Category: Uncategorized

Just For RNs: Boost Your Geriatric Care Competency for Less Through November 17

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).
New research conducted by AHCA/NCAL in 2023 finds compelling reasons to consider the Gero Nurse Prep course and ANCC Board certification for RNs. The new findings closely mirror 2016 and 2019 research results. Nursing facilities with at least one ANCC Board certified RN experienced:
  • Lower rehospitalization rates for short stay and long stay residents
  • Fewer deficiencies on average
  • Fewer Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) citations
  • More stars — twice as likely to be a CMS 5-Star facility (44% versus 19%)

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]

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

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

AHCA Publishes New Behavioral Health Resource

AHCA’s Clinical Practice Committee has published a Quick Guide to Behavioral Health Resources in LTC. This guide provides a comprehensive list of free Behavioral Health resources for Long Term Care (LTC) providers. LTC providers seeking assistance and support on promoting or managing behavioral health issues among residents are encouraged to check out this guide​.
These resources can be used directly by the facility and shared with residents and their families. ​

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Bullying Among Seniors: A Prevention and Surveillance Guide – Updated Resource!

Bullying isn’t limited to the playground. Assisted living communities care for millions of seniors with diverse backgrounds and unique needs and behaviors. Bullying and its adverse effects have received greater focus in recent years, creating a need to have systems and processes in place to prevent bullying among seniors living in long term care.
For this reason, NCAL has updated the Bullying Among Seniors: A Prevention and Surveillance Guide. This guide will help organizations understand:
  • What bullying is
  • How to identify bullying
  • Why bullying might occur
  • Victim risk factors
  • How to create a positive environment
  • How to respond to incidents of bullying

CMS Creates a SNF 5-Claim Probe and Educate Review Webpage

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently announced the start of the SNF (skilled nursing facility) 5-Claim Probe & Educate Review program. As part of the effort to lower the SNF improper payment rate, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) will be reviewing a small number of claims from every Medicare-billing SNF in the country. The SNF will then be offered education to address any errors identified, helping them to avoid future claim denials and adjustments.

Find out more by going to https://www.ahcancal.org/News-and-Communications/Blog/Pages/CMS-Creates-a-SNF-5-Claim-Probe-and-Educate-Review-Webpage-.aspx