WALA News for October 12, 2006
- WALA Managed Care Seminar Filling Up Fast!
- BQA To Become OQA
- New Memo Clarifies Medication Review for CBRFs
- UW Alzheimer's Program in Madison Nov. 10
- WALA at The Bog An Unprecedented Success!
- Guardianship Conference in Neenah Nov. 7
- Learn About Counseling Families Nov. 2
- End-of-Life Conference in Oconomowoc Nov. 7
1. WALA Managed Care Seminar Filling Up Fast!
If you haven't yet registered for "The Future of Funding: Managed Care" on Friday, October 20 in Wisconsin Dells, what are you waiting for? Over 130 attendees have already registered for this all-day program discussing how the statewide expansion of Family Care will impact you and your residents. Managed care is coming to Wisconsin, and WALA will help put you ahead of the game.
The early bird deadline has passed-but if you mention this Blast you can still sign up for the early bird rate of $120 for WALA members and $170 for non-members! Learn more about our speakers and download a registration form on our website.
2. BQA To Become OQA
Reorganization within the Department of Health and Family Services will raise the profile of long-term care within the Department. On October 15, the Bureau of Quality Assurance will be moved out of the Division of Disability and Elder Services and become of the Office of Quality Assurance (OQA). Otis Woods, the current BQA Director, will report directly to the DHFS Secretary as OQA Director. There are currently no changes planned in how BQA/OQA is organized. [Read the full memo on the change - BQA 06-023]
3. New Memo Clarifies Medication Review for CBRFs
A new memo from the Bureau of Quality Assurance discusses the review of medication orders and administration in community-based residential facilities. HFS 83.33(3)(a)(2) requires administrators to arrange regular reviews of resident medication regimens and the facility's medication administration practices. BQA 06-021 allows physicians and pharmacists to review a resident's medications at their place of work, by looking at written records-prescriptions, orders, etc.-and submitting a written report to the facility. It also states that an on-site review of proper medication administration must accompany the annual written review, and discusses reporting requirements for on-site reviews. The full text of the memo is available on the web.
4. UW Alzheimer's Program in Madison Nov. 10
The Alzheimer's Institute at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health will present its "Alzheimer's Disease: Annual Update" on Friday, November 10 at the Concourse Hotel in Madison. This all-day program is intended for nurses, primary care physicians and other health professionals with a clinical background. It features some of the latest research in Alzheimer's care and treatment from nationally recognized experts.
Registration is $95 for nurses and other health professionals, and $145 for physicians.
5. WALA at The Bog An Unprecedented Success!
Although the day turned blustery, the rain held off and helped make WALA at The Bog, the 10th annual Autumn Classic golf tournament, our most successful ever! 140 assisted living providers and partners enjoyed a round of golf on this nationally recognized, Arnold Palmer-designed course north of Milwaukee on September 18. WALA would like to thank all our sponsors and participants for their support, as well as our excellent hosts at The Bog.
Don't worry if you missed out-we invite you to join us next year as we return to The Bog! Mark your calendar: September 17, 2007.
6. Guardianship Conference in Neenah Nov. 7
The Wisconsin Guardianship Association will present their 2006 educational conference on Tuesday, November 7 at the Best Western Bridgewood hotel in Neenah. This all-day conference begins with a keynote address on new changes to Wisconsin's guardianship law enacted over the summer. It will also feature breakout sessions on ethics, abuse and resident rights.
The cost is $75 for non-WGA members and $50 for members. For more information or registration contact Mary Hammer of Professional Guardianships, Inc. at progrdinc@aol.com or 920/499-4431.
7. Learn About Counseling Families Nov. 2
WALA member Oak Hill Terrace and UW-Milwaukee will present a half-day workshop entitled "How to Talk with Difficult Elderly Parents" on Thursday, November 2. This course for social workers, admissions counselors and other long-term care support staff will share strategies for successfully counseling potential residents and their families through the process of moving into a long-term care setting.
Registration is $40. For more information, contact Oak Hill Terrace at 262/548-1457.
8. End-of-Life Conference in Oconomowoc Nov. 7
Join Faith In Action, Rainbow Hospice Care and Forth HealthCare on Tuesday, November 7 as they present their 3rd annual conference on Partnering for Excellence in End-of-Life Care. Held at the Olympia Resort in Oconomowoc, this full-day conference will feature a variety of speakers and breakout sessions addressing the clinical, social and spiritual challenges of caring for older adults in their final days. There are a variety of registration options, including full- and half-day attendance.
Lots of conferences and seminars coming up - don't forget to vote November 7!
