Gerontological Nursing Certification Improves Care Outcomes and Reduces Citations, Research Shows

Recent research suggests that board certification in gerontological nursing offers immense benefits for nursing facilities and residents alike. According to an analysis of U.S.-based providers conducted by AHCA/NCAL this year, facilities that employ at least one RN with ANCC board certification in gerontological nursing enjoy numerous advantages over the national average: higher five-star ratings and quality ratings, lower short-stay and long-stay rehospitalization rates, fewer deficiencies, and fewer costly immediate-jeopardy citations.

Despite the clear advantages of board-certification in gerontological nursing, however, only 1 percent of RNs have this credential. The University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Gero Nurse Prep course is designed to change this.

Read the full article at https://www.providermagazine.com/Articles/Pages/Gerontological-Nursing-Certification-Improves-Care-Outcomes-and-Reduces-Citations,-Research-Shows.aspx

Proposed Minimum staffing requirements for SNFs from CMS – What You Need to Know!

Thanks to one of our alert Gero Nurse Prep students for reminding us of the importance of this pending regulation.

To get the Fast Facts on the implications of  this unfunded mandate, go here:

https://www.ahcancal.org/Advocacy/IssueBriefs/NEW%20unfunded%20staffing%20mandate_IB.pdf

AHCA/NCAL has set a goal of submitting more than 10,000 comments on this proposed rule between now and November 6th. To make your voice heard, go to:

https://www.votervoice.net/AHCA/Campaigns/103471/Respond [votervoice.net]

Looking to Improve Geriatric Nursing Competence & Outcomes?

The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living’s Gero Nurse Prep course significantly increases RNs’ gerontological nursing competency test scores. Registrants can save $200 on Gero Nurse Prep through November 17, 2023 with promo code GNP23 (all caps).

Find out more at https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/Just-For-RNs-Looking-to-Improve-Geriatric-Nursing-Competence-&-Outcomes.aspx

You can also meet the Gero Nurse Prep experts next Monday and Tuesday in Booth # 507 at Delivering Solutions 23 – AHCA/NCAL’s annual convention and expo​.  And don’t forget to use the GNP23 promo code when registering by November 17 to save $200 off the regular $790 Gero Nurse Prep registration fee.

HealthCap® Offers Free Tools and Resources to Help Reduce Risk

HealthCap’s Resource and Education Center offers a bounty of free educational resources and tools to help long term care providers deliver quality care and reduce risk. AHCA/NCAL members are encouraged to take advantage of these quality risk management resources including policies and procedures, toolkits, and continuing education credits.

AHCA/NCAL has embraced HealthCap®​ for more than a decade as a premier provider of liability insurance that is solely dedicated to serving senior care communities. HealthCap® clients have the fewest liability claims in the industry, and HealthCap settles claims below the industry average.

Stop by Booth # 806 in the Expo Hall at AHCA/NCAL’s annual convention in Denver October 1-4 and meet HealthCap’s experts.  ​

How to Interact With an OSHA Inspector

AHCA/NCAL has published a new resource on preparing for inspections from the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA). This comprehensive resource provides members with information on how to prepare for an OSHA inspection and avoid citations for violating standards.
Planning for an inspection in advance will make it go more smoothly, allow you to be in control and create a positive impression on the OSHA officer, all of which will result in avoidance of or a lesser citation. Visit the AHCA/NCAL OSHA website​ for more information.

​https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/How-to-Interact-With-an-OSHA-Inspector-.aspx

When Residents Bring Substance Use Disorders with Them.

Facilities, staff, and families must work together to recognize and treat addiction and substance use disorders in LTC communities. Individualized plans are needed to provide necessary pain management without giving in to drug-seeking behaviors.

https://www.providermagazine.com/Issues/2023/Fall/Pages/When-Residents-Bring-Substance-Use-Disorders-with-Them.aspx

National Assisted Living Week 2023 is Almost Here!

National Assisted Living Week® (NALW​) 2023 is quickly approaching, so make plans now to celebrate! Gerald Hamilton, Chair at the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL), has a few words of encouragement in this short video message to help you get started.

The Ongoing War on Infections

Infectious diseases will continue to present challenges for long term care. While vaccines and treatments for COVID-19 have had a positive impact, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and other infections are creating concerns and demanding attention. The good news is that we know more than ever about infection prevention and control, and there are a plethora of tools, resources, and best practices to rely on.

Learn more at https://www.providermagazine.com/Issues/2023/Spring/Pages/The-Ongoing-War-on-Infections.aspx

Innovative Solutions for Challenges in Infection Prevention and Control

Infection prevention in skilled nursing facilities is essential for the safety of residents, staff, and visitors to minimize the communal spread of healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). These facilities are home to some of our most vulnerable populations, including older adults and individuals with typically at least one chronic medical condition.

Read more at https://www.providermagazine.com/Articles/Pages/Innovative-Solutions-for-Challenges-in-Infection-Prevention-and-Control.aspx

OSHA Releases Final Rule on Improving Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) published a final rule on Improving Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses. This rule, effective January 1, 2024, modifies existing requirements for reporting workplace injuries and illnesses. This rule directly impacts long term care (LTC) facilities (skilled nursing, assisted living, and intermediate care facilities for the developmentally disabled (ID/DD)) with more than 100 employees.

https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/OSHA-Releases-Final-Rule-on-Improving-Tracking-of-Workplace-Injuries-and-Illnesses.aspx