Friday Review—6/18/2021 

 

Good afternoon, Happy Friday, and let’s hope the glorious weather of these last couple of days lasts right through the weekend!

 

State budget—The House Finance Committee last night passed the budget for next year out of committee.  It contains a 2.2% Medicaid increase as well as .5% Medicaid increase to partially fund the mandatory staffing bill.  The budget will next be voted on by the full House then sent to the Senate for consideration.  No changes are expected.

 

OSHA—OSHA is putting forth a series of Emergency Temporary Standards which will go into effect very soon.  On behalf of our members, RIHCA complained to AHCA asking them to reach out to OSHA to express our members’ concerns about the regulations being too stringent, the timing being wrong given the fragile condition of member homes, and the fact that these come as most states and agencies are easing restrictions.  AHCA says they have already expressed these same concerns and more to the administration, but are not hopeful of any changes.  If you did not take part in the webinar on Wednesday, you can listen to it here: https://members.ahcancal.org/Dashboard/Sign-In?returnUrl=https://educate.ahcancal.org/products/osha-emergency-temporary-standard-implications-for-skilled-nursing-facilities-assisted-living-communities-and-intermediate-care-facilities-for-individuals-with-intellectual-disabilities-icfsiid

 

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NHSN extension—NHSN is giving nursing homes around the country an extension, to Sunday 6/20 at 11:59pm to report your staff and resident vaccination rates.  As of earlier this week, most homes in Rhode Island had complied, but a handful still had not reported. Civil monetary penalties will begin on Monday for homes that do not comply.

 

Exponential future increase in residents—Predictions are the same for Rhode Island and around the country—the number of long-term care residents will double in upcoming decades. https://www.mcknights.com/news/long-term-care-use-expected-to-double-report/

 

Rising costs—A newly released study shows what we already know well—long-term care costs rose in all areas in 2020.  https://www.mcknightsseniorliving.com/home/news/home-care-daily-news/average-hourly-rate-for-home-health-aides-rose-to-nearly-26-in-2020-report-finds/

 

PDPM rates—An industry consultant says CMS should consider the impact of COVID before making any changes to PDPM reimbursement.  https://skillednursingnews.com/2021/06/avalere-cms-should-consider-covids-impact-on-snfs-as-a-whole-before-adjusting-pdpm/?euid=a3545010f7&utm_source=snn-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=afe346b96f

 

Safety is key—Promoting safety and transparency in a post-COVID world are keys to rebuilding census.  https://skillednursingnews.com/2021/06/nursing-homes-must-tout-safety-measures-promote-transparency-in-a-post-covid-world/?euid=a3545010f7&utm_source=snn-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=65a528b6ee

 

In addition…--Homes must also show improvements in communication and clinical ability. https://skillednursingnews.com/2021/06/nursing-homes-post-covid-must-prove-themselves-to-hospitals-through-communication-clinical-ability/?euid=a3545010f7&utm_source=snn-newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=9e057d644e

 

Drugs and falls—94% of older adults are prescribed drugs which could lead to falls. https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/elderly-falls-prescription-medication-risk/2021/06/10/989dd668-c30c-11eb-9a8d-f95d7724967c_story.html 

 

Take me out to the…--Gulls game!  The Newport Gulls will be honoring front line heroes at their game on Friday June 25th.  If you work at a nursing home or in the health care industry, you will be given free admission to the game.  All you have to do is show your ID to get in.  The Gulls play at Cardines Field in Newport.  Game time is 6:30 and they would love to have you attend as their guest.  Bring the family for a great night out.  The Gulls are a team of collegiate players and Cardines Field is a great place to watch a ball game.  I hope to see you there! 

 

Father’s Day is coming up on Sunday.  Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!  Then later on Sunday night, at 11:31pm, summer will officially begin!  I don’t think I will be staying up to usher in the summer solstice, but I’m pretty sure I know how it will turn out.

 

Have a great weekend!