The Latest News From SDAHO

Revised Nursing Facility Survey Process

Long Term Care News February 24, 2017

CMS intends to revise the nursing facility survey process, with the goal of moving to a uniform national system that blends traditional survey processes with the Quality Indicator Survey (QIS) process. CMS has indicated the revised process will continue to be computer-based and will use QIS critical element pathways.

Bill establishing state certification for EMRs signed by governor

State News February 24, 2017

Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a bill creating a state certification for emergency medical responders (EMRs). Senate Bill 48 adds another rung to the emergency...

Gov. Daugaard signs physical therapy bill

State News February 24, 2017

Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a bill that revises certain provisions regarding the licensure of physical therapists and physical therapist assistants. House Bill 1070 removes...

Governor signs APRN bill

State News February 24, 2017

Gov. Dennis Daugaard has signed a bill that removes the requirement that certified nurse practitioners and certified nurse midwives hold collaborative agreements with a...

2017 Cracker Barrels / Legislative Coffees

Member News February 24, 2017

SDAHO members are encouraged to meet up with their state legislators at any of these remaining Legislative Coffees/Cracker Barrels. If you hear of others,...

Emergency Preparedness Requirements

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

Issued in late 2013, this proposed federal rule establishes emergency preparedness requirements for Medicare and Medicaid providers. The goal is for providers to prepare to meet the needs of patients, residents, clients, and participants during disasters and emergency situations.

Skilled Nursing Facility Quality Reporting Program

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

The IMPACT Act mandates a quality reporting program for skilled nursing facilities. For federal fiscal year 2018 (FY18), SNFs that do not report required quality data to CMS will have their market basket updates reduced by two percent.

Nondiscrimination Rule

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Civil Rights, has finalized a regulation that implements nondiscrimination provisions enacted as part of the Affordable Care Act of 2010. Those provisions state that an individual shall not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

Hospital Discharge Planning Requirements

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

CMS has issued a proposed rule that would require hospitals to assist patients in selecting a post-acute care provider by using and sharing SNF quality measures data.

Five Star Quality Rating System: Five New Measures Added to Quality Domain

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

In April 2016, CMS added six new quality measures (QMs) to Nursing Home Compare (see above). On July 27, 2016, CMS added the first five of those QMs to the Five Star Nursing Home Quality Rating System.

Nursing Home Compare: Six New Quality Measures Publicly Reported

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

In April 2016, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) began posting data for six new quality measures on Nursing Home Compare. There are four new short stay measures and two new long-stay measures.

OSHA Tracking of Workplace Injuries/Illnesses

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

Finalized May 12, 2016, this OSHA rule calls for electronic submission of injury and illness reports, and states that reports will be posted in a publicly accessible website. It also includes provisions requiring employer policies to support prompt and accurate reporting.

Revision of Federal Overtime Rules

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule that affects overtime pay for executive, administrative, professional, outside sales and computer employees (the "white collar" exemption). It's currently on hold due to a preliminary injunction.

Payroll Based Journal Reporting

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

Effective July 1, 2016, care centers must electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, including information for agency and contract staff, based on payroll and other auditable data according to specifications established by CMS. This new system is called Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ).

2012 Edition of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

CMS has adopted the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code (LSC) as well as provisions of the NFPA’s 2012 edition of the Health Care Facilities Code. The 2012 LSC includes important changes from the 2000 edition of the LSC.

IMPACT Act Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

The IMPACT Act mandates a quality reporting program for Medicare Home Health Agencies utilizing OASIS data. Quality measure domains are Skin Integrity, Medication Reconciliation, Resource Use, Functional Status/Cognitive Function, Incidence of Major Falls and Patient Health Information and Preference.

HCBS Settings Rule

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

In January 2014, CMS issued a rule listing criteria that must be met by Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) settings in which Medicaid/Medical Assistance (MA) waiver services are provided. The purpose enhance quality, add consumer protections and ensure services are being provided in the most integrated settings.

Medicare SNF Value Based Purchasing (VBP)

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

This program will begin with the rate year starting on Oct. 1, 2018. In the first year, the only quality measure used will be 30-day all cause readmission rates (both the overall rate and improvement by each facility). The first measurement period will be calendar year 2017.

Medicare Overpayments Rule

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

CMS has implemented a rule governing the ACA requirement to identify and return Medicare overpayments to CMS within 60 days. Under the rule, providers, including Skilled Nursing Facilities, are required to use “reasonable diligence” to identify overpayments and to see that they are returned within the time frame to avoid penalties.

Medicare and Medicaid Conditions of Participation for Home Health Agencies

Federal News February 23, 2017

This proposed federal rule revises the conditions of participation that home health agencies must meet to participate in Medicare and Medicaid. It updates many existing regulatory requirements and creates new requirements.

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