Zika Emergency Declaration Expands,
Scott Requests CDC's Help
By Lottie Watts
Gov. Rick Scott has put seven Florida counties under a public health emergency declaration over the Zika virus, and asked the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for training and other assistance. The counties under the emergency declaration are Broward, Hillsborough, Lee, Miami-Dade, Osceola, Santa Rosa, and St. Johns- where cases of the mosquito-borne illness have been found. All of the cases are travel related.
"I don't think its scaring people, it's telling people that your state government is going to be prepared,” Soctt said at the Florida Department of Health in Hillsborough County.“I think everybody wants to see your government, when there's an issue, to be prepared, and that's what we're doing. We’re getting prepared."
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ZIKA VIRUS CLIPS
CDC To Host Zika Conference Call With Hospital Workers: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is hosting a conference call and webinar with Florida hospital workers to discuss the spread of the Zika virus.
Coral Gable To Issue Fines For Property Overrun By Mosquitoes: Hoping to eliminate mosquito infestations in and around Coral Gables, the city commission on Tuesday approved a set of fines for anyone who allows their property to be overrun by the flying pests. Commissioners approved an ordinance that makes it unlawful for a property to be overrun with mosquitoes without action being taken. Violators can be fined up to $500 a day.
Click here to read Surgeon General Dr. John Armstrong’s Daily Zika Update.
CDC Sends Zika Test Kits To Florida— Federal health officials have sent the state of Florida an additional 950 kits to test for viral antibodies in people who have shown Zika symptoms after traveling to affected countries.
Earlier this week, all members received an ALERT. To find out more about what LeadingAge Florida is doing to keep members informed about Zika, read the REGULATORS section of this edition of The LeadingLink.
FLiCRA Enjoys A Strong Working Relationship With LeadingAge Florida
By Bennett E. Napier, CAE, Executive Director, FLiCRA
FLiCRA, was established in 1989. Its core purpose was to ensure the quality of life for residents in Florida’s continuing care retirement communities. That original purpose is still at the forefront of the association’s mission.Today, FLiCRA is comprised of nearly 14,000 members living in 57 of the state’s licensed CCRC’s. Membership for residents is limited to those individuals living in a CCRC setting. It is governed by a state board of directors, all of which are residents.
The association also offers an associate membership to residents in extended congregate care and non-voting membership for caregivers of CCRC residents and individuals on a waiting list to move into a CCRC.
FLiCRA’s public policy focus is centered on Florida Statutes 651. However, due to the nature of CCRC campuses and different levels of care, the association does get involved in assisted living, skilled nursing, end of life care, and issues related to prescription drugs.
LeadingAge Florida members from across the state came to Tallahassee this week to participate in our annual Advocacy In Action program – and we were delighted to host you! We understand the commitment required to make the sometimes long trip to the Capitol, and we value your engagement in the advocacy process.Your efforts are absolutely worthwhile. The relationships you have developed are critically important to our advocacy success – and our top legislative priority has already passed both houses and is on its way to the Governor’s desk.
We spent a good deal of time at AIA talking about grassroots development, so please be on the lookout for more information from us on that topic, and we look forward to visiting with you and your legislators during the interim.
COMING ATTRACTIONSFebruary
24 - Maintenance & Environmental Services Workshop: This highly interactive workshop will provide the most up-to-date information the maintenance profession has to offer. By attending this workshop, you will hear the latest information from experts, view the newest products and services from exhibitors and network with other maintenance directors and staff. You don’t want to miss this special training opportunity! THE DEADLINE TO RESERVE A HOTEL ROOM AT THE $104 RATE IS FEBRUARY 12, 2016.
March
2 - Interdisciplinary Approach to ContinenceImprovement Webinar: This webinar provides an overview of anatomy and physiology of normal voiding as well as normal function related to continence.
17 - Differentiating Stage 2 Pressure Ulcers from Moisture Associated Skin Damage Webinar: This webinar is designed to provide you with knowledge to assist you and your skin team in recognizing the differences between Moisture Associated Skin Damage (MASD) and Stage 2 Pressure Ulcers, which often look very similar.
April
7 - Nursing Home Survey Trends with Connie Cheren & Kim Smoak
LeadingAge Florida is committed to helping its members have good surveys! Join industry experts Connie Cheren and Kim Smoak at this intense workshop on Nursing Home Survey Trends. Topics will include: Common sanitary conditions cited under F371, Common infection control conditions cited under F441, Surveyor guidance for F309 focused dementia care survey process, as well as updates on the latest survey trends.
13 - Southwest Regional Meeting—Managed Care, Menorah Manor, St. Petersburg
April
21 - Healthy Executive Transitions: When Succession Planning Isn't Enough Workshop:
In a time of unprecedented CEO and C-Suite retirements, succession planning and executive search are often the reactive processes that leave boards and candidates feeling frustrated and compromised. How can we conduct sound leadership development and organizational planning to improve the odds of successful and mutually gratifying transition experience? Tim Ficker, Managing Director of MHS Consulting, along with Rich Scanlon, Managing Director of Ziegler will propose an integrative approach to leadership planning and executive transition, facilitating a panel of seasoned Aging Services executives in a discussion of best practices and less-than-best practices. Registration information coming soon.
May
9 – 2016 LeadingAge Leadership Educator Program12 - Preceptor Refresher, Webinar
19 - Finance and Strategic Positioning Workshop at Inn on the Pond, Clearwater
June
8 - Central Florida Regional Meeting - Managed Care, What It Means To You Even If You Think It Doesn't
14 - Preceptor Training, Location: TBA
July
25-27- 53rd Annual Convention & Exposition: Join us for motivational and educational sessions that explore how you can Be the Difference in the lives of the seniors you serve.August
23 – Preceptor Refresher, Webinar
30 – ICD-10 Refresher Webinar
September
8 –Nursing Home Survey Trends, with Connie Cheren & Kim Smoak, Location: TBA in Orlando area
REGULATORS!Zika Virus Alert
By Connie Cheren
Governor Rick Scott has declared a health emergency relating to the Zika virus. The emergency actions include mandatory reporting of any confirmed cases of Zika virus. There have been 16 people in Florida identified with the Zika virus. All cases were infected while traveling outside the United States with no locally-acquired cases of Zika virus in Florida.
Communities can help with the prevention efforts to stop the spread of the Zika virus in Florida. Recommendations include:
LeadingAge Florida will continue to follow updates about the Zika virus and keep our members informed of any developments.
Benefit Auction Helps Make Camp Possible for KidsAdvent Christian Village (ACV) has been helping kids since its beginning over 102 years ago. Five orphans from North Carolina moved to Dowling Park in 1913 because they needed a place to live and Advent Christian Village was born. Today, children do not live at Advent Christian Village. Times have changed and orphanages do not exist in the United States any longer. But ACV has not stopped helping children. It has many programs designed to minister to the young, including Camp Suwannee, the full-service campground located at Advent Christian Village.
LeadingAge Florida's Top Legislative Priority Unanimously Passes Through The Florida LegislatureCS/HB 127 by Rep. Cummings (CS/SB 542 by Sen. Stargel) passed the Senate unanimously (40-0) and heads to the Governor for action. This was LeadingAge Florida’s top legislative priority for the 2016 Legislative Session. As you are aware, this legislation allows a non-accredited Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) applying for the Gold Seal nursing home designation to submit financial statements prepared by an independent CPA for the community in its entirety as proof of compliance with the financial criteria established by AHCA. It further also allows a corporate entity that operates nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or independent living facilities or a combination thereof to submit a consolidated financial statement for the entire corporation as proof of meeting the financial standards for the Gold Seal. This change will benefit retirement communities that are not regulated as CCRCs as well as other multi-facility corporate entities.
Click here to read more about the successful advocacy efforts behind passing the Gold Seal Bill.
In The Spotlight At Lakeview Terrace
A variety of occupations and interests led Lynne “Suga” Zimmerman into work as an artist of murals, an entertainer (the “Good Fairy”), a scuba diver trainer, and last but not least, MOTHER! She says she usually held at least two jobs, including performing on stage and TV, as well as, teaching dancing for Arthur Murray. Her family is probably as colorful and interesting as Suga is. They include 6 children of her own, 6 stepchildren, 22 grand-children and “Scoodles of great-grand children being born constantly.” Hobbies and special interests for Suga include art, sewing and design, dancing, scuba and reading compulsively on her Kindle. She is currently writing her own book and has illustrated several family reunion books. Suga is the current Vice President of the Resident Association at Lakeview Terrace. She is also currently on the zoning commission for the City Counsel of Umatilla. She still actively sews, loves dancing and loves being involved at Lakeview Terrace.
Proposed Legislative Budgets for FY 2016-17On February 3, 2016, both the Senate and House Appropriations Committees passed the Chairman’s budget proposals. The Senate budget of $81 billion ($30.2 billion of General Revenue, or “GR”) is approximately $1 billion larger than the House budget of $80 billion ($29.5 billion GR). Next week, both chambers will pass their respective budgets off the floor and Conference Committees will be appointed to resolve differences. The Senate’s Medicaid budget of $25.7 billion is approximately $400 million larger than the House’s Medicaid budget of $25.3 billion.
Mayflower Receives Gold Seal Designation
The Mayflower Health Care Center, a 60 bed skilled nursing facility, part of an Orlando continuing care retirement community, was awarded its sixth Gold Seal for excellence in long-term care. The community celebrated the honor on January 25, 2016 with a reception which included board members, staff and residents. Congratulations to Ann Cameron, Director of Health Services, and her outstanding staff for the well-deserved honor. Pictured in the photo: Left to right Jerri Skinner R.N., Director of Nursing, Ann Cameron N.H.A., Director of Health Services, Dr. Robin Roberts Board of Directors Chair and Steven Kramer FACHE, CEO-President
Targets: Four Industries Most At Risk For Cyber-AttacksCyber-security experts cite four industries most at risk for cyber-attacks: Financial services, health care, retail and energy/utilities. This article looks at each industry and interviews experts on each.
Call For Presentations Due By February 26th
Share your experience and knowledge by submitting a proposal for consideration as a presentation at the 2016 Florida Conference on Aging.
The Florida Senate's proposed budget for 2016-17 would help restore some trust in the Legislature's use of funds dedicated to affordable housing. What about the tentative budgets offered by the House of Representatives and Gov. Rick Scott? Not so much. The Senate recently decided to allocate all available housing trust monies — some $317 million — to housing in the next budget year. Many Floridians may wonder: What's the big deal? Isn't the Legislature supposed to put a specific share of revenue from documentary stamps into housing funds? The answer is: Yes.
AdvertiseIn The LeadingAge Florida 2016 Membership Directory
Be Among the First to Sign Up! We invite you to advertise in the 2016 Membership Directory. Available in print and digital formats, the directory will be distributed statewide to LeadingAge Florida members and hospital discharge planning departments. LeadingAge Florida works with E&M Consulting, as our official publisher of our 2016 Membership Directory. E&M Consulting provides advertising services to build your company’s image and link your brand with buyers in Florida aging services. For more information, contact Mike Lindsay at (800) 572-0011. If you have questions, call Julie Copeland at (850) 702-0317.
Ansley Holt Honored at Retirement CelebrationOn February 4, the Village on the Green in Longwood honored Ansley Holt, Executive Director, for 23 years of outstanding service. The day of celebration began with brunch and skits followed by tributes and presentations of gifts by department heads and resident leaders. The day ended with a reception. Mary Ellen Early, Public Policy Liaison, represented LeadingAge Florida and presented Ansley with a plaque recognizing her service to Village on the Green. Ansley has been a familiar face at LeadingAge Florida, having served as a board member, member of the Continuing Care Retirement Community Public Policy Committee, and served on the Governor’s Continuing Care Advisory Council.
A House panel Monday approved a pair of bills aimed at increasing the use of "telehealth" to remotely provide medical services and at offering greater transparency in health-care costs. The House Health Care Appropriations Subcommittee unanimously passed the measures (HB 7087 and HB 1175), both sponsored by Rep. Chris Sprowls. The House and Senate during the past two years have failed to reach agreement on a bill about telehealth, which involves using technology for doctors and other providers to offer care to patients remotely.
Bill Could Carve Out Medicaid Dental BenefitsDespite opposition from the committee chairman, a House panel Tuesday approved a bill that could lead to revamping children's dental care in the Medicaid program. The House Health & Human Services Committee voted 11-2 to approve the bill (HB 819), sponsored by state Rep. Jose Felix… The bill stems from the state's move in recent years to a statewide Medicaid managed-care system. As part of that move, managed-care plans are required to provide dental services.
Discovery Village At Naples has won gold in the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) 2016 Best of 55+ Housing Awards, earning the title of “Best 55+ Assisted Living/Special Needs Community” for built projects, announced Discovery Senior Living CEO and co-founder Thomas J. Harrison. The Best of 55+ Housing Awards is the industry’s only national awards program that recognizes excellence in building, design and marketing and lifestyles in housing for Baby Boomers and beyond. It also showcases the best in innovation, emerging trends and quality housing for the mature demographic.
Going Digital: News Bytes
The latest edition of News Bytes is now available. News Bytes showcases AHCAs Health Information Technology initiatives. In this edition, you will find:
• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Incentive Program general requirements, Meaningful Use applications, and Public Health Reporting
• The progress of the Florida Health Information Exchange (Florida HIE) Event Notification Service (ENS), and Patient Look-Up (PLU) service
• Using Direct Messaging to help meet Meaningful Use
The LeadingAge Annual Awards honor individuals and organizations that embody excellence in not-for-profit aging-services leadership, are committed to quality, are models of care and service innovation, and are making outstanding contributions to their communities and our field. Entry deadline is April 30, 2016. 
CALL TO ACTIONSecretary Liz Dudek of the Agency for Health Care Administration has been unanimously confirmed by the Florida Senate Committee on Health Policy. Now, Secretary Dudek must appear before the Senate Committee on Ethics and Elections. Call or email legislators on the Senate Ethics and Elections Committee and urge them to vote favorably on confirmation of Secretary Dudek.
Saludos de Bobby Bernal… February started the same way January ended, busy and on the road. Starting in Tallahassee, I met with Earthale Vickers from Miracle Village and Sonora Walker from Lake Ella Manor. My next stop was in Gainesville to the Village at Gainesville, where I had the pleasure in meeting for the first time Rebecca Catalanotto and Tom Hammond. I certainly appreciate their time. I sidetracked from our previously scheduled visit and met with Heardley Murdock from Waterman Village. Next in Central Florida was at Citrus Gardens where I met with Llavona Jolly and Jerome Berry of Lakeside Place. From Lakeside Place I travelled to Orange City and met with Joseph Trainor and Ken Behnke of John Knox Village of Central Florida. As always, thank you to our members for giving me the time to discuss the ValueFirst program and how we can better serve you.
As previously mentioned, here is the group-buy flier for savings on Sherwin-Williams products. This special group buy is good through the month of February.
As part of working with Value First, I get to interact with our wonderful business members. One of our business members-- Metz Culinary Management, was able to distribute information regarding their restaurant-quality hospitality program at Advocacy In Action this week. Click here for more information on Metz Culinary.
I’m off to Southwest Florida next week and I hope to see you at the Maintenance Workshop on February 24 in Orlando, See you on the road!!!!!
Value First is owned by LeadingAge Florida along with LeadingAge and 24 other state associations, and is partnered with national group purchasing specialist MedAssets. The portfolio consists of over 400 vendors. All you need to enroll is a signed Participation Agreement. This Participation Agreement is not a contract and does not bind you to buy anything. No minimum purchase is required. For more information, please contact Robert Bernal at (850)671-3700 to start saving money now! To view a complete list of Value First vendors please CLICK HERE.
Pulled from the LeadingAge Florida Facebook Page
Thanks to the leadership, story, and inspiration of our own Dawn Jimenez, LeadingAge Florida participated in Go Red For Women - American Heart Association Day with a potluck lunch.
"Welcome to the Florida Senate!"
During Advocacy In Action, State Senator Kelli Stargel recognized LeadingAge Florida members from the floor of the Senate.
There is something for everyone at the 53rd Annual LeadingAge Florida Annual Convention & Expo. Unforgettable experiences await at Boca Raton Resort & Club. With a wide variety of activities and attractions, from fun-filled pool days to golf, spa, sunny beach days and surfing, you'll have everything you need for a perfect stay on Florida's Gold Coast.Silent Auction Donations – In conjunction with the Annual Convention, LeadingAge Florida is holding a Silent Auction, and is requesting donations. Some ideas for donated items include: jewelry, books, gift certificates, theme baskets, sport memorabilia or make a cash donation and leave the shopping to us! Click here for more information on the donations. Contact Jean Krier if you have any questions regarding the Silent Auction. LeadingAge Florida is a nonprofit educational charitable organization under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; therefore, your Silent Auction donation is fully tax-deductible.
Program Advertisements Available- Plan your involvement at the 53rd Annual LeadingAge Florida Annual Convention and Expo. The window is open for Program Advertisements. Be sure to get the prime real estate in the Program. Click here for additional information or contact Julie Copeland at (850)702-0317.
2016 Exposition Registration- LeadingAge Florida is providing opportunities for your products and services at our Annual Convention — excellent and cost effective ways to obtain new leads and reconnect with current clients. The Exposition will be held on Tuesday, July 26, 2016, for five hours. Refer to the Prospectus for Exposition logistics. To register online, please click here. For additional assistance, contact Julie Copeland at (850) 671-0317.
Seventy-five percent (75%) of communities are now designated as "smoke free" and slightly above 4% indicated that they have instituted a policy to not hire smokers to work in their communities. Another 14% is considering such a policy. Seven out of 10 organizations offer support services to residents or staff who are looking to quit smoking.
Source Ziegler
FILING CABINETOnly 46 Booths Left - Sign Up Today: It is time to plan your involvement at the 53rd Annual LeadingAge Florida Convention and Exposition. In 2016, we are headed to Boca Raton. Join us July 25-27, 2016 at the Boca Raton Resort & Club!
Maintenance & Environmental Services Workshop: By attending this workshop, you will hear the latest information from experts, view the newest products and services from exhibitors and network with other maintenance directors and staff. You don’t want to miss this special training opportunity!
2016 Legislative Session Legislative Bulletin: Today we hosted our week four Legislative Session Weekly Briefing conference call. This is our weekly Legislative Update/Recap reports that will continue through the end of Session. Included with this report is the latest copy of the LeadingAge Florida Legislative Bill Tracking Report.
Zika Virus Alert: Governor Scott has declared a health emergency related to the Zika virus. The emergency actions include mandatory reporting of any confirmed cases of Zika virus.
Nursing Home/CCRC Regulatory Alert: CMS ICD-10 Florida Medicaid Health Care Alert - Rule 59G-1.060 & 59G-1.065
Maintenance & Environmental Services Workshop: Room Block Rate Deadline Extended To Friday, February 12, 2016.
Advocacy Success – Gold Seal Bill Passes Unanimously: On Thursday, our top legislative priority, the CCRC Gold Seal bill (CS/HB 127), passed the Senate and is now on its way to the Governor for his signature. This represents the culmination of nearly two years of leadership from LeadingAge Florida on this issue, and it puts a cap on the efforts that began with a 2014/15 LeadingAge Florida/ FLiCRA task force.
Can Crowdfunding Help Solve Our Health Issues?
Their gerontology-center donations "crowdfunded" a great idea, long before the existence of the Internet. Looking to the future, I believe we can do much more with modern crowdfunding technology to help people stay independent and healthy late in life. VIDEO
By Patrick Conway, M.D.
Today we released the annual report summarizing impacts from the Initiative to Reduce Avoidable Hospitalizations among Nursing Facility Residents in 2014. This three-year-old initiative is designed to test ways to reduce avoidable hospitalizations among long-stay nursing facility residents.
For more than 100 years, Ziegler has been committed to ensuring our clients receive tailored advice and sound products at the highest level of service. With our consistent dedication to the not-for-profit senior living sector, in 2015 Ziegler's Investment Banking Practice completed a combined total of 59 transactions for nearly $2.3 billion. This included tax-exempt and taxable bonds; bank transactions (extension/private placement/direct purchase); affiliations, merger & acquisitions; and sponsorship transitions. Of the nearly $2.3 billion, Ziegler's senior living bond financings totaled 29 issues for more than $1.415 billion. With our comprehensive approach to the not-for-profit senior living sector, Ziegler is able to provide best-in-class advisory and financing solutions to its clients.
A pilot program to improve long-term care access and quality is among the healthcare proposals in President Barack Obama's $4.1 trillion budget plan for 2017. The pilot program would give additional federal funding to up to five states to test a “more streamlined approach” to long-term care services, according to the budget proposal released Tuesday. The program is expected to cost a little more than $4 billion between 2017 and 2026. Post-acute care has already taken more than its share of cuts under sequestration, and additional adjustments are concerning, Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge said in a statement to McKnight's.
LeadingAge has established a new listserv to assist nursing care members in meeting the CMS requirements for electronic payroll-based nursing home staffing data collection (Payroll-Based Journal - PBJ). CMS initiated a voluntary registration and data collection process as of 10/1/15 to allow nursing homes and vendors to test their processes prior to the July 1, 2016 data submission mandate. Providers are experiencing varying degrees of success with the registration and submission process and have lots of questions. This listserv will provide an opportunity for discussion and the exchange of information among members already participating in the voluntary collection and submission of data and those who are beginning the process. It will also be a forum / central location for PBJ-related updates and for questions for CMS and the posting of responses received. We urge you to encourage your members to subscribe and participate.
Copyright 2016 — Publication of LeadingAge FloridaChairman: Josh Ashby
President/CEO: Steve Bahmer
Managing Editor: Greg Ungru
Copyright Information: Copies of the articles and other information in this publication may be noncommercially reproduced for the purpose of educational or scientific advancement. Otherwise, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying, microfilm and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the editor.