April 14-16, 2024: Follow the Yellow Brick Road with MALA
Location: Branson Hilton Hotel & Convention Center
Information including the conference agenda and registration for attending the Missouri Assisted Living Association’s 2024 Spring Conference is now available.
April 16, 2024: Smart Strategies for Survey Compliance
Location: Courtyard by Marriott, St. Peters
April 23, 2024: Smart Strategies for Survey Compliance
Location: Camden at the Lake, Lake Ozark
Hear from the QIPMO team on all facets of survey compliance. Clinical survey readiness, Administrative Survey Compliance, MDS, and Admission and Discharge Compliance.
May 9, 2024: All Boats Rise HealthCare Workforce Summit
Location: Renaissance at the Airport, St. Louis
LeadingAge Missouri, along with other Missouri association partners are pleased to announce the All-Boats Rise: 2024 Healthcare Workforce Summit. This Summit is about collaboration for high quality workforce solutions. The Summit’s programmatic goals are to present content that is insightful, thought provoking, innovative, and above all, actionable. Carefully curated topics will be probed by expert moderators, panelists, and speakers. Their willingness to share is hugely appreciated. We are also indebted to volunteer industry professionals and to the many sponsors highlighted in this program and from the Summit stage. All Summit participants are encouraged to thank and connect with these sponsors during multiple networking opportunities throughout the day. While you come to learn, we hope you take advantage of engagement opportunities that may foster relationships and lead to productive collaboration.
We have recently received in influx of questions related to the qualifications for director of food and nutrition services in skilled nursing facilities. The federal regulation (F801) requires one of the following qualifications (if a qualified dietician or other clinically qualified nutrition professional is not employed full-time):
CMS has noted that the approved certifications and course requirements would be the equivalent of a ServSafe Food Manager certification. Additional food manager courses we have found to meet the requirements include: AAA Food Handler, Learn2Serve, and State Food Safety.
The Missouri Antimicrobial Stewardship Educational Collaborative is working with Washington University on an antibiotic stewardship project and are seeking input from Skilled Nursing Facility and other Long Term Care Facilities (Intermediate, Assisted, and Residential Care Facilities), in addition to MO hospitals. Please take a few minutes to complete their survey.
Washington University School of Medicine is performing a survey on behalf of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, Hospital Associated Infections and Antimicrobial Resistance Program.
The survey can be found at the attached link here: Survey Link. It should take approximately 15 minutes to complete.
This survey is intended to evaluate the current state of antimicrobial stewardship activities at Missouri long-term care facilities. Please forwards it to whomever at your facility is most involved with the antimicrobial stewardship and the management of antimicrobial use, or if no such person exists your medical director or pharmacy leadership. We request this survey be completed by March 1, 2024.
For any questions regarding this facility antimicrobial stewardship survey, please submit a new email to mo.stewardship@wustl.edu; use “MO DHSS Antimicrobial Stewardship Survey” in the subject line.
We appreciate the time you take to complete these surveys!
The SLCR Health Education Unit will be conducting Q&A Meet Ups again.
February 20, 2024: Q & A Meet Up Meeting
Please see the CNA Registry webpage for past meetings and more information.
If you have questions, please call our office at 573-526-5686.
April 25-26, 2024: MO Immunization Conference: Building Immunity in Missouri Communities
Location: Holiday Inn Executive Center, Columbia
The Conference brings together bright minds to give talks that are action-oriented on a wide range of subjects related to immunizations to foster learning and inspiration, as well as provoke conversations that matter and actions that lead to increased vaccination rates for Missourians. We aim to empower the public health workforce by offering a stage for stakeholders to share innovative ideas, equitable solutions, and their personal experiences promoting immunizations.
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.
March 18, 2024: Navigating Long-Term Care Choices and Understanding Nursing Home Residents’ Rights
A Professional Care Manager helps to develop care plans while resolving family conflicts. Find out how a care manager can help you to have autonomy in your life. An Ombudsman Professional will be on hand to understand Residents’ Rights in the long-term care facility.
March 19, 2024: Community Education: Driving Yourself Lonely
Loneliness and lack of connection in older adults have recently been reported as a public health crisis in the United States, the consequences of such potentially being an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, dementia, and premature death. What role does transportation play in exacerbating this problem, and how is this being addressed in St. Louis? Get your questions answered in this webinar!
The Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) has published MDS Tips and Clinical Pearls (Volume 11, Issue 2).
In this issue:
Please visit QIPMO’s website here for this and other previous newsletters.
Missouri licensed administrators (NHA or RCAL) expiring June 30, 2024, are due for license renewal. If you plan to renew, visit our website at https://health.mo.gov/bnha for important information regarding continuing education and license renewal. Once your renewal has been successfully processed, you will be issued a current license via email. Please note if you fail to renew by June 30, 2024, you cannot practice as a licensed administrator after that date.
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.
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
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:
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
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.
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.
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.
Please see the most frequently cited deficiencies report from the fourth quarter of 2023.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
NFPA 13, 2010 edition
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.”
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.