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

May 5, 2017

Top Stories

Budget Bill Passes House; Senate Hearings Continue
Pete Van Runkle
The House of Representatives passed the state budget bill, House Bill 49, on a quasi-bipartisan vote, with some legislators of both parties flipping sides. The legislation now moves to the Senate, where there may be some skepticism about what the House did. According to House Finance Chair Ryan Smith (R-Bidwell), the House budget fills about $630 million of the $800-million "hole" created by an unofficial downgrade of state revenue forecasts for the next two years. The two most significant issues in the budget for SNF providers are the Administration's proposals to cut Medicaid rates starting October 1, 2017, and to move long-term services and supports (LTSS) recipients in non-MyCare Ohio counties into managed care starting July 1, 2018. On both of these issues, the House adopted OHCA-supported amendments that would solve the problems. The House Finance Committee completely removed the rate cuts by amending the substitute bill it adopted last week that still contained them. In place of the cuts, the final House budget adds language establishing a cap on total Medicaid spending for SNF services. If spending exceeds the cap, pro-rata rate reductions will be imposed. If it does not, there will be no cuts. The cap is similar to one for hospitals that also appears in the House-passed bill. In addition, the House version prohibits the Department of Medicaid from expanding managed LTSS. The legislation would create a study committee of stakeholders to evaluate the issue through mid-2020. The legislature would have the authority to determine whether or not to proceed with expanding managed LTSS, at the earliest in 2021. The Senate Finance Committee and its subcommittees also held more budget hearings, which they had begun on an informal basis before the House finished with the bill. Office of Budget and Management Director Tim Keen testified before the Senate Finance Committee shortly after the House passed the bill. Director Keen first discussed tax revenues, which for April again underperformed the estimate, this time by $159 million, although he did not suggest that this result alters the $800-million figure mentioned above for purposes of the budget bill. In his comments on the House's treatment of Medicaid, Director Keen immediately zeroed in on the managed LTSS delay, first quoting from the glowing MyCare Ohio progress report recently released by the Department of Medicaid, then turning to cost issues. He said, "[t]he House chose to prohibit us from moving in this direction until 2021 and we feel this is a lost opportunity to improve quality and reduce cost in the Medicaid program. … We urge the Senate to restore the executive MLTSS proposal to complete Ohio's exit from government-run fee-for-service and ensure that Ohio taxpayers benefit from the significant future savings that are expected to result from managed care long term services and supports." Director Keen did not address the SNF spending cap. He did castigate the House for requiring periodic Controlling Board approval for Medicaid-expansion funding, arguing that it would jeopardize payments to Medicaid providers.

Senate Majority Floor Leader Addresses OHCA Members
Pete Van Runkle
Senator Randy Gardner (R-Bowling Green), the Majority Floor Leader, spoke to the participants in OHCA's annual meeting at the convention. Senator Gardner expressed his appreciation for the work long-term care providers do in serving his constituents. He discussed the state budget, commenting on the challenges involved in responding to reduced tax revenue projections. He added that he firmly believes the legislature is the appropriate body to decide on skilled nursing facility rates and that he has heard many concerns about MyCare Ohio. He urged OHCA members to tell their stories to their local legislators and commended OHCA for forging partnerships with other health-care organizations.

US House Passes Repeal/Replace Legislation
Pete Van Runkle
By a narrow 217-213 vote, the US House of Representatives forwarded to the Senate the American Health Care Act (AHCA), which repeals and replaces various part of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). The passage could be termed "third time's a charm" because twice before House leadership teed the legislation up for a vote, only to pull back because of lack of support. The Senate is widely expected to reject or change the bill substantially, although President Donald Trump predicts it will pass. Two changes to the AHCA brought about the positive outcome in the House: an amendment allowing states to opt out ACA insurance requirements relating to premiums, particularly for pre-existing conditions and an second amendment adding $8 billion to a pot of money available to assist individuals with pre-existing conditions to purchase insurance. The first change satisfied the right-wing members of the Republican caucus, while the second wooed some moderates concerned about the first change. Of most significance to long-term services and supports providers, the House-passed version of the AHCA maintains the per-capita caps that were in the previous versions of the bill. The caps divide Medicaid spending into 5 "buckets," or population groups, and limit spending growth on a per-person basis for each of them. In a major victory, the American Health Care Association secured a higher growth rate (Consumer Price Index-Medical plus 1%) for the aged and disabled buckets than applies to the others, based on the argument that the aged and disabled are originally intended beneficiaries of Medicaid. In the Senate, AHCA will advocate for a technical amendment to make sure states cannot move the larger amount of money in the aging/disabled buckets to other buckets for which the cap may fall short of actual state spending. See AHCA's memo on House passage of the AHCA for more information.

2017 Convention & Exhibition - Every Step You Take Leads to Success

OHCA Officers Elected by 2017-2018 Board of Directors
The Ohio Board of Directors elected its officers for one-year terms during its meeting held at the Convention on May 3, and elected its Executive Committee members for one-year terms. The following individuals will serve the OHCA membership over the coming year:

• President: Greg Miller, Executive VP, Healthcare Management Group, Cincinnati, Ohio
• President Elect: David Parker, VP/General Manager, HCR-Manorcare, Toledo, Ohio
• Secretary/Treasurer: Jill Herron, Owner/Administrator Welcome Nursing Home, Oberlin, Ohio
• Immediate Past President: Tim Chesney, President, MSTC Development Inc., Warren, Ohio

The following individuals were elected to the Executive Committee by the Board for 2017-2018:

• Michael Coury, CEO, Generations Healthcare Management, Berea, Ohio
• Janet Harris, CEO, Holland Management, Sharon Center, Ohio
• Michael Scharfenberger, Executive VP, Nursing Care Management, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Scott Sprenger, President and COO, Continuing Healthcare Solution, Middleburg Heights, Ohio
• Maureen Wern, President, Wern & Associates, Boardman, Ohio

At-Large Directors Elected by Membership
During the Annual Meeting on May 2, members of the Ohio Health Care Association elected four individuals to serve as At-Large representatives to the Board of Directors:

• Linda Black-Kurek, President, Liberty Health Care Corporation, Bellbrook, Ohio
• Joe Cilone, President, JCTH Holdings, East Liverpool, Ohio
• Shane Craycraft, Director of Clinical Services, Health Care Management Group, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Greg Miller, Executive VP, Health Care Management Group, Cincinnati, Ohio

The following elections were also held during the Annual Meeting:

• District 1 Chair: Michael Scharfenberger, Executive VP, Nursing Care Management, Cincinnati, Ohio
• District 7 Chair: Ronald Wilheim, Principal, CommuniCare Health Services, Cincinnati, Ohio
• District 9 Chair: Michael Milbrandt, Regional VP, Altercare of Ohio, North Canton, Ohio
• District 11 Chair: Dan D'Amico, Administrator, Laurels of Massillon, Massillon, Ohio
• District 13 Chair: Michael Coury, CEO, Generations Healthcare Management, Berea, Ohio
• District 15 Chair: David Parker, VP/General Manager, HCR Manorcare, Toledo, Ohio

OCAL, OCID Elect Leadership
The Ohio Centers for Assisted Living (OCAL) elected 3 Directors and the Ohio Centers for Intellectual Disabilities (OCID) elected 2 Directors to their Boards during the Association's Annual Meeting; and those Boards also held elections for a Chair and Vice Chair to lead their respective Boards over the next year.

Ohio Centers for Assisted Living:

Officers Elected by the 2017-2018 Board of Directors:

• Chair -- Casey King, Executive Director, Wesley Glen Retirement Community
• Vice Chair -- Amy Francis, Corporate Quality Assurance, Windsor Estates Assisted Living

Elected to the Board:

• Brent Classen, Owner/Administrator, Brentwood, Sagamore Hills, Ohio
• Phil Coury, Vice President, Generations HCM, Berea, Ohio
• Casey King, Executive Director, Wesley Glen, Columbus, Ohio

Ohio Centers for Intellectual Disabilities:

Officers Elected by the 2017-2018 Board of Directors:

• Chair -- Denise Pozderac, Administrator/President, Transitional Living Centers
• Vice Chair -- Sherry Rinck, LNHA, QIDP, Boyd's Kinsman Home

Elected to the Board:

Bert MacQueen, LNHA/Owner, Jac-Lin Manor, Loudonville, Ohio
Sherry Rinck, LNHA, QIDP, Boyd's Kinsman Home, Kinsman, Ohio

EFOHCA Awards more than $145,000 in Scholarships
55 long term care professionals from member organizations received educational scholarships totally $138,000 during the Convention Scholarship Luncheon. Scholarships were awarded in the amount of $2,000, $4,000 and $8,000 which provides important financial assistance as these professionals work to pursue advanced degrees in nursing, therapy, dietetics and health care administration. In addition, 15 Association member employees received certification scholarships totally more than $9,000 allowing them to pursue certifications in wound management, gerontological nursing, activity directorship, human resources, resident assessment, dietary management and CEAL. A special thanks to our generous name donors, members who participate in our annul golf outing fundraisers, and member facilities who support our annual bed assessment campaign for making this possible.

OHCA/OCAL/OCID Names Professional Achievement Award Winners
The Association's yearly awards program recognizes a wide range of long-term care facility personnel. Ohio's long-term care employees make up a large, important and valuable resource, and are the backbone of service to the LTC community, with facilities relying on dedicated teamwork and skills to provide quality care and compassion to patients and families. The Professional Achievement Awards are designed to honor those individuals who have excelled in providing outstanding care in a cooperative spirit of teamwork. Awards presented during the 2017 OHCA Convention at a special Awards ceremony were:

OHCA/NF Awards

• Caregiver of the Year - Harry Taggart, Andover Village, Andover
• Support Service Professional of the Year - Bonnie Fishell, Greenbrier, Parma Heights
• Manager of the Year - Elaine Kendle, Altercare of Navarre, Navarre
• Administrator of the Year - Kristy Earick, Versailles Health Care Center, Versailles
• Volunteer of the Year - Linda Schwepe, The Heritage, Findlay

OCAL Awards

• Personal Care Assistant of the Year - Darlene Greenleaf, Crystal Waters, Strongsville
• Manager of the Year - Beth Russell, Grace Woods Senior Living, Niles

OCID Awards

• Caregiver of the Year - Michelle Daniels, Hattie Larlham Wood Home, Bedford
• Manager of the Year - Carlene Jones, RN, Boyd's Kinsman Home

Convention CEU Certificates Available Online; Please Complete the Convention Survey
Convention CEU certificates will be available online beginning May 19 for all registrants. CEUs will be based on the hours attended during each session; registrants must have had the bar code on their badges scanned on entering and leaving each session. We also request that each registrant complete the Convention Evaluation by visiting the survey from the CEU page. These evaluation are used to make adjustments and improvements that will create a better Convention experience for all. To receive credit registrants must: get scanned in at the beginning of each session; attend the entire session; get scanned out at the conclusion of each session. Please note that the total credit hours listed for programs assume full attendance. Credit is only available for each full session attended. The scanning system is time stamped and will automatically calculate CEUs. Sessions are submitted for CEU approval from a variety of accrediting organizations. In some instances, some accrediting/approval organizations accept only certain classes and do not approval all sessions offered at the convention. Restrictions and approval information were presented to all registrants prior to the convention. It is the responsibility of the attendee to verify that credit is approved by the accrediting body for the specific courses they attend. Should you have questions, please contact Kathy Chapman.

The 2018 Convention is scheduled for April 30 - May 3, 2018. Overnight rooms go very quickly, and we encourage you to make your hotel reservations now by clicking here or calling 866-363-0568. Mark your calendar now for Ohio's premier long-term care event!

Reimbursement

Case-Mix Averages for December 2016
Pete Van Runkle
We have calculated and posted average case-mix scores for the three Medicaid peer groups and the state as a whole for the December 2016 quarter. The statewide average score without PA1s and PA2s is just over 2.7, a very slight (0.2%) increase from the September quarter. Compared to December 2015, the average score is up 2.9%.

Quarterly Reporting Now Underway in New Medicaid Ventilator Program
Diane Dietz
As anticipated, required reporting to ODM by those facilities who have been certified to participate in the new Alternative Purchasing Program for Ventilator Services in Nursing Facilities is now underway. Participating facilities have been sent the NF Vent Program Quarterly Reporting Form that includes the data elements that are required to be reported. Facilities will notice that in addition to admission, discharge and re-admission information, facilities will be asked the individuals' discharge disposition, any attempts at weaning, and will be required to report the number of days within the quarter the individual had a ventilator associated pneumonia. The report is due July 25, 2017 for the second quarter of April, May and June. Please send the report by the deadline to nfpolicy@medicaid.ohio.gov and please put "Vent Quarterly Report" in the subject line.

Regulatory

2012 Life Safety and Health Care Facility Codes Door Inspections; Training, Forms Available
Mandy Smith
The 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code (NFPA 101) 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). Below please 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 such as:

• 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

The OHCA LSC-Disaster Committee and AHCA has prepared door inspection training and an inspection form to use to meet the annual fire and smoke door inspection requirement (available thorugh the OHCA website here). The training packet has been developed to provide guidance and training to ensure that individuals inspecting and testing door are prepared and qualified. A webinar on the requirements is also available at 2 p.m. on June 12.

CMS Emergency Preparedness - Testing and Training Requirements
Steve Mould
CMS final regulations on emergency preparedness requirements for long-term care facilities include comprehensive staff training and exercises that test the facility's emergency plan. Initial and annual trainings are required, along with drills and exercises. Enforcement of the CMS requirements begins November 15, 2017, and recent S&C notices and the Medicare Learning Network National Provider call have stressed that it is critical that initial training and exercise should be completed before enforcement begins. While CMS confirmed that the agency will be developing interpretive guidance for the emergency preparedness requirements, nothing has been released. CMS does expect that by November 15, 2017 facilities implement:

• All of the staff training requirements.
• Participation in a full-scale exercise that is community-based, or when a community-based exercise is not accessible, an individual facility-based exercise.
• Participation in one additional exercise, whether full-scale or tabletop.

Stay tuned to News Bites for additional education and offerings for disaster preparedness compliance.

BELTSS Proposes Rule Changes
The Board of Executives of Long-Term Services and Supports (BELTSS) is proposing to modify OAC 4751-1-10.3 (active duty military personnel), 4751-1-11 (temporary licenses), 4751-1-13.1 (CEU waiver), 4751-1-14 (out-of-state license), and 4751-1-15 (re-licensure). BELTSS will conduct a public hearing to obtain comments concerning the rule proposals on Thursday, June 1 2017 in the Fiscal Conference Room which is located at 246 N High Street, 1st Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. The hearing will begin at 8:30 a.m., and will continue until all parties in attendance at that time have had an opportunity to provide comment. Any person may direct written comments or requests for information concerning BELTSS' rule proposals to Deborah Veley, Executive Director of BELTSS, on or before the date of the hearing by writing to dveley@age.ohio.gov.

Other News

News Media Alert - Northeast Ohio
Pete Van Runkle
A northeast-Ohio OHCA member reported that a news crew from WEWS Channel 5 in Cleveland recently conducted a "stealth" investigation of a skilled nursing center. While apparently the television station has not aired anything yet, members in the area should be on alert. The female television reporter reportedly gained access to the center by posing as a person looking for placement for a relative.

Ohio BWC Issues Third $1B Back!
Diane Dietz
Last Friday, April 28, 2017, the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors approved the return of more than $1 billion dollars to Ohio's private and public employers, the third rebate in four years. The one-time rebate of approximately $967 million to private employers and $133 million to public employer taxing districts is expected to be dispersed by July to more than 200,000 employers in the state. Most rebates will equal 66% of premium for the policy year ending June 30, 2016 for private employers and December 31, 2015 for public employers. Only Association members who are in the state-fund are eligible for the refund, which includes those employers who participate in OHCA group rating programs. Self-insured employers, either directly or through a SI PEOs, are not eligible for the refund.

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.

World Hand Hygiene Day
May 5 is World Hand Hygiene Day, the World Health Organization's annual global call to action for healthcare providers to practice hand hygiene appropriately. As part of this year's efforts, CDC has two new tools for healthcare providers: a Clean Hands Count video and a hand hygiene education course (coming May 22 - stay tuned!). The Clean Hands Count campaign offers brochures, fact sheets, posters, and infographics for patients and healthcare providers..

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

National Nursing Home Week Toolkit Available
Steve Mould
National Nursing Home Week (NNHW) is quickly approaching (May 14-20)! Resources are now available from AHCA that will help you increase engagement and participation during the observance. This year's theme, "The Spirit of America," celebrates people from all walks of life who will come together and celebrate the positive impact that nursing centers have on residents, staff, and the community. 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.

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.

OHCA News Bites
OHCA News Bites is distributed electronically each week (except for holidays and special occasions). Member representatives who would like to be added to or deleted from the distribution list should send an email to Stephen L. Mould, APR (smould@ohca.org), including the individual's name, company, and email address. Individuals will be added to the email listing for all of OHCA's electronic bulletins and publications.