News
Category: Federal News
Welcome to the Federal News category. These news items pertain to aging services national policies and programs.
CMS Extends Waiver Window for Facilities Using Fire Safety Evaluation System
On October 21, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
CMS has opened a pressure-relief valve for nursing facilities that rely upon the Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) as an alternative means to demonstrate compliance with fire safety requirements of NFPA 101®: Life Safety Code® (LSC). This issue affects only a small number of nursing facilities in Minnesota, but we want to make sure those who may be impacted have the latest information.
LeadingAge Affordable Housing Calls Address Mental Health, REAC Inspections, and the NSPIRE Demo Program
On October 14, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
The LeadingAge Housing Advisory Group call on Monday, Oct. 18 at 11:30 a.m. will feature guest speaker Dr. Eric Berko. In honor of World Mental Health Day, Dr. Berko will review mental health challenges for staff and residents at affordable housing communities and discuss strategies for success.
New Website: OpeningDoors.org
On October 7, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
OpeningDoors.org is live! In July, LeadingAge, our national affiliate, launched Opening Doors to Aging Services, a long-term initiative to offer members and the entire field research, strategies, and resources to inform and align efforts across the sector.
Provider Relief Fund (PRF) Application Portal Open
On September 30, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Earlier this week, the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) opened the application portal for the latest Provider Relief Funds (PRF) round. In this round, $25.5 billion in funding is available for health care providers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
HUD Announces Fourth Round of COVID-19 Supplemental Payments
On September 23, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
On Sept. 16, HUD announced the fourth round of COVID-19 Supplemental Payments (CSPs) for Multifamily housing providers. The funds are available to help Section 8, Section 202, and Section 811 properties prepare for and respond to COVID-19. Requests are due to the agency by Nov. 19 and can cover expenses incurred between April 1 and Oct. 31.
NHSN Changes Coming: Get your Level 3 Access Now
On September 15, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has informed LeadingAge that changes are coming to the weekly NHSN COVID-19 Vaccination Data Collection Forms for Long-Term Care Facilities that will require Level 3 access for reporting.
Affordable Housing Members Call on Staffing Issues with LeadingAge National
On September 8, 2021 by Bobbie Guidry
Join our LeadingAge, our national affiliate, for a housing call on Monday, Sept. 13 at 11:30 a.m. CT to discuss staffing issues in affordable housing communities.
Contact Your Lawmakers in D.C. Today
On September 1, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Share your thoughts on vaccine mandates. Show your support for the Infrastructure Bill.
Join your peers from around the country in a national advocacy effort and contact your elected officials today. LeadingAge, our national affiliate, has launched two grassroots campaigns and now is the time to act. Send a message to your U.S. Representatives and Senators.
Engage with Argentum’s “Release the PRF” Campaign
On August 25, 2021 by Matt Steele
Argentum, a national affiliate of LeadingAge Minnesota, has launched a 5-week campaign to encourage the federal government to release Provider Relief Funds promised to long-term care providers to assist in responding to COVID-19.
LeadingAge and Argentum Urge OSHA Not to Make COVID Standards Permanent
On August 25, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
In public comments filed this week, both LeadingAge and Argentum urged the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) not to make the agency's Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) for COVID-19 a permanent part of the regulatory landscape. The ETS is only effective for six months from its publication date of June 21 unless OSHA acts to make it permanent.
LeadingAge Working to Extend Flexibility Relating to Fire Safety Evaluation System
On August 18, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The LeadingAge Minnesota staff team is working to identify care center members who rely upon the Fire Safety Evaluation System (FSES) as an alternative means to demonstrate compliance with fire safety requirements of NFPA 101®: Life Safety Code® (LSC).
New SNF Medicare Rates Take Effect on Oct. 1
On August 18, 2021 by Jeff Bostic
Based on the annual SNF Payment Rule released earlier this summer, new skilled nursing facility (SNF) Medicare rates for the third year of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) take effect on Oct. 1. The Oct. 1 rates include an inflation update of 1.2% based on a formula in existing law. Due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has suspended the Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program for the upcoming rate year.
CDC Requesting Information on Vaccine Access from NHSN Users
On August 11, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
This week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) sent an email to National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) users requesting information on vaccine access. This information is reported through the required weekly reporting for nursing homes on both the resident and staff vaccine reporting sections.
CMS Modifies CMP Structure for Skilled Nursing Facilities
On August 11, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
CMS recently issued QSO 21-20 NH, a one-paragraph memo that rescinds a July 2017 Memo (S&C 17-37-NH) from the CMS guidance library.
In the 2017 memo, CMS instructed CMS Regional Offices to impose civil monetary penalties for past noncompliance solely on a per-instance basis.
CMS to Address Nursing Facility Payment During Aug. 5 Open Door Forum
On July 28, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will share information on fiscal year 2022 skilled nursing facility payment policies during a Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF)/Long Term Care Open Door Forum next Thursday, Aug. 5, at 1-2 p.m.
Tell Congress: Include Investments for Older Adults
On July 21, 2021 by Libbie Chapuran
Congress has begun developing a $3.5 trillion infrastructure investment package — so NOW is the moment to make sure U.S. Representatives and Senators hear our voices!
LeadingAge National Advocates for Members on CMS Vaccination Rule
On July 14, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
On behalf of members across the country, the LeadingAge national team has submitted comments to CMS on the recently-issued rule requiring nursing homes to offer COVID-19 vaccine to residents and staff, to educate residents and staff regarding the benefits and potential side effects of the vaccine, and to report COVID-19 vaccine and therapeutics treatment information to NSHN.
Transition BCA to Nursing Assistant with OnTrack
On July 7, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
Many skilled nursing facilities are planning ahead and transitioning caregivers and Basic Care Aides into Registered Nursing Assistant positions. The 1135 Waiver and corresponding MDH approvals that allow nursing assistants to work without being on the Registry still apply. However, there is growing concern amongst members on making the transition in advance of the waiver discontinuing.
New Report Outlines Workforce Vision
On July 7, 2021 by Jenna Kellerman
LeadingAge National's LTSS Center @UMass Boston released a report titled Feeling Valued Because They Are Valued, describing “a vision for professionalizing the caregiving workforce in the field of long-term services and supports.”
Emergency Preparedness Standards for Assisted Living
On June 30, 2021 by Jonathan Lips
Our team has created a new resource to support assisted living facilities with understanding and implementing the emergency preparedness requirements contained in the so-called "Appendix Z."
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