Volume XXX, Number 4,
 April 2015

“ALL ABOARD THE T.R.A.I.N!” – Strategies to stay on track managing antipsychotic (AP) drug usage webinar slated for May 8th

Nursing facility providers are invited to participate in a webinar about Antipsychotic (AP) Drug Coding and Care Clarifications on May 8, 2015 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Central Time. The event is hosted by a DADS Pharmacist Quality Monitor and the MDS Clinical Coordinator for Texas.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Registered providers will be sent an email with instructions on how to log-in to the webinar.

Topics will include:

• AP Coding on the MDS by Drug Classification (with examples)

• Diagnosis coding in Section I (that relate/impact AP drug use and Quality Measure (QM) reporting)

• AP Long and Short Stay QM specifications

• Appropriate Use of AP

• Inappropriate Use of AP

• Drug Reduction/Elimination of AP

• Q&A

Who should attend – Nursing Facility nursing staff, Director and Assistant Director of Nurses; Administrators; MDS coordinators; Medical Directors, Physicians who prescribe antipsychotics for individuals in Nursing Facilities, and Pharmacists.

President’s Report

• Budgets are moving……collective voices must be heard

Legislative Update

• State budget on the move in both chambers

• Compromise on three strikes bill moves out of the Senate

• THCA opposes bill allowing guns in nursing homes

• THCA members lobby legislators for long term care

Commitment to Care

• Commitment to Care update

State News

• THCA analysis of survey activity and deficiencies – 1st Quarter FY 2015

• “All aboard the T.R.A.I.N.” – Strategies to stay on track managing antipsychotic (AP) drug usage webinar slated for May 8th

• Activity Professional award winners being recognized at the THCA Spring Conference

• Distribution of resident days by RUG level

Federal News

• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) MDS focused dementia care surveys

• AHCA issues guidance on Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) delay

• Emergency preparedness guide for Assisted Living communities

Announcements & Recognitions

• National Nursing Home Week, May 10 – 15, 2015 – “BRING ON THE FIESTA!”

• THCA welcomes our newest facility members

• THCA facility contact information sheet

• THCA Facebook & Twitter pages

THCAPAC

• THCAPAC “500 Club”

• THCAPAC Spring golf tournament

• PAC special for Administrators & AL Managers at THCAPAC Spring golf tournament

Region News

• “A few thoughts from the business community”

• Donate items for our 2015 Spring fundraising silent auction

• Region meetings this month

• THCA contact information sheet

Education

• THCA Spring Conference and Resource Fair April 20-22, 2015 – Omni Barton Creek Conference Center
  Austin, Texas

• Attention Nurses!  2015 Spring Conference & Resource Fair

• Attention Activity Directors! 2015 Spring Conference & Resource Fair

• THCA 65th Annual Convention and Trade Show – “65: Commitment & Devotion” – September 21-24, 2015 – The Gaylord Texas – Grapevine, Texas – SAVE THE DATE

• DADS and DSHS conference: Infection Control in Long-term Care 2015

If you have suggestions for education sessions or questions about THCA education, please contact Sue Wilson at the THCA office swilson@txhca.org.

Calendar

• April 2015

• May 2015