Spread the word » Facebook Twitter

November 22, 2016

Summary of Key Changes in Revised Nursing Home Regulations

Consumer Voice has released a summary of the changes in the revised federal nursing home regulations related to Resident Rights; Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation; and Admission, Transfer and Discharge Rights.  This summary provides a brief overview of key changes in these three sections that will go into effect in Phase 1 on November 28, 2016.  It is designed to highlight what is different between the prior rule and the final rule.
 
This summary is the first in a series of resources we are developing to help you better understand the updated regulations and use them in your advocacy.  Stay tuned for additional summaries and materials!  

For more information about the nursing home requirements, click here.

Back to Top

Ombudsman References in Revised Nursing Home Regulations

The November 28 implementation date for Phase 1 of the revised regulations for nursing homes participating in Medicare and/or Medicaid programs is quickly approaching. A new side-by-side chart (available on the NORC website) includes references to the Ombudsman Program comparing the revised regulations and related language from the preamble to the current regulations. The chart shows which requirements are new and indicates whether the regulations are included in Phase 1 or 2 (Phase 2 must be implemented by November 28, 2017). CMS recently released an advance copy of revisions to the State Operations Manual (SOM), Appendix PP with the revised regulations and tags (see this memo for more details).

Back to Top

CMS Publishes Online Training for Phase 1 Requirements of New Nursing Home Regulations

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services published on-demand, online training related to the Phase 1 requirements available for providers on the CMS website. CMS developed online training for regional offices, state survey agencies, providers and other stakeholders on the new Nursing Home Regulations, including information about Phase 1 of the new regulations.  All Long Term Care surveyors are required to complete the training in order to be able to conduct any LTC surveys after November 28, 2016.  Read the memo from CMS here.

Back to Top

Guides for States on Implementing HCBS Rules

Consumer Voice and Justice in Aging created two guides on how the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) rules can be used to improve services for older persons. These guides are meant to assist state advocates as they develop "transition plans" to implement new federal rules and set policy in that state for 2019 and into the future. "Medicaid’s New Rule to Promote Independence and Choice for Persons Receiving HCBS" provides an overview of the rule, with a focus on HCBS for older persons. "Applying the New Federal HCBS Rules to Adult Day Centers" examines how the HCBS rules can improve services provided in those settings.

Back to Top

November is National Family Caregivers Month

November is National Family Caregivers Month.  This year's theme is "Take Care to Give Care," reminding all caregivers that the first rule of taking care of others is to take care of yourself first.  It's important for caregivers to pay attention to their own physical and mental wellness; only by taking care of yourself can you be strong enough to take care of your loved one.

The Administration on Community Living recently released a report of a Process Evaluation of the Older Americans Act Title III-E National Family Caregiver Support Program (NFCSP).  The NFCSP includes information & referral/assistance (I&R/A) services, and the report found that I&R/A "are the most foundational support services to caregivers who are among the most frequent seekers and users of such services."  Read the full report here.

Back to Top

n4a Launches Campaign to Prevent Social Isolation Among Older Adults

The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a), in collaboration with AARP Foundation, launched a national campaign to raise awareness of social isolation and loneliness affecting older adults.  The topic is the focus of Eldercare Locator's annual Home for the Holidays Campaign, which runs through January 2017. n4a has created a toolkit with materials to help spread the word about the campaign.  Plus, you can order the brochure "Expand Your Circles: Prevent Isolation and Loneliness As You Age" with tips and resources to help older adults reduce their risk and take steps to get reconnected if they are already isolated.   For more information, read the article in USA Today.

Back to Top



Spotlight on Educational Resources

The Consumer Voice and the National Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC) have a multitude of resources available online covering a wide range of long-term care topics.  Visit the Consumer Voice website and the NORC website to explore all the available resources.  Take a look at this week's highlighted resource:

Home and Community Based Services - NORC's page on HCBS provides information on federal and state programs supporting these services and resources for ombudsmen as well as resources for consumers.

Back to Top


In this Issue

Summary of Key Changes in Revised Nursing Home Regulations

Ombudsman References in Revised Nursing Home Regulations

CMS Publishes Online Training for Phase 1 Requirements of New Nursing Home Regulations

Guides for States on Implementing HCBS Rules

November is National Family Caregivers Month

n4a Launches Campaign to Prevent Social Isolation in Older Adults


Spotlight on Educational Resources


Combined Federal Campaign

#10552

Thank you for your support!


Calendar of Events

Tuesday, November 29: #GivingTuesday

November 8-11, 2017: Consumer Voice 41st Annual Conference, Arlington, VA


Join the conversation and follow us on social media!

Last Week's Most Popular Post:

Wednesday, November 16:
ICYMI Check out our incredible Leadership Award Winners

Last Week's Most Popular Tweet:

 
Tuesday, November 15
:
CV and @NCEAatUSC created a helpful fact sheet providing an overview of the long-term care ombudsman program


Long-Term Care Resources & News



Read past issues of The Voice here.


Support the Consumer Voice While You Shop Online

About The Voice

The Voice is a weekly e-newsletter, published by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. If you do not wish to continue receiving this publication, please unsubscribe below. Your contributions and comments are welcome and should be sent to info@theconsumervoice.org. Copyright © 2016.

If you did not receive The Voice through a subscription, but would like to join our mailing list to receive future issues, click here.

Consumer Voice is the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure that consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves. We are a primary source of information and tools for consumers, families, caregivers, advocates and ombudsmen to help ensure quality care for the individual. Consumer Voice's mission is to represent consumers at the national level for quality long-term care, services and supports.


Click here to unsubscribe