Services held a webinar on December 20, 2023 to outline recommended actions resulting from recent cases of Candida auris (C. auris) detected in Missouri. C. auris is considered an urgent threat according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A Health Alert with more information can be found here.

The informational webinar on the emerging C. auris situation in MO has been posted along with the PowerPoint presentations. The recording and PowerPoints can be found here: https://health.mo.gov/data/hai/index.php under the heading “Candida auris Informational Webinar”.

You may also view this C. auris Information Sheet for LTC for more information.

If there are any questions please contact the HAI/AR program at 573-751-6113 or info@health.mo.gov.

Activity Director Workshop

Posted on

January 9-February 6, 2024: Online Activity Director Workshop

Activity Director participants will learn how to identify the activity needs of residents as well as designate programs to maintain and/or increase the resident’s capability of activities in daily living.  Upon successful completion of the course, attendees will have met the Missouri State requirements to be an Activity Director in a long term care setting and will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the Missouri Health Care Association.

Social Service Designee

Posted on

January 9-February 6, 2024: Online SSD Workshop

Social Service Designee participants will receive insight to the Social Service department of a long term care facility, learn the aging process, the performance skills of the SSD and understand the role and function of the position. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees will have met the Missouri State requirements to be a Social Service Designee in a long term care setting and will receive a Certificate of Attendance from the Missouri Health Care Association.

Deconstructing Immediate Jeopardy & High Risk Tags

Posted on

January 9-December 10, 2024: Deconstructing IJ & High Risk Tags (12-Part Webinar Series)

This series is designed to empower nursing home professionals with the knowledge and strategies needed to navigate the top risk areas associated with Immediate Jeopardy citations. Drawing from real-life examples of IJ citations, we’ll delve into actionable solutions to prevent these critical citations in facilities.

Participants will dig into the critical issues in nursing homes while exploring strategies to prevent immediate jeopardy citations.

Documentation in Depth

Posted on

January 16-December 17, 2024: Documentation in Depth (12- Part Webinar Series)

This monthly series facilitates moving clinical documentation from satisfactory to superior with a focus on defending quality of care and supporting accurate reimbursement. Discussion will include assessment considerations, effective care planning in high-risk areas, reporting daily care and services, and overcoming common barriers. Extensive case studies and documentation examples will be included.

MHCA Behavioral Health: Care Process for Residents with Dementia

Posted on

February 8-29, 2024: Behavioral Health: Care Process for Residents with Dementia (4-Part Webinar Series)

Join MHCA as Barbara Speedling, author of “Why is Grandma Screaming?” presents the webinar series, “Behavioral Health: Care Process for Residents with Dementia”. Following this 4-part webinar series participants will be able to describe the importance of a comprehensive holistic assessment and understand the impact of the disease process, the history of lifelong psychosocial issues and coping skills, develop team approaches to non-pharmacological interventions for mood and behavior, and create a satisfying livable environment by understanding the impact of human nature on care relationships, mood, and behavior.

Supplemental Health Care Services Agency (SHCSA) Regulation

Posted on

Did you know that you can view the status of a SHCSA application or registration? Our dashboard (link below) shows in real time all SHCSA applications received to date and registrations issued. As a reminder, any agency that operates in Missouri and falls within statute 198.640(6): A supplemental health care services agency is defined as a person, firm, corporation, partnership or association engaged for hire in the business of providing or procuring temporary employment in health care facilities for health care personnel, including a temporary nursing staffing agency as defined in section 383.130, or that operates a digital website or digital smartphone application that facilitates the provision of the engagement of health care personnel and accepts requests for health care personnel through its digital website or digital smartphone application shall register with the department pursuant to statute 198.642.1. Initial registration applications and fees should be received as soon as possible, but before December 31, 2023. Please email SHCSA@health.mo.gov with any questions or concerns.

Here is the link to the dashboard: Agency Registration Status which can be found on our main webpage (https://health.mo.gov/safety/shcsa/index.html).

 

LTCF December 2023 Updates

Posted on

Below is important information regarding modifications to the Long-term Care Facility COVID-19/Respiratory Pathogens Module and the COVID-19/Respiratory Pathogens Vaccination Module. The changes described below are now visible within the NHSN application. These updates became effective beginning the week of December 17, 2023. Resources on the NHSN LTCF COVID-19/Respiratory Pathogens Module webpage and the COVID-19/Respiratory Pathogens Vaccination Modules webpage have been updated, where indicated, with revised forms, instructions, FAQs, and CSV templates.

IMPORTANT UPDATES:

Geolocation

The geolocation function is now available within the application. To complete this item, select the icon on the alerts page that is labeled “Facility Geolocation.”

Point of Care (POC) Test Reporting Tool

No enhancements

State Veterans Homes COVID-19 Event Reporting Tool

No enhancements

COVID-19/Respiratory Pathogens Pathway Data Reporting

  • Optional Influenza/RSV Tab
  • NEW! Data reported to the optional Influenza/RSV tab can now be viewed as a report/line list by using the Analysis tab within the application. The analysis function is a tool that can be used to view data reported to NSHN. Please note, reporting to the Influenza/RSV tab is OPTIONAL.

COVlD-19/Respiratory Pathogens Vaccination Influenza and RSV Line List Report for Residents

New! You can now use the Influenza / RSV line listing report to review your facility’s data (or your group’s data) submitted for weekly reporting of Influenza and RSV vaccination rates for residents. These data are included in the line list “Line Listing: All COVID-19 Vaccination Cumulative Summary Data – Residents” found under COVID-19 Module > COVID-19 Vaccination in the analysis tab within the NHSN application.

COVlD-19/Respiratory Pathogens Vaccination Summary Form Changes for Healthcare Personnel

New! Form changes take place 1/1/2024 (Quarter 1, 2024)

  • Questions related to COVID-19 primary series vaccination will be removed
  • The question about HCP being up to date with COVID-19 vaccination (formerly Question #4) is moved up on the form to Question #2
  • Questions 3.1-3.3 will now refer to those who are not up to date in Question #2
  • HCP should not be considered up to date for COVID-19 vaccination unless they received the updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccine

COVlD-19/Respiratory Pathogens Vaccination Trainings

Webinar dates posted below and on the website under the “Announcement Section”

Initial Session

When: January 4, 2024 1:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Updates to Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Healthcare Personnel Summary Form: Long Term Care Component
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_3CPOEhCYQp-bEXz1JexBaA

Replay Session

When: January 9, 2024 2:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Updates to Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Healthcare Personnel Summary Form: Long Term Care Component
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_woL3InfGQkKXa8mCK26_-w

Replay Session

When: January 16, 2024 1:30 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Topic: Replay: Updates to Weekly COVID-19 Vaccination Healthcare Personnel Summary Form: Long Term Care Component
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_TZHB8MsHQ0atRx9N3tNRuA#/registration

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

DMH Free Webinars – Tools for Everyone

Posted on

January 04, 2024: Registration
January 10, 2024: Registration
January 16, 2024: Registration
January 25, 2024: Registration
January 31, 2024: Registration

Presenters: Kathleen Deppeler, Director of Positive Supports
Terri Werner, Central Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead
Brandy Allen, Northern Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead
Katherine Earll, Eastern Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead

Tools of Choice is an evidence-based program focused on the implementation of universal positive practices. This two-hour introductory training is open to community members, parents, and professionals. It covers key concepts of the Tools of Choice curriculum, including: What is behavior, building positive relationships, and how to increase desirable behavior. Join the Positive Support Consultants in learning strategies to make positive change by implementing universal positive practices.

Registration is also available on the Upcoming Webinar Webpage.