Category: Events

Collecting Healthcare Personnel Influenza Vaccination Data through NHSN for Long-term Care Facilities

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Below is some key information to help long-term care facilities (LTCFs) prepare for collecting annual healthcare personnel (HCP) influenza vaccination summary data for the 2023-2024 influenza season.

Which facilities are required to report these data?

  • CMS-certified skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) are required to report HCP influenza vaccination summary data through NHSN.

What data are submitted?

  • The reporting period for the 2023-2024 influenza season is from October 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024. Facilities are only required to submit one report that covers the entire reporting period by May 15, 2024.

How should facilities submit these data?

  • Facilities must report annual HCP influenza vaccination summary data through the NHSN Healthcare Personnel Safety (HPS) Component.

Who can activate the HPS Component?

  • Only the NHSN Facility Administrator (FA) can activate a new component. The NHSN FA can then add users, including the HPS Component Primary Contact, once the component is activated.
  • If the NHSN FA leaves the facility but does not transfer the role of FA to another individual prior to leaving, please complete the NHSN Facility Administrator Change Request Form: https://www.cdc.gov/nhsn/facadmin/index.html.
  • Please do not de-activate any other NHSN Components, such as the LTC Facility Component.

How can LTCFs add the HPS Component?

Where can facilities access training materials?

What are key training materials for LTCFs?

Are there any upcoming trainings for LTCFs?

  • Yes, there will be two refresher trainings on reporting annual HCP influenza vaccination summary data on November 21 and November 28. The content for each webinar is the same. After registering, you will receive a confirmation e-mail containing information about joining the webinar.

When: Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_PcTHDlv6SC6xyA1VYUEurQ

When: Tuesday, November 28, 2023, at 1:00 PM ET
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_lx1CWu4OSTmUDyuPgoo7AA

Who do facilities contact with questions?

  • Please direct all questions regarding CMS SNF QRP requirements and deadlines to: SNFQualityQuestions@cms.hhs.gov.
  • If you have any additional questions or concerns, please use NHSN-ServiceNow to submit questions to the NHSN Help Desk. The new portal can be accessed here and should be used in place of nhsn@cdc.gov. ServiceNow will help the NHSN team respond to your questions faster. Users will be authenticated using CDC’s Secure Access Management Services (SAMS), the same way you access NHSN. If you do not have a SAMS login, or are unable to access ServiceNow, you can still e-mail the NHSN Help Desk at: nhsn@cdc.gov, with “HPS Flu Summary – LTCF” in the e-mail subject line.

Thank you for your efforts reporting annual HCP influenza vaccination summary data through NHSN.

MC5 Update

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Artifacts of Culture Change 2.0

MC5 would like to thank the Section for Long-Term Care Regulation for allowing us to share the Artifacts of Culture Change at the recent provider meetings and for their continued support of our work to grow person-centered cultures in Missouri’s Senior Living Communities. It is our hope that providers will utilize the Artifacts tool to further advance resident-directed practices in their communities.

The Artifacts of Culture Change 2.0 (ACC) tool and associated supporting materials can be found at https://www.pioneernetwork.net/artifacts-culture-change/.

Watch for additional training opportunities related to implementing the Artifacts of Culture Change in future MC5 newsletters and here in the listserv.

 

Revitalizing MC5

MC5 is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to promote and support ongoing collaboration within the adult care continuum to create environments where the dignity and value of each individual who lives or works there is respected and celebrated”. Our mission, led by a team of passionate volunteers, is accomplished through education and networking, and provided through forums such webinars, symposiums, and at meetings held in the 13 regions located throughout Missouri.

As we plan for 2024, we would like to hear from you. What do you need from MC5, and perhaps, what talents might you be able to share with our team.

Please click here to complete a short survey.

MC5 Event – Re-Imagining Person-Directed Culture: It Starts with a Conversation

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Join members of the team from MC5 and special guests the 4th Wednesday of each month as we share stories and best practices, explore challenges faced, and together re-envision what Person-Directed Care can look like for seniors in Missouri, especially for those living and working in Missouri’s Long-Term Care and Assisted Livings communities.

October 25, 2023: Filling the Holidays with Meaning and Purpose
Special Guest: Carrie Chiusano, Executive Director for Presbyterian SeniorCare Network’s Dementia Care Center of Excellence
Conversation Starter: Come prepared to discuss best practices as well as challenges faced as you work to make the holiday season one that has meaning and purpose for the residents in your community.

Special guest, Carrie Chiusano has thirty plus years of long-term care experience with Presbyterian SeniorCare Network. Most of those years were spent helping to shape and implement the internationally renowned Woodside Place philosophy of specialty care for persons living with Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias. Carrie is a Certified Dementia Practitioner (CDP) and a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Care Trainer (CADDCT) through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners.

LeadingAge Long-Term Care Legal Education Series

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Legal Series Webinars

Long-Term Care has been among the most litigated field in the USA. This series, delivered by expert attorneys, will share experiences and best practices to incorporate into your community. The entire series or individual sessions can be purchased.

October 11, 2023: Survey Process
October 12, 2023: Staffing Agency Potholes/Temporary Staffing
November 15, 2023: Hot Survey Issues (More information soon)
November 28, 2023: Best Practices for Policies (More information soon)

A Deep Dive into Security Compliance

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October 17, 2023: A Deep Dive into Security Compliance

With continuing changes in technology innovations and the increasing number of attacks, both foreign and domestic, on information systems, it is important for senior living communities to ensure that your business partners prioritize IT security and compliance with HIPAA privacy and security requirements. Learn what your organization and your partners should be doing to protect your data, provide staff training and establish a plan for ongoing protection.

 

Are SNF’s a Financial Sinkhole or Golden Goose?

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October 18, 2023: Are SNF’s a Financial Sinkhole or Golden Goose?

A high level discussion about the financial challenges of operating skilled nursing facilities and the strategies utilized to mitigate.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand why the challenges in operating a SNF are real and unavoidable.
  • Hear about M&A and financial metrics of SNF operators.
  • Learn about the financial challenges many SNF operators are facing and strategies utilized to mitigate the impact.
  • Learn the pros and cons of embarking upon the strategy of owning an ancillary business to augment profitability.

Free Education from the Department of Mental Health

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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.

October 18, 2023 1:00 – 3:00 – Registration
October 23, 2023 10:00 – 12:00 – Registration

Presenters:

  • Terri Werner, Central Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead
  • Brandy Allen, Northern Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead
  • Katherine Earll, Eastern Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead
  • Cana Poteet, Western Area Positive Supports Consultant Lead

Target Audience:

  • Anyone interested in learning more about Tools of Choice

Registration is also available on the Upcoming Webinar Webpage.

PDPM for Leaders

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November 14, 2023: PDPM for Leaders

The Patient Driven Payment Model is the payment methodology used for traditional Medicare Part A residents, some managed care companies, and for some state Medicaid systems. This session will highlight what SNF leaders need to know and monitor for financial integrity and documentation compliance. We will discuss effective oversight of the MDS process and what data/reports exist that can be used for monitoring.

Virtual MC5 Meeting

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October 10, 2023: What a Living Resident can Teach Long-Term Care Staff
Presenter: Leslie Pedtke, MHA, LNHA

In this virtual event we will be discussing ‘Through the Looking Glass’: a program developed at Aviston Countryside Manor to teach empathy to our caregivers. Staff members moved into the nursing home, lived the role of a real diagnosis, and accepted daily ‘challenges’ our residents experience every day.

From learning the importance of communication to creating meaningful engagement, the resulting insights of these caregivers sensitized other staff members – new and veteran – to practical and effective ways that they were able to immediately improve daily care for residents.

MALA 2023 ALF Community Based Assessment Training

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November 28-30, 2023: ALF Resident Assessment Training
Location: Courtyard by Marriott, Columbia

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.

Upcoming NHSN Surveillance Trainings for LTCFs: 2023-2024 Updated COVID-19 Vaccines and Up to Date Definition

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The NHSN Vaccination Team will be hosting multiple webinars to review important changes to the surveillance definition of Up to Date with COVID-19 vaccines for long-term care facilities reporting vaccination data through the NHSN Vaccination Modules.

Key Points:

  • FDA approved updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines for this fall/winter season. The bivalent vaccines are no longer authorized as of 9/12/2023.
  • CDC recommends everyone aged 5 years and older should get 1 dose of the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19 and to remain up to date.
  • Under the new recommendations, most individuals will not be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines unless they receive the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The new definition of up to date with COVID-19 vaccines will apply for NHSN surveillance beginning the week of September 25, 2023 – October 1, 2023 (the first week of reporting Quarter 4 2023).
  • The new definition applies to both the NHSN Weekly HCP and Resident Vaccination Forms and the NHSN COVID-19 Surveillance Pathways (RIFC Form).

Webinar Dates and Registration:

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Replay)
When: September 25, 2023, 1:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN__JGOOXuiSAW1VF2zS-_baw

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Replay)
When: October 2, 2023, 1:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_TDnotOroSbiPut3-2-5RtQ

Improving the DHSS Web Experience

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The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services is looking to simplify your online experience. To help us evolve that experience, we need your help. We’d like to invite you to take a short survey to share your thoughts, feedback and reactions about the experiences you have had with the DHSS website.

This survey should take 10 minutes to complete and will be open through October 2, 2023.

Upon completion of this survey, you will be entered into a drawing for one of three $100 gift cards. Click here to start the survey.

We appreciate your continued partnership with DHSS and look forward to hearing from you.

Center of Excellence for Behavior Health in Nursing Facilities Cohort Sessions

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Beginning September 2023, the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF) will host six (6) one-hour monthly cohort sessions. These sessions are FREE to attend! Join us for the opportunity to learn industry best practices from other nursing facilities and behavioral health subject matter experts. With the support of COE-NF behavioral health specialists, you will be able to implement the learnings in your facility.

October 19, 2023: Mental Health Basics
November 16, 2023: Screening for Mental Health & Substance Use in the Skilled Setting
December 14, 2023: Engaging with Residents: Effective Communication Skills
January 18, 2024: Incorporating BH & SUD into Individualized Assessment & Person-Centered Care
February 15, 2024: De-escalating Behavior

Please see the flyer and register here.

Upcoming NHSN Surveillance Trainings for LTCFs: 2023-2024 Updated COVID-19 Vaccines and Up to Date Definition

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The NHSN Vaccination Team will be hosting multiple webinars to review important changes to the surveillance definition of Up to Date with COVID-19 vaccines for long-term care facilities reporting vaccination data and RIFC Pathway data through the NHSN Vaccination and COVID-19 Modules.

Key Points:

  • FDA approved updated 2023-2024 COVID-19 vaccines for this fall/winter season. The bivalent vaccines are no longer authorized as of 9/12/2023.
  • CDC recommends everyone aged 6 months and older should receive the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine to protect against serious illness from COVID-19 and to remain up to date.
  • Under the new recommendations, most individuals will not be up to date with COVID-19 vaccines until they receive the 2023-2024 updated COVID-19 vaccine.
  • The new definition of up to date with COVID-19 vaccines will apply for NHSN surveillance beginning the week of September 25, 2023 – October 1, 2023 (the first week of reporting Quarter 4 2023).
  • The new definition applies to both the NHSN Weekly HCP and Resident Vaccination Forms and the NHSN COVID-19 Surveillance Pathways (RIFC Form).

Webinar Dates and Registration:

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Initial)
When: September 18, 2023, 2:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_YxYp42hwT5KncquBBpLttg

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Replay)
When: September 22, 2023, 2:00 PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_7bPDRWYETNSf6mnIo6qQvw

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Replay)
When: September 25, 2023, 1:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN__JGOOXuiSAW1VF2zS-_baw

Topic: Up to Date Vaccination Status: Surveillance Definition Change for Long Term Care Facilities (Replay)
When: October 2, 2023, 1:00PM Eastern Time (US and Canada)
Register in advance for this webinar: https://cdc.zoomgov.com/webinar/register/WN_TDnotOroSbiPut3-2-5RtQ

Registration Information for Upcoming Training Webinars

Please register in advance and plan to attend the initial session and/or the replay to learn more about the new updates. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. The initial webinar and the webinar replays will cover the same information; therefore, you may only need to attend once but may attend more than one.

The Registration information seen above is also available on LTCF | Weekly HCP & Resident COVID-19 Vaccination |NHSN | CDC

For any questions, please send an e-mail to the NHSN Helpdesk at NHSN@cdc.gov with “COVID-19 Vaccination” in the subject line of the e-mail, along with your facility type.

2023 MLN Oktoberfest

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October 10-12, 2023: Oktoberfest Long-Term Care Conference
Location: Harrah’s Casino, North Kansas City

The purpose of this intimate conference is to enable long-term care professionals to increase their knowledge and skills to better care for senior residents. Expert speakers will get you recharged while providing the latest information on hot topics in long-term care.

Please see the Oktoberfest Brochure for session details.

MANHA Seminar

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Born Naked: Rethinking Behavior Management in Long-Term Care

October 3, 2023: Oasis Hotel, Springfield
October 11, 2023: Macon Comfort Inn, Macon
October 26, 2023: Ameristar Casino, St. Charles

Presenters: Wendy Boren, RN, BSN, QIPMO and Crystal Plank, RN, BSN, RAC-CTA, QIPMO

It’s time to bring behavior management into the future. As the population demographics of our residents shifts and our need to meet census increases, it’s time to look beyond the traditional roles of managing behaviors in our homes. This workshop will focus on getting to the root of behaviors based on where they started; how to manage those behaviors in a diagnosis-driven focused treatment regimen; and performing an assessment of your facility and services in order to appropriately meet behavioral health needs.

2023 Care of the Older Adult

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November 3-4, 2023: 2023 Care of the Older Adult
In-Person Location: MU School of Medicine, Columbia
Live Virtual: EventsAir

Health care providers need the opportunity to gain knowledge in interdisciplinary approaches to clinical management and ethical treatment of older adults. This conference provides 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.

COVID Rise in LTC Facilities

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COVID infections are on the rise in Missouri’s long-term care facilities. A few things to remember…

Follow CDC Guidance:

Skilled Nursing Facilities: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/infection-control-recommendations.html?CDC_AA_refVal=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cdc.gov%2Fcoronavirus%2F2019-ncov%2Fhcp%2Flong-term-care.html

  • Place a patient with suspected (e.g., those with runny nose, cough, sneeze) or confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection in a single-person room. The door should be kept closed (if safe to do so). Ideally, the patient should have a dedicated bathroom. If cohorting, only patients with the same respiratory pathogen should be housed in the same room.

Residential Care and Assisted Living may follow community guidance – https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html?CDC_AA_refVal=h

Report Positive Cases

Facilities performing their own COVID-19 testing (antigen testing) must report positive results through one of the following portals:

  1. Missouri Disease Reporting Online Portal (MODROP)
  2. In bulk via HL7 or CSV file using the DHSS- Electronic Lab Reporting process
  3. National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) or the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) Informatics Messaging Services (AIMS) Platform.

Facilities using an external laboratory (PCR testing) must enter positive case information into MODROP.

The Missouri Disease Reporting Online Portal (MODROP). MODROP can be accessed directly from https://modrop.health.mo.gov/ or by using the existing ECD-1 link at https://health.mo.gov/living/healthcondiseases/communicable/novel-coronavirus/case-reporting.php and selecting the MODROP button.

NOTE: The recommended browser for use of MODROP is Google Chrome. Other browsers may cause issues with MODROP.

Facilities will need to register for a MODROP account the first time they use the new portal. MODROP allows reporting of only COVID-19 cases. Reports of other reportable conditions may be faxed to 573-751-6417.

If you have any questions or encounter any issues utilizing MODROP or for questions about HL7 or CSV reporting, please reach out to the EpiTrax Help Desk via e-mail at epitrax@health.mo.gov.

Please see the FAQ and thank you for your efforts to provide complete and accurate COVID-19 data to public health.

The ICAR Team Can Help!

QIPMO has formed an Infection Control and Assessment and Response (ICAR) team with a primary goal to assist Missouri Long-Term Care Facilities navigate the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and other infectious diseases.

Members of the ICAR Team are available for voluntary, no cost visits (virtual and/or in-person) to any residential care, assisted living, and skilled nursing facility in Missouri. These visits are intended to consultative and collaborative in nature with a non-regulatory focus to evaluate inflection control practices. Visits will consist of:

  • completion of a standardized assessment of infection control processes, focusing on highly-transmittable infectious diseases
  • observations of infection control practices
  • preliminary feedback with supplemental educational resources

See flyer for full details.

2023 Health Ethics Conference

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October 5, 2023: MU Ethics of Equity and Inclusivity in Healthcare
In-person: Stoney Creek Hotel, Columbia, MO
Live Virtual: EventsAir virtual conference platform

Health inequities lead to poorer health outcomes among people of color, low-income families, non-cisgender, and families living in rural communities. This year’s conference will focus on navigating ethical questions surrounding a move towards creating more inclusive healthcare environments and closing equity gaps that unduly impede access to quality care. Participants will explore how to optimize ethical response at the bedside as well as cultivate educational experiences that prepare future clinicians to care for diverse patient populations in real-world settings.

Improving Resident Relationships in Long-Term Care (IRRL): A Train-the-Trainer Opportunity

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The IRRL is an evidence-based intervention to prevent resident-to-resident aggression (RRA). The program educates staff on recognizing and managing behaviors. It empowers staff to help prevent RRA to create a safer community for residents and reduce staff stress.

Join to learn the tools needed to support staff to recognize, manage, and reduce negative resident interactions.

September 27, 2023: https://bit.ly/IRRLsep27session
September 28, 2023: https://bit.ly/IRRLsep28session

Please see the flyer for more details.

HQIN Vaccination Campaign

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In our continued effort to support the well-being of older adults, the Health Quality Innovation Network (HQIN) has launched a campaign to promote and increase adult vaccinations (including the COVID-19 vaccine) that are proven to lower the risk of illness, hospitalization and death.

The “Your Health Can’t Wait, Vaccinate!” campaign features a variety of free resources to help encourage community members, healthcare providers and older adults to get and stay current with their vaccinations. These resources include social media messaging (images and sample posts), informational pocket cards, customizable letters, sample email signatures and flyers.

Bookmark the HQIN Resource Center and visit often to access the latest additions. New tools are added as information becomes available from nationally recognized agencies and organizations (CDC, ACIP, etc.).

Please join us in spreading the word about lifesaving vaccines. Attached is a sample newsletter article that can be used in electronic or print communications, or even on your organization’s website.

VOYCE’s Upcoming Education Events

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VOYCE Community Education Series

September 19, 2023: Guidance on Guardianship and Public Administration
October 17, 2023: Dealing with Dementia: When is it Time to Take the Keys Away?
November 16, 2023: Put Yourself First While Planning the Last Chapter
December 12, 2023: Aging in Place Part 1: What’s in it for Me?
January 16, 2023: Aging in Place Part 2: Comparing Programs and Financials

VOYCE believes it is essential for long-term care residents, their loved ones, and the professionals who care for them to have up-to-date knowledge on topics affecting their community. That is why VOYCE’s Education Program is vital to fulfilling its mission. VOYCE provides free education to empower individuals and families to make better-informed decisions about the continuum of care and better understand those personally and professionally connected to aging adults. Join VOYCE for free webinars monthly on imperative topics affecting individuals and their families across the continuum of care.

 

August 30, 2023: For the Love of Quality Care: Implementing Innovative Education

Advocates for quality care, caregivers, family and friends, and aging care professionals; this webinar is truly for everyone! Training and education on dementia, meaningful activities, and person-centered care should be practice-focused and brief. Join VOYCE to learn about the practice videos and modules available and how to disseminate them, and you’ll be one step closer to ensuring quality care for all! Saint Louis University’s Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, along with Memory Care Home Solutions, has developed brief practice videos and modules on topics important for professionals in long-term care and other care settings. They include topics like loneliness and isolation, polypharmacy, infection, meaningful activities, geriatric assessment, dementia, and more. This presentation will provide insight into the use of these resources and the positive impact they have on training and outcomes for consumers. This event is free and open to all who are interested.

 

October 10, 2023: Summit to Protect Older Adults and Adults with Disabilities

VOYCE will host a series of four stakeholder summits to hear from the community and professional stakeholders about their experiences with Missouri’s abuse response system. October’s summit is the second in the series. The summits are open to everyone, as we are all stakeholders in responding to abuse, neglect, and exploitation. We hope to use this time to gather pain points from the community and learn how the system can be improved. The input received from the Stakeholders Summit will be used to create our final project- a strategic plan for restructuring and improving the system. Please register in advance to join.

 

October 12, 2023: Professional Development: Residents’ Rights Regarding Sex and Intimacy

Sexual rights are human rights at all stages of life. This presentation will shed light on the challenges older adults face regarding sexuality, including physical changes, personal and societal stigmas around older adults’ sexual activity, isolation, changes in brain functioning, and the loss of a partner. Those who provide services must understand their role in treating sexual expression as a right and serving all patients holistically and with dignity.

Last Call for Strike Team and Infrastructure Reimbursement Applications

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Last Call for Applications – Missouri Nursing Facility Strike Team and Infrastructure Reimbursement Opportunity

This is the last call for new applications from Long Term Care and Skilled Nursing Facilities in Missouri to receive reimbursement funding from the Missouri Nursing Facility Strike Team and Infrastructure Reimbursement opportunity. Applications will be accepted up to August 31, 2023 for COVID expenses incurred between July 1, 2022 and August 31, 2023.

The intention of this funding is to provide supplemental support to Missouri’s skilled nursing, other long term care and other nursing facilities during their response to SARS-CoV-2 infections, and also to build and maintain the infection prevention infrastructure necessary to support resident, visitor, and facility healthcare personnel safety.

To apply for this reimbursement opportunity and more information on this grant can be found on the Health Care Professionals page on the DHSS website in the Information for Long-Term Care Facilities tab.

Questions and concerns can be sent to LTCStrikeTeam@health.mo.gov.

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 4/1/23 through 6/30/23 is due August 14, 2023.

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

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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. The following data must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. on August 15, 2023:

  • MDS data for 1/1/23 through 3/31/23;
  • NHSN data for COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage Among Healthcare Personnel for 1/1/23 through 3/31/23;

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