- Significantly higher average SNF Value Based Purchasing scores (44.17 versus 34.42 for the nation). Higher SNF VBP Score = Higher Medicare Part A reimbursement rates.
- Two fewer deficiencies on average (5.71 citations versus the 7.55 national average in last cycle)
- Fewer Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) citations (1.60 versus the 2.27 national average)
- More stars — nearly twice as likely to be a CMS 5-Star facility (50% versus the 28% national average)
- Significantly lower re-hospitalization rates over the last six years
- Significantly lower rates of off-label use of antipsychotics over the last five years
Category: AHCA/NCAL
National Skilled Nursing Care Week
The theme for National Skilled Nursing Care Week (NSNCW) 2021 is “Together Through the Seasons.” NSNCW will take place May 9-15, 2021, and the theme will honor the collaborative commitment of skilled nursing care facilities and their staff in providing compassionate care to their residents during this unprecedented time.
Find out how you can participate by going to https://www.ahcancal.org/Education-Events/Pages/NSNCW.aspx
March 19 is Certified Nurses Day! RNs Can Start their Certification Journey with Gero Nurse Prep
Certified Nurses Day™ is an annual event (March 19) used to recognize healthcare leaders dedicated to nursing professionalism, excellence, and service. The AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep course is specifically designed for RNs working in long term care and provides comprehensive online training that leads to board certification in gerontological nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). Research released by AHCA/NCAL in 2019 found compelling reasons to consider the AHCA/NCAL’s Gero Nurse Prep course and ANCC Board certification for RNs. Read More
AHCA/NCAL Updates Medicare 3-Day Stay and Benefit Period Waivers Fact Sheet and FAQs
- Will Medicare Part A cover asymptomatic beneficiaries that have a positive COVID-19 test result or have received the COVID-19 vaccine and have had a reaction?
- Various waiver-related coverage and billing scenarios.
Advance Your Long Term Care RN Career by Adding the Prestigious ANCC GERO-BC™ Credential.
How COVID-19 Has Changed Telemedicine
In its first ever digital issue, Provider reports on how COVID-19 has changed the supply and demand of telehealth services in long term and post-acute care. Read more here. [mmsend85.com]
Get Vaccinated Toolkit
AHCA/NCAL’s #GetVaccinated campaign encourages long term care staff and residents to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Providers and state affiliates may use the materials below to help communicate about the importance of vaccination as well as highlight progress. This digital toolkit includes a checklist of ideas, template letters to use with stakeholders, sample social media, and media prep material.
Find out more at https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Pages/GetVaccinated.aspx
New Year – New Beginnings!
Is 2021 the year you’ve decided to become ANCC board certified? If so, take the proven path to preparing for the gerontological board certification exam – AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep!
Find out more at https://www.geronurseprep.com/
Video: How Staff Can Stay Safe During the Holiday Season
In a new video for frontline long term care workers, AHCA/NCAL’s Chief Medical Officer Dr. David Gifford is joined by Dr. Shari Ling, Deputy Medical Director at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The two chat about ways staff members can help keep their residents, colleagues, family members and themselves safe during the holiday season by discussing some myths we’ve heard and offering the facts.
Gero Nurse Prep Sale Ends November 15: Enroll Now and Take a Year to Complete the Course.
RNs and organizations can save $100 off the regular registration fee through November 15 by using promo code GETGNP20 (all caps). AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep provides tremendous value at this AHCA/NCAL member $590 sale price. That’s less than $20 per contact hour for outstanding nursing education that makes a measurable difference on so many fronts. For RNs interested in pursuing Board certification through ANCC, there is an additional and separate cost of $395.
To register, or to find out more, go to https://www.geronurseprep.com/