Getting ready to transfer or discharge a resident? Please use the tip sheets below to guide you through the requirements. Please contact the Ombudsman Program or your Long-Term Care Regional Office if you have questions.
Category: Long Term Care Blog
Remote Annunciator Panel Emergency Power Supply
Please see the attached requirements in NFPA 99 Chapter 6.4.1.17 regarding remote annunciators.
CMS Memo: QSO-19-08-NH
April 2019 Improvements to Nursing Home Compare include:
- Ending the Freeze on Health Inspection Star Ratings – In April 2019, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will end the freeze on the health inspection domain of the Five Star Quality Rating System. We will resume the traditional method of calculating health inspection scores by using three cycles of inspections. Inspections occurring on or after November 28, 2017, will be included in each facility’s star rating.
- Quality Measure (QM) Domain Improvements – CMS is introducing separate ratings for short- and long-stay measures to reflect the level of quality provided for these two subpopulations in nursing homes. We are also revising the thresholds for ratings, adding a system for regular updates to thresholds every six months, and weighting and scoring individual QMs differently. Additionally, we are adding the long-stay hospitalization measure and a measure of long-stay emergency department (ED) transfers to the rating system. Two measures from the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program (QRP) will be adopted to replace duplicative existing measures.
- Staffing Domain Improvements – CMS is adjusting the thresholds for staffing ratings. Also, the threshold for the ‘number of days without a registered nurse (RN) onsite’ that triggers an automatic downgrade to one star will be reduced from seven to four days.
Please see the memo for further details.
Conversations with Carmen
March 15, 2019: REAL ANIMALS – How to Make it Work
Guest: Elizabeth Dowden, DON, Many Healthcare and Rehab
Formed and run by residents, The Animal House Club works with the local humane society to shelter orphaned kittens and puppies. Residents serve as foster moms and dads, make mats, promote adoption in the community, raise money and also “sit” for animals in need. The team at Many supports residents who bring their cats and dogs to live with them, even providing a dog park in one courtyard. Demonstrating another way of promoting real life instead of fake, Director of Nursing and animal lover Elizabeth Dowden will share the many ways they make it work.
Updated MDS 3.0 RAI Manual Errata
The PDF file labeled “MDS-3.0-RAI-Manual-v1.16R-Errata-v1.1-February-13-2019”, available in the Downloads section of the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual page, contains revisions to pages in Chapter 3, Section J, of the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual v1.16R, that (1) address coding item J0200 when the resident interview should have been conducted but was not conducted within the look-back period of the ARD and (2) amend the criteria for major surgery and correct the associated examples.
Changed manual pages are marked with the footer “October 2018 (R).”
The errata document begins with a table that lists all identified revisions and the pages to which they have been applied. Following the table are the actual corrected replacement pages for insertion into the printed manual.
MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual Version 12.0 Now Available
The MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual Version 12.0 has been posted. The MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual V12.0 contains detailed specifications for the MDS 3.0 quality measures. The MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual V12.0 can be found in the Downloads section of this page and the MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual V11.0 has been moved to the Quality Measures Archive page.
Two files related to the MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual have been posted:
- MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual V12.0 contains detailed specification for the MDS 3.0 quality measures. MDS 3.0 QM User’s Manual V12.0 is available under the Downloads section of this page.
- Quality Measure Identification Number by CMS Reporting Module Table V1.7 documents CMS quality measures calculated using MDS 3.0 data and reported in a CMS reporting module. A unique CMS identification number is specified for each QM. The table is available under the Downloads section of this page.
MHCA Federal Review Course for the Nursing Home Administrators Exam
April 1-2, 2019: Ameristar Casino & Resort, St. Charles
July 15-16, 2019: Oasis Hotel & Convention Center, Springfield
November 18-19, 2019: Embassy Suites International Airport Hotel, Kansas City
The purpose of the Review Course is to help attendees prepare for the nursing home administrator federal licensure exam. Review Course materials have been revised and updated to reflect the structure of the current examination.
New QIPMO Newsletter – February 2019
The Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) has published MDS Tips and Clinical Pearls – Volume 6, Issue 2.
In this issue:
- Fond Farewell
- Section M: Skin Conditions
- CMS Phase 3
- Antipsychotics
- Drug and Food Interactions
- ABN, SNFABN, NOMNC, DENC
Please visit QIPMO’s website here for this and other previous newsletters.
TMF-Nursing Home Quality Improvement
Quality Measures and Coding: Flu and Pneumonia Vaccinations
Quality measures (QM) review and proper documentation for flu and pneumonia vaccinations can assist in improving quality of care for your residents. Click on the following links to learn more about these QMs and coding.
QM: Percent of Residents Accessed and Appropriately Given the Pneumococcal Vaccine (video)
QM Tip Sheet: Pneumonia Vaccine – Long Stay (PDF)
QM: Percent of Residents Assessed and Appropriately Given the Seasonal Influenza Vaccine (video)
QM Tip Sheet: Influenza Vaccine – Long Stay (PDF)
2019 MANHA Annual Convention
June 2-5, 2019: Come Experience Margaritaville with MANHA: It’s the Connection that Keeps Me Hanging On
Location: Margaritaville/Tan-Tar-A, Osage Beach
Please see the brochure for complete details including the agenda, registration, presenters, and accommodation information.
Resident Rights Fact Sheet
The Ombudsman Program is phasing out the Resident Rights Booklets. Now a Resident Rights Fact Sheet is one page (front and back). The fact sheet is available for facilities to print out as needed for residents. Please see the attached Resident Rights Fact Sheet or visit health.mo.gov/seniors/ombudsman for more information.
MC5 2019 Spring Roadshow
April 30, 2019: A Blueprint to Achieve Continuous Quality Improvement in Long-Term Care
Location: St. Charles Community Center, Cottleville
May 1, 2019: A Blueprint to Achieve Continuous Quality Improvement in Long-Term Care
Location: St. Joseph Medical Center, Kansas City
David Farrell’s practical advice will give you the tools to implement leadership “bundles” – coordinated and interconnected systems of key practices that meet federal guidelines for individualized care, and provide the right care for every resident, every day.
Please see the brochure for more details.
2019 Pioneer Network Conference
August 4-7, 2019: Making it Happen
Location: The Galt House, Louisville, Kentucky
What better place to come together to advocate for and facilitate deep system change in the culture of aging than at the 2019 Pioneering a New Culture of Aging Conference in Louisville, Kentucky on August 4-7, 2019.
The theme this year is “Making it Happen” – and that’s just what we plan to do. We have lots of great guides lined up to explore with you what is happening today – and share ideas for making even better things happen in the future. YOU are Pioneer Network; we can’t do it without you!
Networking makes the Pioneer Network conference a go-to event for so many. We promise there will be lots of opportunities for networking – reconnecting with old friends and making new ones.
**PIONEER CONNECTION**
Do you live within 6 hours of Louisville? Would you be interested in traveling to the Pioneer Network conference in a luxury Motor Coach? Please help us by completing a short survey.
BNHA Online Payments
The Board of Nursing Home Administrators (BNHA) is accepting online payments for all fees at health.mo.gov/about/online-payment.php. Visit BNHA’s website at health.mo.gov/bnha for up-to-date instructions in submitting online payments and the necessary paperwork to complete a transaction.
SNF QRP Deadline
The submission deadline for the SNF Quality Reporting Programs (QRP) is approaching. MDS data for July 1 – September 30 (Q3) of calendar year (CY) 2018 are due with this submission deadline. All data must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on February 15, 2019.
As a reminder, it is recommended that providers run applicable validation/analysis reports prior to each quarterly reporting deadline, in order to ensure that all required data has been submitted.
CORMAC 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@cormac-corp.com and be sure to include your facility name and CMS Certification Number (CCN) along with any requested email updates.
Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) Deadline
The submission deadline for PBJ is approaching. PBJ data for 10/1/18 through 12/31/18 is due on February 14, 2019. CMS uses PBJ data to determine each facility’s staffing measure on the Nursing Home Compare tool on Medicare.gov website, and calculate the staffing rating used in the Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System.
More information about PBJ can be found on the CMS webpage www.cms.gov/Medicare/Quality-Initiatives-Patient-Assessment-Instruments/NursingHomeQualityInits/Staffing-Data-Submission-PBJ.html.
CEU Processing Fee for MC5 Meetings
Starting June 1, 2019, there will be a $7.50 per CEU hour fee for those wanting CEUs for an MC5 regional meeting – which means a CEU certificate for most meetings, will be available for $15. Admission to regional meetings will continue to be FREE to everyone, but those wanting CEUs will need to pay this processing fee. These fees will ensure that MC5, an all-volunteer organization, can continue to bring great programs across Missouri… and will go directly back into providing CEUs to you, in your own region, at a very low cost.
In order to receive CEUs at an MC5 event, you must register for the meeting through Eventbrite and pay directly online.
If you need help, feel free to contact MC5 at missourimc5@gmail.com.
MC5 appreciates your participation and interest and looks forward to continuing to bring great speakers to your area!
Enhanced Leadership Development Academy for RNs and NHAs in Long-term Care (ELDA)
MU Nursing Outreach is pleased and excited to now offer the ELDA in a totally online format.
Open enrollment – start when you are ready. A full year to complete. You are in control!
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. Thanks to support from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, this proven certificate program is offered at NO COST to RNs and NHAs from Skilled Nurse Facilities in Missouri. The complimentary option is available to Missouri SNFs since the support for this Academy is provided by CMP funds designated for Missouri SNFs. RNs and NHAs from other settings may enroll for the regular fee of $1,000.
For more information, visit our web site: extension2.missouri.edu/programs/nursing-outreach/enhanced-leadership-development-academy or contact Todd Winterbower at winterbowert@missouri.edu or 573-882-0215.
2019 MHCA Mid-Year Conference
March 5-6, 2019: 2019 Mid-Year Conference & Lobby Day
Location: Capitol Plaza Hotel, Jefferson City
MHCA strives to provide the best collective efforts directed towards delivering service excellence and high quality in the health care profession. Please join us as we continue to ensure Missouri’s most vulnerable citizens are receiving the proper care and attention they deserve, the right way, the first time. This conference will feature 10 hours of continuing education.
Certified Eden Associate Training Coming to Missouri
April 8-10, 2019: Certified Eden Associate Training
Location: The Sarah Community, Anna House, Bridgeton
Changing lives for nearly two decades, Certified Eden Associate Training takes you on an exciting and challenging three-day journey into the world of person-directed care. As the most widely practiced approach to person-directed care, Certified Eden Associate Training has been proven to offer practical tools, resources, and inspiration that empower individuals and teams to initiate and maintain effective change. Experience it to believe it!
MHCA & AHCA PDPM Academy
April 11, 2019: PDPM Academy
Location: Stoney Creek Hotel & Conference Center, Columbia
Get Ready Now…PDPM is Coming. The PDPM Academy is a 10-month training effort to help centers prepare for this massive change. PDPM Academy is both in-person training and continuing updates and support. Held in partnership with AHCA and the Missouri Health Care Association.
MHCA Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Seminar
May 7, 2019: Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia Care
October 22, 2019: Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia Care
Sponsored by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners, this is the required seminar for those pursuing certification who qualify as CDP/Certified Dementia Practitioner or for those who just want to enhance their dementia education.
Top Deficiencies Report – 4th Quarter 2018
Please see the most frequently cited deficiencies report from the fourth quarter of 2018.
Pioneer Network’s Hot Topics: Culture Change in Action
March 21, 2019: Rules of Participation: Helping to Drive Person Centered Engagement
Guides: Alisa Tagg, BA ACC/EDU CADDCT CDP CDCS, President of the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP), and Dawn Worsley, ADC/EDU/MC, MDEC. President of the National Certification Council for Activity Professionals (NCCAP)
The Rules of Participation is the first major overhaul in the Federal regulation and Survey process in over thirty years and the good news is that Person-Centered Care and Engagement is at the epicenter, putting a focus on Quality of Life that has been long over-due. This is great news for Activity Professionals and for all who are serving Elders in long-term care settings.
Did you know that CMS under FTag 658 authorized the National Association of Activity Professionals (NAAP), to establish professional standards of practice to help activity professionals and their organizations to meet the new requirements?
Pioneer Network is pleased to be partnering with NAAP/NCCAP for this webinar in which guides Alissa Tagg and Dawn Worsley will present content from NCCAPs Modular Education Program for Activity Professionals (MEPAP).
MHCA Webinar – Maintenance and Testing of Fire Sprinkler Systems
February 13, 2019: Maintenance and Testing of Fire Sprinkler Systems
Presenter: Skip Johnson
In this module we will discuss the importance of maintaining water based fire sprinkler systems and how sprinkler system neglect can affect the systems from operating as they were originally designed and approved. This module will incorporate NFPA 13 & NFPA 25.
- Brief touch on common sprinkler system types, component & descriptions/ definitions.
- Why install sprinkler systems.
- How to identify common problems effecting sprinkler systems and why they prevent systems from operating correctly.
- Responsibility of the property manager and their sprinkler systems.