For Immediate Release
April 1, 2024 | Volume 9, Issue No. 14
TOP STORIES:
State Budget Will Be Delayed, Key Home Care, MLTC, Hospice Issues Still Unresolved
Much like last year, while the State Budget was due today, April 1st, it will be delayed once again. There are many issues still being negotiated by the Executive and both houses of the legislature—both in and outside of the healthcare space.
Registration Is Now Open for the 2024 Annual Conference
This year, we are packing in all the fun and education over two days. Join us in person for our premier event offering enrichment in areas of organizational development, leadership, strategic planning, and more!
HCA Buffalo Area Member Visit - April 18
One of the hallmarks of HCA membership has been our Member Visit Program – we are excited to be coming to Western New York to meet with you and your team.
CMS Issues Proposed FY 2025 Hospice Payment Rule
The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its hospice proposed rule (CMS–1810-P) to update the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 (October 1, 2024 through September 30, 2025) Medicare payment rates and the wage index for hospices serving Medicare beneficiaries.
Change Healthcare Cyber Incident Update
In order to help providers manage the impact of the Change Healthcare cyber attack, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has compiled information, resources, and tools from health plans and payers for providers in need of assistance.
DOH Releases Telehealth Provider Survey Results
The Telehealth Provider Survey results are now available on the New York State (NYS) Department of Health (DOH) Medicaid Telehealth website, via infographic.
Webinar Held on Home Care Cost Report Lessons Learned
On March 28, the state Department of Health (DOH) and it contractor, KPMG, held a webinar on lessons learned from the 2021 Medicaid Home Care Cost Report that reviewed common issues and errors identified throughout the 2022 Home Care Cost Report submission and audit process and actions to take for the next Cost Report.
Update on Revisions to Home Health Agencies – Appendix B of the State Operations Manual
As noted in the March 18 Situation Report, the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has posted revisions to Home Health Agencies (HHA) – Appendix B of the State Operations Manual (SOM).
Join HCA in DC at NAHC's Federal Advocacy Program: April 16-17
HCA will work with our federal advocacy firm, Envision Strategies, to schedule multiple meetings with the New York Congressional Delegation on April 17, where HCA staff and members can urge our representatives to take action to fight unwise Medicare payment rate cuts and expand access to quality care in the home, as well as ensure any new program integrity measures in the hospice benefit are targeted measures which do not impact all providers.
*NEW* Mandated Reporter Training Required of Covered Professions
Chapter 56 of the Laws of 2021 amended Social Services Law § 413 to require additional training to include protocols to reduce implicit bias in decision-making processes, strategies for identifying adverse childhood experiences, and guidelines to assist in recognizing signs of abuse or maltreatment while interacting virtually within the New York State Mandated Identification and Reporting of Child Abuse and Maltreatment/Neglect coursework.
New York State Enacts The Freelance Isn’t Free Act
In November 2023, Governor Hochul signed legislation that amends Section 191-d of the New York State Labor Law and is intended to provide independent contractors in New York with more protections and enforceable rights against those that hire them, known as the “Freelance Isn’t Free Act” (“Act”).
Article Contributed & Authored By: Frank J. Fanshawe, Partner, Matthew L. Hosford, Partner and Amber A. Jones, Law Clerk, all at Lippes Mathias LLP
NAHC Releases New Agency Resource to Advance Workplace Safety
As part of the industry’s continued efforts to prevent workplace violence against the valued members of our home care and hospice workforce, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice has launched a new online resource for workplace safety.
Looking for More on Artificial Intelligence After Last Week's Webinar? Join Us in May
Last week, National Artificial Intelligence expert, Tom Kitchen, MECM, manager of emergency management, for The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, provided an overview of how AI-driven solutions are reshaping the way healthcare systems and professionals prepare for and respond to emergencies, whether they are natural disasters, pandemics, or other crises. Join HCA in Saratoga May 8th for more on AI in healthcare!
National Weather Service Changes
This is important as providers should be using the NWS tools for their emergency preparedness activities.
New Guidance Released: Total Solar Eclipse Affecting New York State, April 8th
The entire event will last around 2 ½ hours, but the travel to and throughout NYS is anticipated to have tremendous impacts on the roads and travel time.
NAHC Releases New Agency Resource to Advance Workplace Safety
As part of the industry’s continued efforts to prevent workplace violence against the valued members of our home care and hospice workforce, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice has launched a new online resource for workplace safety.
CDC Issues Measles & Meningococcal Disease Health Advisories
Given the highly contagious nature of measles, healthcare professionals are urged to take immediate actions to prevent further spread and to manage exposures effectively.
Final Rule Clarifies Employee Representation during OSHA Inspections
On March 29, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a final rule clarifying the rights of employees to authorize a representative to accompany an Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance officer during an inspection of their workplace will be published in the Federal Register on April 1.
COVID-19 and Vaccine Hotlines to End
On March 26, the state Department of Health issued an Informational Message to notify providers that it’s COVID-19 hotline [1-888-364-3065] and Vaccine hotline [1- 833-NYS-4-VAX (1-833-697-4829)] will no longer be in service effective 5:00 pm on Friday, March 29, 2024.
Updated Screening Test Requirements for Hepatitis C
Last week, the state Department of Health (DOH) posted a “Dear Colleague Letter” stating that, beginning May 3, 2024, New York State will require that all persons 18 years of age and older and persons under the age of 18 with a risk, be offered a screening test for hepatitis C. These new requirements align New York State with the current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HCV screening recommendations.
Member Spotlight: Alima Scringer
Alima Scringer, RN, Clinical Improvement Manager with St. Mary's Health Systems talks with H
The training is entirely free, and we urge your participation in this national effort to combat sepsis — a national public health crisis that is the number one cause of death in hospitals and readmissions.
Help Us Help You! Take The HCA 2024 Member Profile Survey
In an effort to better serve all of our members, please complete this brief short survey for our data purposes. In turn, you will get improved recommendations, faster and complete responses, and new connections with your fellow HCA members - all if you answer just a few questions that won't take more than five minutes of your time.
Empowering Providers To Enhance Patient Care
ACHC and HCA are partnering to meet the needs of home health, hospice, private duty, palliative care, and home infusion therapy providers seeking accreditation.
The Home Care Association of New York State Education and Research (HCA E&R) has several free resources available for use and reference.
Now Available! 2024 HCA Marketing Prospectus
Only two “Winners Circle” sponsorships remain and include a premier exhibit location. Lots of great tabletop locations available in our new exhibit area!
Stay up to date on upcoming dates/requirements that impact home care, hospices and managed long term care plans.