New LeadingAge center identifies workforce solutions
The new LeadingAge Center for Workforce Solutions will serve as a platform for members and state affiliates to engage in ongoing, collaborative problem-solving around workforce issues.
CMS extends comment deadline for SNF advance notice of proposed rulemaking
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has extended the comment period for its advance notice of proposed rulemaking on potential revisions to the skilled nursing facility payment system.
South Dakota receives initial approval for its HCBS state transition plan
On June 2, 2017, CMS granted South Dakota initial approval of its Statewide Transition Plan (STP) to bring settings into compliance with the federal home and community-based services (HCBS) regulations.
Governor proclaims Thursday as Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Gov. Dennis Daugaard has proclaimed June 15 as Elder Abuse Awareness Day in South Dakota. Daugaard says the observance provides an opportunity for communities to promote a better understanding of abuse and neglect of the older population throughout the state.
Hospices: Review First Provider Preview Reports by June 30
Provider Preview Reports for the Hospice Item Set (HIS) are available with Oct. 1, 2015, to Sept. 30, 2016, data. Providers who believe their quality measure results are inaccurate can request a CMS review until June 30.
Interpretive guidelines issued for emergency preparedness rules
The final rule on Emergency Preparedness Requirements for Medicare and Medicaid Participating Providers and Suppliers was published
on Sept. 16, 2016. This rule affects all 17 provider and supplier types eligible for participation in Medicare.
CMS posts Hospice and Home Health QRP training materials
CMS has posted post-training materials (with answers to polling questions) from the April 25 Hospice Data Submission and Reporting and from the May 3-4 Home Health QRP Provider Training in Baltimore.
CMS posts documents from May 2 SNF, LTCH, IRF quality reporting webinar
As promised, CMS has posted the recording, post-training materials and question and answer (Q&A) documents of the May 2 webinar explaining the Review and Correct process for the SNF, LTCH and IRF Quality Reporting Programs. The materials provide helpful information to providers on where to find the necessary reports within the CASPER system in order to make any necessary corrections prior to the quality reporting deadlines.
LeadingAge and UMass Boston establish LTSS Research Center
LeadingAge has teamed up with the Gerontology Institute at the University of Massachusetts Boston to establish the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston. The center combines the expertise of applied and academic researchers with the unique perspectives of providers and consumers of long-term services and supports (LTSS).
Applicants sought for AmeriCorps VISTA / Aging in Place
SDSU Extension is recruiting applicants interested in serving as AmeriCorps VISTA members for the Aging in Place Program. The application deadline is June 9.
