Volume 11, Number 22 — February  16, 2022



Dear Healthcare at Home Colleague,

Quite a bit of important news came out of last week's Home Care 100 meeting in Scottsdale. We will cover it over the next couple of issues. This week, the moment that had everyone talking occurred during the opening panel discussion. Look to our lead article, "Shock and Awe at Homecare 100," to read about the LHC Group executive who finally said aloud about Medicare Advantage what everyone has been whispering for years.

We also covered the closing session, Lincoln Healthcare Leadership's annual exposition of new technology companies. Without a doubt, at least two or three of this year's seven innovative technologies will support your efforts to recruit staff, streamline workflow, and improve worker and patient satisfaction.

 

 

More Recruiting and Retention Help

Over the last three years, in response to a problem that pre-dates the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, we have focused on your nurse and non-medical caregiver shortage. We have published multiple product reviews, offering our readers potential solutions. Today, with the situation getting worse instead of better, we have decided to step up our efforts. This year, we are compiling a comprehensive list of technology companies that say their products help with recruiting and retention, either directly or as a side effect of their primary function. We will not only describe these products here, but we will also feature them in the series of presentations we will be making at state and national association conferences throughout the year. This effort is described in this week's issue in the article titled, "Will We See You There?"

 

Hospital@Home: Friend or Foe?

Does the movement to provide hospital-level care in the home, by hospital personnel instead of Home Health nurses, supplement or replace your Home Health services? Staff writer Darcey Trescone takes a close look at the movement and offers some foundational background. It would be wise to keep an eye on these new in-home care providers. We will help.

 

 

Court Slams Door Shut on Closed HHA

Guest writer and veteran home care attorney Elizabeth Hogue describes a court case in the Midwest that reads like an Aesop's fable. Learn the moral of the story before it is too late. After a $1.26 million overpayment accusation, the HHA failed to file an appeal, went out of business, and later sued CMS for violating its civil rights. Read Elizabeth's analysis of the case in "CMS Puts Agency Out of Business, Court Approves."

 

Worth the Trip

It was great seeing so many friends and colleagues in Scottsdale last week. We are encouraged that in-person conferences may be returning in greater numbers in 2022. As soon as we get exact dates and locations, we will continue to list them in our "Upcoming Events" feature, below.

Have a great week. Keep making a difference!

Editor signature
Tim Rowan



Shock and Awe at Homecare 100
475 attendees too stunned to applaud.

Innovative Technologies Featured at Home Care 100 2022
Last week's Home Care 100 gathering concluded with demonstrations of seven new technology products. Whether you are Home Health, Hospice, or Home Care, at least two or three of them will improve your organization's operations.

What about Hospital at Home? What is going on?
Hospital@Home, friend or competitor?

Will We See You There?
We are spreading the word at this year's conferences about technologies that help with your staff shortage challenges.

CMS Puts Agency Out of Business, Court Approves
HHA learned its lesson too late so that others can learn it. After failing to appeal an overpayment decision, this Indiana agency sued CMS. Judge said, "why didn't you appeal when you had the chance?"

Nevvon Lands Largest Contract to Date
Help at Home will use online training for 30,000 caregivers.



During the 1st Quarter of 2023, web sites of the above advertisers were visited by home care and hospice executives and staff 4163 times.

To inquire about placing your message here, contact:

Kristin@rowanresources.com

As of this date, approximately 44,715,000 Baby Boomers have become Medicare eligible.

 

Last Week's Most-Read Stories:

Nursing Autonomy and Shared Governance Improve Job Satisfaction
The secret to retaining good nurses is not limited to paying well. Darcey Trescone outlines what the experts say about how a Professional Practice Model empowers both recruiting and retention.

You Never Know Who Might Be A Real Hospice Worker
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here, we might as well dance. We found this story in the public domain and just had to share it with you. Is it true? Does that matter?




Upcoming Events

FREE WEBINAR: Combat the Great Resignation and Reduce Employee Turnover by 40%

Presented by: National Minority Health Association

Date: Tuesday, May 24

Time: 10:00 AM Pacific; 1:00 PM Eastern 

Information and Registration

 

Agenda
As organizations plan for the future, they must cultivate a happier, healthier workforce. Most CEOs, CFOs, HR professionals, and other business leaders are eager to know the true impact of financial wellness. We are gathering to discuss and explore how prioritizing employee financial wellness can help increase caregiver retention and productivity at no cost to your businesses.

 


Gulf Coast Regional Conference & Exposition

Presented by: Home Care Associations of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama

Date: July 18-20

Venue: Grand Hotel Marriott Resort

Location: Point Clear, Alabama

Information and Registration


2022 NAHC Financial Management Conference & Exposition *

Date: July 24-26
Venue: Caesar's Palace, Las Vegas

Information and Registration

 

Register for the in-person conference - starting at $750 for NAHC members or $1,025 for non-members - or for the digital only content - $400 for members and $600 for non-members. If you register for the in-person conference, you'll get access to all of the digital content.


2022 ONC Virtual Tech Forum 

Sponsored by: Office of the National Coordinator for Health IT

Location: Online

Dates: September 9, 16, and 23

Information and Registration

ONC has posted the high-level agenda and opened up registration for the 2022 ONC Virtual Tech Forum on HealthIT.gov. This year's event takes place during three consecutive Fridays in September (9th, 16th, 23rd). As in years past, the Tech Forum will feature industry perspectives on the progress made in health IT over the past year, and highlight how we can continue to advance health technology to improve patient care, health equity, data exchange, and interoperability.

MHCA 52nd Annual Meeting & Expo

Sponsored by: Minnesota Home Care Association

Date: October 12-14
Venue: Breezy Point Resort
City: Breezy Point, MN

Information and Registration

2022 NAHC Annual Meeting & Exposition *

"Connection 4.0: Linkup"

Date: October 23-25
Venue: America's Center Convention Complex
Location: St. Louis, MO

Information and Registration

This year, we want to celebrate one of the most meaningful touchstones of our industry — connection. At the Home Care and Hospice Conference and Expo, we'll explore ideas around connection and community to help attendees reach their stakeholders in authentic and meaningful ways.

New technology, workforce developments, and the importance of high standards in quality care continue to push our community of clinicians and providers to revamp their strategies and skill sets. This event is the meeting point for you to uncover groundbreaking ideas, discover new interests, and network with industry pros.

Meet us in St. Louis, Missouri, once known as the "Gateway to the West." So, it is perfectly centered to make those connections even easier for members and attendees from all ends of the U.S. We look forward to linking up with you this October!


2022 Annual Conference
New Mexico Association for Home and Hospice Care

Date: November 3
Venue: CNM Workforce Training Center
City: Albuquerque

Information and Registration

Featuring:


20th Annual Northeast Home Health Leadership Summit

Sponsored by: State Associations of Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York (HCA), New York (HCP), Rhode Island, VNAs of Vermont

Dates: January 17-19

Venue: Revere Hotel, Boston

 

Information and Registration


Homecare 100 *

Presented by: Lincoln Healthcare Leadership

Date: January 22-25, 2023
Venue: Ritz-Carlton, Orlando, Grande Lakes, FL

Registration Information


 

Shine Your Light
Illinois HomeCare & Hospice Council Annual Meeting and Exposition

Dates: April 9-10
Venue: NIU Naperville

Information and Registration


FREE WEBINAR: CMS’ Proposed Hospice FY2024 Payment Rule: Implications for Agencies and the Hospice Community

Sponsored by NAHC
Featuring: Theresa Forster, Katie Wehri

Date: April 11
Time: 12:00 - 1:30 EDT

Details and Registration

 

Description: In addition to routine annual payment changes, CMS proposed FY2024 Hospice Payment Rule, issued on March 31, contains valuable updates on the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP). Perhaps most notable, the rule's deep dive into utilization trends signals an intensified interest in hospice care patterns, potentially inappropriate behavior in the hospice sector, and program integrity concerns.  Join two of NAHC's hospice experts as they detail proposed changes, including a new requirement that hospice certifying physicians be Medicare enrolled (or to have validly opted-out) and CMS' Requests for Information on hospice utilization and health equity, and examine their potential impact on hospice practice going forward.

Faculty: Theresa M. Forster, NAHC VP for Hospice Policy & Programs
Katie Wehri, NAHC Director of Home Health & Hospice Regulatory Affairs


WEBINAR: Audits: What to Do

A 90-minute Lunch & Learn Audio Conference by Elizabeth E. Hogue, Esq. Health Care Attorney

Date: Thursday, April 6
Time: 1:00 - 2:30 EDT

Encore date: April 13
On-demand recording available 24/7
Option to purchase recording and handouts

 

Information and Registration

 

Audio-Conference Description: Home care providers of all types; including home health agencies, private duty agencies, hospices and HME companies; remain targets of audits by various regulators, including but certainly not limited to United Program Integrity Contractors (UPICs). The results of these audits can be devastating because they may threaten the ability of providers to remain in business, especially when overpayments are extrapolated to millions of dollars. Audits of all types must be taken seriously and providers must take action to close audits as quickly as possible! The first thing providers must do is to review records requested by auditors.

The purpose of this teleconference is to give providers detailed steps to follow to avoid adverse consequences of audits. Examples of common issues targeted by auditors will be provided and there will be time for questions and answers.


 

First Joint Conference of the Carolinas

Association for Home & Hospice Care of North Carolina & South Carolina Home Care & Hospice Association

Dates: April 23-26

Venue: Westin

City: Charlotte

Information and Registration 



Rise Above!

Michigan Home Care & Hospice Association Annual Conference

Dates: May 3-5
Venue: Grand Traverse Resort & Spa

Registration and Information

The theme for the Conference is “RISE ABOVE” a fitting recognition of the challenges our industry and each of you overcame in your personal lives and professional careers to navigate the challenges of the past three years.

The MHHA conference presents an opportunity to meet new friends and reacquaint with peers. What better place to rise above, than at the spacious and beautiful Grand Traverse Resort & Spa? This conference has a little bit for every service line and discipline. Wednesday offers a track for Volunteer Managers and Thursday offers a track for Palliative Care as well as many other sessions for Certified Home Health, Hospice, DME and Private Duty Home Care.


2023 Annual Home Health & Hospice Conference
Homecare and Hospice Association of Utah

Date: May 10-11

City: Sandy

Attendee Registration

Exhibitor/Sponsor Registration


2023 Rocky Mountain Home Care, Home Health & Hospice Conference *Presented by: Home Care and Hospice Association of Colorado

Dates: May 18-19
Venue: Beaver Creek


Information and Registration for Attendees and Exhibitors


Home Care Innovation Forum*Presented by: The Influence Group

Dates: June 4-6
Venue: Park Hyatt Aviara 
City: 
Carlsbad, CA


Information and Registration

Featured Speakers:

Partial list of topics:


HI2: Home Care Innovation and Investment Conference *Presented by: Lincoln Healthcare Leadership

Dates: June 12-14
Venue: Swissotel 
City: 
Chicago


Information and Registration

Featured Speakers:


leading ONE vision

Homecare Homebase User Group Meeting

Dates: June 12-14
Venue: Sheraton Dallas Hotel

Information and Registration

Clinical Education Credits
Nationally recognized speakers, eight clinical sessions. Clinicians are encouraged to sign up for the clinical sessions, but are free to jump between clinical and non-clinical topics. Clinical topics include a homecare focus on Wound Care, Value Based Purchasing, Clinical Leadership, conflict resolution, Quality Report, Oasis and more.

Featured Speakers:



Your state or national association meeting or webinar not listed? Send the details to Conferences@RowanResources.com using this format:

Conference Title
Sponsoring Association
Date(s)
Hotel or Conference Center, City, State
URL



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