#LAFL
OIR Releases Draft #2 of CCRC BillBy Mary Ellen Early
On January 27, 2017, the Office of Insurance Regulation (OIR) released a revised draft of proposed changes to Ch. 651, F.S. – the Florida law governing the regulation of continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs). Senator Tom Lee (R-Brandon) and Rep. Cynthia Stevenson (R- St. Augustine) are the likely sponsors. The proposal is in Bill Drafting so bill numbers have not been assigned. The good news is that Draft #2 no longer requires prior approval by OIR of financing, early filing of the annual report, or the deposit of the Minimum Liquid Reserve in a state managed account unless OIR finds that there are grounds for suspension or revocation of a CCRC’s certificate of authority. It also eliminates the definitions for contract types included in the original draft. While these are positive changes, they do not even begin to address LeadingAge Florida’s concerns about the 62 page proposal.
RIPPED FROM THE HEADLINES
Lend an Ear Outreach Strives to Give the Gift of Hearing
By Susan D. Brandenburg
Over the past five years, more than 200 people have received refurbished hearing aids through Lend an Ear Outreach and in recent months, the non-profit organization has partnered with Vicar’s Landing, an upscale retirement community in Ponte Vedra Beach. Once again, outreach was the catalyst for this propitious and timely partnership.
When Vicar’s Landing employee Aaron Mobley began having serious hearing issues, he put off looking into hearing aids because he’d heard that they were extremely expensive. Upon having a hearing test, the $9,000 fee quoted to him for hearing aids confirmed his worst fears. He couldn’t afford them and he was afraid his hearing loss would place his job as a Vicar’s Landing driver in jeopardy. A person in his church told him about Lend an Ear Outreach and within three days, Mobley was fitted with a quality pair of refurbished hearing aids.
It was when his boss, Scott Hetzinger, heard about Mobley’s “miracle,” that Vicar’s Landing reached out to Lend an Ear Outreach and the partnership began.
Today, Vicar’s Landing has become the headquarters of Lend an Ear Outreach, with new volunteers signing up daily both from within the residential community and beyond.
It’s hard to believe, but the start of the 2017 legislature is only slightly more than one month away. Once it is gaveled to order, this year’s session has the potential to be the most consequential session for LeadingAge Florida members in many years.As you know, the Office of Insurance Regulation has drafted proposed legislation that represents nothing less than a complete rewrite of Chapter 651, and the potential implications of the proposal for both our CCRC members and their residents are significant.
Meanwhile, the Agency for Health Care Administration has submitted – and the Governor has included in his proposed budget – changes to the Medicaid reimbursement methodology that would devastate many LeadingAge Florida member nursing homes.
I have been traveling the state for the last four weeks meeting with legislators, with members, and with residents to discuss both issues and to aggressively advocate on behalf of our members. We will keep up the pressure in Tallahassee, but you can help in your communities as well.
Here’s how. Contact Susan Langston, our Vice President of Advocacy, if you aren’t sure who you should talk to, or if you need talking points and other supporting materials. Or even if you’d like us to arrange and attend a legislative meeting with you. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest updates on our advocacy efforts, for information on how you can help us advocate, and to help our message in support of high quality care and sound public policy go viral.
Our members are already very actively working on both issues – and we are grateful for your efforts. But we’ve got to keep it up, and we need everyone’s help.
Thank you for your support and engagement in these important efforts.
LeadingAge Florida Advocacy Update: Medicaid Prospective Payment SystemBy Susan C. Langston
LeadingAge Florida held the first in a weekly series of Advocacy Update calls on the Medicaid Prospective Payment System (PPS) Issue Friday morning at 10 a.m. The PPS calls will continue every Friday through March 3rd, after which time they will become our Weekly Legislative Update call and will include updates on other critical issues facing LeadingAge Florida members, such as the OIR’s proposed changes to the regulation of CCRCs, efforts to repeal CON requirements for nursing homes, and other issues. Today’s call was very well attended by our nursing home members affected by the Agency for Health Care Administration’s recommendation for a prospective payment system, which was presented in the Navigant report submitted to the Governor and Legislature. This call was a follow-up to a PPS Advocacy Meeting hosted by LeadingAge Florida in Orlando last week, during which members learned of the impact that the Navigant proposal and other proposals, including our recommended model, will have on their communities and ultimately their residents and families. The agenda for Friday’s call was to brief members on LeadingAge Florida’s advocacy efforts but, more importantly, to hear from our members regarding their advocacy efforts.
For A Deficiency Free Survey Learn to Think Like A SurveyorBy Connie Cheren, RN, MSW
I have a confession – my mind thinks in deficiencies. When I make rounds in a nursing home and I see a CNA enter a room without knocking on a door and asking permission to enter I see a deficiency.When I see a nurse forget to wash their hands between resident care I see a deficiency.
When I see a care plan not updated with a new intervention after a resident falls I see a deficiency.
If you want a deficiency free survey it would be beneficial for staff to think like a surveyor and understand that one time incidents like those described above can be cited by a surveyor as a deficiency. By thinking like a surveyor staff can be aware of the need to prevent these onetime incidents from happening by teaching staff what they do or don’t do – even one time – can be a deficiency.
I believe one of the best ways to sensitize staff to what can be a deficiency is to have them read the actual surveys.
Reach out to LeadingAge Florida's Clinical & Compliance Specialist, Connie Cheren, RN, MSW at (678) 778-0561 or via ccheren@LeadingAgeFlorida.org. Connie is available to all members as a value-added service, paid for by LeadingAge Florida, to help answer questions before, during and after surveys! She can help nursing home and assisted living facility members improve regulatory compliance and clinical outcomes and offer suggestions about survey results and corrective plans of action.
February
15 - Final Rule: Integrating Phase 2 New Requirements of Participation (Part 1) Webinar: The content of this webinar focuses on helping nursing facility staff understand the new Requirements of Participation that will be effective on November 28, 2017 and actions required to achieve and maintain compliance with the new rules and incorporating the new requirements into existing continuous quality improvement (CQI) facility quality programs.
22 - Maintenance & Environmental Services Workshop: HOTEL ROOM BLOCK EXTENDED UNTIL FEBRUARY 13.
Early Bird Rate Expirese on Monday, February 8!: This highly interactive workshop provides the most up-to-date information the maintenance profession has to offer. At this workshop, you will hear the latest information from experts, view the newest products and services from exhibitors/sponsors and network with other maintenance directors and enivronmental services staff.
22 - Final Rule: Integrating Phase 2 New Requirements of Participation (Part 2) Webinar: Self-assessment for analysis of policies and procedures, current facility practices and leadership’s role in accountability for implementation of the new requirements will be emphasized. For each requirement discussed, assessment recommendations, intervention strategies and education topics will be examined.March
7 - 9 - Legislative Days - Advocacy In Action: DoubleTree Hotel Room Block Closes TODAY! An Additional Room Block has be reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn Tallahassee. Use Group Code AIA17 at www.Tallahassee.HGI.com. Register Now. LeadingAge Florida’s Legislative Days give you the opportunity to meet your state legislators and advocate for the issues that matter the most to you and your residents! Numerous mission critical issues will be in play during the 2017 Legislative Session, including the systematic overhaul of Medicaid reimbursement for nursing homes, the effort to preserve and ensure proper usage of the Sadowski funds, and a major reform of CCRC regulation – Chapter 651.
15 - Skilled Nursing Facilities QAPI Fundamentals Webinar: This webinar will focus on the fundamentals of QAPI and incorporating the 5 QAPI elements into existing continuous quality improvement (CQI) facility quality programs.
29 - Care Plans, QAPI, Quality Measures – Necessary Components For a Successful Survey Workshop with Connie Cheren: The workshop will address common citations surrounding care plans, review new regulations for comprehensive person-centered care planning as well as review the requirements for the development of a facility assessment and quality assessment, performance improvement plan (QAPI).
30 - Health Inspections: Analyzing 5-Star Date and Applying QAPI Principles Webinar: This webinar will focus on the Health Inspections component of Nursing Home Compare’s 5-Star Rating System. You will learn how the health inspection rating is calculated and how it impacts your overall 5-Star rating. Tips on how to analyze your data and develop plans to achieve 5-Star status will be discussed, along with application of the elements of QAPI to improve facility 5-Star Ratings and improve regulatory compliance.April
5 - SeniorFit Wellness - Promoting Active Aging Programs for Your Residents Workshop: This workshop will help your residents stay active and healthy by promoting strength, balance, and flexibility programs. An outline of exercise techniques that can help reduce the risk of falls, a decline in function, reduce arthritic pain, improve cognitive function and promote mobility will be discussed. 
26 - Staffing: Analyzing 5-Star Data and Applying QAPI Principles Webinar: You will learn how the staffing rating is calculated and how it impacts your overall 5-Star rating. Tips on how to analyze your data and develop plans to achieve 5-Star status will be discussed, along with application of the elements of QAPI to improve facility 5-Star Ratings and improve staff retention.May
8 & 9 - Infection Prevention and Control Workshop: Our expert will explain the regulations surrounding an Infection Prevention and Control Program within a long-term care community. This workshop is specifically designed to educate those having control and oversight of the Infection Prevention and Control Program.
31 - Pain: Analyzing 5-Star Quality Measures and Applying QAPI Principles Webinar: This session reviews how the measures are calculated and how they impact your overall Five-Star Quality Rating. The session will focus on best practices for pain management to improve your pain quality measures using a QAPI framework.
Saludos de Bobby Bernal… Hello From The Road With Value First!You have the Power!
Value First leverages the collective buying power of over 7,000 aging services providers. Through various strategic partnerships, LeadingAge Florida and Value First are able to offer access to thousands of discounted vendor programs with over 400 specifically tailored to the long-term care community. Take advantage of our purchasing power by performing a cost study with Value First!
Value First has been beating competitors prices over 94% of the time. Value First offers you some of the best pricing and contract depth in the field.
Specials From Our Value First Partners
HD Supply: It’s a new year and, whether you want to stay ahead of improvements, maintain a healthier budget or reduce your energy bills, HD Supply can help you meet your resolutions with high quality facilities maintenance supplies at substantial savings. Make sure to use source code ND4 when ordering. Click here HD Supply to view the offering.
For information about how Value First can assist you and your community, please give me a call at (850) 671-3700.
See you on the Road!
Historians, Teachers and Trail-Builders: These Are the People We Serve
Eugene Alvarez: Fleet Landing, Atlantic Beach, FL - Fleet Landing resident Eugene Alvarez, Ph.D., has recently published his eighth book, Parris Island: The Cradle of the Corps: A History of the United States Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, South Carolina, 1562-2015.
Jerry Nanfelt: Shell Point Retirement Community, Fort Myers, FL - During her 9 years as a Shell Point resident, Jerry Nanfelt has served in a variety of leadership roles within the community. Most notably, Nanfelt created and launched the innovative Concierge Program. This team of 42 volunteers assists staff on each floor and serves the diverse needs of residents at the Larsen Pavilion. 
Bouchard Total Wellness - Physical Exrcise for Emotional Strength
Connecting the Generations at Lifespace
Florida’s Health Care Transparency Database Takes ShapeBy Ryan Benk
A NEW Room Block has be reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn Tallahassee. Use Group Code AIA17 at www.Tallahassee.HGI.com. Legislative Days - Advocacy In Action - March 7-9
Services for elderly facing state cuts By Barbara Peters Smith
Cypress Cove names Abbot to philanthropy post
LeadingAge to lawmakers: Final rule places 'impossible burdens' on providersBy Emily Mongan
Maintenance & Environmental Services WorkshopHotel Reservation Deadline Extended to February 13.February 22, 2017
Hilton Orlando/Altamonte Springs
You will hear the latest information, view the newest products and services, and network with other maintenance directors and staff.
How the Five-Star Quality Rating System Measures Quality in Senior ServicesPresented by CliftonLarsonAllen
Follow Up from Sadowski Affiliates Webinar-Governor's Budget and Committee Assignments
• PowerPoint
• Webinar
Innovative Therapy for Seniors: Art TherapyPresented by MatrixCare
LeadingAge Florida Business Members - Spotlight On:
Marketing
LeadingAge Florida strives to provide the highest quality of service to each of our members with the
goal of increasing value for all involved. Each week we feature business members by speciality to remind providers about the businesses available for them. Now or in the future, we hope you will consider them for a project.• Bluespire Senior Living
• Love & Company, Inc.
• Retirement Dynamics, Inc.
• SeniorHousingNet
• ServiceTrac
• Strategic Marketing Innovations, LLC
• Wirthwein Marketing
Value First has been beating competitors prices over 94% of the time. Value First offers you some of the best pricing and contract depth in the field. For information about how Value First can assist you and your community, please contact Bobby at (850) 671-3700.
LeadingAge Florida's Weekly Educational & Professional Development Correspondence: "Anything one man can imagine, other men can make real." - Jules Vern. Legislative Days Hotel Room Block Closes on February 3, 2017. Maintenance & Environmental Services Workshop Hotel Room Block Extended to February 13!
What Governor Scott’s Budget Means for LeadingAge Florida: On Tuesday morning Governor Scott unveiled his Recommended Budget for FY 2017-18. The proposal includes $618 million in tax cuts, including four different sales tax holidays and a huge reduction in tax on commercial leases.Register Now! Mainte
nance & Environmental Services Workshop: Hotel Room Block Closes on February 13, 2017. Book Your Room and Register Today! The Maintenance and Environmental Services Workshop features experts from the public and private sectors who will discuss finding solutions that save money and produce environmental benefits in your community. Legislative Days: Advocacy In Action! Book Your Room and Register Today!: DoubleTree Hotel Room Block Closes on February 3, 2017! An Additional Room Block has be reserved at the Hilton Garden Inn Tallahassee. Use Group Code AIA17 at www.Tallahassee.HGI.com! LeadingAge Florida’s Legislative Days give you the opportunity to meet your state legislators and advocate for the issues that matter the most to you and affect your ability to do your job effectively! 
Advertisement Opportunity - 2017 Membership Directory: LeadingAge Florida is pleased to announce that E&M Consulting will be the official publisher of our 2017 Membership Directory. E&M Consulting provides advertising services that build your company’s image and link your brand with buyers in the Florida aging services industry. 
Copyright 2017 — Publication of LeadingAge FloridaChairman: Josh Ashby
President/CEO: Steve Bahmer
Managing Editor: Greg Ungru
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