Thanks to everyone who came out last week for the whirlwind state regional roundtable tour (Wichita, Cimarron, Oakley, Abilene and Olathe) last week. Highlights of topics on the minds of attendees:
- Workforce challenges including, recruiting of licensed nurses and not enough nursing school slots due to faculty and clinical site shortages. Appreciation was expressed for all of the workforce tools and resources available from LeadingAge Kansas and LeadingAge National. Rachel encouraged everyone to contact Congress to support the CNA Training Lock-Out Bill, for which Congressman Ron Estes is a primary sponsor.
- A general sense that the new Medicaid eligibility process is an improvement over the prior system. Some members had yet to be transitioned over to KDHE.
- PBJ and sharing of PBJ audit tips.
- The benefits, challenges and future of PEAK.
- Temporary staffing agency challenges. Rachel reported that the Board will consider spearheading legislation in 2020 on this topic.
- The new Consumer Red Flag Warning Icon on Nursing Home Compare was discussed. Staff encouraged members to tell CMS Administrator Seema Verma to repeal the Red Hand Icon
- Participants communicated their education needs and preferences for 2020.
- Continued challenges with the State Fire Marshal.
- Rachel asked for feedback on the nursing home bed tax to take to the Board as they develop the 2020 Legislative Agenda for the Association.
Staff provided:
- Demos on the searchability feature on www.leadingagekansas.org.
- A sneak peek at the new Medicaid Cost Report Navigator.
- An overview of Legislative priorities from 2019 and what may be ahead for 2020.
LeadingAge Kansas Regional Roundtable are held semi-annually around the state as a way to communicate important information and foster networking and sharing among members.
