Continuing Education Sessions
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Session | Preceptor Provider Training
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Specialized Training
Session Summary
This six (6) hour Preceptor Training meets the requirements of 64B10-16.0025(2), FAC. This session will be an interactive training program to qualify attendees to become preceptors and help shape the careers of new long term care administrators. Lunch will be provided. *Additional Registration Fee Required
Presenters
Deborah Franklin
Senior Director of Quality Affairs | Florida Health Care Association
About the Presenter
Deborah Franklin is the Senior Director of Quality Affairs for the Florida Health Care Association. Deborah has a Masters of Health Administration and is a nursing home administrator with over thirty years in long term care sector. Deborah is responsible for leading the Association's internal quality department while pioneering initiatives on quality improvement in long term care. She works in conjunction with the association's Board of Directors, Quality Cabinet and associated committees to develop, plan and implement long term care quality and educational programs to support members with their pursuit of providing high-quality, person-centered care. Additionally, Deborah is the key liaison with the executive and legislative branches, state and federal health care agencies on long term care survey and regulatory issues.
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Session | Medical Errors: Prevention and Analysis Course
Time:
Type/Topic: Specialized Training
Session Summary
This two-hour self-directed course is designed to assist Florida’s licensed Nursing Home Administrators and Nurses in meeting the statutory requirements of Florida Statutes 456.013 (7); as well as the regulatory requirements of the Florida Administrative Code, Sections 64B9-5.011 for Nurses and s. 64B10-11.0011 for Nursing Home Administrators. *Complimentary with Full Conference Registration. Information delivered post Conference via Email
Presenters
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Session 25 | Mega Session: Kick-Off Membership Meeting: The Hero Effect® - Being Your Best When It Matters the Most
Time: 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.
Type/Topic: Mega Session
Session Summary
In a fresh and entertaining style, Kevin shares ideas, strategies and principles that will inspire and equip attendees to show up every day and make a positive difference. At the heart of Kevin’s message is a simple, yet powerful philosophy for life that drives every thought, every action and ultimately every result we achieve both personally and professionally. Your team will be motivated to reach beyond what is required and do something remarkable!
Presenters
Kevin Brown
Motivational Speaker & Author |
About the Presenter
Kevin Brown’s unconventional path to business and personal success has taught him that winning in business and in life requires anything but conventional thinking. With a streetwise aptitude and a never quit attitude, he worked his way from the front lines in business to the executive boardroom. For two decades, Kevin was a sales and marketing executive that helped grow a little-known family business into an industry giant with annual revenues reaching two billion dollars. After a career in franchising, Kevin decided to retire from corporate America and pursue his passion for bringing The HERO Effect® message to as many people and organizations as possible. Kevin is on a mission to help people and organizations embrace a simple philosophy that separates world-class organizations and high-performance people from everybody else. He is passionate about helping people expand their vision, develop their potential, and grow their results."
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Session 60 | Leverage Post-Acute Analytics to Inform and Improve Resident Care
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Technology and Quality Innovations
Session Summary
Resident care can be improved by learning to leverage post-acute analytics and become stronger partners for residents, referral sources, payers and communities served. This session will explore how Interventional Analytics help reduce hospital readmissions, risk strategies and clinically prioritizes residents and advances care coordination with acute partners to gain referrals. This session will also discuss the administrative and clinical impact data analytics can have on infection prevention and control programs and address how analytics help ensure appropriate payment for care provided.Presenters
Chris Gerace Johnson
Clinical Specialist | Real Time Medical Systems
About the Presenter
Chris Gerace Johnson is an experienced health care leader whose value-based focus and energetic training skills have served as a source of knowledge and inspiration for many health care providers. Her expertise lies in compliance, MIPS, EHRs, operations, process development and implementation, Medicare, Managed Care, PDPM, analytics and more.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 59 | Orange You Glad You Know the Truth Behind Impairment Programs?
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
Health care center administrators can face exposure liability in handling matters involving nurses and other health care providers suspected of impairment on the job. While Florida’s impaired practitioner programs (IPN/PRN) serve as “alternatives to discipline” for Practice Act violations, they carry high burdens for both the employee and employer. Learn what these intervention programs are about, their relationship with the Department of Health, the pros and cons of referral into the programs and the pitfalls “they” don’t tell you about.Presenters
Sara Bazzigaluppi
Professional Licensing & Regulatory Affairs Attorney | Chapman Law Group
About the Presenter
Sara A. Bazzigaluppi specializes in nursing and health care licensing defense before the Florida Department of Health, Agency for Health Care Administration and other regulatory bureaus. She regularly represents health care providers in impairment and safety-to-practice issues, and is recognized for successful negotiating with, and providing legal alternatives to, the IPN/PRN impaired practitioner programs.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 58 | A 100-Day Crisis: The Truth About Employee Turnover in Long Term Care
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership/Workforce
Session Summary
Most long term care providers are experiencing the effects of the workforce shortage. These days, it can be very difficult to engage, attract and retain talented employees. Unlike employees in most professions, those in long term care are most likely to leave within the first 100 days of employment. Operators must have a clear strategy to retain their new hires. Join the presenters as they discuss five techniques proven to reduce employee turnover.Presenters
Chris Magleby
Chief Executive Officer | Pinnacle Quality Insight
About the Presenter
Chris Magleby has been involved in the long term care profession for most of his life. His first job was pulling weeds at his father’s nursing center. He is currently the CEO of Pinnacle Quality Insight, whose customer surveys and retention software show long term care providers what to celebrate and where to improve.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 57 | Creating an Adaptive Census Strategy
Time: 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Finance and Reimbursement
Session Summary
We are constantly adapting to new technology, systems and rules. In this session, participants will learn how to identify targeted referral sources, create a selective process for choosing the right post-acute partners, align goals and have a simple but effective method of communication and marketing that clearly defines the advantages of your care model, clinical outcomes and resident satisfaction.Presenters
Leigh Lachney
Vice President of Business Development | TMC
About the Presenter
Leigh Lachney M.Ed., is the Vice President of Business Development for TMC. Leigh has provided professional presentations for census development training and leadership and management training for many long term care organizations. Leigh has served on the AHCA's Workforce Task Committee and FHCA’s Board of Directors as Chair of the Associate Member Support Committee.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 55 | Most Misunderstood Areas of Labor Law
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
New laws and regulations have been enacted and interpretations of existing laws are changing, which are altering labor and employment laws here in Florida and around the country. A misunderstanding of these labor and employment laws can financially impact not only your center but you personally as well. This session will explore the most commonly misunderstood areas of labor law and is designed to keep you and your center away from costly litigation.Presenters
LaKisha Kinsey-Sallis
Partner | Fisher & Phillips LLP
About the Presenter
LaKisha M. Kinsey-Sallis is a Partner with Fisher Phillips, Tampa. LaKisha has extensive experience representing private and public sector employers. Her experience includes, litigation, providing day-to-day advice on workplace issues, defending charges before administrative agencies, developing and reviewing handbooks, offering preventive strategies through training and risk assessments before and after lawsuits.Michael Miller
FHCA Labor Relations Counsel | Fisher & Phillips LLP
About the Presenter
Michael Miller has practiced labor and employment law for more than 50 years. He serves as Labor Relations Counsel to FHCA, a position that Mike has held since 1985. During his career, Mike has guided FHCA members in labor matters ranging from union organizing to Wage and Hour, and to EEOC issues.Justin McConnell
Associate | Fisher & Phillips, LLP
About the Presenter
Justin is a zealous advocate for his clients in their most challenging labor and employment matters. Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch, for 2022, Justin partners closely with businesses of all sizes to defend against serious allegations, proactively reduce risk, and meet targeted business objectives.Brett Owens
Associate | Fisher & Phillips, LLP
About the Presenter
Brett Owens is an attorney with Fisher Phillips, Tampa. He devotes his practice to all aspects of employment law. Brett litigates employment disputes throughout state and federal courts. Brett also assists clients with navigating the myriad of laws governing the employer-employee relationship to ensure compliance and reduce the risk of litigation., 813-769-7512, 813-368-8198, 101 E. Kennedy Blvd, Suite 2350, Tampa, FL 33602« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 54 | Company Culture and Staffing: Practical Applications to Increase Staffing
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership/Workforce
Session Summary
Staffing is the biggest challenge facing skilled nursing centers. So how do we attract staff without paying exorbitant wages? Culture change within the company is the most cost effective method of attracting and keeping staff. This session will provide a framework for instituting culture change and provide tools to monitor progress. The presenter will discuss a 10 step process to change building culture and lead a discussion on using culture change to improve nursing care, housekeeping and even building presentation.Presenters
Eric Johnson
Administrator | Orchid Cove Longwood
About the Presenter
Eric Johnson has worked in skilled nursing for 14 years in multiple capacities. Eric studied Psychology and Organizational Behavior throughout undergrad and Healthcare Administration during his Masters degree. Eric has worked in several buildings requiring immediate interventions and utilized techniques presented here to institute immediate change.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 53 | Riding the Waves of Florida Medicaid Eligibility and Managed Care
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Type/Topic: Finance and Reimbursement
Session Summary
Providers continue to ride waves of challenges and unexpected twists and turns. Securing Medicaid eligibility and managed care reimbursement is no exception. This session will provide an update on current trends related to Florida Medicaid reimbursement and eligibility. The presenter will discuss practical resolutions to specific challenges starting with the initial Medicaid application process all the way to successful Medicaid claims payment. Participants will be advised on how to recognize Medicaid eligibility concerns from the point of admission and learn best practices in working with Medicaid Managed Care companies. Participants will become a skilled resource for residents, their families and their companies, resulting in improved Medicaid reimbursement for their center. Additionally, the presenter will field provider questions related to current situations being faced and the best practices for a successful resolution.Presenters
Becky Hewitt
Senior Long-Term Care Reimbursement Specialist | Hall, Booth, Smith, P.C.
About the Presenter
Becky Hewitt has worked in medical reimbursement for over 23 years, specifically in the long term care profession for 20 years. She has worked at the facility level as a business office manager and at the operations level as a regional consultant to admissions, marketing, and business office staff. Currently, she is the Senior Long-Term Care Reimbursement Specialist with Hall, Booth, Smith, P.C. assisting clients with all their reimbursement needs and quickly becoming recognized as the Medicaid expert in the long term care profession in multiple states and throughout the Southeast region. She provides onsite audits and education to our clients related to financial best practices and Medicaid policies. Since joining the firm in 2011, she has assisted facilities in Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Florida to recover millions of dollars each year in Medicaid revenue.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 52 | Effective Management of Psychiatric Disorders in Nursing Centers
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Type/Topic: Clinical/Person-Centered Care Practices
Session Summary
This session will address the challenges faced with providing quality mental health services while reducing the use of unnecessary psychiatric medications. Doing this will assist in achieving center compliance for maximizing reimbursement and resident outcomes.Presenters
Pari Deshmukh
MD, Psychiatrist, Medical Director | Balanced Wellbeing LLC
About the Presenter
Dr. Deshmukh aka "Dr. Desh" is a triple board certified psychiatrist and is currently a treating psychiatrist in skilled nursing and assisted living facilities for more than 10 years. Dr. Desh is also certified in psychotherapy. The goal of treatment for Balanced Wellbeing patients is for them to be restored to their maximum psychiatric balance and wellbeing.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 49 | Preceptor Refresher Course
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership/Workforce
Session Summary
Florida Board of Nursing Home Administrator (BNHA) regulations pursuant to 64B10-16.0025(2), FAC, require all Florida Nursing Home Administrators with Preceptor Certification to take a two-hour Preceptor Refresher Course upon license renewal every two years. This course will meet that requirement. If you are considering becoming a Preceptor, this session will also provide an overview to help you understand the needs and expectations of AITs and Preceptors. FHCA’s Senior Director of Quality Affairs Deborah Franklin will moderate this session as experts, including current and past members of the BNHA, probable cause panel members and experienced Preceptors, share their knowledge.Presenters
Deborah Franklin
Senior Director of Quality Affairs | Florida Health Care Association
About the Presenter
Deborah Franklin is the Senior Director of Quality Affairs for the Florida Health Care Association. Deborah has a Masters of Health Administration and is a nursing home administrator with over thirty years in long term care sector. Deborah is responsible for leading the Association's internal quality department while pioneering initiatives on quality improvement in long term care. She works in conjunction with the association's Board of Directors, Quality Cabinet and associated committees to develop, plan and implement long term care quality and educational programs to support members with their pursuit of providing high-quality, person-centered care. Additionally, Deborah is the key liaison with the executive and legislative branches, state and federal health care agencies on long term care survey and regulatory issues.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 48 | Preventing Falls with Restorative Nursing
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Clinical/Person-Centered Care Practices
Session Summary
This session will discuss how decreased mobility is the primary cause of falls and an overall deterioration in the health of residents. This session will also discuss exercise and restorative nursing programs that prevent falls by enhancing mobility, balance, strength and endurance of residents. It will describe how to set up an environment to help promote safe mobility.Presenters
Jeri Lundgren
President | Senior Providers Resource
About the Presenter
Jeri Ann Lundgren RN, BSN, PHN, CWS, CWCN, has been working in long term care since 1990, specializing in wound care nationally since 1994. She is board certified as a CWS (Certified Wound Specialist) by the American Board of Wound Management and a CWCN (Certified Wound Care Nurse) by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Society. Her extensive background in wound management in long term care nationally includes survey management, litigation support, wound care consultation, program development, clinical expert for several state Quality Improvement Organizations and Departments of Health. Her background also includes four years as a Director of Nurses in a long term care center. Currently, Jeri is the President of Senior Providers Resource.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 56 | Caring for the LGBTQ+ Population
Time: 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.
Type/Topic: Technology and Quality Innovations
Session Summary
This presentation will identify the anticipated demographic market change in Florida over the next decade in order to improve understanding and care of the increasing LGBT resident population. Best practices in providing culturally competent care and the formulation of actionable next steps will be discussed.
Presenters
Dina Proto
Founder and CEO | Dina Proto International
About the Presenter
Dina Proto RN, is the Founder and CEO of Dina Proto International, a DE&I and LGBTQ+ Cultural Competency Consulting firm. In addition to her DE&I Healthcare Consulting firm, Dina is a Published Author, Speaker and Educator. In her book, Identity Impact: When Society’s Expectations Collide with the Authentic Self, Dina explores the clinical correlation between society’s projection of gender role and identity and health care disparities.
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Session 51 | Managing Risk, Developing a Personal Injury Protection Program and Applying the Five Whys
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Technology and Quality Innovations
Session Summary
Root Cause Analysis (RCA) is a method of problem solving used for identifying the root causes of faults or problems. It is widely used in IT operations, telecommunications, industrial process control, accident analysis, in medicine and the health care profession. This session will provide participants with a better understanbding of a root cause analysis in relation to the issues and challenges that are dealt with in the long term care environment. With increased scrutiny of required Reportable and Adverse Incidents, having a more thorough understanding and being able to drill down and identify root causes will assist the nursing home administrator with being in compliance with the updated CMS Requirements for Participation.
Presenters
Kendra Ferrero
VP of Administrative Services | Citadel Care Centers
About the Presenter
Dr. Kendra Ferrero is a multi-state licensed RN, board certified in Gerontology She also holds an active Nursing Home Administrator license in several states. She earned her MBA from Warner University and her Doctorate degree with a specialty in Health Care Administration from Northcentral University. She has worked in the post-acute environment since 1977. She has been involved in the delivery of educational presentations in skilled nursing since 1984. She was part of the original RUG11 Demonstration Project when it was implemented in NY in 1985. She has held positions as a Director of Nursing, Regional Nurse, VP of Clinical, Nursing Home Administrator and Regional Vice President of Operations. Dr. Ferrero currently works with Citadel Care Centers as the Vice President of Operations and Clinical Management. She has sat on numerous FHCA committees for the past 10 years. She is a Lead Senior Examiner for AHCA/NCAL Quality Program. She is a certified Risk Manager and has a passion for the skilled nursing environment, ensuring quality care is provided to the residents/patients.
Peggy Norris
Senior Director of Clinical Services | Signature Health Care
About the Presenter
Peggy Norris has been a Registered Nurse in the State of Florida since 1972 and has 50 years of health care experience. She is also a Certified Dementia Practitioner as of November 2016, SMQT certified with CMS/AHCA 2003 as Surveyor and Quality of Care Monitor and has been employed since 2012 with Signature HealthCARE, LLC as Signature Care Consultant for the Signature HealthCARE skilled nursing centers in the Panhandle. She is currently an active member of the FHCA Senior Clinicians Committee and Risk and Compliance Council.
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Session 50 | Taking Care of Risky Business: Identify High-Risk Clinical Areas for Process Improvement
Time: 3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
Upon completion of this session, participants will be able to articulate the steps to gather data for the Facility Assessment which will assist in identifying facility specific clinical risk areas. This session will also identify areas of high-risk clinical practices and risk operational processes and systems. Learn how to develop a Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) processes to address the identified risks.
Presenters
Robin Allen
Corporate Risk Manager | Synergy Healthcare Services
About the Presenter
Robin received her undergraduate and graduate degrees at Florida State University in Speech Language Pathology. She has worked in Private Clinics, Acute Care, Rehab Hospitals, and Long Term Care in various roles including leadership and direct Patient care. Robin became a Healthcare Risk Manager in 2002. Since then, she focused her efforts on proactive Risk Management in Long Term Care including development and implementation of risk management programs for three companies inside and outside of FL. Robin is currently the Corporate Risk Manager for Synergy Healthcare Services.
Kimberly Biegasiewicz
President/CEO | Avante Group
About the Presenter
Kimberly Biegasiewicz received her Bachelors of Arts in 2008 majoring in History with a minor in political science. In 2013, Kimberly began her career in long term care as a floor nurse and quickly moved up the ranks holding positions such as 3-11 supervisor, assistant director of nursing, director of nursing and regional director of clinical services. In December of 2018, Kimberly was presented with the opportunity to lead the clinical team of the Avante Group as the Chief Nursing Officer all while continuing her education and graduating with her Masters in Health Care Administration. In 2021, Kimberly was promoted to Chief Nursing Officer for the organization. She is actively involved in FHCA on various committees including the Senior Clinicians Council, Publication Relations Committee, FCAL and the Survey and Regulatory Committee.
Robin Bleier
President | RB Health Partners, Inc.
About the Presenter
Robin A. Bleier RN, HCRM, LNC , has 40 years of health care experience, 30 of which in long term care. Robin's passion is teaching and training with a focus on risk management as a means to help improve quality and resident outcomes while increasing long term care professionals work satisfaction. Robin worked as a nursing assistant, LPN, RN, DON, regional nurse, CCO, and COO. She now owns and operates RB Health Partners, Inc. (RBHPs) a long term care consultancy firm for the past 20 years. RBHPs employs an interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts and consultants to support long term care providers meet their quality improvement goals.
Hazel Mahoney
Chief Compliance Officer | Facility Support Services
About the Presenter
Hazel Mahoney RN, HCRM, LHRM, CHC, CHPC has been a Registered Nurse for almost forty years and began her compliance career in risk management, moving from acute care to long term care in 2003. She has written, developed and implemented risk programs for three long term care companies, across five states, to assist facilities with compliance to federal regulation and state law. In 2013, Hazel moved into her full time Compliance position, writing, developing and implementing the Compliance Program.
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Session 47 | Avoid Riptides: Creating a Speak Up Culture
Time: 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
Riptides can pull you under, gasping for air just like whistleblower complaints. You have learned what a compliance program should consist of, now learn how to successfully create a speak up culture as a leader in your organization. This interactive session will "dive" into culture, reporting, organizational justice, retaliation and current False Claims litigation/settlements.
Presenters
Kellie Gronefeld
Regional Corporate Responsibility Officer | AdventHealth Care Centers, Post-Acute Division
About the Presenter
Kellie Gronefeld has worked in long term care for over 25 years, beginning her career as a speech-language pathologist. Kellie has held positions in rehab operations and clinical programming prior to compliance. Kellie currently serves as the Regional Corporate Responsibility Officer over AdventHealth Care Centers Post Acute Division.
Tim Wombles
Associate Divisional Chief Legal Officer, AdventHealth Care Centers, Post-Acute Division | Nelson Mullins
About the Presenter
Tim Wombles is a former Florida Nursing Home Administrator turned attorney that focuses his practice in health law, representing hospitals, nursing centers, assisted living facilities, clinical laboratories, home health agencies, and other health care providers in regulatory, transactional, and litigation matters.
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Session 46 | Medical Directors in 2022: Expectations, Promises and Delivery
Time: 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership/Workforce
Session Summary
In acknowledgment of the multitude of changes in the post-acute and long term care environment over the last 30 years, it has become clear that a specific body of knowledge and unique skill set is required for medical directors to perform optimally. In this didactic session, an experienced, certified medical director will review the evolution of the medical director role, demonstrating the added value a qualified, engaged and empowered medical director can offer to facilitate positive outcomes.Presenters
Robert Kaplan
Past President | The Florida Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (FMDA)
About the Presenter
Robert Kaplan MD, FACP, CMD, is a Past President of The Florida Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (FMDA), with an extensive background in post-acute and long term care as a Medical Director and Attending Physician. Certified in Internal Medicine, Geriatrics and as a Medical Director, he is also a past President of the American Board of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (ABPLM), the national certifying body for Medical Directors.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 45 | Managed Security Service Providers, Accountable Care Organizations and the Gainsharing Opportunity on Your Long Term Care Residents
Time: 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
Type/Topic: Finance and Reimbursement
Session Summary
Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP) and Accountable Care Organizations (ACO) participation offer skilled nursing centers an opportunity to share in cost savings without downside risk or capital outlays. Learn about how an MSSP and ACO contract can complement existing Institutional Special Needs Plan (I-SNP) arrangements, increase practitioner engagement and can provide incremental revenue to your organization.Presenters
Jason Feuerman
President and CEO | LTC ACO
About the Presenter
Jason Feuerman is President and CEO of LTC ACO. Previously, Jason served as president of Health Plan and Public Sector Divisions of Value Options, president of Bravo Health, a subsidiary of Cigna, and president of Senior Care Centers of America. He holds a BS in Finance and Economics from the University of Maryland.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 44 | Improving Behavioral Health in Florida’s Nursing Centers Using Non-Pharmacological Interventions
Time: 2:15 to 3:15 p.m.
Type/Topic: Clinical/Person-Centered Care Practices
Session Summary
Approximately 65-90% of nursing center residents have some form of mental or behavioral health problem. Such diagnoses are frequently associated with challenging, aggressive or care-resistant behaviors. These behaviors often lead to increased caregiver burden with the potential of leading to burnout and ultimately turnover. According to a recent study published by the American Geriatrics Society, 30% of nursing center providers suggest behavioral health service needs are unmet, citing lack of staff education as a major contributing factor. This session will help providers identify behavior problems associated with mental/behavioral health diagnoses and manage through non-pharmacological interventions.Presenters
Kelly Smith
Owner | Q3 Healthcare Consulting, LLC
About the Presenter
Dr. Kelly Smith holds a doctoral degree in Aging Studies, is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, and holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification. Through her knowledge of quality improvement methodologies and professional experience, Dr. Smith focuses on quality and process improvement across the long term care continuum.Stephanie Witt
Director of Clinical Operations | Huntingdon Behavioral Health
About the Presenter
Stephanie Witt holds a Masters Degree in Healthcare Management and has over 15 years of experience working as an executive director for skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. As the Director of Clinical Operations of Huntingdon Behavioral Health, she works with the Psychiatry and Psychology team in managing behavioral health across the state.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 43 | Circle of Excellence Award Luncheon & Officer Installation: Resilience in the Face of Uncertainty
Time: 12:00 to 2:00 p.m.
Type/Topic: Mega Session
Session Summary
The world is changing faster than we ever imagined, leaders and teams have to dig deep within themselves to break through and find opportunity in uncertain times. Before becoming a #1 NYT best-selling author, playing basketball at the White House, having beers with Prince Harry, or living out his other dreams, Ben suffered from crippling depression. After committing to a series of positive life changes, Ben had a shift in perspective that changed his outlook on life and opened himself up to endless possibility. From there he committed to following his buried dreams and helping others through acts of service. The rest is history and Ben’s life changing message has opened up audiences around the world to cultures of service, gratitude and endless potential.Presenters
Ben Nemtin
Co-founder | The Buried Life Movement
About the Presenter
Ben Nemtin is the #1 New York Times best-selling author of What Do You Want To Do Before You Die? and a star of the MTV show The Buried Life. As the co-founder of The Buried Life movement, Ben’s message of radical possibility has been featured in major media including The Today Show, The Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, FOX, ABC, CBS, NBC News, and more. Oprah called Ben and his friends “truly inspiring.” An acclaimed keynote speaker, Ben has presented his '5 Steps to Make the Impossible Possible' to business conferences and corporate leadership teams around the world, garnering standing ovations from Amazon, FedEx, Harvard, Levi's, Microsoft, Verizon and more. He was recognized as #8 in the Top 30 Motivational Speakers for 2021 by Global Gurus. A decade ago, Ben was knocked off his feet by a heavy depression. In an attempt to feel more alive, he created the world’s greatest bucket list with his three best friends. They borrowed a rickety old RV and crisscrossed North America, achieving the unthinkable. And most importantly, every time they accomplished a dream, they helped a complete stranger cross something off their bucket list. From playing basketball with President Obama to having a beer with Prince Harry, from raising over $400,000 for charity to placing a record-breaking $250,000 bet on roulette—Ben’s bucket list quest has inspired millions to chase their dreams.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 42 | Elevating Quality in Florida’s Nursing Centers Using the Baldrige Framework
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Technology and Quality Innovations
Session Summary
The AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, based on the Malcolm Baldrige for Performance Excellence (Baldrige), is a three-level progressive program (Bronze, Silver, Gold) that recognizes providers committed to quality. The Baldrige framework calls for an integrated quality management system using data to make fact-based decisions while deploying systematic processes across six categories: leadership, strategic planning, customers, data measurement/analysis, workforce and operations. The session will demonstrate how the integration of these areas can improve clinical and financial outcomes in Florida's nursing centers.Presenters
Kelly Smith
Owner | Q3 Healthcare Consulting, LLC
About the Presenter
Dr. Kelly Smith holds a doctoral degree in Aging Studies, is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality, and holds a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt Certification. Through her knowledge of quality improvement methodologies and professional experience, Dr. Smith focuses on quality and process improvement across the long term care continuum.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 41 | Preventing Fraud, Waste and Abuse: A Central Responsibility for Compliance
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
This session will focus on fraud, waste and abuse to address new risk areas and review related compliance topics. The presenter will provide recommended internal audit programs regarding how to address identified areas of risk through Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI). The session will incorporate the current Officer of Inspector General (OIG) Work Plan that includes Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) audits, COVID-19 related waivers, False Claims Act, No Surprises Act and other key areas of focus. This session will also introduce practical ways to help providers be compliant with policies and aware of programs.Presenters
Julie Ann Kemman
President | Health Care Professional Consulting Services, Inc.
About the Presenter
Julie Ann Kemman has over 30 years of experience in long term care operations and reimbursement and is a Certified Professional Compliance Officer. She is currently the President of Health Care Professional Consulting Services, Inc. and has a passion for serving our profession.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 40 | Leadership with Honor
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership/Workforce
Session Summary
Leadership is an ongoing journey, not a destination. Leadership with honor is about leading with integrity, honor and making an impact in the lives they touch. This motivating session will inspire leaders to build a loyal team and produce outcomes beyond "just a career" that will result in a life worth living.Presenters
Deborah Franklin
Senior Director of Quality Affairs | Florida Health Care Association
About the Presenter
Deborah Franklin is the Senior Director of Quality Affairs for the Florida Health Care Association. Deborah has a Masters of Health Administration and is a nursing home administrator with over thirty years in long term care sector. Deborah is responsible for leading the Association's internal quality department while pioneering initiatives on quality improvement in long term care. She works in conjunction with the association's Board of Directors, Quality Cabinet and associated committees to develop, plan and implement long term care quality and educational programs to support members with their pursuit of providing high-quality, person-centered care. Additionally, Deborah is the key liaison with the executive and legislative branches, state and federal health care agencies on long term care survey and regulatory issues.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 38 | Infection Control Quality Improvement Initiatives: Lessons Learned, Best Practices and Return on Investment
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Clinical/Person-Centered Care Practices
Session Summary
In April 2020, Alliant Health Solutions (AHS), under contract with CMS, started working with skilled nursing centers on over 300 infection control related targeted response Quality Improvement Initiatives (QIIs) as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Presenters will share best practices and lessons learned from both virtual and onsite visit assistance as well as return on investment.Presenters
Sara Busacca
Senior Director of Healthcare Quality | RB Health Partners, Inc.
About the Presenter
Sara Busacca provides expertise for the development of quality assessment and assurance and quality assurance performance improvement programs for RB Health Partners, Inc. She has become an accomplished Infection Preventionist. With this strong understanding of each client’s situation, Sara facilitates collaboration with all levels of care as a trainer/presenter to reduce risk, improve quality of care and fully realize CMS reimbursement.JoVonn Givens
Task Order Director | Alliant Health Solutions
About the Presenter
JoVonn Givens is the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) Task Order Director for Alliant Health Solutions. She implements and monitors the CMS contract, including developing quality improvement projects, evaluating contract goals and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. JoVonn has over 16 years of quality improvement experience and six years of public health education and research experience.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 37 | Mega Session: AHCA Update
Time: 8:30 to 10:00 a.m.
Type/Topic: Mega Session
Session Summary
Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from Kim Smoak, Assistant Deputy Secretary/ State Survey Agency Director, Agency for Health Care Administration for this Mega Session. In the past this session was standing room only so get there early for a good seat and hear about the state of affairs, current regulations and survey trends impacting Florida’s long term care profession.Presenters
Kim Smoak
Deputy Secretary/State Survey Agency Director | Agency for Health Care Administration
About the Presenter
Kim Smoak has been with the Agency for Health Care Administration since August 1995. She is the Deputy Secretary of the Division of Health Quality Assurance. The Division licenses and/or certifies and regulates 40 different providers, including, hospitals, nursing homes, assisted living facilities, and home health agencies. Ms. Smoak is also the State Survey Agency Director for the State of Florida. She holds a Master of Science in Health with the program emphasis in Aging Studies and is also a Qualified Intellectual Disability Professional (QIDP). In 2009 and 2017, she received Survey & Certification Achievement Awards, presented by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for her work in Survey and Certification.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 36 | Navigating the Regulatory Environment: Enforcement, CHOW and the IDR Process
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
This session will feature the Agency for Health Care Administration's former general counsel who will explore recent enforcement actions taken against home health agencies. Learn what administrators and staff should know about the nursing center Change of Ownership (CHOW) process and an overview of the Informal Dispute Resolution (IDR) process.Presenters
Stefan Grow
Of Counsel | Parker, Hudson, Rainer & Dobbs LLP
About the Presenter
Stefan Grow is the former general counsel to Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration where he served under both Governors Scott and DeSantis. Stefan serves as an advisor to health care providers on a wide range of complex health care matters, counseling clients on such matters as state regulation and oversight, Medicaid program issues, transactions, rate setting and reimbursement issues and contracting. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Stefan drafted or consulted on nearly every emergency order and executive order issued by the state affecting health care centers.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 35 | Leadership: What COVID-19 Has Changed
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership/Workforce
Session Summary
COVID-19 has permanently changed the leadership model. With the lack of readily available employees and managers, profession leaders must now re-imagine how they will direct and lead the personnel that is available. The workforce shortages are not going away soon, so leaders must assess, adapt and overcome this prevailing trend. This session will give leaders new ideas and processes to embrace as they deal with personnel shortages, recruiting realities and retention challenges.Presenters
Frederick Taylor
President | F.A. Taylor & Associates, Inc.
About the Presenter
Frederick Taylor is a graduate of the FHCA 2012 Florida Leader Program and several US Army leadership training programs. He taught a leadership session at a national AHCA convention. Fred has a Master's Degree, is a licensed nursing home administrator, and is a Florida Supreme Court Approved Arbitrator.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 31 | Clinical Transformation to Achieve Market Leadership
Time: 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Technology and Quality Innovations
Session Summary
What does the market want from me? Am I that provider? How do I know if my outcomes are competitive enough? What outcomes reveal the right insights? These are tough questions and quite difficult to answer. However, through advanced data analytics and quality improvement strategies, the right answers can be revealed. This session will present one system’s “Clinical Transformation Journey,” the potholes and the ultimate achievement of becoming a leader in the marketplace.Presenters
Steven Littlehale
Chief Innovation Officer | Zimmet Healthcare Service Group, LLC
About the Presenter
Steven Littlehale MS, RN, GCNS-BC, is the Chief Innovation Officer at Zimmet Healthcare Service Group, LLC. An internationally known author and speaker on a broad range of health care and post-acute care topics, Steven’s ability to synthesize complex information to inspire strategic and tactical excellence has been the hallmark of his career and has established his renowned reputation as a highly effective and motivating lecturer. His numerous publications include various professional journal articles as well as a popular monthly blog in McKnight’s Long-Term Care News. Steven brings a career spanning more than 30 years ranging from direct nursing care to education, research and analytics, quality assurance/improvement and consulting. He has a BS in nursing from the University of Vermont and an MS in nursing from Georgetown University. For two decades as achief clinical officer and executive vice president at PointRight, Inc., he grew the company from a small start-up with a unique mission to become the profession's top data-analytics leader. Steven is a Board certified gerontological clinical specialist, whose greatest professional joy is to celebrate those who share his passion for quality care for our nation’s elders.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 29 | PTSD in Frontline Health Care Workers: Pre- and Post-COVID-19
Time: 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership/Workforce
Session Summary
Frontline health care workers, especially those in long term care centers, play a vital role in the treatment of severely ill residents. Their continual exposure to treatment-related stressors may result in increased feelings of irritability, anger, depressed mood and emotional instability. Health care workers are at a higher risk for developing PTSD when compared with the general population. Given the essential role of health care workers, both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, interventions to prevent and address PTSD in this population are paramount.Presenters
Arthur Lazarus
Medical Director | Thrive Behavioral Sciences
About the Presenter
Dr. Arthur Lazarus is a board-certified psychiatrist and physician-executive with a distinguished 40-year career. He is an advocate for clinician wellness and leadership and for lending a voice to stigmatized clinicians, trainees and patients everywhere. Dr. Lazarus has authored 4 books and more than 260 articles.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 28 | Provider Owned Special Needs Plans Panel Discussion
Time: 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Finance and Reimbursement
Session Summary
Join us for a panel discussion on the opportunity that Provider Owned Special Needs Plans (SNPs) afford nursing centers and post-acute care in general in a changing environment, including the clinical and financial impact. Hear from experts who partner and support providers with forming SNPs about the opportunity to double down on value based care and managed care.Presenters
Amy Kaszak
President, Special Needs Plans | AllyAlign Health
About the Presenter
Amy Kaszak is a value-based payment veteran with over 25 years of developing innovative payment and care models for high risk patient populations. In 2013, Amy co-founded AllyAlign Health, the first national company focused on enabling senior housing providers to transform the quality of care for residents through Medicare Advantage plans.Mark Miller
President | Longevity Health Plan
About the Presenter
Mark Miller has 25 years of skilled nursing and long term care experience involving facility operations, rehabilitation programming and case management. His corporate level management of ancillary services include pharmacy, lab, x-ray, HMO products and contracting. Mark is currently President of Longevity Health Plan, Florida Market. He is responsible for operations, utilization review and business expansion.Tom Parker
Senior Director of Policy and Reimbursement | Florida Health Care Association
About the Presenter
Tom Parker serves as the Senior Director of Reimbursement for the Florida Health Care Association. On behalf of FHCA, he serves as a liaison to American Health Care Association and FHCA Reimbursement Committee and represents long term care providers before the Florida Legislature, AHCA, DOEA, CMS, and other entities regarding issues of reimbursement and health care finance policy.Abby Riddle
Senior Vice President of Medicare Operations | Independent Living Systems
About the Presenter
Abby has served in her current role for almost 2 years supporting ILS' expansion and managed care services to Medicare clients nationwide. Prior to assuming her leadership position with ILS, Riddle served as Assistant Deputy Secretary for Medicaid Operations with the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), functioning as the Florida Medicaid program’s Chief Operations Officer. Leveraging her extensive experience in government-sponsored healthcare programs, Riddle brings a track record of success with program implementation and operations. Riddle held several senior-level positions during her tenure with the agency and had day-to-day responsibility for operations of Medicaid’s $28 billion managed care program.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 27 | Best Practice for a Pressure Injury Program
Time: 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Clinical/Person-Centered Care Practices
Session Summary
An in-house acquired or declining pressure injury puts providers at risk for regulatory citations and litigation. The burden on the provider is to demonstrate the development or decline of a pressure injury was unavoidable. The interventions that are implemented within the first 24 hours are critical, as well as ongoing interdisciplinary updates to the plan of care. This session will utilize the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) approach for implementing or enhancing a pressure injury program to ensure your program meets regulatory guidance for F686, as well as the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panel (NPIAP) and Wound, Ostomy and Continence Nurses Society (WOCN) standards of practice to minimize regulatory and legal risk.Presenters
Jeri Lundgren
President | Senior Providers Resource
About the Presenter
Jeri Ann Lundgren RN, BSN, PHN, CWS, CWCN, has been working in long term care since 1990, specializing in wound care nationally since 1994. She is board certified as a CWS (Certified Wound Specialist) by the American Board of Wound Management and a CWCN (Certified Wound Care Nurse) by the Wound, Ostomy and Continence Society. Her extensive background in wound management in long term care nationally includes survey management, litigation support, wound care consultation, program development, clinical expert for several state Quality Improvement Organizations and Departments of Health. Her background also includes four years as a Director of Nurses in a long term care center. Currently, Jeri is the President of Senior Providers Resource.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 24 | Challenges of All-hazard Emergency Planning and Response in Assisted Living Facilities
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Assisted Living
Session Summary
Research from the University of South Florida's SAFEHAVEN II grant will be used to describe the challenges facing assisted living facilities in emergency situations and lessons learned from administrative staff. These include results of analyses concerning the effects on residents, including mortality and emergency department use after Hurricane Irma, and results of interviews with 90 administrative staff from facilities of varying size, type and locations concerning hurricane and pandemic preparedness.Presenters
Lindsay Peterson
Interim Director, Florida Policy Exchange Center on Aging, School of Aging Studies | University of South Florida
About the Presenter
Lindsay Peterson is a Research Assistant Professor in the School of Aging Studies at USF. She serves as Project Manager and Co-Investigator on the SAFEHAVEN II grant, whose purpose is to examine the effects of Hurricane Irma and the COVID-19 pandemic on skilled nursing and assisted living facilities in Florida.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 21 | ALERT: Need Someone (Anyone) to Fill Shift ASAP
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership/Workforce
Session Summary
How often does your organization scramble to fill open shifts and last-minute call-offs? If you are like most providers, this happens more often than you would like to admit. The reason is simple, we are facing an unprecedented staffing crisis. Most organizations cannot find, hire and retain employees without relying on excessive overtime or agency labor. The answers are much more involved, but it is clear that relying on status quo staffing strategies has become costly, ineffective and can be a detriment to resident care. This session will critically examine new research on today’s and tomorrow’s workforce challenges, explore frontline staff perspectives on their needs and wants and provide real-world case studies showing how digital transformation strategies are elevating recruitment, retention and staffing in senior care. This is a can’t-miss session for providers needing to transform the vicious cycle of employee burnout and turnover into a virtuous cycle of quality care and employee retention.Presenters
Peter Corless
Executive Vice President of Enterprise Development | OnShift
About the Presenter
Peter Corless is the Executive Vice President of Enterprise Development of OnShift, a leader in human capital management software for post‐acute care and senior living. Peter is also the Associate Business member representative on NCAL’s Board of Directors and previously served as the associate business member president on the AHCA Board of Governors. Peter is a recognized HR leader in post-acute care and is well-known for his achievements at some of the largest post-acute care organizations, including Kindred Healthcare and Genesis HealthCare. As an experienced, international chief administrative and human resources officer, he developed strategies that reduced turnover, improved recruiting and hiring and reduced labor costs. Peter received his BA from the University of Waterloo and his MBA from York University’s Schulich School of Business.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 20 | Nursing and Non-therapy Ancillary Components of Patient Driven Payment Model
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Finance and Reimbursement
Session Summary
The Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) Medicare payment system began October 1, 2019, followed closely by the onset of the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE). Skilled nursing centers did not have time to become fluent with the new payment system due to the onset of the PHE. This session will focus on the nursing and non-therapy ancillary (NTA) components of PDPM and how it impacts payments.Presenters
Carol Maher
Director of Education | Hansen Hunter & Co.
About the Presenter
Carol Maher is a Board certified Gerontological RN with over 30 years of long term care experience. She has worked as an MDS coordinator for large skilled nursing centers, and as director of clinical reimbursement and senior vice president of utilization for large skilled nursing facility companies. Carol has worked as one of the Gold Standard nurses for MDS 3.0, serving on the RAP workgroup to prepare the way for the CAAs for MDS 3.0, and participating on a number of technical expert panels related to MDS, Quality Measures and care planning. She is also a frequent author of articles related to the RAI process and PPS. Carol served as a member of the AANAC Board of Directors for nine years. She is presently serving as the immediate past chair of the AANAC Expert Advisory Panel and as an AANAC Master Teacher of the RAC-CT and RAC-CTA certification courses. Carol is the Director of Education for Hansen Hunter & Co.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 19 | On the Sunny Side: The Impact of Nutrition on Mental Health in Residents
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Clinical/Person-Centered Care Practices
Session Summary
Mental health among seniors living in a congregate setting has long been a topic of interest, never more than while navigating the isolation, stress and boredom brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. This session will discuss the role that nutrition can play in maintaining or improving the mental health status of older adults via the gut-brain axis, nutrient abundance and enjoyment of meals.Presenters
Jen Bruning
Director of Nutrition & Brand Innovation | Incite Strategic Partners
About the Presenter
Jen Bruning MS, RDN, LDN, serves as the Director of Nutrition & Brand Innovation for Incite Strategic Partners, the Group Purchasing Organizer partner of Florida Health Care Association. Prior to coming to Incite, Jen spent her dietetics career in food service, in both the corporate wellness and senior living sectors helping to shape the dining experience of clients around the country. Jen has previously held the position of professor of nutrition at Columbia College Chicago and currently serves as a National Media Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics. You can hear Jen as the voice of the daily radio feature The Eating Right Minute, broadcast Monday-Friday in the Chicagoland area (105.9FM).« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 18 | Understanding Your Medicaid Contracts
Time: 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Type/Topic: Assisted Living
Session Summary
Assisted living facilities are often overwhelmed by the thought of Medicaid contracts and Medicaid residents. With more than 121,000 members currently enrolled in a long term care Medicaid plans in Florida, there are many opportunities for growth. The session will discuss best practices and efficiency tips to make this piece of your business run smoother so you can be a true community partner. The presenter will also discuss common pitfalls to avoid that can be implemented in day-to-day operations.Presenters
Regina Wild
Director of Community & Home-Based Services | Managed Care Consultants of Florida, Inc.
About the Presenter
Regina Wild has been in post-acute care for over 13 years. She has an extensive background in business development, admissions and managed care. Regina has worked in skilled nursing, assisted living and home health, including a regional role in business development.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 17 | Sometimes More is More: How to Increase Communication for Improved Family Satisfaction
Time: 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Type/Topic: Technology and Quality Innovations
Session Summary
During the COVID-19 pandemic, providers acted to maintain communication with family members. Due to ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, regulatory changes and ongoing staffing challenges, providers have been asked again and again to do more with less. In the case of communication, studies have shown that more is better. Participants will learn how to leverage technology to efficiently engage in more frequent and positive communications with families and key stakeholders to improve satisfaction and positive perception of their communities.Presenters
Sean O'Regan
Senior Account Executive | PointClickCare
About the Presenter
Sean O’Regan is an Account Executive with PointClickCare. A licensed nursing home administrator, who has been in the post-acute profession in a variety of capacities over the last seven years. Sean has worked closely with hundreds of providers across the state of Florida to find ways to improve processes and ultimately outcomes. He is passionate about sharing best practices for a greater impact on the lives of the seniors we serve.Samantha Vosloo
Account Executive | PointClickCare
About the Presenter
Samantha Vosloo is a nursing home administrator with 10 years of long term care experience. She graduated from the University of South Florida and has since operated centers in Kansas and Florida. During her time as an administrator, she partnered closely with state associations and AHCA/NCAL working in legislative activism, workforce solutions and the quality award program. Driven by the goal to improve the lives of those touched by the long term care profession, she takes pride in providing process driven solutions for better outcomes.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 16 | Topics That are Hot and Those That are Not
Time: 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
This session will highlight areas where centers are being cited under the CMS regulations with a focus on areas where interpretation of the regulation may differ from survey team to survey team or seem inconsistent with the language of the regulation. Case law interpreting the regulations, if any, will be discussed. Case studies will be used to explain the rationale for the citations and tips will be given on how to avoid violating specific regulations.Presenters
Karen Goldsmith
Attorney and Regulatory Counsel | Goldsmith & Grout, P.A.
About the Presenter
Karen Goldsmith currently serves as Florida Health Care Association's Regulatory Counsel and previously served as the association's Legal Counsel since 1980. She represents a number of providers of nursing home and assisted living facilities. She is active on the American Health Care Association Legal Committee and served as its chairman for two terms. She is active in the American Health Lawyers Association. She speaks often on health care and legal issues and has written numerous articles.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 15 | Best Practices to a Successful Partnership with CNA Schools
Time: 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership/Workforce
Session Summary
In this session, participants will gain valuable strategies to successfully partner with CNA schools to produce engaged and productive CNAs. Participants will learn the expectations and responsibilities each party should have to create a successful program. This session will also walk participants through a typical start to finish timeline for a new CNA student and the potential benefits for the skilled nursing center along the way.Presenters
Chris Palevich
President | Premier Nursing Academy
About the Presenter
Chris Palevich has worked in secondary education, sourcing or empowering students for employment for the last 16 years. He started his career with Monster.com, where he learned how to source and narrow down candidates for employers to find the perfect match. It was a natural transition to turn his attention to education and teaching students' what employers were looking for. Chris has held roles as a career services advisor, director of career services, and vice president of career services in various post-secondary educational institutions, including Indian University, Kaplan and Medtech Colleges. With the changing landscape of secondary education, Chris founded Premier Nursing Academy and believes that an enrollment-to-employment model will be the future of entry level nursing and health care education.Jennifer Ziolkowski
Owner | Q3 Healthcare Consulting
About the Presenter
Jennifer Ziolkowski has over 28 years of experience in the long term care profession. Her extensive knowledge of business operations and finance led her to serve in various roles such as senior vice president of finance and president in highly respected long term care companies. Jennifer holds a Masters in Business Administration and a Yellow Belt in Lean Six Sigma. In 2021, Jennifer along with two partners founded Q3 Healthcare Consulting to share her knowledge with others in the long term care profession. Currently, her firm serves as the program leader for the Caregiver FL Career Program.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 14 | Medicaid Prospective Payment System Reimbursement Update
Time: 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Type/Topic: Finance and Reimbursement
Session Summary
This session will focus on the results of the rebasing process for October 2021 rates and what providers can expect from changes due to the 2022 legislative session. Participants will learn how to improve their rates and change their behavior to prepare for the rules that will apply through 2023. Participants will learn the impact of the reduction and eventual elimination of the hold harmless provision and evaluate their current position in relation to a pure Prospective Payment System (PPS) environment. Participants will learn the steps they need to take now to ensure they are prepared to compete in the future.Presenters
Lorne Simmons
Senior Healthcare Manager | Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A.
About the Presenter
Lorne Simmons is a member of the Firm's Senior Housing and Long-Term Care Practice Groups. Lorne has over 30 years of accounting experience, 22 years in senior housing, and health insurance. Before joining Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A. (MSL), Lorne held positions with Life Care Services (LCS) management company and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Kansas. Lorne's focus at MSL is on reimbursement consulting, spending reviews and reimbursement rate analyses, cost structuring, cost report preparation, cost report audits, and appeal issues for Medicaid and Medicare reimbursement. He also handles financial statement projections, prospective financial analyses, and Certificate of Need financial forecasts. Lorne is a member of the FHCA Reimbursement Committee and Legislative Committee and has presented staff webinars and training sessions on Florida's Medicaid reimbursement system and 11 previous sessions at FHCA events.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 12 | Legal Topics as Hot as the Florida Sun
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Assisted Living
Session Summary
This session will cover the current status of hot topics in assisted living facilities, changes in the area of Emergency Preparedness Rules and provide a list of good practices for litigation reduction related to COVID-19.Presenters
Karen Goldsmith
Attorney and Regulatory Counsel | Goldsmith & Grout, P.A.
About the Presenter
Karen Goldsmith currently serves as Florida Health Care Association's Regulatory Counsel and previously served as the association's Legal Counsel since 1980. She represents a number of providers of nursing home and assisted living facilities. She is active on the American Health Care Association Legal Committee and served as its chairman for two terms. She is active in the American Health Lawyers Association. She speaks often on health care and legal issues and has written numerous articles.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 11 | The Role of Technology in Fall Prevention
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Technology and Quality Innovations
Session Summary
The world of technology is now an integral component of health care. Innovative resources are now available to aid in fall detection and prevention. This session will review how technology can be used to detect falls, assess risk and reduce or prevent occurrences. Participants will be exposed to exciting concepts which will provoke discussion to drive successful fall prevention programs. Let's make progress together by exchanging ideas and experiences to engage our exposure to cutting-edge technology.Presenters
Beth Reigart
Clinical Outcomes Specialist | Functional Pathways
About the Presenter
Beth Reigart is employed as a Clinical Outcomes Specialist with Functional Pathways. In this role, she supports program development for corporate and client driven initiatives. She provides training on regulatory issues, quality measures and the use of clinical reasoning to optimal functional outcomes. As a certified RAC-CT, she provides clinical reimbursement training to clients. She holds a master’s degree in Public Health from the University of South Carolina and a Bachelor of Science degree in Occupational Therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina. In addition to her diverse clinical experiences, Beth has served as a faculty professor at the Medical University of South Carolina and the University of St. Augustine.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 10 | How to Pass with Flying Colors: CEMP and EPP Plan Reviews with County Emergency Management
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
What is your local emergency management office looking for when reviewing your center's Comprehensive Emergency Management Plan (CEMP) and the Emergency Power Plan (EPP) appendix? The Florida Emergency Preparedness Association (FEPA) and the FEPA Health Care Working Group have developed a session for both skilled nursing and assisted living facilities. These expert presenters will share special insight to help centers prepare their plans for review, gain an understanding of the plan requirements the county must evaluate and develop successful partnerships with their local Emergency Management. They will also give an overview of the inner workings between local partners during an emergency response to achieve the best possible outcomes for long term care's vulnerable population.Presenters
Celeste Fournier
Emergency Management Coordinator | Lee County Emergency Management
About the Presenter
Celeste Fournier is a long-standing contributor and advocate for the development of emergency management in Lee County. She has a deep knowledge of the long term care profession and the state and federal requirements in Florida. Celeste is the Chair of the FEPA Health Care Working Group and has spearheaded several initiatives that have supported and engaged the long term care community statewide.Eve Rainey
Executive Director | Florida Emergency Preparedness Association
About the Presenter
Eve Rainey has served as Executive Director for the Florida Emergency Preparedness Association for the last ten years. Prior to that, Eve worked for the Florida Department of Emergency Management for 21 years, including as one of its bureau chiefs. She is also a certified Florida Professional Emergency Manager. Throughout her career, she has experienced every kind of storm or disaster imaginable and is well versed in emergency management.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 9 | No Day at the Beach: Addressing Post-Pandemic Trauma
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership/Workforce
Session Summary
For most people, a pandemic or crisis will be associated with increased uncertainty and stress. When we are under stress, we are more likely to trigger the “survival” or “fight or flight” responses in our brain. For some, this may mean difficulty with executive functions. For others, it could mean difficulty managing emotional responses or difficulty making decisions. How we respond to a crisis is individualized. The global pandemic has affected us as health care workers and the residents we serve. How should we as staff care for and approach our residents? How should we approach our staff and each other? How will our future interactions be affected and how can we promote healing? This session will review these concepts and more as we look at using a trauma-informed approach to addressing crisis.Presenters
Kathleen Weissberg
National Director of Education | Select Rehabilitation
About the Presenter
Dr. Kathleen Weissberg, (MS in OT, 1993; Doctoral 2014) in her 25+ years of practice, has worked in rehabilitation and long term care as an executive, researcher and educator. She has established numerous programs in nursing centers, authored peer-reviewed publications on topics such as low vision, dementia quality care, and wellness and has spoken at numerous conferences both nationally and internationally. She provides continuing education support to over 17,000 therapists, nurses, and administrators nationwide as National Director of Education for Select Rehabilitation. Kathleen is a Certified Dementia Care Practitioner and a Certified Montessori Dementia Care Practitioner.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 8 | To IPA or Not IPA: A Very Important Question
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Finance and Reimbursement
Session Summary
The Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM) improves payment for complex residents by providing payment for five case mix adjusted components. The complexity of the payment system makes it less clear what the final payment will be for a specific Medicare A resident. This confusion leads to missed opportunities to improve reimbursement with an Interim Payment Assessment (IPA). This session will help identify and focus on the components with the greatest opportunity for payment improvement. Speakers will explore the Health Insurance Prospective Payment System (HIPPS) code and how to understand the present payment so that opportunities are obvious. The entire Medicare team will benefit from this session and will learn which resident treatments and services to listen for during daily and weekly meetings.Presenters
Carol Maher
Director of Education | Hansen Hunter & Co.
About the Presenter
Carol Maher is a Board certified Gerontological RN with over 30 years of long term care experience. She has worked as an MDS coordinator for large skilled nursing centers and as director of clinical reimbursement and senior vice president of utilization for large skilled nursing facility companies. Carol has worked as one of the Gold Standard nurses for MDS 3.0, serving on the RAP workgroup to prepare the way for the CAAs for MDS 3.0, and participating on a number of technical expert panels related to MDS, Quality Measures and care planning. She is also a frequent author of articles related to the RAI process and PPS. Carol served as a member of the AANAC Board of Directors for nine years. She is presently serving as the immediate past chair of the AANAC Expert Advisory Panel and as an AANAC Master Teacher of the RAC-CT and RAC-CTA certification courses. Carol is the Director of Education for Hansen Hunter & Co.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 6 | Assisted Living Facility Top 10 Deficiencies and Agency Updates
Time: 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Assisted Living
Session Summary
In this session, the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) staff will discuss the top 10 deficiencies and why centers are cited, along with helpful strategies so assisted living facilities can improve quality in these areas. Additionally, current AHCA updates will be discussed.Presenters
Anne Sosiak
Registered Nurse Consultant | Division of Health Quality Assurance Bureau of Field Operations Agency for Health Care Administration
About the Presenter
Anne Sosiak has worked at the Agency for Health Care Administration for 11 years, starting as a nurse surveyor based in the Delray Beach office. She has survey experience in assisted living and long term care facilities as well as ambulatory surgery centers. Currently, Anne is a Registered Nurse Consultant with the Survey and Certification Support Branch, Bureau of Field Operations and her responsibilities include quality assurance, surveyor training and surveying for unlicensed assisted living activity.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 4 | Risk Reporting Requirements
Time: 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
This session will support participants and help navigate the risk management reports, understand the intent of state and federal requirements, and clarify questions related to law enforcement involvement.Presenters
Robin A. Bleier
President | RB Health Partners, Inc.
About the Presenter
Robin A. Bleier RN, HCRM, LNC , has 40 years of health care experience, 30 of which are in long term care. Robin's passion is teaching and training with a focus on risk management as a means to help improve quality and resident outcomes while increasing long term care professional's work satisfaction. Robin worked as a nursing assistant, LPN, RN, DON, regional nurse, CCO, and COO. She now owns and operates RB Health Partners, Inc. (RBHPs) a long term care consultancy firm for the past 20 years. RBHPs employs an interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts and consultants to support long term care providers meet their quality improvement goals.Michelle Dillehay
RN Consultant | Agency for Health Care Administration
About the Presenter
Michelle Dillehay RN-BC, has been employed with the Agency for Health Care Administration since 1999. Currently, she enjoys working in the Survey and Certification Support Branch to provide training and quality assurance in Field Operations. She served as a supervisor and preceptor for the Orlando office that includes Orange, Seminole, Brevard and Osceola counties. Michelle was also a registered nurse specialist surveyor and a quality of care monitor for nursing homes and assisted living facilities from Daytona Beach to Miami. Michelle received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Kent State University in Ohio in 1988 and has her Certification in Gerontology from the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She has enjoyed being a Registered Nurse for 30 years with over 25 years of experience in long term care.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 3 | The Nursing Home Administrator’s Journey to Success
Time: 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Leadership/Workforce
Session Summary
This session will cover the professional and personal journey of a nursing home administrator, including responsibilities and liabilities. It will cover the reasons for choosing this career path and real life experiences, obstacles and successul tools. Topics covered will include the first day you walk into your center, survey concerns, family meetings, COVID-19 in the long term care center and more.Presenters
Connie Bend
Administrator | Lanier Rehabilitation Center
About the Presenter
As a seasoned veteran with over 35 years within the long term care profession, Connie Bend is highly recognized for her professional work ethic and unsurpassed dedication to consistently producing successful CMS/AHCA survey results. She has managed over six facilities maintaining a superior rating and Five Star Rating along with three deficiency free surveys. Connie became a licensed administrator in 1983, and a certified preceptor for the Florida Board of Nursing Home Administrators in 1990. She has since directed six preceptorships for individuals who are now licensed nursing home administrators.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 1 | MDS 3.0 Quality Measures that Impact Five Star Quality Rating on Florida Reimbursement
Time: 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Clinical/Person-Centered Care Practices
Session Summary
MDS 3.0 Quality Measures (QM) impact the Five Star Rating System, survey and Florida reimbursement. When coded correctly, the MDS 3.0 Quality Measures can identify clinical areas to compare the nursing center's performance against other nursing centers in the state and/or nation. Often, clinical and administrative leaders wonder whether the QM scores reflect MDS errors or clinical opportunities for improvement. This session will explain the MDS questions and coding for each of the measures, exclusions, risk adjustment and the impact on Florida's Medicaid payment system.Presenters
Carol Maher
Director of Education | Hansen Hunter & Co.
About the Presenter
Carol Maher is a Board certified Gerontological RN with over 30 years of long term care experience. She has worked as an MDS coordinator for large skilled nursing centers and as director of clinical reimbursement and senior vice president of utilization for large skilled nursing facility companies. Carol has worked as one of the Gold Standard nurses for MDS 3.0, serving on the RAP workgroup to prepare the way for the CAAs for MDS 3.0, and participating on a number of technical expert panels related to MDS, Quality Measures and care planning. She is also a frequent author of articles related to the RAI process and PPS. Carol served as a member of the AANAC Board of Directors for nine years. She is presently serving as the immediate past chair of the AANAC Expert Advisory Panel and as an AANAC Master Teacher of the RAC-CT and RAC-CTA certification courses. Carol is the Director of Education for Hansen Hunter & Co.« Back to Continuing Education Sessions
Session 39 | The Changing Landscape of the Insurance Marketplace
Time: 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Finance and Reimbursement
Session Summary
Over the past few years, we have seen changes in the insurance marketplace for senior care operators. This session will discuss markets trends, strategies to improve performance and budgeting, among other topics.
Presenters
James Lynch
Sales Executive | Marsh McLennan Agency, Bouchard Region
About the Presenter
James Lynch is a Sales Executive at Marsh McLennan Agency, Bouchard Region with a specialization in the senior living profession. Prior to joining Marsh McLennan Agency, Bouchard Region, he worked as a litigation paralegal for a law firm devoted to defending senior care operators in nursing home negligence cases.
Phil McElfresh
Sales Executive | Marsh McLennan Agency, Bouchard Region
About the Presenter
Phil McElfresh, a Sales Executive with Marsh McLennan Agency, Bouchard Region, leads strategic planning with executive teams of health care providers to minimize exposure and forecast impacts in the profession, specializing in both Business Insurance and Employee Health Benefits.
Patrick McConachie
Senior Vice President | Marsh McLennan Agency, Bouchard Region
About the Presenter
Patrick McConachie is a Senior Vice President in the Tampa office of Marsh McLennan Agency. In this role, he leads a team of client advisors in providing expert risk management consultation and advice to health care organizations across North America with complex insurance needs. Working with the clients and other trusted advisors, it is the goal of the Marsh McLennan Agency to protect the client’s tangible assets, streamline processes and reduce corporate cost of risk. Patrick holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Florida and has earned the Chartered Property Casualty Underwriter (CPCU) designation. In his free time, he supports many nonprofit organizations and was most recently appointed to the Florida Management Committee of Coastal Conservation Association.
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Session 34 | Patient Driven Payment Model: SWOT Analysis
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Type/Topic: Finance and Reimbursement
Session Summary
This session will focus on the reimbursement elements and technical aspects of the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM). The presenters will identify providers' strengths, opportunities, weaknesses and threats related to PDPM reimbursement and billing.
Presenters
Boris Kushnir
Shareholder | Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A.
About the Presenter
Boris Kushnir is a Senior Healthcare Manager at Moore Stephens Lovelace, P.A. (MSL) and has more than 25 years of hands-on experience in management, finance, regulatory, reimbursement, operation and clinical consulting in the long term care and ICF-IID profession.
Celeste Rininger
Clinical Consultant | Richter LTPAC Performance Advisors
About the Presenter
Celeste Rininger RN, RAC-CT, is part of the Richter LTPAC Performance Advisors Consulting Team and a PointClickCare® Certified Partner Trainer with extensive tenure in long term and post-acute care (LTPAC) for over 30 years in both skilled nursing and assisted living facility communities. Her passion is working directly with LTPAC clients across the country to offer education, process review and best practice solutions to operational challenges. Having served as director of nursing, resident coordinator, staff development coordinator, MDS coordinator, nurse liaison, admissions and marketing director, regional trainer/implementer, and unit manager she knows about the real-life day-to-day needs and challenges corporations, facilities and staff are facing. She is a speaker at both the State and National levels whenever possible within the LTPAC profession.
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Session 33 | Code Status and Resident Wishes: How to and When to
Time: 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Type/Topic: Clinical/Person-Centered Care Practices
Session Summary
The challenge is always present with advance care planning and code status. Code blues and resuscitation efforts almost always fail because they either fail to save the life or fail to restore that life to a previous level. Yet, Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders send a message that life is devalued, not worth saving. "She wants to live, why wouldn't you resuscitate her?" Beyond the personal level are the regulations. How does your center respect residents' wishes for their code status and advance directives? This session will focus on both resident choices for code status and center support/enforcement of those wishes.
Presenters
Leonard DO
Medical Director, Palliative physician, Geriatrician | Florida Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (FMDA)
About the Presenter
Leonard DO is the Medical Director, Palliative Physician and Geriatrician for Florida Society for Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine (FMDA). He has developed Palliative programs that encouraged and respected patient choices in their advanced care planning. Leonard is a past board member of AMDA, President and Chair of FMDA.
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Session 32 | Mega Session: Quality Award Ceremony/Legislative Update
Time: 3:45 to 5:15 p.m.
Type/Topic: Mega Session
Session Summary
The FHCA Governmental Affairs team will provide a recap of Florida’s 2022 legislative session and the impact it will have on long term care providers across the state. The team will specifically review the fiscal year 2022-23 legislative budget and the effect it will have on nursing care centers; legislative initiatives targeted at addressing the staffing/workforce crisis; and the continued debate over COVID Liability Protection for long term care providers. The team will also discuss expectations for the 2022 Mid-term Elections and the advocacy initiatives anticipated for the 2023 Legislative Session. In addition to the legislative update, we will recognize our distinguished care centers who have received national and state awards and celebrate their remarkable accomplishments as they take center stage.
Presenters
Emmett Reed
Chief Executive Officer | Florida Health Care Association
Toby Philpot
Chief Lobbyist | Florida Health Care Association
Tom Parker
Senior Director of Policy and Reimbursement | Florida Health Care Association
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Session 30 | Guarding Your Tomorrow Being Proactive Today: Utilizing Artificial Intelligence to Proactively Identify High Risk Areas
Time: 2:00 to 3:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
In this session, participants will be able to identify ways to utilize artificial intelligence to scrub their medical records for high risk events, or potential for high risk events. The participant will understand how artificial intelligence programming can help identify key risk words that will help the center be proactive versus reactive. Understand what to do with that information when identified and how to best use the Quality Assurance process to ensure ongoing compliance.
Presenters
Kimberly Biegasiewicz
President/CEO | Avante Group
About the Presenter
Kimberly Biegasiewicz received her Bachelors of Arts in 2008 majoring in History with a minor in political science. In 2013, Kimberly began her career in long term care as a floor nurse and quickly moved up the ranks holding positions such as 3-11 supervisor, assistant director of nursing, director of nursing and regional director of clinical services. In December of 2018, Kimberly was presented with the opportunity to lead the clinical team of the Avante Group as the Chief Nursing Officer all while continuing her education and graduating with her Masters in Health Care Administration. In 2021, Kimberly was promoted to Chief Nursing Officer for the organization. She is actively involved in FHCA on various committees including the Senior Clinicians Council, Publication Relations Committee, FCAL and the Survey and Regulatory Committee.
Robin A. Bleier
President | RB Health Partners, Inc.
About the Presenter
Robin A. Bleier RN, HCRM, LNC , has 40 years of health care experience, 30 of which in long term care. Robin's passion is teaching and training with a focus on risk management as a means to help improve quality and resident outcomes while increasing long term care professional's work satisfaction. Robin worked as a nursing assistant, LPN, RN, DON, regional nurse, CCO, and COO. She now owns and operates RB Health Partners, Inc. (RBHPs) a long term care consultancy firm for the past 20 years. RBHPs employs an interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts and consultants to support long term care providers meet their quality improvement goals.
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Session 26 | Mega Session: Membership Meeting and Election of Officers - AHCA/NCAL National Update
Time: 8:30 to 10:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Mega Session
Session Summary
We are honored to have American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living President and CEO, Governor Mark Parkinson and National Center for Assisted Living Executive Director, LaShuan Bethea join us for on overview on national legislation and regulations impacting the profession, industry trends and quality initiatives.
Presenters
Governor Mark Parkinson
President and CEO | AHCA/NCAL
About the Presenter
The Honorable Mark Parkinson is the president and chief executive officer of the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, which represents more than 12,000 for- and not- for-profit nursing homes, assisted living residences, and centers for the care of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Before leading AHCA/NCAL, the native Kansan was a successful businessman, state legislator, and most recently served as the 45th Governor of the State of Kansas. In 1996, Parkinson focused on a new passion—helping to enhance seniors’ quality of life by providing first-class, elder care centers. His experience as founder and CEO of centers offering skilled nursing care, assisted living, and dementia-related care has given Parkinson a perspective that spans the continuum of care.
LaShuan Bethea
Executive Director | NCAL
About the Presenter
LaShuan Bethea is the executive director of the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) – the assisted living voice of the American Health Care Association (AHCA). Bethea joined NCAL from Genesis Healthcare, Inc. where she served in various leadership roles from 2007 – 2021. Bethea, a registered nurse and attorney, has a depth of long term care experience. She began at Genesis HealthCare in February 2007 and quickly advanced to the director of regulatory and program development before being promoted in 2015 to vice president of legislative affairs. She assumed a dual role as vice president of reimbursement in 2020 and was appointed to chair of the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee in June 2020. Bethea received her law degree from Widener University School of Law, Harrisburg, PA. She earned a Master’s degree in Education from American Intercontinental University and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from University of Phoenix.
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Session 23 | Strengthen Infection Prevention and Control Regulations and Antibiotic Surveillance Through Post-Acute Analytics
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Technology and Quality Innovations
Session Summary
Improving antibiotic usage among skilled nursing centers has become a national priority. Learn how automating the tracking and reporting of antibiotic use center-wide is not only reducing administrative burden, but also identifying the early warning signs of infection and highlighting the need for possible testing to determine the appropriate drug interventions. Explore how operators are leveraging live data analysis to meet state and federal requirements, prepare for regulatory reporting and onsite surveys, and conduct infection surveillance.
Presenters
Cheryl Scalzo, RN
Clinical Account Manager | Real Time Medical Systems
About the Presenter
A former director of nursing, Cheryl Scalzo has dedicated her career to improving quality of care. While working in long term care and as a Clinical Consultant, she has served as a Certified Infection Preventionist as well staff development coordinator, gaining extensive knowledge in establishing and implementing best practices to improve quality outcomes. Cheryl currently shares her expertise with Real Time clients, guiding them in unlocking the power of EHR data to improve clinical performance.
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Session 22 | Everything an Administrator Needs to Know About Life Safety
Time: 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
Type/Topic: Operations/Regulatory/Legal Compliance
Session Summary
This session will provide the nursing home administrator with tools to be successful with Life Safety. Life Safety Codes, building codes and NFPA are different for every building, while some are the same for all. This session will provide participants with a survey ready toolkit with resource links, survey forms and best practices on setting up survey ready books for survey success.
Presenters
Deborah Franklin
Senior Director of Quality Affairs | Florida Health Care Association
About the Presenter
Deborah Franklin is the Senior Director of Quality Affairs for the Florida Health Care Association. Deborah has a Masters of Health Administration and is a nursing home administrator with over thirty years in long term care sector. Deborah is responsible for leading the Association's internal quality department while pioneering initiatives on quality improvement in long term care. She works in conjunction with the association's Board of Directors, Quality Cabinet and associated committees to develop, plan and implement long term care quality and educational programs to support members with their pursuit of providing high-quality, person-centered care. Additionally, Deborah is the key liaison with the executive and legislative branches, state and federal health care agencies on long term care survey and regulatory issues.
Clinton Slier
Life Safety and Environmental Specialist | Integrity Health Care Systems
About the Presenter
Clinton Slier is an NFPA Certified Life Safety Specialist for Health Care, a certified health care safety professional, and a consultant with Integrity Health Care Systems. He is passionate about life safety and assisting others to understand the life safety codes and standards.
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Session 13 | Health Care-Associated Infection Prevention Program Overview and Updates from the Department of Health
Time: 12:15 to 1:15 p.m.
Type/Topic: Clinical/Person-Centered Care Practices
Session Summary
This session will provide an overview of the Health Care-Associated Infection (HAI) Prevention Program, Antimicrobial Stewardship Programs, Antibiotic Resistance, Urgent Threats and Data for Action. Presenters will review Candida Auris Surveillance, Detection and Outreach. This session will also go over Enhanced Barrier Precautions Partnerships and Collaboration.
Presenters
Argentina Charles
HAI Program Manager | Florida Department of Health
About the Presenter
Argentina Charles is a passionate public health professional with over five years of specialized expertise in program management, epidemiology, data analysis and leadership. She aims to enhance the health status of diverse populations and reduce health care-associated infections by implementing policy oriented initiatives, applying multidisciplinary knowledge, emphasizing infection prevention activities and efforts, and collaborating with national and international key stakeholders.
Jalysa Erskine
HAI Outbreak Infection Control Assessment and Response Epidemiologist | Florida Department of Health
About the Presenter
Jalysa Erskine is an Epidemiologist that has experience and specializes in infectious disease outbreaks in different facility types. She has been with the Florida Department of Health for 4 years, first starting out as an Epidemiologist at the county level in Pinellas County and now working for the State as the HAI Outbreak ICAR Epidemiologist. Jalysa received her Bachelor of Science degree at Tennessee State University and went on to receive her Master's degree from the University of South Florida. Jalysa also obtained a specialized Certificate in Infection Control at the University of South Florida as well. She has been able to use the knowledge she has gained in HAIs at both the county level and state level.
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Session 7 | Give them Quality: Achieving Clinical Excellence through the CMS Quality Initiatives
Time: 10:00 to 11:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Clinical/Person-Centered Care Practices
Session Summary
This session will focus on toolkits that will enhance quality outcomes on rehospitalization, C-Diff and adverse drug events with a focus on reduction of opioid use. Hear from clinical experts on best practices and processes in a pre- and post COVID-19 environment.
Presenters
Kimberly Beigasiewicz
President/CEO | Avante Group
About the Presenter
Kimberly Biegasiewicz received her Bachelors of Arts in 2008 majoring in History with a minor in political science. In 2013, Kimberly began her career in long term care as a floor nurse and quickly moved up the ranks holding positions such as 3-11 supervisor, assistant director of nursing, director of nursing and regional director of clinical services. In December of 2018, Kimberly was presented with the opportunity to lead the clinical team of the Avante Group as the Chief Nursing Officer all while continuing her education and graduating with her Masters in Health Care Administration. In 2021, Kimberly was promoted to Chief Nursing Officer for the organization. She is actively involved in FHCA on various committees including the Senior Clinicians Council, Publication Relations Committee, FCAL and the Survey and Regulatory Committee.
Jennifer Daves
Chief Nursing Officer | Aston Health
About the Presenter
Jen has devoted an almost thirty-year career to serving our geriatric population from her beginnings as a high school volunteer, then as a Certified Nursing Assistant, then as a Licensed Practical Nurse, to a Masters prepared Registered Nurse, and also as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator. Jen holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing as well as a dual Master’s Degree in Business Administration and in Nursing. Jen’s experience spans all the geriatric continuums of care with positions including Risk Manager, Director of Nursing, Regional Nurse, Nursing Home Administrator, Assisted Living Administrator, Regional Director of Operations, VP of Clinical Services, and Chief Nursing Officer. She has extensive experience in Florida as well as multiple other states. She is focused on positive patient experiences and outcomes citing a strong compassionate team as the foundation for success. Jen is an active member/presenter with the Florida Health Care Association serving as the Vice-Chair for the Senior Clinician’s Committee as well as an item writer for the NAB exams.
Amina Dubuisson
Vice President of Clinical Services | Ventura Services of Florida, Inc
About the Presenter
Amina Dubuisson has been a nurse for over 24 years. She earned an Associate of Science degree in nursing from Miami Dade College and become a Registered Nurse. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing, Business Administration and Healthcare Management from the University of Phoenix; and her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Chamberlain University. She is currently the Vice-President of Clinical Services at Ventura Services of Florida, Inc. She is the Vice Co-Chair of the Senior Clinicians Council from the Florida Health Care Association. She received the Florida Health Care Association Rising Star in Nursing Award and was recognized as an emerging nurse leader who has demonstrated excellence in nursing and person-centered care practices. She was recognized by Greystone Healthcare Management for her volunteer works in the community. Amina's biggest achievement has been her ability to give back to the community through volunteering and providing care to the underserved population through various Medical Missions and Health Fairs. Every year, she travels to Haiti at least twice in Medical Missions. She believes that everyone has a purpose in life and her purpose is to help people.
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Session 5 | How Well Do You Shine?
Time: 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Technology and Quality Innovations
Session Summary
How well does your personal health and wellness shine? You are your best advocate; however, do you take care of yourself and take time in the sun? This session will focus on you, with ideas and suggestions to find the time to pop you to the top of your to-do list. Plan to wear comfy clothes and shoes; you may need to move a little.
Presenters
Kimberly Warnecke
Chief People Officer, PharmScript, LLC |
About the Presenter
Kimberly A. Warnecke NHA, MPA, is a Nursing Home Administrator by trade and has worked in the amazing profession of skilled nursing and post-acute care for over 20 years. Although she worked as a successful nursing home administrator for several years in Destin, Florida, she knew she wanted more. This led her to find a role in the human resource side of the business. Kim’s passion is quite simply put, people. Kim preaches the art of treating people as you would like all of your customers to be treated. She helps them learn kindness does make a difference. Over the years, Kim has transitioned from a nursing home administrator to human resource representative to vice president of organization and talent effectiveness then to Chief People Officer (CPO) at Gulf Coast Health Care. Now, as the Chief People Officer at PHARMSCRIPT, Kim combines her expertise in passion for people, with impactful training and education programs. She enjoys sharing her passion for people and empowering others to do the same.
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Session 2 | Mandatory Bundled Payments are Coming: Is Your Skilled Nursing Center Ready
Time: 8:00 to 9:30 a.m.
Type/Topic: Finance and Reimbursement
Session Summary
You have educated yourself on the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), COVID-19 waivers, vaccine mandates, and the latest quality metrics. But have you heard about the mandatory bundled payments CMS is rolling out for hospitals? Bundled payments replace hospital fee-for-service billing and incentivize hospitals to reduce costs, length of stay, and readmissions, without compromising the quality of care patients receive. In this presentation, health care administrators will learn how hospital mandatory bundled payments will impact skilled nursing facilities and how to leverage this change from CMS so your facility can be an indispensable hospital partner in the months and years ahead.
Presenters
Brian Carpenter
Chief Medical Officer, Telemedicine | Sound Physicians
About the Presenter
Dr. Brian Carpenter has a proven record of success in hospital medicine leadership, post-acute telemedicine, and strategies to improve clinical outcomes. He leads Sound Physicians' telemedicine service lines, including acute and post-acute programs in over 250 facilities nationwide. He has developed many innovative programs to reduce readmissions and improve patient outcomes.
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Session | Nursing Home Administrator 101
Time: 10:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Type/Topic: Specialized Training
Session Summary
This six-hour training is designed to motivate new administrators and develop skills needed to become a great leader. The training will focus on leadership, financial, legal and regulatory, life safety, survey readiness and quality improvement skills. Hear from long term care leaders as they discuss best practices and tools for the administrator to be successful. Nursing home administrators are responsible for leading the team to ensure regulations are met and quality of care is of the highest standard.
Presenters
Deborah Franklin
Senior Director of Quality Affairs | Florida Health Care Association
About the Presenter
Deborah Franklin is the Senior Director of Quality Affairs for the Florida Health Care Association. Deborah has a Masters of Health Administration and is a nursing home administrator with over thirty years in long term care sector. Deborah is responsible for leading the Association's internal quality department while pioneering initiatives on quality improvement in long term care. She works in conjunction with the association's Board of Directors, Quality Cabinet and associated committees to develop, plan and implement long term care quality and educational programs to support members with their pursuit of providing high-quality, person-centered care. Additionally, Deborah is the key liaison with the executive and legislative branches, state and federal health care agencies on long term care survey and regulatory issues.
Karen Goldsmith
Attorney | Goldsmith & Grout, P.A.
About the Presenter
Karen Goldsmith currently serves as Florida Health Care Association's Regulatory Counsel and previously served as the association's Legal Counsel since 1980. She represents a number of providers of nursing home and assisted living care. She is active on the American Health Care Association Legal Committee and served as its chairman for two terms. She is active in the American Health Lawyers Association. She speaks often on health care and legal issues and has written numerous articles.
Vern Zeger
Executive Director | Village on the Green
About the Presenter
Vern Zeger has been in long term care as a leader since 1997. He has led teams to receive Baldridge Quality awards, five star ratings and small business of the year for the community. Vern is Chair of the Survey and Regulatory Committee and has been actively engaged in FHCA as a board member, district president and other committees as needed. Vern has impacted many nursing home administrators as a mentor and preceptor.
Clinton Slier
Life Safety and Environmental Specialist | Integrity Health Services
About the Presenter
Clinton Slier is a member of NPFA, a certified health care safety professional and a consultant with Integrity Health Services. He is passionate about life safety and assisting others to understand the codes.