The Latest News From SDAHO

CBO score for AHCA due today

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell is leading a working group of 13 Senators, including Sen. John Thune, to draft the framework for the Senate’s...

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.

USDA representatives to participate in Rural Health Leaders Conference

The South Dakota Rural Health Leaders Conference will include a discussion with USDA Rural Development loan specialists Diane Sieperda and Tim Murray, who will provide information and guidance about project funding process.

Community partners sought for Aging Gracefully Expo

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley says a collaboration between the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division and the South Dakota State University Extension Office will expand the Aging Gracefully Program (AGE) statewide.

Biennial membership survey completed

The South Dakota Association of Healthcare Organizations (SDAHO) recently completed its biennial membership engagement survey. The electronic survey was sent via email to nearly 80 executive leaders and achieved an overall participation rate of 47 percent.

CMS delays CJR, bundled payments until Jan. 1

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has delayed the start date to Jan. 1 for the expansion of the Comprehensive Care for Joint Replacement model, the new bundled payment program for heart attack and cardiac bypass surgery services and the new cardiac rehabilitation incentive program.

DOH seeks public input on Maternal and Child Health Block Grant submission

The South Dakota Department of Health is seeking public input as it prepares its FY 2018 Maternal and Child Health Block Grant submission to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Maternal and Child Health Bureau (MCHB).

CMS releases SNF 2018 proposed payment rule

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2018 proposed payment rule for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS). The proposed rule reflects the annual updates to the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) SNF payment rates and policies.

OSHA extends electronic record-keeping compliance deadline

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) says it is extending the July 1, 2017 compliance date for the electronic submission of the 2016 Form 300A report of injuries and illnesses. OSHA says it is delaying the deadline primarily because the agency has yet to roll out the secure website for posting the reports.

SD Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Annual Partners Meeting set for July 26

The South Dakota Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Annual Partners Meeting is set for Wednesday, July 26 at the Highland Conference Center in Mitchell. This year’s theme is Bridging Healthcare & Community, and the meeting will feature keynote speakers Matt Longjohn, MD, MPH and Ann Forburger, MS.

Supreme Court sides with nursing home in Kentucky case

The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with a nursing home in a Kentucky case tied to powers of attorney and arbitration agreements. The high court ruled 7-1 decision that the Kentucky Supreme Court's clear-statement rule violates the Federal Arbitration Act by singling out arbitration agreements for disfavored treatment.

Senate tinkers with AHCA amendments prior to the CBO score

Next week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) will release its score for the American Health Care Act (AHCA, H.R. 1628), which was passed by the House on May 4. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) has created a 13-person Republican working group on health care, which is drafting a Senate version of the health care bill.

International cyberattack hits health care organizations

The global cyberattack that locked providers out of patient records and forced affected hospitals to divert urgent care patients provides an important reminder for facilities to check up on their cyber security systems.

Anderson to open Rural Health Leaders Conference

Modern Healthcare Up & Comer Benjamin Anderson will open the Rural Health Leaders Conference in June. Anderson, an engaging storyteller featured as one of Modern Healthcare's Up & Comers in 2014, brings a passion for helping the underserved.

CMS releases rule for Medicare IRF Prospective Payment System

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on May 3 released the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2018 proposed payment rule for the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS). The proposed rule reflects the annual update to the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) IRF payment rates and policies.

Happy National Nursing Home Week

This week marks National Nursing Home Week, a designation that has been incorporated into the celebration of Older Americans Month since 1967. The week spotlights nursing home residents and staff who create supportive and caring environments in which to live and work.

Nominees sought for Circle of Life Awards

Nominees are being sought for the Circle of Life Awards, which celebrates innovation in palliative and end-of-life care. The awards will give top honors in 2018 to up to three programs or organizations.

Open Payments 2016 review and dispute period ends May 15

The American Hospital Association (AHA) says physicians and teaching hospitals may review and dispute 2016 payments reported to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments program through May 15.

State seeks input on State Plan of Aging for 2017-2021

In preparation for the next version of the State Plan on Aging, the Department of Human Services' Division of Long Term Services and Supports is seeking comments to the drafted State Plan on Aging for 2017-2021. The public comment period will be open until May 25 and a public hearing will be held on May 23.

Celebrate national health care weeks

Each year in May, the nation celebrates National Hospital Week (May 8-12), National Nurses Week (May 6-12) and National Nursing Home Week (May 14-20). This is a time when we pause to recognize the organizations and individuals who care for us when we are in our most fragile condition.

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