Session Descriptions
Click on a date below to expand the list of sessions that will be held each day. You will find seminar descriptions and the name of the speaker(s) that will be presenting each session. More information will be added as it becomes available. Please check back often. For a quick glance at the full schedule of events, click here.
Tuesday, February 25
(all events at Capital Bluffs)
8:45 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. Educational Session |
“Restorative Care Programs: Enhancing Clinical Outcomes for Residents”
1.5 Patient Care Hours
This seminar is designed for healthcare administrators and Directors of Nursing to highlight the critical role restorative care programs play in improving resident outcomes and enhancing the overall clinical environment.
Restorative care is an evidence-based approach that focuses on helping LTC residents regain functional independence and improve quality of life. During this presentation, we will explore the clinical advantages of establishing a comprehensive restorative care program in LTC facilities. Key topics will include:
- Improved Resident Outcomes: Learn how restorative care can enhance recovery rates, reduce hospital readmissions, and promote long-term health for residents with chronic conditions, disabilities, or post-acute illnesses.
- Functional Independence: Understand how restorative care helps residents regain self-sufficiency, reduces dependency on caregivers, and encourages active patient participation in their care.
- Prevention of Complications: Discover how restorative programs can help reduce the incidence of falls, pressure ulcers, functional decline, and other preventable healthcare complications.
- Better Utilization of Resources: Explore how implementing restorative care programs can optimize staffing, reduce unnecessary treatments, and improve the efficiency of care delivery.
The seminar will also offer practical strategies for integrating restorative care and creating a sustainable culture of care that benefits both residents and staff. Join us to discover how restorative care is a vital investment in the future of long-term care, offering measurable clinical improvements and transforming the resident experience.
Presenters: Julie Tootle, Carolyn Gasser and Crystal Plank – QIPMO Nurses
10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Educational Session |
“Understanding Missouri’s Proposition A & CMS Guidance Changes to Admission, Transfer and Discharge: Implications for Providers”
1.5 Administrative Hours
This session will provide a comprehensive overview of two important developments in Missouri’s long-term care landscape: the passage of Proposition A and the recent regulatory changes affecting the admission, transfer, and discharge of residents. Presented by legal experts, this seminar is designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to navigate these critical issues and ensure compliance within your facilities.
Key topics will include:
Missouri’s Proposition A: Key Provisions and Impact on Long-Term Care
Proposition A, recently passed in Missouri, introduces significant changes that affect long-term care providers. This portion of the seminar will cover:
- The primary objectives of Proposition A and its expected outcomes.
- How Proposition A impacts staffing, labor practices, and facility operations.
- Legal and operational considerations for long-term care providers in adapting to the new framework.
- Practical guidance on ensuring compliance with the new law and its implications for your facility.
Changes to Guidance on Admission, Transfer, and Discharge of Residents
Recent surveyor guidance updates have reshaped the requirements for resident admissions, transfers, and discharges in long-term care settings. This segment will focus on:
- A detailed review of the changes governing these processes.
- The specific criteria that must now be met for admitting, transferring, or discharging residents, including documentation and resident rights.
- Strategies for ensuring compliance with these changes, minimizing legal risks, and maintaining positive relationships with residents and their families.
This session will be invaluable to those who are working to stay ahead of regulatory changes and legal requirements. Attendees will leave with a clear understanding of both Proposition A and the updated admission, transfer, and discharge regulations, along with actionable strategies for navigating these changes effectively within their organizations. Join us for this essential seminar to ensure your facility remains compliant, legally sound, and equipped to provide high-quality care to residents in a changing regulatory environment.
Presenters: Liz LaFoe Frederick and Tim Hilton – Husch Blackwell
12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Meeting & Luncheon |
“MHCA General Business Meeting & Luncheon”
1.5 Administrative Hours
Join us for an informative session led by the Executive Director of the Missouri Health Care Association (MHCA) and the MHCA Board of Directors, as they provide a comprehensive update on the latest developments in the Long-Term Care (LTC) industry. This session will focus on both state and federal-level changes and regulations affecting the industry, including legislative and policy updates, funding, workforce challenges, and upcoming initiatives that impact long-term care providers.
Presenter: Meghan Travis Henderson
2:15 p.m. – 3:45 p.m. Educational Session |
“The Power of Documentation: Elevating Care, Compliance, and Reimbursement”
1.5 Patient Care Hours
This seminar is specifically tailored to emphasize the critical role documentation plays in delivering quality care, ensuring compliance, and protecting your organization. Although documentation may often seem like a burdensome task or the last thing on the to-do list, its impact is far-reaching and affects nearly every aspect of care, from clinical outcomes to reimbursement to legal protections.
In this session, we will dive into why thorough and accurate documentation is essential and how to communicate its importance to your team.
Key topics will include:
- Improving the Quality of Care: Understand how documentation drives clinical decision-making and continuity of care. Accurate, up-to-date records enable caregivers to provide informed, patient-centered care that can reduce errors, improve outcomes, and enhance the overall patient experience.
- The Role of Documentation in Reimbursement: Learn how meticulous documentation directly impacts reimbursement rates, including the importance of capturing accurate patient conditions, interventions, and outcomes. Understanding the link between detailed records and financial stability will help underscore the value of timely and precise documentation.
- Legal Protection and Risk Management: Discover how proper documentation serves as your first line of defense in the event of lawsuits or regulatory audits. Well-documented care not only provides legal protection but also ensures your team is following best practices and adhering to state and federal regulations.
- Teaching the Importance of Documentation to Your Team: Effective strategies for training your staff to view documentation as an integral part of patient care rather than an afterthought. Learn how to motivate your team to consistently prioritize documentation, making it a seamless part of their daily routine.
- Fostering a Culture of Accountability: Explore how fostering a culture of accountability around documentation can lead to improved care standards and better team performance. Setting clear expectations and providing ongoing education and support will ensure your team understands the far-reaching impact of their documentation practices.
This seminar will provide actionable strategies for improving documentation practices within your organization, ensuring that it is viewed as an essential tool for enhancing patient care, compliance, and organizational success.
Presenter: Beth Alford – Mitigation Solutions
4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. 2 Concurrent Educational Sessions |
“Enhancing Patient Care through Mastery of the Case Mix Review Process”
1.5 Patient Care Hours
Join us for an insightful session designed to empower your team with the knowledge to optimize patient care through the Case Mix Review Process. This seminar will walk you through the key steps of the review process, emphasizing how effective interdisciplinary collaboration and accurate documentation directly improve patient outcomes. You’ll explore the connection between the review process, care planning, and the quality of care provided to your patients, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment.
Key Takeaways:
Understanding the Review Process and Its Impact on Patient Care: Learn how the case mix review process affects patient care planning, resource allocation, and overall care delivery, ensuring that all team members are aligned in providing comprehensive care.
Qualifying Supportive Documentation for Improved Patient Outcomes: Discover the critical role that proper documentation plays in accurately reflecting the care patients receive, and how this supports optimal treatment plans and care decisions.
Nursing Function Score and Its Role in Tailoring Patient Care: Explore how the Nursing Function Score impacts case mix groups and care delivery, focusing on the importance of assessing functional tasks and the level of assistance required to enhance individual patient care.
Best Practices for Section GG Documentation: Learn strategies to ensure accurate documentation of functional abilities, which directly influences care planning and helps meet the needs of patients in a personalized way.
Proactive Review Strategies to Improve Patient Care Quality: Equip your team with best practices for conducting internal reviews that not only prepare you for Medicaid evaluations but also highlight areas for improving patient care outcomes.
This session provides practical, actionable insights designed to enhance both the quality of patient care and compliance with Medicaid billing. Perfect for nursing, clinical, and administrative professionals, it will help your team navigate the complexities of the case mix review process while keeping patient care at the forefront.
Presenters: Juli Pascoe and Sherri Robbins – Forvis Mazars
“Beyond the CBA: Admissions Best Practices”
1.5 Patient Care Hours
This interactive roundtable discussion will explore the essential best practices for admissions in Assisted Living and Residential Care facilities. Designed for professionals in the field, this course will go beyond the basics of the CBA (Community-Based Admissions) process to provide deeper insights into effective strategies for streamlining admissions, improving resident satisfaction, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Participants will engage in discussions about creating personalized admissions processes, handling difficult conversations, enhancing communication with families and residents, and optimizing the overall experience for both staff and clients. Attendees will leave with practical, actionable tools they can apply immediately in their work to elevate the admissions process at their facilities.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand key elements of an effective and compliant admissions process.
- Learn strategies for improving family and resident communication during the admissions process.
- Identify challenges and solutions in managing admissions for diverse populations.
- Discuss ways to enhance the overall admissions experience for both residents and staff.
This course will offer valuable insights for professionals aiming to elevate their admissions approach in Assisted Living and Residential Care settings.
Presenter: Renee Ridling
Wednesday, February 26
(events at Courtyard by Marriott and Missouri State Capitol)
8:15 a.m. – 9:15 a.m. Educational Session |
“Making the Most of Your Time at the Capitol”
1.0 Administrative Hour
This session will include tips on the best way to talk with your local legislators (at the Capitol or in your facility) as well as give insight on the political environment and legislative process.
9:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Capitol Visits |
“Capitol Visits”
1.5 Administrative Hours
Join MHCA at the Capitol for a unique opportunity to engage directly with Missouri legislators and their staff. Attendees will have the chance to discuss and educate lawmakers on the critical challenges facing long-term care. This experience will not only provide valuable insights into the legislative process but also empower participants to advocate effectively for improvements in long-term care. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of the issues at hand and the tools to influence policy decisions that impact the future of care in Missouri.”
12:30 p.m. – 2:30 p.m. Luncheon and Educational Session |
“Navigating CMS Guidance Changes: Alternatives to Psychotropic Medications and Enhancing Medication Regimen Reviews”
2.0 Patient Care Hours
Amber Jennings with Center for Behavioral Excellence will discuss the latest CMS Guidance changes regarding unnecessary medications, chemical restraints, psychotropic medications, and the Medication Regimen Review Critical Element Pathway (MRR CEP). As regulatory expectations evolve, it’s crucial to explore alternative strategies for managing residents’ behavioral health needs without over-reliance on anti-psychotics. This session will focus on providing practical alternatives and solutions, highlighting effective approaches to resident care that minimize the use of psychotropic medications.
In addition to the educational component covering the updated regulations, we will showcase resources and best practices that are available to support long-term care homes that will help with enhancing care, improving outcomes, and ensuring compliance.
Key Takeaways:
- An understanding of the recent CMS Guidance changes on unnecessary medications, chemical restraints, psychotropic medications, and the MRR CEP.
- Practical, alternative approaches to managing behavioral health needs in residents that reduce or eliminate the need for anti-psychotic medications.
- Strategies for developing individualized care plans that align with the latest regulations while improving overall resident well-being.
- Insights into valuable resources and tools available to long-term care homes to support compliance with these regulatory changes.
This session is essential for anyone involved in the care and management of residents with behavioral health challenges and will provide valuable tools to help homes meet new regulatory demands while fostering better, more person-centered care.
Presenter: Amber Jennings – Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health in Nursing Facilities (COE-NF)