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January 17 - 23
February 1 - 5
February 14 - 21
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SDHCA Staff:
Mark B. Deak Executive Director
Lori Tracy Assistant Executive Director
LuAnn Severson Director of Public Affairs & Professional Development
Sarah Naber Executive Assistant |
Healthcare Information Systems
Medi-Bill Systems
Helping You Provide Quality Care With Cost Containing and Revenue Enhancing Programs. |
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January 2016
The Millie Award Recipient for January is Lucille Knutson. Lucille has been a Beautician at Westhills Village Health Care since 2000, and considers each resident a part of her extended family. Residents always look forward to getting their hair done, nails painted, and chatting with Lucille.
One resident describes Lucille as "The Greatest Hair Stylist in Rapid City!" Another describes Lucille as "Her New Best Friend!" Lucille's soft tone and gentle demeanor shine through every day. She often volunteers to come in on her day off to do a resident's hair for special occasions. Congratulations Lucille!
Making It Happen!
As I reflect on 2015, it is crystal clear SDHCA Members made it happen. Here are just a few of our accomplishments.
Last Spring, as the 2015 Legislative Session was coming to a close, and we were looking at just hanging on to 1.5% Medicaid increase, you pushed hard, got the word out to Legislators, and we obtained a 2.5% increase instead. No other South Dakota Provider group secured more.
This Fall when the South Dakota Elder Abuse Task Force voted overwhelmingly to significantly restrict South Dakota's Long Term Care Providers' right to utilize arbitration agreements in our admissions agreements, SDHCA objected when no other association did. This resulted in the Task Force withdrawing its recommendation.
Recently, after many persistent and persuasive lobbying initiatives highlighting the extremely significant gap in Medicaid funding, Governor Daugaard, in his Budget Address, proposed providing all Long Term Care Providers with an ongoing 2.7% increase for the next fiscal year. Furthermore, assisted living centers would receive an additional ongoing increase. The Governor also proposed to bring reimbursement rates for all Long Term Care Providers to at least 90% of costs over three years.
The weekend before Christmas I met personally with Governor Daugaard at a "Kitchen Cabinet" briefing in Sioux Falls, where there were a dozen or so folks in attendance. I committed to the Governor, on behalf of all SDHCA Members, that we will do everything we can to advance his reimbursement proposal.
Of course there are no guarantees in life, and certainly no guarantees that the legislature will fully act on this monumental proposal. However, with our Members continuing to make our case, I'm confident that together we can make it happen - Again.
Sincerely,
Mark B. Deak Executive Director
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Nominations For SDHCA Board Of Directors
The SDHCA Nominating Committee is considering candidates for four SDHCA Board Positions. The following are the open positions:
- Secretary
- President Elect
- Proprietary Representative
- Non Proprietary Representative
If you are interested in running for an open position, please contact the SDHCA Office or a Nominating Committee Member by January 5, 2016. This is your opportunity to get more involved in the Association!
Nominating Committee Members:
Kim Longe, Diamond Care Center, Bridgewater, Chair
Tim Yeaton, Riverview Rehab & Health Care Center, Flandreau
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SDHCA Board Of Directors Meeting
The SDHCA Board of Directors will be meeting with the Legislative & Reimbursement Committee on January 26, 2016 at the Ramkota Hotel, Pierre. The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM. The Board of Directors will hold its Board Meeting on January 26, 2016, at the Ramkota Hotel, Pierre, beginning at 1:00 PM. SDHCA & SDALA Members are welcome to attend the meetings.
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Legislative/Reimbursement Committee Meeting
The Legislative & Reimbursement Committee will be meeting on January 26, 2016, at the Ramkota Hotel, Pierre. The meeting will begin at 10:00 AM. The Committee will be discussing the impact of the 2016 Legislative Bills that have been introduced and our position on these bills. The LR Committee will be meeting in conjunction with the Board of Directors at this meeting.
Legislative Reception
The SDHCA Legislative Reception will be held on January 26, 2016, from 6:00 - 8:00 PM at the Ramkota Hotel in Pierre in Gallery D. This is a perfect opportunity to talk with your Legislators from your District about Long Term Care!
This event has really been growing and we anticipate that participation will continue to grow in 2015! (This event will also display the Dakota MasterWorks Art Show winners!)
Call the Ramkota Hotel in Pierre ASAP for a room reservation for the Legislative Reception. Phone (605) 224-6877!
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Council Planning Sessions
The Council State Board of Directors will be meeting in January to begin the planning process for the Annual Summer Workshop. If you have any suggestions, please contact your Council Board President or Lori Tracy at the SDHCA Office.
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SDHCA Annual Spring Institute
The Education Committee began the planning process for the Annual Spring Institute to be held on April 12 - 14, 2016. Once again, the Annual Spring Institute will feature the "Frontline Caregiver Day" on Wednesday. The theme is "United We Stand." SDHCA will be celebrating its 65th year throughout 2016. Mark your calendars and plan on attending!
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Millie Of The Month Award
Do you know an employee that goes the extra mile? Nominate them for the Millie of the Month award! Each month the winner is featured in our E-Newsletter and his/her picture is displayed on the SDHCA website. Don't hesitate, nominate someone deserving today!
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Did Your Facility Make The News?
There are many articles published throughout South Dakota that are worth taking a look at! Click here to see if your facility made the news. Not finding an article that made your local paper regarding your facility? Please send SDHCA a copy.
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Don't Miss Out On SDHCA Recommended Webinars
Check the SDHCA Webinars site as sessions are added often on various topics.
If you are looking for a few CEUs to get the year started, click here.
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CEU's At Your Finger Tips
Log on to SDHCA's EasyCEU to quickly get approved CEU's you need for renewal. Consider visiting the SDHCA Easy CEU site and choose from over 80 different topics.
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2016 Healthcare Observances
Click here to view the 2016 Healthcare Observance calendar events.
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AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards Program
Quality Award Program
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program sets high standards for quality based on the Baldrige Performance Excellence criteria and encourages member providers to commit, achieve and excel in quality performance.
- January 28: Bronze, Silver and Gold application deadlines
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Order Your New Edition Of The RAI MDS 3.0 Is Now Available - October 2015 Edition
Price: $45.95 plus tx, s& h.
The October 2015 edition of the RAI MDS 3.0 contains all the latest information from CMS. Revisions mostly relate to the new ICD-10 coding system for diagnosis with changes to Chapters 2, 3, & 6.
This easy-to-use online tool lets you navigate quickly and easily to any page, chapter, or form. Bookmarks help you get a visual of the book in its entirety. And you can download it on up to three different devices.
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Have A Resident 100 Years Or Older?
Consider inducting your resident who is age 100 or older in the free SDHCA Century Club to celebrate their milestone! This nationally award winning program has delivered over 1,500 framed certificates since its beginning in 1997. Download the application here.
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Long Term Care Staff Immunization Kit
ahcancalED
Here is a kit to offset the fact that healthcare personnel in long term care settings have the lowest reported influenza vaccination rates among all healthcare personnel.
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AHCA/NCAL's New Learning Management System
AHCA/NCAL officially has launched ahcancalED, the Association's new online Learning Management System (LMS). This resource was created to support Members who do not have time to develop the newest in-service training. The objective is to provide the best and latest educational tools, especially as CMS increases its regulatory requirements about staff training and competency in a number of areas. The information on ahcancalED is available free to SDHCA/SDALA Members. Please take a minute to check out ahcancalED.
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Promoting Flu Vaccination To Staff
Flu season is upon us. Flu vaccination rates among health care personnel working in long term care continue to be the lowest in the nation compared to other health care settings. CDC offers a toolkit for long term care employers to help increase influenza vaccination among health care personnel in long term care settings. Influenza is a serious health threat, especially for vulnerable populations like older adults and people living with chronic medical conditions. It's especially important that people living with and caring for frail, disabled and/or aging persons get vaccinated for influenza and other vaccine-preventable diseases.
Check out the toolkit and promote flu vaccination to your staff!
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Upcoming Health Care Dates To Remember
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SDHCA Legislative Reception Will Include Award-Winning Artwork
If you haven't had a chance to view the art talents of many South Dakota seniors, click here to view the online gallery. The SDHCA Dakota MasterWorks Art Show would not be possible without sponsors. SDHCA thanks the following generous sponsors: Home Federal Bank, KELOLAND Television, Golden LivingCenters, Welcov Healthcare, Tealwood Senior Living, Dow Rummel Village, Good Samaritan Society, Jenkins Living Center, Tieszen Memorial Home, Clarkson Health Care, Westhills Village, Sisson Printing, Baldwin-DeBates Insurance, Imagery Photography, and Mahlander's Appliance and Lighting. The exhibit will be showcased during the SDHCA Legislative Reception in Pierre on January 26, 2016.
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Future Educational Dates
April 12 - 14, 2016
Annual Spring Institute
Ramkota Hotel
Sioux Falls, SD
April 13, 2016
SDMDA Annual Seminar
Ramkota Hotel
Sioux Falls, SD
June 14 - 15, 2016
Annual Activity Coordinator, Social Services, Nursing & Dietary Workshop
Ramkota Hotel
Sioux Falls, SD
September 27 - 29, 2016
Annual Fall Convention
Convention Center & Sheraton Hotel
Sioux Falls, SD
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Whatever else you're getting under the tree, John Morley hopes that it's a hearty doze of 21st century telecommunications technology. Telemedicine, he tells us in the latest issue of JAMDA, is an "idea whose time has clearly come!" Read more
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Social Media: A Risk Analysis
McKnights
More and more healthcare professionals are utilizing mobile devices professionally at work. Many are now relying on mobile devices, social media and the Internet to support professional activities, as well as for personal use. Read more
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Reportable Disease List Update
DOHThe new year 2016 brings updates to the list of South Dakota's mandatory reportable disease and conditions. Additions: - Chikungunya.
- Carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Coccidioidomycosis.
- Colorado tick fever.
- Haemophilus influenzae invasive, all subgroups (previously only serogroup b (Hib) was reportable. Read more
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South Dakota Influenza Summary For The Week Ending 26 December 2015
DOH
REMINDER: although influenza activity is still low, it will intensify in coming weeks - - - - get vaccinated now before it is too late and the virus finds you.
Influenza activity was still at "SPORADIC"
level in South Dakota during the past week.
Click here for more information.
- 3 new confirmed* cases of influenza were reported last week. 11 confirmed cases cumulative so far this season: 7 Influenza A and 4 Influenza B. *Lab confirmed: PCR, culture or DFA
- 2.8% positive rapid antigen tests reported statewide (16 positives out of 582 individuals tested last week).
- 1 new influenza-associated hospitalization reported last week. 7 hospitalizations cumulative this season.
- 1 influenza-associated death reported this season.
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NIH Releases Free 2016 Health Planners NCAL
Individuals are encouraged to use the calendar to:
- Write down the medicines and supplements they take each day.
- Write down any new health problems or pains they have.
- Use the "Notes" section to write down things they want to remember, including questions for your health care provider.
- Bring the planner when they visit your health care provider to discuss their written notes.
- Use the stickers at the end of the planner to remind them about appointments, blood tests, and taking medicines.
Links to additional free publications are included in the planners.
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Payroll-Based Journal Reporting System Should Lose A Star
McKnights
"I'm with the government, and I'm here to help."
Sense a little irony in that statement?
If so, you won't be shocked that the federal government is tweaking how it rates nursing homes, but the small changes may pose big problems for some facilities. Read more
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New Federal Rule Targets Medical Equipment Often Subject To Fraud
USA Today
A federal rule issued requires prior authorization before Medicare will pay for certain wheelchairs, prosthetics, orthotics and other medical equipment - sources of Medicare fraud and improper payments for years.
The rule could save Medicare $10 million the first year, $200 million in five years and $580 million over a decade, says Aaron Albright, spokesman for the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He says the expected savings would come from reductions in fraud, waste, abuse, non-fraudulent improper payments and unnecessary use of so-called "durable medical equipment." Read more
Health Costs Likely Topped $4.8T In 2015
Forbes
While the official figure released by the CMS last month "pegged 2014 health spending at a nice round $3.0 trillion," his own calculations show "health costs likely exceeded $4.9 trillion in 2015." Arguing that his figure is "much more comprehensive," Conover adds, "How fast this burden rises in future years depends heavily on whether Obamacare limps along in the same fashion it has since 2010 or whether instead it is fundamentally transformed or replaced in the years ahead." Read more
Experts Caution Sensors Cannot Replace Human Caregiving
STAT
Experts report that the increasing use of sensors in the homes of seniors can allow them to live more securely at home for longer periods of time. However, Dr. Ken Covinsky, a geriatrician at the University of California, San Francisco, said, "One danger of all this monitoring is that we actually turn normal life into a disease." Similarly, Steven Albert, an expert on aging at the University of Pittsburgh, "worries about replacing human caregivers with machines," according to the article. Read more
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ICD-10 Resources
Get the newest publications to help ease your ICD-10-CM transition. The new ICD-10 takes effect on October 1, 2015. Make sure you have all of the new information you'll need for the big change!
ICD-10: The Official International Classification of Diseases.
$99.95 plus tx, s&h.
This version of ICD-10-CM includes all official codes, descriptions, indexes and tables plus special features to help you code easier, better and faster. The PMIC ICD-10-CM includes: Comprehensive introduction to ICD-10-CM
The official ICD-10-CM coding guidelines
All official ICD-10-CM codes and complete descriptions
The official Alphabetical Index to the Tabular List
All official tables, including the Table of Drugs and Chemicals and the Neoplasm Table
Chapter specific guidelines preceding each chapter
Definitions of medical terms at the code level
Symbols and color-coding for faster and easier coding
Thumb indexing to help you locate codes faster
ICD- 10 Compliance: Process Improvement & Maintenance for Long - Term Care.
$155 plus tx, s&h.
This resource provides:
Various examples of effective processes that SNFs can integrate, including specific rationale behind each option
Explanations on what could potentially prevent payments
Guidance on how to ensure physician documentation accommodates ICD-10 coding
Education on how to code new encounters
Dual-coding examples
Direction on how to untangle vendor issues to protect SNF Medicare dollars
ICD-10 Essentials for Long-Term Care: Your Guide to Preparation and Implementation.
SDHCA Member: $149.00 plus tx, s&h.
ICD-10 Essentials for Long-Term Care will help you:
- Implement simple procedural changes immediately to ease the burden of the transition in future months
- Familiarize your coders with the ICD-10 format to ensure a smooth transition during implementation
- Develop timelines to train clinicians in new documentation requirements Achieve leadership buy-in for the necessary budget, policy changes, and infrastructure upgrade to accommodate ICD-10 requirements
- Execute a step-by-step action plan throughout your facility to ensure timely ICD-10 readiness
ICD-10 Coding For Long-Term Care: A Comprehensive Training Guide
SDHCA Member Price: $149.00 plus tx, S&h. Click here to order.
This book provides:
- In-depth coding how-to for the most commonly documented diagnoses in the long-term care setting
- Guidance on how to properly document and code in ICD-10 to ensure appropriate coding on claims
- Quiz questions, examples, and sample scenarios to help train staff
- A detailed understanding of how long-term care providers in particular can best conquer ICD-10 complexities
- "How to" chapters that focus on each diagnostic area
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