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Archive March 2023

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Candida auris: Growing Concern for Healthcare

Candida auris (C. auris) is a newly discovered, highly resistant organism that has become a growing concern for healthcare professionals around the world (General Information about Candida auris | Candida auris | Fungal Diseases | CDC). Unlike other Candida species, C. auris is quickly becoming resistant to the limited number of antifungal treatments, making it difficult to manage and control. C. auris has now been identified in over 25 states in the USA and continues to spread in the USA. (CDC Tracker). 

C. auris can be particularly problematic in nursing homes, where patients may arrive from hospitals with the organism. While there have not been any cases of C. auris acquired in Maine, one Maine resident acquired it out of state. As the fungus continues to spread, it is only a matter of time before it arrives in Maine. In response, Maine CDC is conducting state-wide surveillance to monitor for this organism, working closely with all laboratories to ensure proper testing, and working with healthcare facilities to slow the spread.

The primary infection control measures for prevention in healthcare settings include practicing good hand hygiene, appropriate use of precautions- contact or transmission-based precautions, cleaning and disinfecting (Infection Prevention and Control for Candida auris | Candida auris | Fungal Diseases | CDC)

C. auris is reportable in Maine if you suspect or have confirmed cases notify Maine CDC by calling 1-800-821-5821.

Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org

3/30/23 E-News Legislative Update

Last Friday, the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee voted along party lines to advance a baseline Fiscal Year 2024-2025 biennial budget. This proposed budget includes $9.8 billion in spending, and everything initially proposed by the governor for long term care is included in this baseline budget. The entire legislature is expected to vote on this budget before the end of this week and will then look to develop a supplemental budget over the next few months. MHCA plans on advocating for additional funding in the Supplemental Budget. 
 
Beyond the budget, MHCA continues to advocate for long term care. LD 451, An Act to Ensure Transparent and Accountable Temporary Nurse Agencies, has its work session before the HHS Committee on Thursday, March 30 at 1 pm. We provided additional information to the committee and will be present at the session to answer further questions. This week, Angela Westhoff and Ben Hawkins also testified on LD 781, An Act to Protect Nursing Home Residents by Requiring Nursing Homes to Provide Silent Bed Alarms for Residents with Dementia; LD 1099, An Act to Protect Vulnerable Populations in Residential Facilities from Extended Power Outages; and LD 1112 An Act to Provide Workers' Compensation for Temporary Employees. 
 
Next week we have several bills we will be monitoring or testifying on including: LD 824 Resolve, Directing the Department of Health and Human Services to Review Reimbursement Rates for Nursing Facilities on Islands; LD 938, An Act to Assist Nursing Homes in the Management of Facility Beds; LD 1131 An Act to Support Continuity in Perinatal and Emergency Care by Requiring Notice of a Voluntary Hospital or Facility Closure or Reduction in Services. 

Staff contact: bhawkins@mehca.org

Resources on Medicaid Unwinding Now Available

With the Public Health Emergency (PHE) ending, states are returning to “regular” Medicaid redeterminations schedules. Since most states have not conducted redeterminations in over three years, beneficiary information has become out of date. Additionally, there has been staff turnover in long term care settings, so providers need to be sure they have staff members experienced with redeterminations and are watching for information from MaineCare. Information and materials related to the unwinding of the Continuous Coverage Requirement, can be found at www.MaineCare.gov/unwinding. Here you will find a recording of a recently held webinar along with Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the unwinding.
 
In addition, AHCA/NCAL has prepared an array of resources on ahcancalED aimed at supporting members to manage significant numbers of Medicaid Redeterminations. Working with partner organizations, AHCA/NCAL has developed three modules and related tools. Read more here.
 
Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org

NCAL Releases New Member Resources Focused on Expanding Affordable Assisted Living

The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) is pleased to announce the release of new member-exclusive resources aimed at supporting efforts to expand affordable assisted living options.

The suite of new resources includes:
  • An executive summary highlighting important data about the growing senior population, a summary of key operating data, and potential development characteristics of the assisted living market landscape in relation to assumptions that may be used in expanding assisted living services.
  • State-specific data (for every state and the District of Columbia) that includes market characteristics, unemployment trends, wage rates, and Medicaid waiver data.
  • The Assisted Living Operating Performa and Financial Feasibility Analysis Model to help assess the viability of expanding affordable assisted living offerings (in Excel format).
  • A user guide with specific instructions on how to effectively utilize the Assisted Living Operating Performa and Financial Feasibility Analysis Model. 
These new resources are part of a larger effort by NCAL to help members meet the changing needs of a growing senior population. Additionally, NCAL has released a white paper entitled, “The Importance of Expanding Affordable Assisted Living Options and Proposed Solutions.” It outlines challenges to offering more affordable assisted living for low- and middle-income seniors and offers solutions, such as utilizing state grants/programs and properly funding Medicaid.

NCAL will continue to make affordable assisted living a priority throughout this year and beyond. Please contact ncal@ncal.org with any questions.

Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org

CMS Open Door Forum for Long Term Care

The next CMS Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)/Long Term Care (LTC) Open Door Forum scheduled for Thursday, April 13, 2023 from 2:00- 3:00 PM (Eastern Time).

This call will be Conference Call Only.

To participate by phone:
Dial: 1-888-455-1397 & Conference Passcode: 4325849. Please dial-in at least 15 minutes before call start time.

Persons participating by phone do not need to RSVP. TTY Communications Relay Services are available for the Hearing Impaired. For TTY services dial 7-1-1 or 1-800-855-2880. A Relay Communications Assistant will help.

Agenda items may include CMS Announcements & Updates, MDS transition to iQIES, PJB Update, Overview of the Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities.

Note: Agenda subject to change.

Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org

MaineCare Convenes Nursing Home and Residential Care Facilities Rate Methodology Workgroup

On January 12, 2023, MaineCare provided notice that they initiated a rate determination process for Section 67, Nursing Facilities and Section 97, Residential Care Facilities. As part of that determination process, MaineCare and their vendor (Guidehouse Inc.) are hosting several workgroups with a diverse stakeholder group to obtain important feedback.

Maine Health Care Association and Leading Age ME/NH provided input to the Department for the Provider Rate Methodology Workgroup. 

On March 13, 2023, MaineCare and their vendor hosted the first rate methodology workgroup meeting. You can view the presented materials and a recording of that meeting on the MaineCare Rate System Reform webpage. 

Please contact Bryan Lumbra Rate Setting Project Manager, with any questions related to this rate reform initiative.

Staff contact: awesthoff@mehca.org

MHCA Online Marketplace

Have facilities/beds and items for sale or items wanted? Post your ad to our online Marketplace. New to the Marketplace is an ad posted for a consumer selling a bariatric hospital bed and a never used Hoyer lift. For more information on these items and other posts click here.
 
Email your ad to Dianne Chicoine.
 
Staff contact: dchicoine@mehca.org

Sponsors still needed for Remember ME!

We have 1 more level of sponsorship available! All sponsors will be recognized on promotional, media, and event materials. We appreciate any assistance you can lend. Please to secure your sponsorship today!
 
  • Audio Visual/Live Stream: $1500 (can be divided)

Our thanks and appreciation to the following members for their sponsorships!
 
  • Continuum Health Services
  • DLTC Healthcare / Bella Point
  • First Atlantic Healthcare
  • Maine Veterans’ Homes
  • National Healthcare
  • Saint Joseph's Rehabilitation & Residence
  • Schooner Estates Senior Living Community
 
The 2023 Remember ME recognition ceremony will be held live on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. The ceremony will feature the black and white photographs and brief biographies of pioneering, innovative and interesting residents living in Maine's long term care facilities.

We will be following COVID guidance measures for the event.

For more information on sponsorships, please contact Dianne Chicoine (207.623.1146, ext. 201)
 
Staff contact: dchicoine@mehca.org

Planning underway for annual Assisted Living Conference!

We are pleased to report that plans are underway for our annual Assisted Living Conference.  Based on feedback we received from members, we’ve opted to meet in-person this year.  Watch for event details to be released in the coming weeks. In the meantime, please save the date!  This year's event will be held on June 15, 2023 at the Augusta Civic Center from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM .  If you would like to submit ideas, please email me by the middle of next week. 

We are looking forward to connecting with you in-person and we hope you will plan on joining us.
 
Staff Contact:  kmichaud@mehca.org

Sponsors needed for Remember ME !

All sponsors will be recognized on promotional, media, and event materials. We appreciate any assistance you can lend. We look forward to celebrating safely with members and residents at this event! Please to secure your sponsorship today!
 
  • Program Booklet: $2500 (can be divided)
  • Live Stream: $1500 (can be divided)
  • Refreshments: $1000 (can be divided)
  • Achievement Awards: $350
  • Decorations: $300
 
Our thanks and appreciation to the following members for their sponsorships!
 
  • DLTC Healthcare / Bella Point
  • First Atlantic Healthcare
  • Schooner Estates Senior Living Community
 
The 2023 Remember ME recognition ceremony will be held live on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Augusta Civic Center. The ceremony will feature the black and white photographs and brief biographies of pioneering, innovative and interesting residents living in Maine's long term care facilities.

We will be following COVID guidance measures for the event.

For more information on sponsorships, please contact Dianne Chicoine (207.623.1146, ext. 201)
 
Staff contact: dchicoine@mehca.org
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