Latest News

07/29/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Wednesday, July 29, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Wednesday, July 29 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

07/23/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Thursday, July 23, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Thursday, July 23 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

07/20/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Monday, July 20, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Monday, July 20 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

07/15/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Wednesday, July 15, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Wednesday, July 15 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

07/10/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Friday, July 10, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Friday, July 10 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

07/06/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Monday, July 6, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Monday, July 6 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

06/29/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Monday, June 29, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Monday, June 29 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

06/24/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Wednesday, June 24, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Wednesday, June 24 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

06/19/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Friday, June 19, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Friday, June 19 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

06/15/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Monday, June 15, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Monday, June 15 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

06/10/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Wednesday, June 10, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Wednesday, June 10 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

06/04/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Thursday, June 4, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Thursday, June 4 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

06/02/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Tuesday, June 2, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Tuesday, June 2 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

05/29/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Friday, May 29, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Friday, May 29 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

05/26/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Tuesday, May 26 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

05/18/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Tuesday, May 19 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

05/13/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Wednesday, May 13 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

05/08/2020

A Mother's Day Message from LeadingAge Ohio

05/07/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Thursday, May 7, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Thursday, May 7 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

05/05/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Tuesday, May 5, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Tuesday, May 5 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

05/01/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Friday, May 1, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Friday, May 1 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/29/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Wednesday, April 29, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Wednesday, April 29 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/27/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Monday, April 27, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Monday, April 27 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/23/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Thursday, April 23, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Thursday, April 23 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/21/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Tuesday, April 21, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Tuesday, April 21 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/17/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report:Friday, April 17, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Friday, April 17 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/15/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Wednesday, April 15, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Wednesday, April 15 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/13/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Monday, April 13, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Monday, April 13 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/09/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Thursday, April 9, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Thursday, April 9 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/07/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Tuesday, April 7, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Tuesday, April 7 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/04/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Saturday, April 4, 2020

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Saturday, April 4 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

04/01/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Nurse Aide Certifications, Ventilator Reporting

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Wednesday, April 1 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

03/30/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Battelle to Sterilize PPE, Helpful Toolkits

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Monday, March 30 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

03/25/2020

Today's COVID-19 Alert: Coronavirus Relief Bills Moving

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Wednesday, March 25 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note the information related to an all-member call on tomorrow.

03/23/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Stay at Home Order Signed

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Monday, March 23 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

03/19/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: Congress Passes 'Families First Coronavirus Response Act'

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Thursday, March 19 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

03/16/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: More Businesses to Close, Primary Election Delayed

Here are the latest need-to-know updates from Monday afternoon, March 16 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. 

03/14/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: CMS Total Visitor Restrictions, End-of-Life Care Exempted 

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Saturday, March 14, 2020 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

03/13/2020

Today's COVID-19 Report: FAQ Document Available, ODH Issues New Guidance

Here are the latest need-to-know updates for Friday, March 13, 2020 regarding the COVID-19 pandemic.

03/11/2020

CMS Issues COVID-19 Guidance for Home Health

On Tuesday, March 10, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance on how home health agencies should detect, screen for and manage cases of COVID-19, the illness caused by the novel coronavirus.

03/11/2020

CMS Releases Hospice Memo on COVID-19

Late Monday night, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services provided guidance for hospice agencies on COVID-19.

03/11/2020

What to Do with Suspected COVID-19 Cases

The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has been in near-contiuous conversation with LeadingAge Ohio over recent weeks regarding their detection and monitoring of COVID-19 cases statewide.

03/11/2020

LaRose Relocates Polling Places in Senior Living Communities

Mentioned during the Governor's press conference and again in a recorded statement on Monday, Secretary of State Frank LaRose announced that Ohio’s polling places located in nursing facilities and senior living communities would be relocated for the March 17 primary election next week.

03/11/2020

NAHC Offers Public Coronavirus Resources for Home Care & Hospice

The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) has shared a number of new tools for home care and hospice agencies working to identify, prevent and/or manage the transmission of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, within their communities.

03/11/2020

2020 LeadingAge Ohio Awards Program Nominations Now Open

Each year the LeadingAge Ohio awards program celebrates those members who are focused on quality, mission-driven service in our sector.

03/09/2020

First Cases of COVID-19 Announced in Ohio, Long-term Care Polling Locations Moving

Today Governor Mike DeWine announced that three cases of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, have been reported in Ohio. These are the first cases of the disease reported in Ohio.

03/05/2020

White House Directs Survey Agencies to Support Nursing Homes in COVID-19 Prevention

Yesterday the White House announced changes to nursing home survey practices in response to the mounting threat of COVID-19, known as the coronavirus. The Trump Administration has expressed its desire for Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) surveyors to prioritize infection control in the wake of increasing numbers of Americans suffering from the disease.

03/04/2020

Survey Tip of the Week: Infection Preventionist

Facilities are to designate one or more individuals responsible for the infection prevention and control program as infection preventionist.  This individual must: have primary professional training in nursing, medical technology, microbiology, epidemiology or related field; be qualified by education, training, experience or certification; work at least part time at the facility; and have completed specialized training in infection prevention and control.

03/04/2020

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness and Speaking Points – Message from LeadingAge Ohio President/CEO Kathryn Brod

LeadingAge Ohio’s number one concern is the wellness and safety of our members’ residents and employees. As our association and our membership continue to monitor the coronavirus situation, know that we have been in constant contact with our membership, appropriate federal and state agencies, and other healthcare providers. Speaking points have been prepared for members with nursing facilities and for home health and hospice members to use with residents, family members and staff.

02/28/2020

PRESS RELEASE: Data Shows Many 4- and 5-Star Nursing Homes Closing in Ohio

COLUMBUS – As the number of older adults in Ohio continues to grow and the baby boomer generation ages into retirement, data released by LeadingAge, LeadingAge Ohio’s national affiliate, shows that both high- and low-quality nursing homes are closing at high rates. In Ohio, 44% of the nursing homes that closed their doors from 2015 to 2019 had been given a 4- or 5-star rating in the year before closure.

02/26/2020

Home Care Access for Seniors Would Increase Under New Bill

Reported by NAHC earlier this month, the Homecare for Seniors Act, a companion piece to legislation previously introduced in the U.S. House, has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Cory Gardner (R-CO) and Kyrsten Sinema (D-AZ).

02/19/2020

LeadingAge Ohio Members Not Among NF’s with Money Takebacks from Exception Reviews

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) announced that 15 nursing facilities will have financial penalties as a result of unfavorable findings during the latest round of MDS exception reviews.

02/19/2020

ODM Reports on Eligibility Backlog at Monthly Meeting

At a February meeting with the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), representatives from ODM reported that the number of Medicaid pending cases beyond 45 days is down to 8,399 pending cases.

02/12/2020

PDGM National Summit Coming to Ohio April 7

The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) chose Ohio as one of only 12 states to host one-day intensive summits across the country, from March 30 through April 14.

02/12/2020

House Version of Hospice Bill Marked Up This Week

As anticipated, key members of the House Ways & Means Committee (Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-CA), and Tom Reed (R-NY)) introduced legislation this week to address concerns regarding hospice compliance with quality and safety standards under the Hospice Conditions of Participation.

02/12/2020

The Older American’s Act Reauthorization Will Support Older Adults Across The Country

The Older Americans Act (OAA) funds critical programs and activities that help people remain in their home and communities for as long as possible.

02/11/2020

LeadingAge Ohio Members Awarded New Affordable Senior Housing Funding

Following years of advocacy efforts at the national level to renew funding for Section 202 Housing for the Elderly, LeadingAge and LeadingAge Ohio are pleased to share exciting news from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). For the first time in nearly a decade, HUD is awarding money to providers of 202 Housing for the Elderly Homes, with a new investment of $51 million. Of the 18 recipients nationwide, three are projects operated by LeadingAge Ohio members.

01/22/2020

HUD Guidance Forthcoming on PRAC Rent Increases

LeadingAge Ohio has learned that, given the number of Section 202 communities with Project Rental Assistance Contracts (PRACs) that requested larger rent increases to prepare for recapitalization in fiscal year 2019 (FY19), HUD plans to develop new guidance for HUD staff to evaluate these requests and prioritize those properties with the greatest need.

01/22/2020

Ohio Department of Health Issues Draft Amendments to Certificate of Need Rules

LeadingAge Ohio extends its thanks to Christine Kenney of partner firm Bricker & Eckler, who drafted the following article:

01/22/2020

CMS Shares NF Policies with LeadingAge

LeadingAge shared the results of their January call with the nursing home policy staff from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), where they discussed updates on interpretive guidance, anticipated survey focus areas for 2020, and the phase-out of Section G, among other topics.

01/15/2020

ODM Rule to Increase ALW, PASSPORT Rates

On Wednesday, January 8, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) filed rules which would increase rates among long-term services and supports waivers, according to funding set forth in HB 166, Ohio’s biennial budget bill.

01/15/2020

2020 LeadingAge Ohio Compensation Survey Set to Launch on February 10

Recruiting and retaining today’s top employees is a focus and constant challenge in this competitive marketplace.

01/08/2020

ODM Shares Plans for January 1 NF Rates

As reported last week in a LeadingAge Ohio Action Alert, Ohio nursing facilities should be receiving rate packages from the Ohio Department of MEdicaid (ODM) this week detailing their reimbursement rates effective January 1.

01/02/2020

PRESS RELESE: ODM Shares Plans for January 1 NF Rates

12/30/2019

ODM Releases Authorized Representative Tool at LeadingAge Ohio’s Urging

LeadingAge Ohio approached the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) about developing a tool for providers to share with residents about authorized representatives (AR) for Medicaid purposes and the role that nursing homes can play in assisting families through the Medicaid eligibility process.

12/18/2019

PAS/RR Transition on December 30

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) shared a reminder that effective December 30, 2019, all Preadmission Screening and Resident Review form (PASRR/ODM 3622) must be submitted electronically through the Healthcare Electronic Notification System (HENS).

12/11/2019

Act Now: Some NFs to be Excluded from Quality Payment

In mid-July, the Ohio General Assembly passed a bill that would boost payments to Ohio nursing homes by 2.4 percent in January 2020 via a quality incentive payment, and by an estimated 5 percent in July 2020.

12/04/2019

CMS Issues Two New Articles on PDGM

There are two new Medicare Learning Network (MLN) articles pertaining to the Patient Driven Grouping Model (PDGM).

11/25/2019

PASRR Rule Affects Submission of the ODM 3622; ODM Announces Webinars

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM), the Ohio Department of Developmental Disability (DODD) and the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) will be conducting three (3) webinars in December that will focus on the Preadmission Screening and Resident Review (PASRR) rule changes that will be effective December 30, 2019.

11/20/2019

Hospice Care Improvement Act Introduced in the U.S. Senate by Ohio’s Rob Portman

U.S. Senators Rob Portman and Ben Cardin (D-Md.) introduced the “Hospice Care Improvement Act of 2019” last Thursday, November 14.

11/20/2019

U.S. House Ways & Means Committee Holds Hearing on Aging & Caregiver Issues

Last week, the House Ways & Means Committee held a hearing specifically focused on the issues faced by aging Americans and their families.

11/13/2019

Phase 3 Guidance Included in Emergency Preparedness Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a Long Term Care Requirements CMS Emergency Preparedness Rule document.

11/13/2019

New Alzheimer’s Task Force to Examine Assisted Living

Last week, Governor Dewine signed SB 24 into law, which would create the Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias Task Force, which would be charged with developing a state plan for dementia, to be submitted to the General Assembly no later than 18 months following the bill’s effective date.

11/13/2019

Next Week is Final Deadline for UNC Economic Impact Study

As noted previously in The Source, LeadingAge Ohio has partnered with the University of North Carolina, with assistance from Scripps Gerontology Center, to complete an Economic Impact Study.

11/06/2019

PCHETA Passes House: Thank Your Congressman

Last week, the PCHETA (Palliative Care and Hospice Education and Training Act (H.R. 647)) was passed with overwhelming bipartisan support in the US House of Representatives.

11/06/2019

LeadingAge Ohio Leadership Academy Application Deadline Tomorrow, November 8

LeadingAge Ohio is committed to investing in our next generation of leaders through the LeadingAge Ohio Leadership Academy program.

10/31/2019

CMS Addresses Hand Icon, Phase III at LeadingAge Annual Meeting

Providers shouldn’t be focusing on the new Nursing Home Compare consumer alert icon, but rather should be concentrating on stopping abuse in long-term care facilities, said Evan Shulman, director of the division of nursing homes at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) at a session focused on nursing facility regulatory issues at the LeadingAge Annual Meeting in San Diego.

10/31/2019

No Guidance Forthcoming on Hospice Choice

In a meeting with Non-Long-term Care provider associations, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) shared its approach to a new resident right which was codified in HB 166, Ohio’s biennial budget bill.

10/16/2019

October Rates Anticipated from ODM

As reported in last week’s edition of The Source, in October, billers will need to include two items for nursing facility care on their monthly claims, reflecting two different rates for the month of October.

10/16/2019

CDC Updates Enhanced Barrier Precautions

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has updated guidance on precautions for residents with multidrug-resistant organisms (MDRO).

10/16/2019

Speaker Names Chairs For Health, Aging Committees

Last week, Speaker Larry Householder (R-Glenford) appointed three new committee chairs following a series of member departures in recent months.

10/09/2019

ODM Shares Special Instructions for October Nursing Facility (NF) Room and Board Services Billing

The Ohio Department of Medicaid shared a memo on October 4, which describes the anticipated rate-setting for Nursing Facility Room and Board services to take effect on October 17.

10/09/2019

Hospice Choice Effective October 17

On October 17, the majority of policies contained in HB 166, Ohio’s biennial budget bill, will take effect.

10/09/2019

Trump Administration to Enhance Transparency about NF Abuse and Neglect

Earlier this week, the Trump Administration and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced a major enhancement of the information available to nursing home residents, families, and caregivers on the Agency’s Nursing Home Compare website.

10/02/2019

ODA, ODM Announce PASSPORT, Assisted Living Waiver Rates

On a September 24 conference call, Ohio Director of Aging Ursel McElroy and Director of Medicaid Maureen Corcoran announced their intent to increase rates for Ohio’s Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) and PASSPORT personal care services rates by 3.25%.

09/25/2019

CMS Open Door Forum Discusses PDGM, Authority to Sanction Providers, and More

The Home Health, Hospice & Durable Medical Equipment Open Door Forum held by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on September 18 covered a variety of issues pertaining to the home health and hospice industry.

09/25/2019

In-Demand Jobs Survey Offers Chance to Elevate Aging Services, Survey Closes September 30

The Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation has launched an In-Demand Jobs Survey so that businesses can provide more insight to Ohio’s workforce needs.

09/18/2019

ODM Reports on Eligibility Backlog at Monthly Meeting

At its September meeting with the Ohio Department of Medicaid, representatives from ODM reported that the Medicaid pending numbers had shrunk to 20,000 pending cases beyond 45 days, down from nearly quadruple that number one year ago.

09/18/2019

Free Training: Creating a Culture of Person-Directed Dementia Care

The Ohio Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman and The Eden Alternative have collaborated on a grant project allowing Ohio nursing home providers, state surveyors and ombudsman to create well-being for those living with dementia and hone leadership skills.

09/18/2019

Updated Roadmap to Behavioral Health

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration have updated the Roadmap to Behavioral Health.

09/18/2019

ODH Meeting at LeadingAge Ohio October 22 - Members Encouraged to Attend!

LeadingAge Ohio will be hosting a meeting with the Ohio Department of Health on October 22 to focus on emergency preparedness and life safety code topics.

09/18/2019

LeadingAge Ohio 2020 Membership Renewal to Launch Next Week

As you review your 2020 budget, don’t forget to include your membership dues with LeadingAge Ohio.

09/11/2019

Hospice Room and Board Clarification – Working with Medicaid Managed Care Plans

Due to guidance Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) received from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), effective July 1, 2019 Medicaid Managed Care and MyCare Ohio plans were required to make room and board payments to hospice providers directly for individuals residing in a nursing facility.

09/06/2019

LeadingAge Ohio Special E-Bulletin: 2019 Annual Conference Recap

LeadingAge Ohio welcomed over 600 attendees from across the state of Ohio last week for the 2019 LeadingAge Ohio Annual Conference and Trade Show. This year’s theme, “What If”, sought to spark our imagination about what’s possible when we open our minds to dream big, without limits.

09/04/2019

HUD Releases 2020 Fair Market Rents

The US Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) recently released the 2020 Fair Market Rents (FMRs), which will become effective October 1, 2019 unless HUD receives a valid request for reevaluation of specific area FMRs.

09/04/2019

LeadingAge Congressional Update to Relaunch

The LeadingAge Member Congressional Update call was cancelled for August due to the Congressional recess and will be relaunched in September on Thursday, 9/26.

09/04/2019

LeadingAge Ohio Welcomes Two New Members to Board of Directors, Honors Two Outgoing Board Members

At its Annual Meeting on August 27, LeadingAge Ohio recognized the service of two long-term Board members as their terms on the LeadingAge Ohio Board of Directors ended.

08/29/2019

MyCare Ohio Demonstration: Early Successes and Stakeholder Insights on Integrating Care for Dually Eligible Beneficiaries

To provide more integrated, coordinated care for its residents who are dually eligible for Medicare and Medicaid, Ohio is operating a demonstration under the Financial Alignment Initiative offered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

08/21/2019

New SNF PDPM Videos Released

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) have released two videos to help facilities prepare for the change to Patient-driven Payment Model (PDPM) on October 1.

08/21/2019

Provider Preview Reports Available

The Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports have been released.

08/21/2019

Make Your Voice Heard at Town Hall

At next week’s LeadingAge Ohio Annual Conference and Trade Show, Ohio Medicaid Director Maureen Corcoran will join LeadingAge Ohio President/CEO Kathryn Brod to hear your most pressing concerns at the annual Town Hall on Thursday, August 29 from 8:30-9:45am.

08/14/2019

Review Choice Demonstration to Begin in Ohio on September 30

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) recently announced that the next state to participate in the Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) is Ohio and it will begin on September 30.

08/14/2019

Update on the OIG Report on Potential Abuse or Neglect of Patients

Earlier in July, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report, CMS Could Use Medicare Data to Identify Instances of Potential Abuse or Neglect, discussing how the OIG identified potential cases of abuse or neglect utilizing diagnosis codes on claims for beneficiaries treated in emergency rooms.