WALA News for Sept 5, 2007

  1. Bill Sends "Keep Out" Message To Providers
  2. Budget Standoff Continues; Medicaid Funding Threatened
  3. Golf With WALA In Two Weeks
  4. New Head For BOALTC
  5. WALA Risk Management Regional Seminar Oct. 1-8
  6. Memo Reviews DNR Orders
  7. WALA Store Now Online

1. Bill Sends "Keep Out" Message To Providers

A draft bill circulating among legislators in the State Capitol would tighten restrictions on small providers. Sponsored by Sen. Alberta Darling (R-River Hills) and Rep. Jim Ott (R-Meqon), the bill was developed in response to a group of Mequon homeowners who object to the establishment of an adult family home in their neighborhood.

Current law requires that CBRF developers make a "good faith effort" to establish a community advisory committee (CAC) which provides a forum for stakeholders in the development and operation of the facility. It also requires the local planning agency to review potential hazards or concerns with the proposed CBRF and submit a report to BAL.

The bill would extend these requirements to adult family homes. Further, it would mandate the creation of a CAC, with community representatives appointed by the mayor or other head of municipal government. In addition to its role in the licensing process, the CAC would have to be consulted whenever the provider seeks license renewal or a change in client group.

WALA is opposed to this bill and will register against it when it is formally introduced. We are also setting up meetings with Darling and Ott, as well as the long-term care committee chairs, Sen. Tim Carpenter (D-Milwaukee) and Rep. John Townsend (R-Fond du Lac). Contact information for these legislators can be found on the Industry Insider page of our website.

2. Budget Standoff Continues; Medicaid Funding Threatened

As of today, Sept. 4, the Wisconsin biennial budget is 66 days late with no resolution in sight. Last Wednesday, the Department of Administration ordered DHFS to develop a plan to hold back 20% of Medicaid expenditures. Payments to providers would be partially delayed until the budget is finally adopted. DOA claims it is necessary "to maintain the integrity of the state's finances," while legislative Republicans counter that it is a political ploy that exploits vulnerable adults.

Contact information for the Governor and Budget Conference Committee is available on the Industry Insider page.

3. Golf With WALA In Two Weeks

Our Autumn Classic is coming up fast! Join us at The Bog in Saukville, north of Milwaukee, on September 17 for a day of world-class golf and networking. Enjoy the free beverage carts, games and contests throughout the course, and our closing dinner and raffle. Individual registrations are $185, and we still have sponsorships available. To register, visit www.ewala.org or call us at 608/288-0246.

4. New Head For BOALTC

The Board on Aging and Long-Term Care has chosen Heather Bruemmer to succeed longtime chief George Potaracke, who is retiring just after the first of next year. Ms. Bruemmer has led the LTC Ombudsman Program of BOALTC for the last couple of years, instituting a major expansion of the Volunteer Ombudsmen. She takes over on January 7.

5. WALA Risk Management Regional Seminar Oct. 1-8

WALA's fall regional seminar, "'It' Happened...Now What?: Risk Management in a Managed Care Environment," is coming to YOU! We're bringing this full day of regulatory updates and resources for managing your risk to all five BAL regions. Our expert presenters will explore how Family Care expansion will require you to keep a better handle on risk, and what to do when a negative incident occurs in your building.

Registration is $125 for WALA members and $200 for non-members through September 15. Call 608/288-0246 or visit www.ewala.org for registration and more information.

6. Memo Reviews DNR Orders

A new DQA memo, 07-014, reviews the requirements for Do-Not-Resuscitate orders. It links to the DNR page on the Division of Public Health website.

7. WALA Store Now Online

We are pleased to announce the official launch of the new WALA Store, available on our www.ewala.org website. It integrates online registration for WALA events with purchase of WALA resources and training materials. There are some exclusive FREE goodies as well! You will need your eWALA member login to use the Store. We will be mailing out usernames and passwords in the next couple of weeks, or call us at 608/288-0246 if you would like your login information sooner.

 

 


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