News and Information exclusively for members of OHCA - please do not forward to non-members

May 12, 2017

Top Stories

Senate Budget Hearings Focus on MLTSS
Pete Van Runkle
Having June 22 as the date the state budget bill (House Bill 49) will be on the Senate floor, the upper chamber continued budget hearings in its subcommittees. The Health and Medicaid Subcommittee held two sessions. The headline attraction for the first hearing was a debate between supporters and opponents of the Kasich Administration's proposal to expand managed care to long-term services and supports (MLTSS) in the rural areas of the state that currently are not in MyCare Ohio. The participants included OHCA Board of Directors members Jill Herron and Michael Coury, along with Executive Director Pete Van Runkle and representatives of two managed care organizations (MCOs), their association, and the area agencies on aging. It was a lively discussion fueled by pointed questions from members of the subcommittee, who in some cases already appeared to have lined up on one side or the other. As part of the presentation, OHCA released the results of our member survey on MyCare, which had more than 300 respondents. We appreciate all members who took the time to complete the survey. Along with the MLTSS document with the survey results and a separate piece on the Administration's proposed rate cuts, Ms. Herron's and Mr. Coury's testimony is posted to the OHCA website. The second subcommittee hearing started with a presentation from State Medicaid Director Barbara Sears, who said one of the Administration's top priorities in the Medicaid area is removing the delay of MLTSS that the House added to the budget bill. Responding to Director Sears' argument that MLTSS would improve what she said is substandard quality of Ohio skilled nursing centers because the MCOs would provide financial rewards for quality (see separate article), Senator Jay Hottinger (R-Newark) challenged the Director by pointing out that SNF rates in Ohio have been stagnant for many years, until this year's rebasing, and continue to lag behind rates in other states. He argued that there is a close relationship between adequate rates and better quality.

Administration Faults SNF Performance as Part of Budget Defense
Pete Van Runkle
As part of their effort to defend their managed-care proposal for long-term services and supports (LTSS) in the budget process (see separate article), the Kasich Administration timed the release of two criticisms of SNFs to coincide with the Health and Medicaid Subcommittee hearings. While organizations representing many different facets of LTSS are concerned about managed care, the Office of Health Transformation (OHT) and the Department of Medicaid have targeted SNFs and particularly OHCA as the chief opponents. Trying to draw a tenuous connection between expanding managed care and improving quality in SNFs, the Administration disseminated the two pieces to the news media and to legislators. The first item was a report the state commissioned from the Scripps Gerontology Center that lists Ohio's ranking nationally on the various individual components of the 5-Star-Rating system - using 2013 data. More recent data show a different picture. The report touches on, but does not analyze, the relationship between reimbursement levels and performance on the measures. The second item, coming out a day later, was an Excel spreadsheet containing a variety of data on every SNF in the state. The data show some of the 5-Star components, Medicaid rates (including the proposed cuts) and costs, consumer satisfaction scores, Medicaid quality points, and more - including the $22-per-day gap between average costs and average rates that exists even before the proposed cuts. The Administration issued a similar set of data in 2011 as part of their previous campaign to cut SNF rates. OHT Director Greg Moody's release on this year's data dump clearly tied it to the budget debate and his goal of removing SNF reimbursement from statute and turning it over to managed care plans:

Some nursing facilities in Ohio underperform on critical quality measures in part because the current reimbursement system does not financially reward high quality or quality improvement. Ohio Medicaid pays nursing facilities an amount that is in line with the national average but, according to a Scripps Gerontology Center review of national data, Ohio is below the national average on ten critical measures of nursing facility quality. Ohio Medicaid is required by law (ORC Chapter 5165) to pay low-quality nursing facilities the same amount as high-quality facilities. More than 20 states have already set aside one-size-fits-all reimbursement and instead rely on private sector managed care plans to pay more for quality as an incentive to improve. To better understand which nursing facilities in Ohio would benefit from linking payment to quality, Ohio Medicaid released data that lets an individual nursing home compare its performance to other nursing facilities statewide. In general, the data shows that smaller facilities tend to have higher quality than larger facilities, and not-for-profit facilities have more four and five star ratings (64 percent) than for-profit facilities (37 percent). Governor Kasich's budget proposed to move away from the current payment guarantee for low-quality facilities, increase competition among nursing facilities based on quality, and financially reward high-quality facilities for doing better. The Ohio House of Representatives voted to delay these reforms until 2021 and the issue is now under consideration in the Ohio Senate.

Rate Increase Questionnaire
Pete Van Runkle
The Kasich Administration has proposed massive cuts to skilled nursing facility Medicaid rates, only one year after SNFs received their first increase in a decade. As a key part of our advocacy against these cuts, we need to be able to show how OHCA members used the additional money that resulted from last July's rate increase. Please complete the quick table in the Survey Monkey questionnaire here and submit it as soon as possible, but no later than Wednesday, May 17. If you did not receive a rate increase this fiscal year, please do not complete the survey. Thank you very much for your help!

QRP Notification Deadline Issues
Mandy Smith
The upcoming submission deadline for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) is approaching. Minimum Data Set (MDS) assessment data for October-December (Q4) of calendar year (CY) 2016 are due with this submission deadline. All data must be submitted no later than 11:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time on May 15, 2017.

SNFs are required to submit quality reporting data each quarter to meet QRP reporting requirements. Failure to submit data prior to the submission deadlines may result in a two percentage point reduction in the Annual Payment Update. Facilities need to submit their data and check the appropriate CASPER reports for errors prior to May 15, 2017, in order to ensure that all required data has been submitted. Detailed guidance on how to run and interpret MDS reports can be found in the Helpful Hints Fact Sheet. Only complete, successful submissions will count toward your Annual Payment Update requirement. Providers are also encouraged to verify all facility information prior to submission, including their CCN and facility name. There are several tools on the CMS website to assist with submission. Go here for the Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program website. CORMAC is contracted by CMS to provide outreach and share important reminders with providers for the IRF, LTCH, SNF, and Hospice Quality Reporting Programs. SNF QRP data is submitted through MDS 3.0 via the Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (QIES) Assessment Submission and Processing (ASAP) system. The implementation of the SNF QRP will not change requirements related to the submission of MDS 3.0 data through CMS' QIES ASAP system. For an overview of the steps required to submit an MDS 3.0 file, verify its submission status, and obtain a Final Validation report review the Helpful Hints Fact Sheet.

The QRP Help Desk suggests that facilities run their Final Validation Report, using the CCN referenced in CORMAC's initial email, and confirm there are no errors with their submission. It is possible that facilities have been notified by CORMAC due to a lag between when CORMAC received MDS data and when it was entered by the facility. Many facilities have notified OHCA that they have received an email stating they have not submitted required data. CORMAC recommends that facilities save the Final Validation Report for future reference and proof of completion, submission, acceptance, and final validation.

Reimbursement

ODM Provides Clarification on New Medicaid Eligibility Criteria
Debbie Jenkins
In a meeting with Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) staff, Birdi Schwamberger shared that many people who were previously eligible for Medicaid long term services through the Aged, Blind & Disabled (ABD) Medicaid eligibility category are being transitioned to other Medicaid eligibility categories, including Modified Adjusted Gross Income (MAGI), during the redetermination process. With the changes in Medicaid that took effect in August of 2016, Medicaid recipients are now run through a hierarchy of eligibility categories to determine base Medicaid eligibility. If someone meets the base Medicaid eligibility criteria, they will be reclassified to the appropriate eligibility category and can still be eligible for long term care services. We are hearing reports that most non-Medicare beneficiaries, under age 65 with low income are being reclassified into the MAGI eligibility category. It's important to note that MAGI eligible recipients will not have a patient liability.

State Fiscal Year 2012 Audit Reports
Debbie Jenkins
ODM's John Maynard reported that all SFY2012 audit letters have been mailed. If you have not received your SFY2012 audit letter, you can contact the Program Integrity office at ODM via the email LTCAudits@medicaid.ohio.gov. In addition, we did hear some concerns that providers were contacting their assigned auditor and not receiving a response for a couple of weeks. Mr. Maynard shared that one of the auditors is out and if you do not hear back from your assigned auditor timely, you can also email the LTCAudits@medicaid.ohio.gov email box and someone will follow up with you.

2016 Cost Report Submissions
Debbie Jenkins
ODM's Chris Carson shared that less than 10 providers did not upload their 2016 cost reports on time, but this is consistent with the number of providers who have historically missed the submission deadline. Although the online submission was a new process for 2016 cost reports, it appears most of the issues have been resolved. Mr. Carson stated that they still have about 150 cost reports needing to be cleared through their internal desk review. However, he was very open to hearing ways to improve the online submission process for 2017 cost reports. If you have any thoughts on how the online submission process could be improved, please send those to Debbie Jenkins.

NF Level of Care Criteria Must be Upheld by Medicaid Managed Care Plans
Diane Dietz
Following various reports by OHCA to the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) citing primarily two Medicaid Managed Care Plans (MCPs) who felt they had the authority to impose their own medical necessity criteria when authorizing services in a nursing facility, ODM issued the following guidance to the MCPs. Please note that regardless of whether the Medicaid consumer you are serving is under the MyCare Ohio Program (MCOP) or is Medicaid consumer living in the community that is accessing nursing facility services under the statewide Medicaid Managed Care (MMC) Program, authorization for nursing facility services is based on the level of care criteria found in OAC 5160-3-08. Should you find yourself in a situation where a Medicaid MCP is denying coverage to one of their beneficiaries for services in your facility citing they are "not skilled," yet you believe firmly that meet the level of care criteria found in rule, we encourage you to first provide the plan with the following guidance from the ODM's Medicaid Managed Care Department. If you continue to be met with resistance, you are encouraged to contact OHCA.

The following policy clarification pertains to nursing facility (NF) level of care (LOC) for Medicaid covered nursing facility stays and applies to both MMC and MCOP. In accordance with the requirements set forth in the provider agreement and criteria pursuant to OAC 5160-3-08 found at http://codes.ohio.gov/oac/5160-3-08 , the MCP must evaluate the member's need for the level of services provided by a nursing facility. To make this decision, the MCP must use the criteria for intermediate or skilled level of care pursuant to OAC rules 5160-3-08 and determine the services meet medical necessity pursuant to 5160-1-01 and cannot impose more stringent criteria than what is required in rule. The MCP must provide documentation of the member's level of care determination to the nursing facility and maintain a written record that the criteria were met, or if not met, the MCP must maintain documentation that a Notice of Action was issued in accordance with OAC 5160-26-08.4.

Nursing facility services are mandatory under the Medicaid State Plan, which means any individual on Medicaid has access to those services when they meet either the intermediate or skilled level of care criteria. Medicaid nursing facility level of care includes two levels of care: intermediate and skilled. Criteria for both intermediate and skilled levels of care is described in rule 5160-3-08 and a member only needs to meet the intermediate level of care criteria in order to authorize nursing facility services. Only one of the four intermediate level of care criteria has to be met and rarely would an evaluation need to go beyond an intermediate level of care. The amount, scope and duration of nursing facility services and nursing facility payment amounts are the same for both intermediate and skilled levels of care. Projected length of stay in no way effects an individual's level of care determination nor does the reason for the stay i.e. going for "rehab."

Report a Change for Medical Assistance Form Now Available
Diane Dietz
The ODM 10203 Form entitled Report A Change for Medical Assistance is now available. As members may recall, when the new 9401 form went live on April 10, 2017, Medicaid consumers (or their nursing facility authorized representatives) had no formal way to communicate changes in income or lump sums to caseworkers since the new 9401 was no longer a communication tool with the counties. Instead, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) and the counties collectively developed the ODM 10203 to encompass all required reportable scenarios beneficiaries are obligated to report to their county caseworkers that may affect beneficiaries' Medicaid eligibility. Please take note of a couple key points. First off, while this form is not required to be used to report a beneficiary change whereby communication via email, phone and other methods remain acceptable, using this form (and keeping a copy with a record of it being sent) is a good way to document compliance with reporting. Also remember that Medicaid beneficiaries (and/or their authorized representatives) are required to report any required changes that may affect Medicaid eligibility within 10 days of the change. And finally, it recently came to OHCA's attention that reporting an address changes is also a requirement so should you have a Medicaid beneficiary return home or be discharged to an alternative setting--be it another nursing center or an assisted living facility--please remember to have the individual submit the address change to the county within 10 days. Or should you be the beneficiary's authorized representative or wish to assist them, please submit the address change via the ODM 10203 to your local county.

Clarifications on Presumptive Eligibility
Diane Dietz
OHCA has received a few questions recently about Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility and how that process actually works with respect to individuals receiving services in a skilled nursing facility. Ohio's statewide Presumptive Eligibility (PE) initiative is a program that provides uninsured individuals with the opportunity to receive immediate health care services through Medicaid if they are presumed eligible for Medicaid by a qualify entity. Hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are eligible to participate as qualify entities, and there are specific requirements they must follow when presuming someone eligible as well as performance standards that must be met. With respect to coverage, individuals who qualify through PE will be eligible to receive health care services during the presumptive coverage period and providers are able to bill. However, the individual presumed eligible is required the apply for full Medicaid coverage on or before the last day of the month following the presumptive eligibility determination or the coverage period will automatically end. Example, presumptive eligibility determination was made by a local hospital on April 19, the Medicaid application would need to be made by May 31st or the coverage period would automatically end. Should the individual comply with the application deadline in this example and apply for Medicaid on or before May 31st, health care coverage will continue for the individual and providers will be able to continue billing for their services up until a full Medicaid determination is made. With respect to skilled nursing centers, it is important to understand the important timeframe for which a PE individual must apply for Medicaid. In addition, even through you are able to bill during the PE coverage period, the individual still must meet a nursing facility level of care. Please remember to seek a level of care determinations through your local PAA for PE individuals and make sure your team is aware of the important timeframe for filing a full Medicaid application.

9401 Reminder
Diane Dietz
Just a quick reminder that with the new 9401 form that went live April 10th, nursing facilities once again have the requirement to report Medicaid managed care admissions and discharges. Please remember that all managed care admissions and discharges are to be reported via the 9401 to the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) at Nfstay@medicaid.ohio.gov. In addition, OHCA has been informed by ODM that they are seeing delays in nursing facilities requesting LOC determinations when a waiver consumer is admitted to their facility. Please remember that even through the LOC determination is actually a LOC validation, nursing facilities must timely request the LOC determination (and receive the corresponding PAR letter acknowledging approval) promptly when Medicaid individuals--including those who were previously enrolled in the assisted living waiver or PASSPORT programs--are admitted to the facility.

ODM NF Direct Bill Mailbox No Longer Available
Diane Dietz
OHCA has learned that the NF Direct Bill email box is no longer available. Facilities experience billing problems with Medicaid are encouraged to contact the provider relations hotline at 800-686-1516. Should a facility not receive prompt assistance, ODM encourages facilities to request an ODM Provider Ombudsman. Apparently with a OMD Provider Ombudsman, a formal ticket on the facility problem will be established to help ensure a prompt resolution.

ODM Working to Improve 270/271 Eligibility Transaction File
Diane Dietz
As previously reported in NewsBites, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) has informed OHCA that instead of looking up individual consumers in MITS to verify their eligibility and enrollment in Medicaid Managed Care Plans, MITS trading partners are able to generate a report called the 270/271 Health Care Eligibility Benefit Inquiry and Response transaction set to view all beneficiaries at once. ODM is working to enhance this report to include patient liability information and make it more user friendly for providers. ODM is requesting to speak directly to any trading partner or nursing facility that utilizes this report. Should your facility utilize the 270/271 transaction set and wish to provide feedback, please contact the Association. Again, the goal is to make it easier for nursing facilities to monthly verify their patients/residents Medicaid eligibility, managed care plan enrollment, restricted coverage periods, patient liability amounts and more.

myCGS Green Mail - General Inquiry Responses Now Available!
Diane Dietz
CGS has announced its Green Mail initiative to allow registered myCGS users IMMEDIATE access to correspondence mailed from CGS. Having access to letters via Green Mail completely resolves the problem with misrouted correspondence from CGS, allowing providers to take the appropriate actions within the noted time frames. Earlier this week CGS announced that this initiative includes the quarterly status letters and pre- and post-pay documentation requests from CGS's medical review department. It now includes responses to general inquiries. To continue receiving these and other letters via the CGS Green Mail initiative, please be sure your myCGS administrator selects the "Opt IN" prompt located under the ADMIN tab.

Regulatory

2016 Family Satisfaction Survey
Mandy Smith
The 2014 Family Satisfaction Survey Ohio state average was 85.9. The most recent survey in 2016 was significantly lower at 77.9. Although this seems like a significant drop, consumers should know that these are two completely different surveys. This is the first year's results for the new more subjective survey. Questions that used to ask if adequate information was given now ask were you given thorough information to help you know what to expect. These changes are set up to lead to a decrease in satisfaction ranking even if the overall satisfaction has not changed. During the meetings to discuss the changes in the survey questions it was reported that it was the goal to more accurately reflect the satisfaction rates through lowering the satisfaction scores. Although the scores demonstrated this decrease, OHCA feels it was in part due to the subjectivity of the questions and the expectations and elevated wording in the questions as well.

CMS Delay of Compliance with HCBS Setting Rule
AHCA reports that on May 9, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an Informational Bulletin extending the timeline for compliance with the Medicaid home and community-based settings rule. CMS indicates that states should continue progress with their statewide transition plan to be approved by March 17, 2019, but the agency is extending the transition period for states to demonstrate compliance with the settings criteria by 3 years to March 17, 2022. For assisted living communities and other providers of home and community-based services, this extension provides relief as they work with states to ensure they meet the criteria for a home and community-based setting. More guidance about the rule can be found here.

Life Safety Code - Door Inspections
Steve Mould
OHCA continues to receive questions regarding the 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), which requires facilities to complete an annual fire and smoke door inspection. Section 18.2.2.2.1/19.2.2.2.1 requires compliance with section 7.2.1 and Section 7.2.1.15.2 requires compliance with NFPA 80 Standard for Fire Doors and Other Opening Protectives (2010 edition, Section 5.2.1) and NFPA 105 Standard for Smoke Door Assemblies and Other Opening Protectives (2010 edition, section 5.2). Providers should review the door inspection form and evaluate all required doors for items listed below and identify issues. All issues should be corrected immediately. Life Safety Code section 7.2.1.15.2 requires all fire and smoke doors to be inspected and tested annually including:

• Doors with fire protection rating labels
• Door assemblies in exit enclosures - typically stairwells and exit passageways
• Door assemblies in smoke compartment walls
• Hazardous rooms with rated doors

OHCA is offering a June 12 reprise of its webinar (see Education below) on door inspections and other critical LSC requirements; participants successfully completing this program will be prepared and qualified to inspect and test doors.

Other News

Summary of Projected Impacts of Trump Administration Activity for Employers
AHCA consultant Jackson Lewis, leading legal experts on labor law, summarized 45 ways in which the priorities and actions of President Trump and his administration are affecting employers in a recent posting. The summary covers a variety of topics including employee benefits, immigration, government contractors, wage and hour, labor, litigation and class actions, privacy, white collar and government enforcement, workplace safety and health and higher education. For example, Jackson Lewis notes that employers still face uncertainty about the new overtime rule from the Department of Labor. The injunction is still in effect, and the government's final brief defending the rule is due on June 30, 2017. It is possible that the new Secretary of Labor may recommend a new overtime rule that lowers the salary threshold set by the Obama Administration.

National Nursing Home Week Unites Communities Through "Spirit of America"
Beginning Sunday, May 14, and continuing through Saturday, May 20, thousands of America's skilled nursing care centers and local communities will celebrate National Nursing Home Week® (NNHW). Established by the American Health Care Association (AHCA) in 1967, NNHW recognizes the role of skilled nursing care centers in caring for America's seniors and individuals with disabilities. This year's theme, "The Spirit of America," honors the bond shared among staff and residents through special events and activities that capture the American spirit.

"National Nursing Home Week is the perfect time to shine a spotlight on the important role nursing care providers have in improving the lives of those they care for every day," said Mark Parkinson, AHCA President and CEO. "We hope community members take the opportunity to participate in the celebrations and experience this commitment first-hand." Skilled nursing center providers and members of the public can share their celebrations throughout the week on social media with the hashtag #NNHW. For more information on National Nursing Home Week, please visit www.NNHW.org. Don't forget to take pictures for use in the OHCA Photo Contest scheduled for October 2017. Capture the photos now and record the information on our photo release and entry form available here. The toolkit is available on the NNHW website here, and includes the following documents:

• Sample Press Release Template
• Sample Social Media Posts
• Sample Proclamation
• Sample Media Advisory
• Sample Letter to the Editor

We encourage you to visit and "like" the NNHW Facebook page, follow NNHW on Twitter, use the hashtag #NNHW, and check out the NNHW website for more information.

OHCA/LAO Salary and Benefits Report, Webinars
Steve Mould
The Ohio Health Care Association is offering members the opportunity to participate in the 2017 Compensation and Benefits Survey, which will be administered by Willis Towers Watson Data Services. Willis Towers Watson has a long and proven track record of working with leading national organizations in all industries, including nonprofit and health care organizations to develop and administer custom compensation surveys. We are pleased to be partnering with LeadingAge Ohio to offer this important study. To access the participation materials, please click here. All data must be submitted using the Data Submission Workbook which can be downloaded from the website using the link above. All instructions, position descriptions and data element definitions are included within the Participant Guide that can also be downloaded from the website. You need only to complete the survey sections that apply to your organization. Please forward this invitation/link for prompt completion by the most appropriate member of your team. Willis Towers Watson Data Services will ensure total confidentiality of all compensation information and strict adherence to anti-trust safe harbor guidelines. Data submitted for this survey will not be used in conjunction with any other survey. A separate database will be prepared and maintained solely for this survey. Data should be reported as of April 1, 2017. The deadline for participation is Friday, June 9, 2017. Survey results will be delivered in late July. In return for your participation, you will be able to purchase the final report for $100 per site, with a maximum of $500 for multi-facility organizations. If you have any questions about this survey, please contact Monica Bellinger-Lewis, 703-258-7689, or Kevin Gorman, 914-289-3321. Additionally, you can contact the Willis Towers Watson Client Care team for assistance at 800-645-5771. Two webinars have been conducted and are available online for additional information: Why Participate in a Salary and Benefits Survey (fast forward 5 minutes), and How to Participate.

Education Updates

2012 LSC: Door Inspections and Other Critical Inspection, Testing and Maintenance -- Become Qualified to Conduct Inspections
Kathy Chapman
Due to the overwhelming response to this webinar, a second session has been scheduled in June. Participants successfully completing this program will be qualified to conduct door inspections. Survey enforcement of the 2012 Life Safety Code & Health Care Facilities Code began November 1. Facilities are being given a year to come into compliance with several critical inspections, testing and maintenance items which are coming due by July 5, 2017 such as door inspections, non-hospital grade receptacles and sprinkler heads. The inspection of fire and smoke doors is a new requirement for nursing facilities to inspect according to the 2012 Life Safety Code. The criteria specify that the door inspections must be performed by individuals with knowledge and understanding of the operational components of the type of door being subjected to testing.? This webinar will review the door inspection qualified training to assist providers in ensuring they meet the requirements; assist in developing the documentation to provide to inspectors; and will provide a sample inspection form. This session will also review the inspection of electrical receptacles and sprinkler heads as well as critical documentation necessary to maintain compliance. This program is scheduled for June 12, 2017, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. 1 CEU for NHA, CEAL, Nurses is available. For details and registration please go to www.efohca.org.

ICD-10-CM Training for Long Term Care
Kathy Chapman
On October 1, 2015, ICD-10-CM was implemented in health care facilities across the nation. In 2016 updates and additions were made to the ICD-10-CM code book as well as the Official Coding Guidelines. This program is designed specifically to focus on coding in long term care facilities. Our AHIMA Approved Trainer has over 35 years of experience in LTC and has an understanding of your unique facility needs. Each training session will include an ICD-10-CM code book along with training materials and exercises. Changes that were effective on 10-1-16 will be included in the training. Upon completion of this program you will be able to successfully assign ICD-10-CM codes with accuracy and confidence. This program has been approved for 12 hours of CE Credit for NHA and Nursing, and is scheduled for June 2 - 7 at the OHCA Offices in Lewis Center. For details and registration please go to www.efohca.org.

The Essential MDS 3.0 Course
Kathy Chapman
Understanding the MDS 3.0 is critical to all departments within the skilled nursing facility. This class will review the MDS 3.0 in detail from start to completion. A thorough review of each section of the MDS will be held. The course reviews all components of the Minimum Data set, the rules governing it's completion and the management of the MDS process. The class is designed to follow a logical progression from the use of the MDS manual through the use of the completed MDS and its data including an explanation of the Care Area Assessments. This program is scheduled for May 23 - 24 at the OHCA offices in Lewis Center. For details and registration please go to www.efohca.org.

MDS 3.0 Coding for Section G, GG, and O
Kathy Chapman
This session will provide a step-by-step guide to sections G, GG and O. Because the relationship between the MDS team, Therapy, and the Direct Care Team is absolutely critical to accurate coding of these sections, this session will focus not only on definitions, but also the importance of communication and supporting documentation at the direct care level. MDS accuracy and best practices for gathering and auditing data will be provided. This webinar is scheduled for 2 p.m. on May 24. For details and registration please go to www.efohca.org.

Building Powerful Teams to Create Excellent Resident Care
Kathy Chapman
Dysfunctional teams put residents at risk. Excellent resident care depends on the ability of people to work effectively as a team. The safety of residents is directly correlated with team efficiency. This engaging and high-content session will provide the tools to understand the vital steps of the team-building process. The session focuses on these key areas: a clear understanding of each individual's responsibilities in the team; keeping the team motivated; and handling team conflict. Teams come together to focus on goals -- the session contains a bonus segment on five easy steps to make sure your team goals are accomplished. By attending this session, you will learn powerful strategies to create high-performing teams that lead to superior and safe resident care. This webinar is scheduled for Thursday, June 8 at 2 p.m. For details and registration please go to www.efohca.org.

Free AHCA Webinar: Staff Competencies and the Facility Assessment Requirement
The implementation date for the facility assessment requirement in the Requirements of Participation is November 28, 2017. This live webinar scheduled for May 16, 2017 from 2:30 - 3:30 p.m. will provide you with an overview of the facility assessment and staff competencies requirements and offer suggestions aimed to help you get started on these new requirements. The Phase 2 requirement touches upon many aspects of managing your center, including understanding the care needs of residents based on their acuity, conditions, and other factors, and reviewing your center's resources including buildings, equipment, and services provided. A key component of the facility assessment is identifying the staff competencies needed to provide the level and types of care to meet the needs of residents in your center. For more information and registration please click here.

Association News/Services

Tee Up for PAC Benefit Golf Outing - Urbana Country Club, June 23
Debbie Jenkins
Join your colleagues and treat yourself to a fun day of golf, refreshments and camaraderie to support the efforts of OHCA's Political Action Committee (PAC) on Friday, June 23, 2017 at the "Dye Original" Urbana Country Club. PAC plays an important role in helping to convey the mission of our Association to elected officials, and this outing is especially timely in the midst of the tough battle on the state's biennial budget. You can support the efforts of OHCA's PAC by joining us for a fun day of golf as a sponsor or golfer! Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. with a Shotgun Start at 9:00 a.m. The entry fee includes complimentary beverage tickets, lunch and dinner. Skills contests include longest drive, closest to the pin, longest putt and more! Prizes will be awarded during dinner immediately following at approximately 2:30 p.m. As a special bonus, the U.C.C. Board has generously donated complimentary passes for each registrant's next round! For details please download the brochure here or contact Debbie Jenkins.

New Associate Members Support OHCA/OCAL/OCID
Cindy LeeCindy
We are pleased to welcome the following new Associate Members. If you are in need of any of these services or products please contact these vendors and thank them for their support of the long-term care community in Ohio. In addition to this new member we have nearly 300 vendor members that provide the goods and services you need daily. If you are looking for a specific product or service you can contact Cindy Lee for a list of members specializing in that area or you can look up an associate membership business partner or type of service using our vendor locator.

• AON Risk Solutions -- Risk Management & Insurance -- Nikki Della Vella
• Capsa Healthcare -- Medication Management Carts & Supplies -- John Himmelstein
• Eos Business Surveillance Solutions -- Business Management/Security -- Francis Ralabate
• HPS - GPO -- Lisa Hedgecock
• Keytel Systems -- Technology & Computer Support -- Kristopher Haley
• MedWaste Ohio -- Biohazard Disposal Services -- Gina Munafo
• Penn Emblem Healthcare -- Housekeeping/Laundry -- Stephen Bachow

2017 AHCA/NCAL Awards Program
Through the AHCA/NCAL Volunteer of the Year (VOY), ID/DD Hero of the Year, NFP Program of the Year and Not for Profit Trustee awards programs, the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) honor those individuals who are dedicated to improving the quality of lives of residents and their surrounding communities. The deadline for AHCA receipt of all nominations is Friday, June 9, 2017. Just as a reminder, whereas the Volunteers of the Year nomination form MUST be submitted by a state affiliate organization, the ID/DD Hero of the Year, the NFP Program of the Year and Not For Profit Trustee nomination forms can be member-submitted directly to AHCA electronically. All nominations must be typed and submitted electronically this year. Faxed or handwritten nominations are not accepted. Honorees in each category will be recognized at AHCA/NCAL's 68th Annual Convention and Expo, October 16-18, 2017, in Las Vegas, Nevada. More details and the nomination application can be found here.

Registration Now Open: AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo in Las Vegas
Registration for the 68th Annual AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo in Las Vegas is now open. The excitement surrounding this outstanding event has been building for several months, and the time is now! Register today! Join AHCA/NCAL at the Mandalay Bay, October 15-18, for the event that promises to stack the chips in your favor. We have got a great line up of speakers, networking events, plus a two-day Expo Hall! Huey Lewis and the News is set to rock convention at an unforgettable Gala Dinner & Show. Make sure to get your tickets for this event when you register.

Bret Baier To Speak at AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing
Bret Baier, the chief political anchor of Fox News Channel and host of Special Report with Bret Baier will address post-acute and long term care advocates at the AHCA/NCAL Congressional Briefing this June. Baier's Special Report is the top-rated news program in its timeslot and is consistently one of the top five shows in cable news. Baier first joined Fox in 1998 when he worked in the Atlanta bureau. In the last year, Baier moderated the first three GOP presidential debates, hosted a Democratic town hall with former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and Senator Bernie Sanders, and interviewed the Dalai Lama during the Tibetan leader's visit to Washington, D.C. Baier has also interviewed then-President Barack Obama, then-President George Bush, and then-Vice President Dick Cheney during his tenure at Fox. AHCA/NCAL's Congressional Briefing will be held in Washington, D.C. on June 5th and 6th. The early registration deadline is May 8th, but hotel rooms are already filling fast. Attendees are encouraged to register soon and visit the AHCA/NCAL website for more information.

Gero Nurse Prep Sale
AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep is on sale through April 30 and each RN registrant can save $100 off his/her Gero Nurse Prep by entering promo code QUALITY17 (all caps) at checkout. That means RNs who are interested can become board certified for less than $1,000 ($590 sale price for AHCA/NCAL Gero Nurse Prep and a separate $395 to take the American Nurses Credentialing Center {ANCC} exam).

National Nursing Home Week Products Available
This year's National Nursing Home Week® theme "The Spirit of America" is all about your center's spirit and sense of community for residents, volunteers, and staff alike. Acts of kindness generosity and compassions from proud veterans, immigrants, and hardworking people of different faiths fill every center. Get all the t-shirts, posters, buttons, lapel pins, star-shaped stress relievers and balloons to help you celebrate this exciting week. Use the balloons and posters to decorate your halls and t-shirts, buttons and pins as giveaways and prizes for your games or events. Place your product orders early, these special items will sell out. Don't miss the opportunity to celebrate! Order products online or by phone, 800-321-0343. For planning resources and other information check out the official website.

Heroes Needed!
Steve Mould
Nominate your Hero of Long-Term care today! The OHCA/OCAL/OCID Heroes of Long-Term Care program honors individual long-term care employees for their service to residents, the facility, and to their community. Heroes are nominated from long-term care employees across the state. The program is also intended to provide good news opportunities for use in local and statewide markets. Program details and copies of the Heroes of Long-Term Care nomination form are available at Heroes of Long-Term Care.

Free Job Posting Available to Members
Steve Mould
Members may post openings in the "Job Opportunities" section of the OHCA/OCAL/OCID website for 30 days at no cost. To post an opening, go to the Long Term Care Careers page at www.ohca.org log in and post the job through your account. You will need to be logged into the site with your user name and password before you attempt to post a position. For additional information contact Stephen L. Mould, APR (smould@ohca.org), 614/540-1325.