WALA News for Sept 25, 2009
1. Watch for the WALA Compensation Survey in the coming month.
Have you ever wondered what and how other providers are compensating their staff around Wisconsin? WALA has been working months on a Survey that will give you the information that you have been seeking! We are asking all Wisconsin providers to fill out this survey, and in turn, for a small fee, you will be able to obtain a report that has Wisconsin specific salary and benefit information.
Within a couple of weeks, you will get more information on the survey, and how you will be able to participate. Keep an eye open for this in your mail!
2. Flu Information: How to Order H1N1 Vaccine
Information from WI Division of Public Health:
The following is important information for all DQA Licensed Facilities on how to order H1N1 Vaccine for your healthcare workers and patients/residents who are in any of the fiver target groups. For further information or questions, please contact DHSWIpanflu@wisconsin.gov. Be sure to include your name, title, organization, city, telephone number and email address.
3. New DQA Memos
Please visit the link below to view DQA Memo 09-038/ Physician Assistant Prescribing Rule Changes.
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/rl_dsl/Publications/09-038.htm
The purpose of this memo is to inform facilities regulated by the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) about the "Physician Assistant Prescribing Rule Changes" in chapter Med 8 of the Wisconsin Administrative Code (Med 8). Included in this memo are answers to questions that may arise regarding the rule changes.
4. ALFA/ CEAL is looking for your help.
ALFA, as part of The Center for Excellence in Assisted Living (CEAL), and in collaboration with 24 assisted living and aging-related organizations, is working with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality on a three phase project that ultimately will provide information to help consumers decide which assisted living communities to visit as part of the process in selecting a residence. The link below is a draft provider survey that is the culmination of the first phase of the project, and ALFA would like your feedback on this draft survey. The remainder of this memo provides information about the overall project to help you better understand the intent of the provider survey.
Some of you are more familiar with this survey than others because you have been participating on one of the many work groups involved in drafting this document. However at this juncture it is critical that we all get involved and provide as much feedback as possible on this draft tool. Some assisted living providers have tested it and found that it can take almost an hour or longer to complete. Others have suggested that some of the questions are not relevant to consumers. You should review the survey and comment based on your expertise, ask your provider members for comments, and If possible you may want to ask some consumers for input as well.
There is a form in the attached memo that should be used to send me comments. Please send your comments to mbersani@alfa.org by COB Monday October 5 th.
As a reminder, this form is not going to be mandated for use by providers; however it is the intent of AHRQ that most providers will choose to use it.
Assisted Living Survey, Request for Feedback
Assisted Living Draft Survey, September 2009
5. DQAs Pre-Admission Requirements and the Survey Process
The Division of Quality Assurance is providing the following information to you regarding the Pre-admission (PAC) requirements and the survey process.
PREADMISSION (PAC) REQUIREMENTS
FOR CBRFs, NURSING HOMES and RCACs
On July 1, 2009, new requirements went into effect for CBRFs, nursing homes and RCACs to make referrals on behalf of and to provide information to prospective residents about the services of the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) or the local human services department. The information and referral requirements are often referred to as the Preadmission Consultation (PAC) requirements.
The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) published informational memorandums on June 19, 2009, to CBRFs, nursing homes, and RCACs informing them of the PAC requirements. The DQA memos can be found at the following links:
For CBRFs: http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Publications/09-023.htm
For RCACs: http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Publications/09-024.htm
For nursing homes: http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Publications/09-025.htm
Beginning October 1, 2009, DQA surveyors will monitor for compliance with the PAC requirements as a standard part of the survey process. Monitoring will occur on a statewide basis in all CBRFs, nursing homes and RCACs. As a part of the review process, DQA staff will look for evidence of a timely referral made to the ADRC or to the county human services department using the Referral for Pre-Admission Consultation form (DQA form F-62493). The referral form and instructions are available online at: http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/forms/DQAnum.asp A current list of counties where Family Care is available can be found at the following link:
http://dhs.wisconsin.gov/ltcare/Generalinfo/Where.htm#counties
If you have questions about this information, please contact the following person for the region in which your facility is located based on your facility type:
- For CBRFs and RCACs, the Assisted Living Regional Director; and
- For nursing homes, the Regional Field Operations Director.
6. Training Opportunity for CBRFs
CBRFs, are you interested in more information on 83.21 All Employee Training on the new requirement for challenging behaviors on the topic of suicide prevention? This seminar will provide additional information on identifying and treating depression. The organizers say this is worthwhile for ALL client groups, not just DD.
Non-chemical Approaches to Treating Depression
When: October 23, 2009 9:00 a.m. - Noon
Where: MCFI Lower Level Conference Room
2020 W. Wells St.
Milwaukee, WI 53206
Fee: $20 per person / $25 at the door
Presenter: Linda Draayers
Summary of Presentation: Depression is projected to be the second leading cause of death in the United States by the year 2020. It affects approximately 19 million Americans or 9.5% of the population 18 years of age and older in a given year. This training will identify the signs, symptoms and types of depression and ways to treat depression that are non-chemical in nature.
Contact person: Linda Draayers at 414-433-1210 ext. 101 or ldraayers@choiceonemail.com for questions or special accommodations.
