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NASUAD Member Addresses WHCOA
Secretary of Florida Department of Elder Affairs and NASUAD member Sam Verghese spoke at the first Regional Forum of the White Conference on Aging on Thursday, February 19. The Regional Forum in Tampa was the first of five forums aimed at engaging older Americans, their caregivers, advocates, and other stakeholders.
 | | Sam Verghese, Secretary of Florida Department of Elder Affairs and NASUAD Member, addresses WHCOA Regional Forum in Tampa, Florida. |
The next regional forum will take place in Phoenix, Arizona, on March 31. For more information about the White House Conference on Aging, click here.
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HCBS Conference Call for Sessions
The National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD) has announced the Call for Sessions for the 2015 National Home and Community Based Services Conference (HCBS), August 31-September 3, 2015, in Washington, DC. The conference offers a unique blend of policy, program and practice issues for professionals interested in home and community based services for individuals of all abilities and in all settings. Proposals are currently being accepted for one hour workshops.
The HCBS Conference is quickly becoming the "go-to" conference for learning in the expanding field of home and community based services. Don't miss the opportunity to be a part of this important conference.
Presenting provides an unparalleled opportunity to share new ideas or highlight noteworthy projects, research, and practices with your peers and other professionals.
The Call for Sessions for the 2015 HCBS Conference will be open until March 20th.
Click here to learn more and submit your session.
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HCBS Clearinghouse E-Clips
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This new section of Friday Update highlights reports that have been added to the HCBS Clearinghouse within the past week. Visit www.nasuad.org/hcbs or www.hcbs.org for more information.
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SSA Publishes 2015 Red Book
Released last week by the Social Security Administration, the 2015 Red Book serves as a general reference source about the employment-related provisions of Social Security Disability Insurance and the Supplemental Security Income Programs for educators, advocates, rehabilitation professionals, and counselors who serve people with disabilities. The book is a guide to Work Incentives and other disability-related policies and programs, like Ticket to Work.
Click here to access the comprehensive guide.
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Poverty Guidelines for Senior Community Service Employment
The Department of Labor has released the 2015 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) Grants. SCSEP is a community service and work based program for older workers. The program is authorized under the Older Americans Act and provides subsidized, service-based training for low-income persons 55 or older who are unemployed and have poor employment prospects.
Click here to access the guidelines.
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Fostering Person-Centered Services in Nursing Homes
As part of PHI's One Vision: Moving Forward project, Michigan long-term care stakeholders discussed the potential use of Medicaid financial incentives to encourage person-centered care in nursing homes. The resulting publication outlines the ideas and recommendations produced by the discussion. The stakeholders primarily considered metrics, such as resident and staff satisfaction, that could be used to quantify nursing homes' commitment to person-centeredness. Though the document does not represent the consensus recommendations of the stakeholders, it does provides insight into the stakeholders' lessons learned and broader discussion.
Click here to access the discussion document.
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Administration for Community Living
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Senior Medicare Patrol Funding Opportunity
ACL has announced a new funding opportunity for the Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program project cooperative agreements. The SMP program disseminates fraud prevention and identification information and assists beneficiaries to access their Medicare benefits. ACL plans to award a three-year cooperative agreement to each of the 54 service areas to support individual state SMP project activities.
ACL will host a conference call for potential applicants on Wednesday, March 4 at 3:00 p.m. ET. The deadline for applications is April 14 by 11:59 p.m. ET.
Click here to view the grant details.
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Health and Human Services
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Committee Report of 2015 Dietary Guidelines Open for Review
The "Scientific Report of the 2015 Dietary Guidelines Advisory Committee" has been released. The edition is open for public review and comment. The report describes findings from the Advisory Committee's review of the scientific evidence on diet, nutrition, and health, and will help inform the next edition of the Dietary Guidelines, expected to be released by the end of 2015. The Dietary Guidelines are updated every five years and directly affect all federally-funded nutrition programs.
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Agriculture (USDA) will host a public meeting on Tuesday, March 24 to receive public oral comments on the report. Written comments may be submitted to the Committee until Wednesday, April 8.
Click here to access the report.
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Social Security Administration
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Funding Opportunity for WIPA Projects
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has announced a funding opportunity for cooperative agreements for Work Incentive Planning and Assistance (WIPA) projects. WIPA projects are community-based organizations that provide counseling and support to disabled beneficiaries of the Social Security and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) programs. A key purpose of these projects is to disseminate accurate information to beneficiaries with disabilities, including transition-to-work aged youth, about work incentives programs and issues related to such programs.The ultimate goal of WIPA projects is to assist SSA beneficiaries with disabilities succeed in their return to work efforts. WIPA cooperative agreement awardees will provide services across the country through July 31, 2020, pending availability of funds over a five-year period of performance. The deadline for applications is March 30, 2015.
Click here for more details and to access the grant posting.
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Elder Justice Act Reauthorization
Last Friday, February 13, Rep. Peter King (R-NY) introduced the Elder Justice Reauthorization Act of 2015, a bill to reauthorize the Act for five years. The reauthorization bill was introduced by Rep. King in the previous session of Congress last September but failed to be enacted.
Click here to view details of the bill.
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Oversight Hearing on Serving Aging & Disabled Communities
Next Thursday, February 26 at 10:00 a.m. ET, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations will hold an oversight hearing, "The Vital Responsibility of Serving the Nation's Aging and Disabled Communities," in 2358-C Rayburn Building. Hearing witnesses include Carolyn W. Colvin of the Social Security Administration and Kathy Greenlee of the Administration for Community Living.
Click here to access details on the hearing.
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Alliance of Information and Referral Systems
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Webinar: Managing, Surviving, & Thriving on Change within the I&R Sector
One of the few constants in the field and practice of I&R is change: new programs and services, new technologies, new reporting requirements and partnerships. Individuals can find change difficult after becoming comfortable in the familiarity of the processes and functions learned over the years. On Tuesday, February 24, at 2:oo p.m. ET, AIRS will host a webinar featuring former AIRS President Faed Hendry of Findhelp Information Services in Toronto, Ontario, to discuss why we resist change and how to manage change. This webinar is a condensed version of a highly-rated workshop from last year's AIRS Conference in Atlanta.
Click here to access registration for the webinar.
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Heldrich Center for Workforce Development
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Workforce Development Survey
The John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University is conducting a survey to help identify gaps in employment and training research and to make recommendations for future research priorities. Given the tremendous challenges facing the workforce development system, it is essential that federal, state, and local policymakers and practitioners have access to timely and credible research about the programs and practices that are most effective and efficient in helping American workers prepare for and obtain employment. To help inform future research investments, the Heldrich Center has launched an effort to develop a report that will identify gaps in current employment and training research as well as identify the priority research needs of policymakers, practitioners, job seekers, and employers. The brief online survey is open to participants until Friday, March 27, 2015.
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Mathematica Policy Research
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Forum & Webinar: Early Findings from the Benefit Offset National Demonstration (BOND)
The Social Security Administration's Benefit Offset National Demonstration (BOND) is testing an innovation that allows Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) beneficiaries to earn more while keeping part of their disability benefits. The earnings rules being tested replaced the "benefit cliff"-the complete loss of benefits when earnings exceed a maximum amount for a sufficient period-with a "benefit ramp" that reduces benefits by $1 for every $2 of earnings over the limit. Beneficiary enrollment in BOND began in 2011, and the demonstration will continue into 2017. A team from Abt and Mathematica is conducting the evaluation.
The Mathematica Center for Studying Disability Policy (CSDP) will host an in-person forum and online webcast highlighting the early findings on Thursday, February 26, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET at Mathematica's Washington, DC, office or by webinar. Lunch will be provided.
The speakers will provide background on the demonstration; describe its structure and summarize the plan for the evaluation; present findings from the first two years' process and impact analyses; and discuss potential policy and research implications of the midstream results.
Click here for details and to register.
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Forum & Webinar: The SGR Fix: A Pathway to Fundamental Physician Payment Reform?
Many lawmakers seek to discard the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula, which adjusts Medicare physician fees to limit spending. Their goal is fundamental reform of physician payment, shifting away from traditional fee-for-service reimbursement to other payment models that enhance the quality and efficiency of care. The 2014 "SGR fix" proposal provides a framework for how payment reform in Medicare could be used to help transform the organization and delivery of health care.
In a new publication set for release in March, Mathematica senior fellow James Reschovsky unpacks the details of the proposed SGR replacement, including the new Merit-Based Incentive Payment System and several other payment models encouraged in the legislation. The Center on Health Care Effectiveness (CHCE) will host an in-person forum and online webcast featuring Dr. Reschovsky and a panel of experts to discuss these value-based models. The panel will describe the opportunities and challenges involved in permanently repealing the SGR formula and moving away from traditional fee-for-service models. The forum and webinar will take place on Wednesday, March 11, from 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. ET at Mathematica's Washington, DC, office. Lunch will be provided.
Click here for details and to register.
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National Alliance for Caregiving
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Webinar: Family Caregiving Tele-Town Hall
The National Alliance for Caregiving (NAC) will host a tele-town hall on the 2015 White House Conference on Aging featuring WHCOA Executive Director Nora Super. The webinar will be hosted on Thursday, February 26 at 3:00 p.m. ET. The tele-town hall will discuss pre-submitted questions from the public on four focus areas: healthy aging, long-term services and supports, retirement security, and elder justice. Additional guest speakers will include NAC President/CEO Gail Gibson Hunt and Caregiver Action Network CEO John Schall.
Click here to view details on the webinar.
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National Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center
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Webinar: ID/D and Dementia: Experiences of a Family Advocate & Promising Practices
On Thursday, February 26 from 3:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET, the National Alzheimer's and Dementia Resource Center (formerly the ADSSP National Resource Center) will host Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and Dementia: Experiences of a Family Advocate and Promising Practices. This webinar will provide participants with information on personal experiences, advocacy efforts, and helpful practices for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/D) and dementia. Presenters will speak to personal experiences as a guardian and an advocate for family members and people with ID/D and dementia as well as speak about promising practices of how to work with people with ID/D and dementia.
Click here to view details on the webinar.
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National Council on Aging
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RFP: Senior SNAP Enrollment Initiative
NCOA has released a Request for Proposals for its initiative to help seniors enroll in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Through its Senior SNAP Enrollment Initiative, NCOA will award $1,150,000 to community-based organizations and agencies to assist low-income older adults in applying for and enrolling in SNAP and other benefits.
NCOA seeks proposals for two categories of grants: A) Underserved Senior SNAP Access Grant ($25,000) and B) SNAP Enrollment Center Grant ($50,000). An online application for proposal submission is available here. Letters of Intent to Apply were due February 13, and applications are due March 6.
Click here for additional details on the grants.
Click here to access the RFP.
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Webinar: Help Your Clients with Medicare Stay Healthy
NCOA will host a webinar regarding the range of services and benefits available to help keep people with Medicare healthy. The webinar will be held on Thursday, February 26 from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. ET. Presenters Melissa Simpson with the Center for Benefits Access at NCOA and Cora Plass with NCOA's Chronic Disease Self-Management Education Resource Center will address: which preventative services are covered under Part B; details of the Annual Wellness Visit; and how to arrange for health promotion programs as part of person-centered benefits counseling.
Click here to view webinar details and access registration
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National Disability Navigator Resource Collaborative
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ACA Enrollee Fact Sheet Available in Spanish
NDNRC has released a Spanish version of its "Tips for ACA Enrollees: From Coverage to Care - Persons with Disabilities." Because this fact sheet in particular was designed for consumers, the fact sheet has been translated to be more accessible to a greater number of potential Affordable Care Act (ACA) enrollees. Click here to view a listing of all the NDNRC fact sheets. |
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National Long-Term Care Ombudsman Resource Center
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Webinar: LTC Ombudsman Program Final Rule
The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program final rule guides implementation of the portions of the Older Americans Act governing grants to states for operation of Long-Term Care (LTC) Ombudsman programs. Presented by Administration for Community Living staff, this webinar will provide an opportunity to review key sections of the rule. the webinar will be held on Monday, March 2 at 3:00 p.m. ET. Click here to view details and register for the webinar. To access the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs final rule in the Federal Register, click here. |
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National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities & Dementia Practices
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Caring for Adults with Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Workshops
NTG has announced its next workshop, a two-day interactive, Dementia Capable Care of Adults with Intellectual Disability (ID) and Dementia. The workshop is designed for caregivers and staff of aging-related agencies. The workshop will be held in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, on March 31-April 1. The workshop provides 12 hours of educational credits. NTG also offers other courses, webinars, and curriculum related to dementia and ID advocacy, support, and services. Click here to view their training offerings. Click here to view details on the workshop. |
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Straightforward Video Explains Alzheimer's Disease
This three-minute animated video, " What Is Alzheimer's Disease," explains the stages of the disease in a straightforward and simple way. This and four other short "pocket" film clips on Alzheimer's are free for non-commercial use, and groups are encouraged to share them. Click here to access the short clips. |
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Job & Internship Postings
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OK Aging Services --Programs Administrator
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services - Aging Services is conducting a national search to fill a Programs Administrator position, which oversees the Older Americans Act Title III program. In that capacity, this person will interface with Oklahoma's eleven Area Agencies on Aging, the Administration for Community Living, provider networks, legislators, and various agency partners. The Programs Administrator will manage a small team of state employees and work regularly with colleagues in OAA Titles V, VI and VII. Primary functions include technical assistance to AAAs, reporting, budget monitoring, contract development, and state plan development. The position is housed in Oklahoma City, and moderate travel is expected.
Click here to view the full job description. The deadline to apply is Wednesday, March 4.
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Public Policy Intern at NASUAD
The National Association of States United for Aging and Disabilities (NASUAD), membership organization of the agencies in state government that manage programs for older people and adults with physical disabilities, seeks a public policy intern. The paid position is for 10-15 hours per week.
Responsibilities include analyzing aging and disability data, developing and/or maintaining databases, assisting with project management, and conducting legislative and policy research.
Candidacy for a Master's Degree in Public Policy, Public Administration or Public Health is a preferred qualification. Hours are flexible to accommodate classes.
NASUAD is committed to providing equal opportunities for all applicants for employment. To apply, please send a resume and cover letter to bproctor@nasuad.org.
Click here to view the full job description.
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ASPE Federal Trainee Research Positions
The Office of Health Policy in the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) will be establishing Federal trainee research positions similar to Post Doc type fellowships in academia. These positions will be focused on health policy, economics, and/or other behavioral sciences and the application of these tools in federal policy making. The positions will be for a one year term appointment in the Federal government, with an option to renew. The ideal candidates include individuals who have recently completed doctoral training within the last five years and who seek to gain experience that will enable them to be successful in gaining close knowledge of Federal health policy and the policy making process. Qualified applicants will have a strong background in health policy research and experience analyzing large data sets; possess strong analytic and empirical skills; and demonstrate proficiency in oral and written communication. U.S. citizenship is required.
More detailed information on how to apply will be announced at a later date. Interested candidates should contact Angela Barbour-Rawlings at angela.barbour-rawlings@hhs.gov for more information about the program and application process.
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National Institute on Aging Summer Internship
NIA's Intramural Research Program is accepting applicants for an 8-10 week intensive research internship this summer. The research experience is open to students in high school, college, medical school, and graduate programs, and the number of students accepted varies each year based on the applications received. The opportunity is a part of the broader National Institutes of Health Summer Internship Program in Biomedical Research.
Summer interns perform research alongside intramural investigators and postdoctoral fellows, and students are provided an opportunity to present their research to NIA leadership as part of a competition for the Barbara A. Hughes Award of Excellence.
Click here to view the program details. To apply, click here. After submitting an application, students can email Arlene Jackson to notify the NIA of submission. Applications are due by Sunday, March 1 at 11:30 p.m. ET. |
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