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Archive December 2023

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New Resource Available: Confusion Assessment Method (CAM©) Video Tutorial

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a video tutorial to assist providers with guidance application and assessment strategies for C1310. Signs and Symptoms of Delirium taken from the Confusion Assessment Method (CAM©). This video tutorial is approximately 14 minutes in length and is designed to provide targeted guidance for accurate coding using a live-action patient/resident scenario. To access the video, click on the following link: CAM Video Tutorial.
If you have questions about accessing resources or feedback regarding trainings, please email the PAC Training Mailbox. Content-related questions should be submitted to the HH QRP Help Desk, IRF QRP Help Desk, LTCH QRP Help Desk, or SNF QRP Help Desk
 
 
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org

Reminder MaineCare Provider Enrollment Presentation and Listening Session on 12/18/23

You are invited to a provider enrollment presentation and listening session where the Office of MaineCare Services (OMS) and Gainwell Technologies will deliver presentations on enrollment and listen to any comments from providers, including ideas for potential solutions to challenges. The objectives of this session include:

  • Gainwell will share current state and strategies for improving the enrollment challenges.

  • OMS will share overview of licensure/enrollment process, clarify the areas where OMS is responsible, and acknowledge other Offices with related functions. 

  • OMS and Gainwell will listen to provider suggestions, ideas and solution-oriented discussion regarding enrollment challenges.

  • OMS will use this information to inform next steps.

https://mainestate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_FkgVNbY2R82PZuboL6D0|MINUS'LEFT|/span>

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

awesthoff@mehca.org

New Email Address for Adult Family Care Homes and Private Non-Medical Institutions (PNMI), Level IV, Appendix C

Effective December 4, 2023, there is a new email address for Adult Family Care Homes (Section 2) and PNMI, Level IV, Appendix C facilities (Section 97). The new address is MDS.AH.DHHS@Maine.gov. Please use this address to send questions a facility may have regarding completion or submission of MDS assessments. Please send all correspondence intended for Catherine Gunn or Donna Reed to this email address, including requests for new accounts, reset of passwords, roster questions and training questions.

Staff contact: bhawkins@mehca.org

AHCA/NCAL’s Mark Parkinson and Clifton J. Porter II Recognized as The Hill’s Top Lobbyists 2023 / Porter Named McKnight’s Pinnacle Industry Ally Award

In a notable acknowledgment of exceptional leadership in long term care advocacy, Mark Parkinson, President and CEO, and Clifton J. Porter II, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL), have been named The Hill’s Top Lobbyists 2023. Porter has also been named McKnight’s Pinnacle Industry Ally Award winner.

This is Porter’s first time to receive both honors. Parkinson has received the Top Lobbyist recognition for 11 years running and received the McKnight's Pinnacle Award in 2022. He was also honored among the 100 Most Influential People in Healthcare by Modern Healthcare just last week.  

These distinctions reflect their unwavering dedication to advocating on behalf of the long term and post-acute care profession. 

Mark Parkinson's pivotal role in steering the industry through post-pandemic recovery has been instrumental. His advocacy emphasized prioritizing nursing homes and assisted living communities for ongoing resources, highlighting his commitment to improving the lives of the millions of individuals who reside and work in long term care. 

Parkinson's impact is demonstrated through the federal minimum staffing requirement for nursing homes proposed by CMS in September 2023. Facing a potential one-size-fits-all staffing mandate during a historic labor crisis, Parkinson engaged policymakers and stakeholders. He presented alternative, comprehensive solutions in the Care for our Seniors Act , addressing recruitment and retention with strategies such as student loan forgiveness and tax credits. AHCA/NCAL, under Parkinson's leadership, launched a grassroots effort that resulted in over 18,000 unique comments to CMS, expressing concerns about the negative ramifications of the proposed staffing mandate. 

As AHCA/NCAL's Senior Vice President of Government Relations, Clifton J. Porter II brings a wealth of experience and dedication to the profession. With a career spanning 34 years, his journey reflects a deep commitment to seniors and the improvement of long term care. Porter's achievements include organizing over 150 facility tours with members of Congress, developing legislative champions against the unfunded staffing mandate, and advocating for common-sense policies to help address workforce challenges. As a beacon for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), Porter advocates for increased representation within the industry. His tireless efforts include nurturing the next generation of DEI-focused health care leaders.

"This acknowledgment from The Hill reaffirms our commitment to driving positive change in the long term care profession, ensuring the well-being of those we serve," said Parkinson.

Porter added, "Getting a seat at the table and telling our story has never been more critical. We share these awards with our dedicated team and partners who contribute to the impactful outcomes we've achieved." 

The Hill's Top Lobbyists 2023 list recognizes the dynamic duo’s exceptional results and highlights their significant contributions to the nation’s health care advocacy landscape. McKnight’s Pinnacle Industry Ally Award recognizes leaders for driving change, setting new standards, and inspiring others.

AHCA/NCAL are honored to be part of a community that drives positive change and ensures the best care for those in need.

For more information, view The Hill’s Top Lobbyists 2023 and McKnight’s Pinnacle Industry Ally Award.

Staff contact: bhawkins@mehca.org

Join us for one of two Town Hall Forums on Energy Efficiency in Care Centers

MHCA is pleased to invite you to participate in one of two town hall forums to explore the topic:  
 
How energy efficient technologies can improve the living and working experience in Maine’s long-term care communities.
 
Transitioning away from fossil fuels not only gives you energy and cost savings, but it will also enhance the comfort for residents and staff.  Coupling those benefits with lower maintenance requirements makes it a win-win-win scenario.  Join us for this informative discussion about the benefits of heat pump technology including how they can meet all the heating, cooling, and ventilation requirements your facility needs without having to use fossil fuels. 

There are two options to participate in this forum:  January 10, 2024 (9-10am) OR January 23, 2024 (3-4pm).  The intended audience includes operations and maintenance staff, administrators, owners, financial managers, and other individuals who serve in Maine's care centers.  

For more details, including the link to register for the Zoom session that works best for you, you may click here for the Event Flyer.  There is no cost to participate so don’t miss out on the opportunity to get your questions answered.

Staff Contact:  kmichaud@mehca.org

FDA Safety Communication: Philips DreamStation 2 CPAP Machines

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is issuing a cautionary notice to both patients and healthcare providers, urging them to exercise close monitoring of Philips DreamStation 2 continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices for any indications of overheating.
In recent times, the FDA has received reports of medical device incidents (MDRs) linked to thermal problems, including instances of fire, smoke, burns, and other manifestations of overheating during the use of Philips DreamStation 2 CPAP devices. The agency has observed a notable surge in such reports concerning DreamStation 2 CPAP devices. Between August 1, 2023, and November 15, 2023, the FDA has accumulated over 270 reports detailing issues associated with these devices, a stark contrast to the less than 30 MDRs received in the preceding three years.
It is worth noting that some DreamStation 2 CPAP machines were distributed as replacements for recalled DreamStation 1 CPAP devices. Based on the available evidence at present, the FDA does not believe that the safety concern with the DreamStation 2 is linked to the foam used in the machine. This remains an evolving situation, and as of now, the reports collated and assessed by the FDA suggest that the thermal problems reported with DreamStation 2 CPAP devices may be attributed to either electrical or mechanical malfunctions of the machine, potentially causing overheating in specific scenarios.
Read full notice, including FDA recommendations here
 
Staff contact: mcarland@mehca.org

CMS Reminds SNFs of the Importance of Accurate Use of Codes for 3 Day Qualifying Rule.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued a provider compliance alert aimed at skilled nursing facilities (SNFs). The alert advises SNFs to ensure they are using the correct place of service (POS) and other codes. SNFs are also encouraged to review the updated SNF 3-Day Rule Billing fact sheet.
Hospitals are urged to accurately communicate the number of inpatient days to both SNFs and patients (or their representatives). This is to ensure that all parties have a clear understanding of their potential payment responsibilities. SNF extended care services coverage is applicable if a patient has undergone a qualifying inpatient stay of at least 3 consecutive calendar days, beginning with the admission day but excluding the discharge day.
SNFs are required to utilize occurrence span code 70, a code specifically for reporting qualifying stay dates for SNF use, to report qualifying hospital stay dates of at least 3 consecutive calendar days, excluding the discharge date.
From a compliance perspective, the key issue is the potential for improper payments when a hospital discharges an inpatient before they meet the 3-day rule, and the SNF admits them for services. SNFs must also have a thorough grasp of the 3-day rule to avoid submitting inappropriate claims that do not align with the 3-day rule. See OIG report.
Compliance actions you might consider:
  • Review your policies and procedures to ensure the accurate application of the 3-day stay rule and related coding.
  • Providing training on how to accurately code Medicare Part A stays, determine when a person meets the 3-day qualifying stay rule, and outline the necessary steps when they meet or do not meet that 3-day stay requirement.
  • Conduct periodic audits to verify that coding is being accurately completed by individuals responsible for data input at your facility, that the 3-day qualifying stay is calculated correctly, and that appropriate notifications are provided to the patient and/or representative.
  • Confirm that staff have access to the most up-to-date CMS guidance and that they are using it.
 
Staff Contact: mcarland@mehca.org  
 
 

MHCA pleased to announce 2024 Remember ME program

MHCA is gearing up for one of its most popular programs, the Remember ME photography exhibit. Join us again in recognizing some of our wonderful and inspirational long-term care residents. Please be sure to submit your nomination online by January 23, 2024.
 
To nominate your resident or view the submission guidance, please go to the following link, which will take you to the online nomination form.
   
This photographic tribute is our way of remembering resident contributions and saying thank you. We are looking for pioneering, innovative residents who meet any of the following criteria:
 
  • Residents with historically significant backgrounds;
  • Residents who have had unique or interesting accomplishments either while living in the facility or prior to admission;
  • Residents who have overcome either personal or health-related obstacles to achieve;
  • Residents who have served the community, state, or country (through volunteerism, civic organizations or US military); OR
  • Residents who are considered pillars of the local community.                           

When considering a candidate, please be sure the resident is willing to be photographed by our professional vendors if he or she is selected. We strongly encourage submissions to be thoughtful, using the 750 word limit to relay the resident’s story. In the past, submissions that are very short or in a bullet format are rarely selected by the judges, as they don’t relay enough information.
 
The exhibit will once again feature black and white photographs, accompanied by brief biographies, of residents living in your facilities. The presentation of Certificates of Lifetime Achievement will be on May 9, 2024 at the Augusta Civic Center. We are planning to have the event live streamed.
 
If you have questions or comments, please contact Dianne Chicoine at 623-1146 or dchicoine@mehca.org.
 
Staff contact: dchicoine@mehca.org  

MHCA Testifies on Temporary Nurse Agency Rulemaking

Last week, MHCA President & CEO Angela Westhoff submitted testimony on the proposed rules related to last session's passed bill LD 451 An Act to Ensure Transparent and Accountable Temporary Nurse Agencies. 

The rule reflects the following requirements of the statute:
  • Increases the registration fee;
  • Places requirements for annual reporting on registered Temporary Nurse Agencies (TNAs);
  • Authorizes the Department to issue financial penalties to TNAs in certain circumstances;
  • Places record-keeping and access to records requirements on TNAs; and 
  • Establishes employee quality assurance measures for TNAs.
You can read the proposed rule in detail on the DHHS rulemaking page and MHCA's testimony here.

Staff contact: bhawkins@mehca.org

Reminder for a Webinar: Best Practices for Attracting & Best Practices for Attracting & Keeping Direct Care Workers

Maine's Essential Care & Support Workforce Partnership presents a webinar on Best Practices for Attracting & Best Practices for Attracting & Keeping Direct Care Workers.
 
Tuesday, December 12, from 1:30pm - 3pm. Click here to register.

Staff contact: bhawkins@mehca.org
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