The Latest News From SDAHO

GOP withdraws AHCA ahead of vote

After four hours of floor debate Friday, House Republican leaders withdrew the American Health Care Act (AHCA) before the legislation went to a full vote. Republican Leaders determined they didn't have enough votes to pass the bill that would repeal and replace parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

Section Q training of MDS now available

The South Dakota Office of Licensure and Certification says Section Q training of the Minimum Data Set (MDS) is now available. The 20 minute webinar, which is posted to the Department of Health website under Provider Training, is designed to provide beneficial training to providers and ultimately improve the care to long-term care residents.

House GOP leaders delay AHCA vote

House Republican leaders have delayed Thursday’s planned vote on the American Health Care Act (AHCA). GOP members of the conservative House Freedom Caucus are withholding support of the bill, saying it does not go far enough in rolling back the tax subsidies of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

SDAHO visits Hill during LeadingAge PEAK conference

The LeadingAge PEAK conference was held this week in Washington, D.C., in the midst of high lobbying activity around the House health care bill. SDAHO board members and LeadingAge delegates Erica Peterson and Justin Hinker joined Jen Porter, vice president post-acute care, and 1,000 other attendees.

Online webinar to cover documentation and coding for behavioral and mental health services

The Association of Rural Heath Professional Coding is offering an online webinar April 12 on Documentation and Coding for Behavioral and Mental Health Services. The webinar runs 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CDT/10:30-11:30 p.m. MDT.

New AHA video explains what’s at stake with AHCA

The American Hospital Association (AHA) has produced a whiteboard video explaining what’s at stake as the American Health Care Act (AHCA) heads for an expected vote in the U.S. House on Thursday. The AHA and SDAHO cannot support the bill in its current form.

GOP House leaders tweak AHCA in effort to woo votes

House Republicans made several changes to the American Health Care Act (AHCA) in an effort to garner support from GOP holdouts who could prevent...

State radio system software patches available through end of year

Local agencies have until Dec. 31, 2017, to purchase software patches to make their Motorola XTS/XTL radios compatible with the South Dakota State Radio System's eventual upgrade to the P25 system. The patches cost $600. After that date, the radios will continue to operate until the state system turns on P25 functionality.

CMS to release information next month on Rural Community Hospital Demonstration 5-year extension

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) says that it will release further information on the implementation of the second 5-year extension period...

IHI and NPSF to merge

The Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and the National Patient Safety Foundation (NPSF) have agreed to merge, effective May 1.

Avera Heart Hospital names new president

Avera Heart Hospital has appointed Michael E. (Mick) Gibbs as its new president, the hospital announced on its Facebook page. Gibbs will lead Avera Heart Hospital and serve as cardiac and vascular service line leader for Avera Health.

AHA launches ad urging Congress to protect health coverage for most vulnerable

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is launching a television ad urging Congress to protect health coverage for the most vulnerable as it considers legislation to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

State licensure office encouraging providers to check out CMS’s ‘Hand in Hand’ training

The South Dakota Office of Licensure and Certification is encouraging nursing facilities and other health care providers to view and educate staff on the “Hand in Hand” training program from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The six-part series includes training on the disease process, abuse and reporting abuse, communication, actions and reactions, abuse prevention and making a difference in the life of residents with dementia.

MedPAC issues March report to Congress

The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) has released its March report to Congress.

House Budget Committee narrowly approves AHCA

The House Budget Committee on Thursday narrowly approved the American Health Care Act (ACHA), with three Republicans joining Democrats in opposition to the legislation. The committee voted 19-17 for the House Republican bill to repeal and replace parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), and the AHCA now heads to the Rules Committee before going up for debate on the House floor.

SDAHO urges members to reach out to representatives on AHCA

SDAHO, in step with our national partners at the American Hospital Association (AHA) and LeadingAge, is urging members to reach out to their representatives to express their views on the American Health Care Act (AHCA) legislation to repeal and replace parts of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

SDAHO gearing up for annual Continuing Care Conference

SDAHO is holding its 18th annual Continuing Care Conference Wednesday, April 26-Thursday, April 27 at the Cedar Shore Resort in Oacoma/Chamberlain. The conference is designed to create the opportunity for networking and education for post-acute care professionals including administrators, directors of nursing, nursing staff, social services, activity coordinators and home health directors and staff.

SDHFMA holding annual meeting next week

The South Dakota chapter for the Healthcare Financial Management Association (SDHFMA) is holding its spring meeting in Sioux Falls next week. The event at the Hilton Garden Inn South at 5300 S Grand Circle runs Wednesday, March 22 through Friday, March 24.

Nominees sought for Robert Wood John Foundation Award for Health Equity

LeadingAge is encouraging members to submit nominations for the Robert Wood John Foundation Award for Health Equity. The award recognizes an individual or a team of two individuals who have successfully implemented a systems change approach to reducing health disparities. The applications deadline is April 30.

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