Volume XXXI, Number 3
March 2016

Prepare for QIES Downtime
March 16-21

Home health agencies need to prepare for an extended downtime of the QIES systems which will run from 8 p.m. (Eastern Time) March 16, 2016, through 11:59 p.m. (Eastern Time) March 21, 2016. CMS has posted notices on the affected systems.

The following will not be available during this downtime:

• The national OASIS database

• CASPER

• CASPER reports

• The OASIS submission system

• The QIES User Maintenance system

Home health agencies will not be able to transmit any type of OASIS assessment during this time, including new assessments, modifications or inactivations.

Home health agencies are reminded that OASIS assessments are required to be submitted within 30 days of M0090 (date assessment completed).

Questions can be referred to the OASIS Helpdesk at 512-438-4122.

President’s Report

• Early and Often

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 Legislative Update

• Senate Panel Urged to Address Workforce Crisis

• THCA Endorsed Candidates Sweep Primary Contests

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 Commitment to Care

• Member Alert: DADS Has Identified Issues with the PASRR Process That May Affect You

• CMS Announces Six New Quality Measures

• Time is Running Out to Sign Up For the Eden Alternative Grant Projects

• Register Now for the 2016 Nursing Facility DON Training Academy

• Provider Surveys: DADS is Looking for Your Input on Training Topics

• New Antipsychotic Webinars Now Available (And Catch Up on Older Ones)

• Archived DADS QMP Webinar on Physicians and Antipsychotics

• Prepare for QIES Downtime March 16-21

If you have any questions about the THCA Commitment to Care Initiative or would like to share your facilities successes please contact Gloria Bean-Williams by email or call (512) 458-1257.

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State / THCA News

• HHSC Implements New System for Medicaid Cost Reporting

• QIPP Program Likely to be Postponed

• TMHP Schedules System Maintenance

• DADS Provides New Information on Handguns in ALFs

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National / AHCA News

• Payroll Based Journal — Are You Providing Your Data?

• Emergency Preparedness Checklist

• Shelter in Place Guide

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Announcements & Recognition

• 2016 Spring Conference Sponsorships

• Welcome THCA’s Newest Associate Business Members!

• March Healthcare Observances

• National Nursing Home Week
  “It’s a Small World with a Big Heart”
  May 8-14, 2016

2016 THCA Membership Directory and Resource Guide COMING SOON!

Hard copies scheduled to be mailed out later this month, with a digital copy to be posted on our website mid-April!

 Visit, Like and Follow THCA….

Are you familiar with THCA’s Website, Facebook Page & Twitter Account? We utilize these portals to provide information & tools for long term care providers / caregivers, family members, LTC advocates, and to share the wonderful events, celebrations, etc. that take place in Texas Nursing, Rehabilitation & Assisted Living facilities!

Visit our Website, “Like” our Facebook page and “Follow” us on Twitter! And please encourage your staff to as well!

THCA Web Site 

Find us on Facebook

Follow us on Twitter

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THCAPAC

• $500 Club Fundraising Goals

• 2016 “Golf Fore PAC” Tournament Dates & Locations Announced!

?’s About THCAPAC…Contact Us

Ron Payne,
THCAPAC Co-Chair

Mark McKenzie,
THCAPAC Co-Chair

Gina Muniz,
THCAPAC Liaison

Scot Kibbe,
THCAPAC Liaison

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Region News

• Spread the Word: Vaccines Are Not Just for Little Ones

• Messages from the Regions

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Education

• THCA 2016 Spring Conference and Resource Fair

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Calendar

• March 2016

• April 2016