WALA News for Jan 5, 2007

  1. Final Draft of HFS-83 Released
  2. WALA Conference Agendas In The Mail
  3. Norovirus Outbreaks Hit Wisconsin
  4. New DHFS Secretary Takes Office
  5. Room Still Available for Independent Selling, Administrator Courses

1. Final Draft of HFS-83 Released

After years of hard work and preparation, the final draft rule of HFS-83 has been completed. Changes since the June 2006 draft are relatively few in number, but there are some significant differences. These include:

The CBRF breakout session at the January 9 Assisted Living Forum in Madison will feature an opportunity to comment on this version of the rule. Review the draft on the WALA website at http://www.ewala.org/insider/index.cfm and send your comments to dbush@ewala.org. Public hearings around the state will be announced in the near future; WALA will publicize the hearing schedule as it is released.

2. WALA Conference Agendas In The Mail

The agenda for our 11th annual Spring Conference, "Independence with Dignity and Respect: Resident Directed Care" is complete and will be arriving in your mailbox shortly. We have a number of different tracks this year for clinicians, leaders, AFH operators, along with a NEW one-day caregiver track featuring special programming and rates. Join us for our special pre-conference on "Training the Non-Nurse to Identify and Respond" and the ever-popular tradeshow. WALA's Spring Conference runs from Tuesday, March 27 through Thursday, March 29 at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison.

3. Norovirus Outbreaks Hit Wisconsin

A number of outbreaks of norovirus have recently been reported in Dane County. Also known as "stomach flu," the virus has hit three Madison-area nursing homes-St. Mary's, The Willows and Sunny Hill-and the Veterans Hospital. DHFS is reminding providers that the best way to combat this illness is regular hand washing. As a reminder, good hand washing entails:

An OQA memo on norovirus will be forthcoming in the next week.

4. New DHFS Secretary Takes Office

Former DHFS Secretary Helene Nelson stepped down from her position over the holidays. She is being replaced by Kevin Hayden, administrator of the DHFS Division of Health Care Financing. Before that he was president and chief administrative officer of Dean Health Systems for nine years. Hayden will take office on Monday.

5. Room Still Available for Independent Selling, Administrator Courses

If you have not yet registered for WALA's first two programs of 2007, don't worry-we still have room!

"Relationship-Based Sales for Independent Senior Apartments" on January 23 in Pewaukee is WALA's first foray into the growing independent market. Nationally recognized trainer and consultant David Smith, of St. Louis-based One On One, will present his unique and highly effective relationship-based sales technique. Early bird registration for $225 is still available, but only through Wednesday!

Our "Administrators & Management Intensive" on February 6 and 7 in Milwaukee brings back this popular course for an eighth year. A team of four experienced administrators and leaders will provide the skills for effectively running an assisted living facility. This program is great for new administrators or old hands looking for a refresher. Early bird registration is $300 for WALA members and $350 for non-members through January 19, plus a 10% discount for providers north of highway 10!

These programs are filling up fast! Details and registration are available on the WALA website: http://www.ewala.org/events2/events_main.cfm

 


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