HB 2246 ~ Charlie’s Bill ~ Testimony

Feb 09, 2023

On February 9, 2023, KABC’s Executive Director Dan Goodman provided the following testimony to the House Judiciary Committee. “Charlie’s Bill” now known as HB 2246 has been a high priority for Kansas Advocates for Better Care for the past few years.

Read the entire testimony here: 2023 Feb 9 HB 2246 Testimony

Advocacy in Action (May 2024): Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule

By Lenette Hamm • 15 May, 2024
Recently, we have been disheartened by legislative actions that undermine efforts to improve staffing standards in nursing homes, particularly in Kansas. H.R. 5796 , co-sponsored by Representatives Tracey Mann, Jake LaTurner, and Ron Estes, seeks to disapprove a federal staffing standard minimum rule that would greatly benefit residents of nursing facilities. Similarly, S.3410 , co-sponsored by Senators Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran, aims to address the same issue in the Senate. If passed, these legislations would prohibit the Secretary of Health and Human Services from implementing the final settings rule for minimum staffing in nursing facilities. The Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Rule finalized on April 22nd will require all nursing homes that receive federal funding through Medicare and Medicaid to have 3.48 hours per resident per day (hprd) of total staffing, including a defined number from both registered nurses (0.55 hprd) and nurse aides (2.45 hprd). It will also require facilities to have a registered nurse onsite 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At the heart of this issue is the need for adequate staffing levels in nursing homes. Research consistently shows that higher staff-to-resident ratios lead to better outcomes for residents, including reduced rates of infections, fewer falls, and improved overall quality of life. By opposing the implementation of a federal staffing standard minimum rule, these legislators are failing to prioritize the well-being of vulnerable older adults in Kansas and across the nation. Additionally, it's disappointing to see the nursing home industry diverting attention away from the real issue at hand. Instead of lobbying against essential staffing regulations, they should be directing their efforts towards hiring and retaining qualified staff, ensuring fair wages, and creating supportive work environments. Working in a nursing facility is a skilled job that deserves respect, and addressing the staff shortage requires dedicated time and attention. However, amidst these challenges, we find hope in the actions of the Biden administration and advocacy organizations who have pushed for measures to improve staffing standards in nursing homes. We applaud their commitment to addressing this critical issue and urge them to continue their efforts. In Kansas, the Medicaid program spends $95,000-$108,000 annually per resident for often sub-standard care. The state allocates approximately $862 million to long-term care facilities, yet Kansas ranks 46th in addressing the shortage of nurses and nurse aides. Taxpayers deserve greater value for their money, and older Kansans deserve improved long-term care options given the consistently poor performance of many in this industry. We cannot afford to ignore this problem any longer. To effectively address the staffing shortage problem in Kansas, we must also look to other states for guidance and best practices. By learning from successful initiatives implemented elsewhere, we can tailor solutions to suit the unique needs of our state's long-term care facilities. Furthermore, it's crucial to foster a collaborative effort that includes the voices of long-term care residents and staff in these discussions. By actively involving those directly impacted by staffing challenges, we can develop more comprehensive and effective strategies to ensure quality care for all individuals in nursing homes. We encourage our readers to act. Contact your Kansas Congressional delegates and share your stories about why staffing is critical to improving quality metrics across the board. Your voices matter, and together, we can make a difference in the lives of countless individuals in long-term care facilities.

Comparing Nursing Facilities and Assisted Living: Understanding the Key Differences

By Lenette Hamm • 19 Apr, 2024
When considering long-term care options for yourself or a loved one, it's essential to understand the differences between nursing facilities and assisted living facilities. While both offer supportive environments for individuals needing assistance with daily activities, they serve distinct purposes and cater to varying levels of care needs. Let's delve into the comparative aspects of these two types of facilities to help you make an informed decision. Medical Services: Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities primarily focus on providing assistance with daily activities while offering varying levels of medical attention. Residents may receive support such as transportation to medical appointments and assistance with medication management. Additionally, specialized care areas may be available for individuals with conditions like dementia. Assisted living facilities are not regulated by the federal government but, in Kansas, are licensed by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services. Nursing Home: In contrast, nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing facilities, offer round-the-clock, 24-hour medical care, typically with more staff than an assisted living facility. A nursing home setting may be appropriate for individuals who need extended post-operative care, complex medical monitoring, nursing, medical, social, and rehabilitative care. Moreover, nursing homes provide rehabilitative services such as physical, occupational, respiratory, and speech therapy for residents in need. Nursing homes are subject to more government oversight by both the state and federal governments. Living Space: Assisted Living: Residents of assisted living facilities typically reside in individual or shared apartments equipped with kitchenettes, bedrooms, and living areas. Common spaces encourage social interaction and participation in communal activities, including dining areas, activity rooms, salons, and gardens or outdoor walkways . There may be accommodations for pets. Nursing Home: Nursing homes typically provide individual or shared (semi-private) rooms with en-suite bathrooms. While the living arrangements may be more compact, residents still have access to common areas for meals and activities. Assistance with Daily Activities: Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer light support with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and meal preparation, tailored to the residents' needs. Laundry, housekeeping, and meal services are also available. Nursing Home: Residents of nursing homes often require more extensive assistance with daily activities. Staff members should assist with personal care tasks, medication management, meal preparation, and housekeeping. Recreational Activities: Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities prioritize providing a wide range of activities to promote physical and social engagement among residents. From exercise programs to creative expression and volunteering opportunities, these facilities foster a vibrant community atmosphere. Nursing Home: While recreational activities are also offered in nursing homes, they may be more limited in scope. However, supervised exercise sessions and various enrichment activities contribute to residents' overall well-being. Meals: Assisted Living: Residents in assisted living facilities may have the option to cook in their own kitchenettes or dine in communal dining rooms. Meal delivery services may also be available for added convenience and may require an additional cost. Nursing Home: In nursing homes, dieticians prepare meals for residents, considering their dietary preferences and restrictions. Residents can choose to dine in communal spaces or have meals served in their rooms. Cost and Insurance Coverage:  In 2023, the average cost for a semi-private nursing facility room in Kansas was $7,483. For an assisted living room, the median cost was $5,850. Nursing home care tends to be more expensive than assisted living, with costs varying based on factors like location and level of care required. Medicare may cover some expenses for nursing home care (up to 100 days) under certain conditions, whereas assisted living is typically not covered by Medicare. Because Medicaid is a joint federal and state public health insurance program administered by individual states, coverage for assisted living services varies. Medicaid is available for those who need nursing home care but can't afford it or have a restricted income. Medicaid will pay for nursing home care for persons who require that level of care and meet the program's financial eligibility requirements. A person can have no more than $2,000 of "countable" assets in Kansas to qualify for Medicaid. Overall, understanding the distinctions between nursing facilities and assisted living facilities is crucial for selecting the most suitable option based on individual needs and preferences. Whether prioritizing medical care, independence, social engagement, or cost, there's a long-term care solution tailored to meet diverse needs. It's advisable to explore available resources, consult with healthcare professionals and KABC, and carefully evaluate each facility's offerings before deciding. KABC is here to help! We offer free Consumer Information Reports on all licensed adult care facilities to help you make an informed decision.
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