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'Don't Get Burned' -- CPO presents Life Safety Boot Camp

Editor's Note: Care Providers Oklahoma is presenting the final Life Safety Code Boot Camp of the year Dec. 5-6 on the OSU/Tulsa campus under the direction of Kenn Daily. Connie Guinn, our Director of Education, provides this preview of the training.

Connie Guinn

By Connie Guinn
Director of Education, Care Providers Oklahoma

When CMS adopted the 2012 Life Safety Code and the Healthcare Facilities Code more than three years ago, it created new expectations for inspection, testing and maintenance of fire protection features in long term care facilities.

So, Care Providers Oklahoma is offering an intensive 2-day training on Dec. 5 & 6 especially for facility and maintenance managers, environmental services directors, administrators and long term care safety consultants.

The class will be held on the OSU/Tulsa campus and led by Kenn Daily, LNHA, president of Ohio-based Elder Care Systems Group. Kenn presents the training under the title, "Don't Get Burned: Your Next Life Safety Code Survey.”

The training focuses on the requirements of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code and NFPA 99 Healthcare Facilities Code and the tightening of requirements through stricter implementation that their adoption by CMS brought.

"This is Life Safety Code training for skilled nursing facilities, with a comprehensive review of the current Life Safety Code requirements, as well as a discussion of step-by-step ways to Life Safety Code compliance, the most common deficiencies, and ways a facility can identify and correct items in advance," Kenn said.

The Life Safety Code established minimum criteria for many protective features and systems, including fire protection, generators, doors, building services and maintenance activities.

Under Kenn's leadership, our unique Boot Camp helps you understand practical applications of the Life Safety Code and learn from a life safety expert on what to prepare for during survey. The comprehensive program examines all sections of the LSC applicable to skilled nursing and providers formers, policies and best practice guides for use by healthcare organizations.

"Life Safety Code Compliance and preparation are critical for skilled nursing, and I'll highlight some lessons learned from other facilities across the country and some of the missteps facilities have experience and ways that you all can be better compliant," he said.

Here's a sample of some of the topics covered: LSC origins and organization; construction types, operating features, door locks, hazardous areas, fire protection systems, smoke compartments, fire barriers, building services and many others.

We hope to see you there.

Registration closes at 11 pm, Sunday, Dec. 3. Register here.

From Proactive LTC Consulting: IQIES and CASPER Reports

EDITOR'S NOTE: We're grateful to our partners at Proactive LTC Consulting for sharing the information below regarding CMS transition to IQIES for MDS submission and CASPER reporting access.

By Christine Twombly, RN

Clinical Consultant, Proactive LTC Consulting

Christine Twombly

Earlier this year CMS transitioned from QIES to IQIES for MDS submission and CASPER reporting access. This transition left some MDS coordinators confused about how to access reports that were previously made available through QIES.

Available report types for each user are determined by the IQIES role assigned to the individual users. Permissions are determined by the HARP access privileges. If users believe that they do not have the correct access set up, they should contact the Security Officer for their organization to verify their IQIES user role is correctly set up.

CMS recently posted the IQIES Reports User Manual (V2.5 10/5/2023), which can be accessed using the link below:

iQIES Reports User Manual v2.5 FINAL 10.04.23_0.pdf (cms.gov)

This manual provides detailed instructions on how to identify and view new reports that are automatically added to their reports folder and how to schedule and run the multitude of provider requested reports that can be generated on demand. The reports will likely be found in one of the following four permanent system folders:

MDS 3.0 Final Validation Report folder, where the system generated FVRs are stored.

MDS 3.0 Provider Preview Report folder, where files such as the provider preview reports and SNF VBP files are distributed.

Non-Compliance Notification folder, which contains APU compliance notification letters for all care settings.

Package Reports folder, which is a report page in IQIES, where a user can choose to run the MDS 3.0 Facility Characteristics, MDS 3.0 Facility-Level QM report and MDS 3.0 Resident-Level QM report all in ONE report run.

As a result of the significant changes to the MDS 3.0 effective 10/1/2023, which includes the removal of section G. Many of the MDS based quality measures have been revised to address the MDS changes. The current version of the MDS 3.0 Quality Measure User’s Manual (V16.0) can be accessed at this link: mds-3.0-qm-users-manual-v16.0.pdf (cms.gov)

Contact Proactive for more information on clinical reimbursement consulting partnerships and Interim MDS staffing services.

Access Proactive’s Free CASPER Report Run Schedule Resource

Drug Regimen Review: Ensuring Medication Safety and SPADES Compliance

EDITOR'S NOTE: We're grateful to our partners at Proactive LTC Consulting for sharing the information below regarding significance of drug regimen review, its integration with CMS Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements, and the penalties for noncompliance with reporting.

Brandy Hayes

By Brandy Hayes, RN
Clinical Consultant, Proactive LTC Consulting

In the complex landscape of geriatric healthcare, medication errors can significantly impact LTC resident health, safety and quality of life. Unfortunately, potential and actual adverse consequences related to medications are prevalent, often occurring during transitions in care. These adverse consequences can result in serious harm or even death, emergency department visits, and rehospitalizations.

One vital strategy to improve resident safety is the drug regimen review, a comprehensive process designed to identify and address potential and actual clinically significant medication issues. In this blog, we explore the significance of drug regimen review, its integration with CMS Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements, and the penalties for noncompliance with reporting.

Planning for Care

Drug regimen review serves as a crucial component of the overall management and monitoring of a resident’s medication regimen. Its primary goal is the prevention and timely identification of potential and actual medication-related adverse consequences, ultimately reducing the resident’s risk for harm and enhancing quality of life. Key steps to ensure the success of this process include:

Education: Staff should be well-versed in proper medication administration techniques and the adverse effects of medications. This knowledge equips them to be observant and proactive in recognizing adverse effects of medications promptly.
System Implementation: Establish a systematic approach to ensure that each resident’s medication usage is evaluated upon admission and on an ongoing basis. This system should identify risks and problems and take appropriate actions. Use the critical element pathway 20082 Unnecessary Medications to guide QA efforts.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recognizes the importance of standardized patient assessment data to ensure the quality of care in healthcare settings, including Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNFs). This integration enhances the drug regimen review process by aligning it with CMS’s standards, ensuring a consistent and comprehensive approach to resident care.

CMS Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements (SPADEs) are a set of essential data elements designed to assess the health and well-being of residents accurately. SPADEs include a range of information related to a resident’s special services, treatments, and interventions, medical conditions and co-morbidities, cognitive function, mental status including depression and dementia, and ability to communicate. The Drug Regimen Review element includes the following:

Medication Reconciliation (N2001): “Clinically significant medication issue is a potential or actual issue that, in the clinician’s professional judgment, warrants physician (or physician-designee) communication and completion of prescribed/recommended actions by midnight of the next calendar day at the latest. ‘Clinically significant’ means effects, results, or consequences that materially affect or are likely to affect an individual’s mental, physical, or psychosocial well-being, either positively, by preventing a condition or reducing a risk, or negatively, by exacerbating, causing, or contributing to a symptom, illness, or decline in status. Any circumstance that does not require this immediate attention is not considered a potential or actual clinically significant medication issue for the purpose of the drug regimen review items.”
Medication Follow-up (N02003): The process of contacting a physician to communicate an identified medication issue and completing all physician- prescribed/recommended actions by midnight of the next calendar day at the latest.

Medication Intervention (N02005): Every time a potential or actual clinically significant medication issue is identified throughout the resident’s stay, it must be communicated to a physician, and the physician-prescribed/-recommended actions must be completed by the clinician in a time frame that maximizes the reduction in risk for medication errors and resident harm.

While compliance with CMS SPADEs and drug regimen review is essential, SNFs must be aware of the potential consequences of noncompliance. Notably, a 2% reduction in the SNF’s annual rate update is applied if noncompliant with reporting requirements. This financial penalty is further incentive for facilities to prioritize adherence to CMS regulations and reporting standards.

The drug regimen review is a vital safeguard in the care of residents, ensuring that their medication regimens are safe, effective, and aligned with their specific needs. By identifying and addressing potential issues proactively, healthcare providers can significantly enhance resident safety, ultimately improving the quality of life for those under their care. Integrating the drug regimen review with CMS Standardized Patient Assessment Data Elements ensures a comprehensive, standardized approach to medication management, reinforcing the commitment to delivering high-quality care in healthcare facilities, including SNFs.

However, SNFs must also recognize the importance of compliance with CMS regulations, as penalties for noncompliance, such as a 2% reduction in the annual rate update, can have substantial financial implications. Therefore, it is imperative that healthcare facilities implement a rigorous drug regimen review processes, continually educate their staff, and ensure strict adherence to CMS reporting requirements to maintain the highest standards of resident medication safety and regulatory compliance.

Champions of Health Awards showcases innovators of Oklahoma healthcare

Champions of Health Awards Presentations were held in massive ballroom at the OKC Convention Center

By Jim Stafford
CPO Content Creator

I was privileged to be part of the Care Providers Oklahoma team that attended the 2023 Champions of Care Awards Presentations recently at the OKC Convention Center.

The Champions of Health awards program was launched in 2004 to recognized organizations and individuals working to improve health outcomes across Oklahoma. Proceeds from the Awards Presentations ceremony benefits the Oklahoma Caring Foundation, a not-for-profit that provides preventative health services to underserved Oklahomans.

The Champions of Health Awards were presented by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma.

CPO is one of 11 member organizations that comprise the Champions of Health Coalition Partners, and Steven Buck, CPO President/CEO is part of the Coalition Leadership team.

"Champions of Health is a celebration of innovation in health delivery to vulnerable populations in our state,” Steve said. “I have been involved in Champions for over 15 years and am always amazed by the quality of emerging approaches to providing care. It is an honor to stand with colleague organizations like Oklahoma Hospital Association and the Oklahoma State Medical Association to showcase these accomplishments."

Awards were presented in five categories to organizations that are pursuing innovative health related programs that can be replicated in other communities. Several CPO team members, including me, were among the judges who helped determine this year's winners.

Recipients recognized at the ceremony were:

Tulsa Public Schools as Champion of Children's Health for its student wellness progam.

Calm Waters as Champion of Senior Health for its grief support groups that are offered to seniors 55-plus who have experienced loss of a loved one.

Grand Mental Health as Champion of the Uninsured for providing health care services to under insured/uninsured Oklahomans.

Tulsa CARES as Champion of Community Health for being a provider of prevention and care programs for low income individuals living with HIV or Hepatitis C.

Neighborhood Services Organization as the Dr. Rodney L. Huey Memorial Champion of Oklahoma Health for its program to provide transitional and permanent housing for the unhoused to build stability, security and restore health.

NFL star Damar Hamlin participated in a fireside chat with Robin Marsh at the Champions of Health Awards Presentations

There were probably 1,000 folks or more at the Champions of Health Awards Presentation, and I'm sure that for some (me included) the big draw was the presence of NFL star Damar Hamlin, a defensive back with the Buffalo Bills.

If you're not familiar with Damar, he was the young man who collapsed on the field last January after a hard tackle. His heart stopped and it took heroic efforts by the team's training staff and medical personnel to revive him before transporting him to the hospital, where he spent 9 days.

Hamlin eventually was cleared to resume his NFL career and played in his first game of the 2023 season this past weekend.

In his OKC appearance, Damar participated in a 'fireside chat' facilitated by TV news personality Robin Marsh. He spoke about his past and the hard work it took to become an NFL player, and then his new mission of ensuring emergency technology like that which saved his own life is available to teams and organizations nationwide.

"‘It’s kind of like a calling, and we don’t get to choose our calling." he told the audience.

It was a touching presentation that showed a side of a professional athlete that we rarely get to see. For more on Damar's brush with death and his chat with Robin Marsh, read the post I wrote at Jim Stafford's BlogOKC.

Damar's presentation capped an important evening to organizations like CPO and our counterparts who support better health outcomes for all Oklahomans.

I'm glad I attended.

My CPO colleagues and I took a selfie outside the OKC Convention Center with Champions of Health emcee Robin Marsh

BONUS! My CPO colleagues -- Tanecia Davis, Juliet Williams and Shanna Reece -- and I happened to come across Robin Marsh just outside the convention center as we were leaving after the presentations concluded, and someone asked Robin if she would do a group 'selfie' with us.

Of course, she gladly accommodated us, and the result is the souvenir photo to the left.

Caution! MDS Bumps in the Road with 10/1 Transition

EDITOR'S NOTE: With the transition to the new MDS item set, there have been some minor issues with transition. We're grateful to our partners at Proactive LTC Consulting for sharing the information below regarding the issues different software vendors are facing during this transition.

By Eleisha Wilkes, RN

Clinical Consultant, Proactive LTC Consulting

With the implementation of the MDS 3.0 v1.18.11 this past Sunday, October 1st, it may not be surprising that there have been a few bumps in the road. Software vendors continue to work diligently to address issues, but here are some transitional potholes that you may want to watch out for:

PointClickCare (PCC): PCC is experiencing an issue where the following MDS Items are enabled when they should be disabled:

D0500

GG0130 Column 2

GG0170 Column 2

GG0170J5

GG0170K5

K0710

O0400D2

PCC is working to resolve the issue and advises users to NOT answer MDS items that should be disabled. They will provide an update when the issue is resolved with instructions to complete the affected assessments. There have also been reports that some providers are not seeing the updated diagnosis codes within the PCC software, and that coding IV fluids is not populating the Special Care High case mix group.

American Health Tech (AHT): When opening/scheduling an OSA, choose option 5 “other payment assessment” as the assessment type. Some providers are still having issues with the “Select other payment type” options not being updated. AHT scheduled a “Hot Fix” this past Saturday addressing the OSA and if problems persist you should call AHT technical support.

Matrix Care: Older versions are omitting the Staff support response options on some of the late loss ADLs. Also, even when GG is not dashed, a warning code is given alerting the user that section GG cannot be dashed and not allowing the user to save and close, even when GG is not dashed.

Other considerations include:

Diagnoses: Some diagnoses that once mapped to a PDPM Clinical Category may no longer (e.g., G20 – Parkinson’s disease). Make sure you have downloaded and are using the most recent PDPM ICD-10 Mapping

iQIES: An issue was discovered with the iQIES Z0100 HIPPS code calculation. The system-calculated value was incorrect for some assessments submitted between 9/19/23 – 9/23/23. The iQIES system recalculates the Medicare Part A HIPPS codes for qualifying assessments and compares that value to the value that was submitted in item Z0100 on the record. If the submitted value does not match the system-calculated value, error number -3935a (Incorrect RUG/PDPM Value: The submitted value of the HIPPS/PDPM code does not match the value calculated by the iQIES System.) is returned on the Final Validation Report. These affected assessments received error (-3935a) on the Final Validation Report. The iQIES technical team is working on correcting the issues and CMS will notify you of next steps if you are identified as having one or more assessments affected by the issue.

Care Careers Job Fair brings together Long Term Care reps, prospective employees

By Tanecia Davis
Care Careers Oklahoma

What happens when you gather representatives from 13 Long Term Care facilities in one location and invite prospective health care workers to stop by to explore their health care career potential?

We did that at our recent Care Careers Oklahoma Job Fair at MetroTech's Springlake campus, with terrific results.

Our MetroTech Job Fair was organized with a mission of bolstering the healthcare workforce in Oklahoma. The event aimed to tackle the shortage of Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) and Certified Medication Aides (CMAs) in the Long Term Care industry across the state.

With 13 facilities participating as vendors, the event attracted 65 enthusiastic individuals seeking employment opportunities in healthcare. Prospective candidates were offered the convenience of applying on the spot or registering for upcoming CNA training sessions, enabling them to embark on a career or progress to higher positions within the healthcare sector.

Facilities were happy to talk to folks that showed up and were interested in Long Term Care. They told me that it's been a challenge to find good candidates. The people who came to the Job Fair were excited to have multiple facilities there. That gave them options they could choose that would be the best fit for them.

The job fair's impact extended beyond job seekers, providing a platform for facilities facing recruitment challenges. The event facilitated fruitful connections between facilities and potential candidates, addressing staffing needs in the long-term care facilities. This collaborative effort ensures that adequate care is delivered by addressing workforce shortages, ultimately benefiting both the healthcare industry and the community.

Encouraged by the success of this initiative, we plan to host our next job fair in Tulsa, with a vision of making such events an ongoing feature across the state to continually support healthcare worker recruitment in long-term care facilities.

We'll announce time and location for the Tulsa event soon. See you there.

Learn more at https://carecareersok.com/

Telligen Congratulates 36 Oklahoma Nursing Homes on the Blue Ribbon in COVID-19 Vigilance Award

By Micki Reyman

Senior Quality Improvement Facilitator

The COVID-19 pandemic changed our world forever, and some of the most challenging work was done in nursing homes. To recognize the incredible efforts of nursing homes over the past three years, Telligen created the Blue Ribbon in COVID-19 Vigilance Award for Telligen QI Connect™ participants. This award is a special way to recognize the ongoing dedication of long-term care providers in Oklahoma and throughout the Telligen QI Connect™ network.

Oklahoma nursing homes on the recognition list have met criteria to prevent the spread of COVID-19 for the safety of their residents and staff which includes:

· Completing the COVID-19 preparedness assessment

· Achieving a staff up-to-date vaccination rate of at least 25%

· Achieving a resident up-to-date vaccination rate of at least 80%

“Nursing homes that receive this award have demonstrated their commitment to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Tracey Durns, Senior Director Quality Improvement. “We applaud the hard work of our Oklahoma nursing home partners for ensuring that COVID-19 related policies, processes and ongoing staff education are in place and for taking the critical step to get their staff and residents vaccinated.” For additional information on the Blue Ribbon and BEST in Class awards, visit our website.

Telligen QI Connect™ provides nursing homes with free technical assistance including data analysis, quality improvement (QI) coaching, tools and webinars to improve their overall 5-star rating and quality measure ratings on clinical measures for resident care. By facilitating community and nursing home collaboration in QI initiatives through the spread of evidence-based practices, we help nursing homes to improve medication safety, reduce preventable emergency room visits and readmissions and prevent infections, falls and pressure ulcers. For additional information and personalized support, contact Micki Reyman, Telligen Senior Quality Improvement Facilitator in Oklahoma.

Telligen serves as the Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) for Colorado, Illinois, Iowa and Oklahoma. Telligen QI Connect™ is a network of partners working on healthcare quality improvement initiatives that are data driven and locally tailored to improve healthcare quality and outcomes. Learn more and join us!

Why supporting our Long Term Vendors at Trade Shows is important to our members

By Juliet Williams
Director of Business Relations – Care Providers Oklahoma

In the dynamic landscape of Long Term Care, the role of vendors cannot be overstated. These dedicated professionals provide essential products and services that contribute to the well-being and quality of life for countless individuals. One crucial way to support and engage with these vendors is by attending trade shows.

Engaging with the vendors is invaluable.

Our trade shows act as a hub for innovation, where Long Term Care vendors showcase their latest products, services, and technological advancements. By attending these events, you gain first-hand exposure to cutting edge solutions that can significantly improve the care provided to residents and patients. From state-of-the-art medical equipment and assistive devices to advanced software systems and pharmaceutical solutions, trade shows offer a comprehensive overview of the latest industry trends. Engaging with vendors in this setting allows you to explore innovative options, gather valuable insights, and make informed decisions about
enhancing your long-term care practices.

Trade shows provide a unique opportunity to establish and nurture relationships with Long Term Care vendors. Meeting face-to-face with representatives from these companies fosters personal connections and enables meaningful discussions about your specific needs and challenges. By engaging in conversations at trade shows, you can gain a deeper understanding of vendors' offerings, their expertise, and their commitment to customer satisfaction. These interactions can lead to long-lasting partnerships where vendors become trusted advisors, providing ongoing support and tailored solutions to your organization's evolving requirements.

Trade shows are not just about products and services; they are also a platform for professional development and education. Many trade shows feature industry experts, covering a wide range of topics relevant to Long Term Care. By attending these events, it allows you to stay abreast of the latest research, trends, and regulatory updates in the field. It provides an excellent opportunity to expand your knowledge, sharpen your skills, and gain fresh perspectives on delivering exceptional care within your organization.

Trade shows also bring together professionals from various sectors of the Long Term Care industry, creating a vibrant networking environment. These events offer a chance to connect with peers, share experiences, and exchange best practices. Engaging in fruitful conversations with industry colleagues can spark new ideas, collaborations, and partnerships that benefit everyone involved. Networking at trade shows also allows you to build a support network for ongoing professional growth. By connecting with like-minded individuals facing similar challenges, you can tap into a community of experts who can offer guidance, support, and mentorship.

The Long Term Care industry is constantly evolving, with new regulations, technologies, and care models emerging regularly. Trade shows serve as a compass, guiding you through these changes and helping you stay ahead of the curve. Attending these events ensures that you remain up to date with the latest advancements, enabling you to make informed decisions about incorporating new products, services, and practices into your organization. By staying current, you can enhance the quality of care you provide, improve operational efficiency, and adapt to evolving industry standards.

Supporting Long Term Care vendors and attending trade shows is vital for our association and our Business Associate Members seeking to deliver exceptional care to their residents and patients. These events offer a unique opportunity to explore innovative solutions and build strong lasting partnerships. Please support our Business Associate Members!

Why I’m excited to return to Care Providers Oklahoma

By Natashia Mason

Someone important once told me, “Change is necessary for growth.” I think about changes I’ve made throughout my life and how those changes have impacted my personal and professional growth. As I finish my master’s degree, I have found myself looking for new and innovative ways to utilize my degree and expand on my areas of expertise.

Returning to Care Providers Oklahoma has given me an opportunity I have not had before, the chance to learn and grow in an area I have not had the chance to explore before. I’m excited to return as the Director of Strategic Initiatives, as this gives me the ability to work on new projects that may help the long-term care sector. I enjoy helping others, it is something that gives me immense joy.

I truly believe this “change” is part of my growth plan and look forward to be part of the team at Care Providers Oklahoma.

CPO Road Show builds agenda based on provider needs

By Linda Farrar, RN

Do you ever feel like you are on an island and no one else knows or cares what you are going through in your long term care profession?

CPO provides educational opportunities, both virtually and in person all
year long through webinars and through in-person attendance at specific trainings, convention, Fall Fair and the Leadership Conference.

They are wonderful learning and networking opportunities, but the providers reported they wanted something closer to home so more staff could attend, smaller venues so sharing could be more comfortable, and still able to offer CEUs for a reasonable price.

Ta-Da!

Thus came the CPO Road Shows.

The agenda is planned completely based on the needs and wants of the providers. In our last trip, we spent the morning session talking about survey trends, and digging deeper into the tag numbers to talk about specific findings and apparent expectations of surveyors. During this session, attendees can share their own experiences. And believe me, there is plenty of “venting” going on also, which we all need sometimes. We also try to provide some tools and resources for facility use as appropriate.

Also discussed in this last trip included: Advance Directives: the expectations, evidence-based best practices, and tools, including INTERACT 4.0 and other tools; the need and importance of appropriate
Scheduled Drug Reconciliation; and expectations for a thorough and complete ANE investigation.

I would be remiss if there was no discussion about the sponsorship of PharmCare. WHAT A TEAM OF EXPERTS! They provided the venues in all three locations along with meals and snacks in all three locations. But as important, they shared experiences from their practices and their expertise.

The subject matter of the next Road Trip, which is scheduled for October 24, 25 and 26 with locations yet to be determined, is whatever you want it to be. Discussion of survey trends and findings will likely be included. Beyond that, what information would you like to have or discuss? It is an honor and a pleasure for me to be working in Oklahoma.

We are here to help … just tell us how.

Dream Flights honor senior military veterans with rides high over Tulsa

By Jim Stafford

Dream Flights honor senior military veterans with rides high over Tulsa

Editor’s note: Care Providers Oklahoma helped organize the recent Dream Flights Oklahoma event at Tulsa’s Riverside Airport, which provided free flights for several senior military veterans who are residents of CPO member facilities. Click this link https://dreamflights.org/facility-flight-request-sf/ if you are interested in organizing a Dream Flight for your community,

By Jim Stafford

TULSA -- Pilot Darryl Fisher stood in front of a group of senior military veterans at Tulsa's Riverside Airport and launched into a preflight briefing for their upcoming 'Dream Flight’ over the city in a World War II-era biplane.

But first he told them why the not-for-profit Dream Flights Foundation https://dreamflights.org exists.

"We’re here for one reason and one reason only," Fisher said. "To say thank you to our veterans."

I was fortunate to stand among the support crew Tuesday to witness Fisher's briefing and then watch six flights go up throughout the day, each with a senior military hero aboard.

Each Dream Flight was free to the veteran and lasted approximately 15 minutes.

When the plane taxied back to the Christianson Aviation tarmac after each flight, the military hero aboard the open-air cockpit plane received a round of cheers from an enthusiastic group provided by a Dream Flights Foundation corporate sponsor, Sports Clips.

After the flyers were helped out of the 1942 Stearman biplane in which they flew, they received an official "boarding pass" provided by sponsor American Airlines, as well as a cap autographed by their pilot.

I spoke with Fisher beforehand, who not only is a pilot but founder of Dream Flights, and he told me how the organization came to be in 2011.

Fisher and his wife, Carol, created the Foundation after they saw the response from flyers and media to a spur-of-the moment idea on a cross-country ‘barnstorming’ tour.

Darryl Fisher and his father, Bill, invited veterans in several cities to fly in their Stearman biplane as they flew back to Oregon after the plane was refurbished in Mississippi.

"We had to make about 15 gas stops on the way back," Fisher said. "I was thinking, why don't we -- on these gas stops -- call some senior living communities and see if they will bring a veteran or two out and we could just fly them."

Fisher is a senior living community owner and administrator, so he had industry contacts around the country. Their first Dream flyer was a World War II veteran named Hugh Newton on their first refueling stop in Oxford, Miss.

"I gave Hugh a flight and he loved it," Fisher said. "His wife came up to me and put a hand on my shoulder and said, 'you have no idea what this means to my husband.’

"We did 25 flights on the way back," he said. "I kept sending information back to my wife, pictures and newspaper articles. I couldn't believe how rich the experience was. By the time I got back two weeks later, giving 25 flights, my wife said 'hey, why would we stop doing this? Let's form a nonprofit, let's see what happens.' "

So, Dream Flights Foundation was born.

Carol Fisher handled the administrative duties, while Darryl did fund raising for the new foundation. Dream Flights made 25 more flights in 2011, 101 the next year and 274 the next.

"And here we are at 6,000 flights later," Darryl said. "We now have six airplanes and we've flown in 49 states."

The Dream Flights Foundation owns six Stearman biplanes flown by a fleet of volunteer pilots who must first complete training at "Dream Flight University."

The Dream Flights Foundation is supported through sponsorships from, among others, Sports Clips, American Airlines, Veterans United Home Loans and CPO's industry partner, American Health Care Association/National Centers for Assisted Living.

"Back in 2021, we did what we called Operation September Freedom, and that's where NCAL and AHCA got involved with us," Darryl said. "Between August 31 and September 30, we took all six of our airplanes and flew 891 World War II veterans in 47 states in 61 days."

Darryl, who now lives in Carson City, Nev., is a member of the NCAL Board of Directors. He owns the original biplane that belonged to his late father, Bill, and inspired the Dream Flights mission. Bill Fisher passed away in 2020.

For the Dream Flight riders, flying in a biplane that trained pilots during World War II becomes a sort of capstone experience of their lives.

At the Tulsa event, the oldest flyer was 99-year old Bob Heatley, who served in both World War II and Korean and was a pilot himself.

"Our Dream Flyers, many of them 96, 98 years old, they don't think they will ever fly again, let alone in a biplane," Darryl said. "So, it's a powerful experience for them."

I was proud to represent Care Providers Oklahoma at the event, along with Steven Buck, our President/CEO.

Read more about the Tulsa Dream Flights event from the Tulsa World, television stations KTUL and KJRH. (add links below)

https://tulsaworld.com/news/local/senior-veterans-take-flight-in-wwii-plane-through-nonprofit/article_57a74cae-0ee9-11ee-9212-07f0d80f1547.html

https://ktul.com/news/local/tulsa-senior-veterans-took-flight-in-open-cockpit-biplane

https://www.kjrh.com/news/local-news/veterans-take-to-the-skies-over-tulsa

I’m Tanecia and I’m here to help grow our workforce

By Tanecia Davis

As I go into my second month with Care Providers Oklahoma. I’ve come to learn more and more about the organization and its advocacy for Long Term Care.

I never knew an organization like this existed, but it aligns with who I am as a person. I’ve always loved helping people in different capacities and within the past few years, I’ve grown a passion for helping individuals in the workforce industry. I feel a sense of joy when I see entry level workers I’ve assisted start careers.

You never know how a little encouragement or motivation can help the next person change their lives.

The recent CPO Spring Convention & Trade Show helped me to realize there are a lot of people like me. During the Convention, I came across so many people in the Healthcare industry whose face lit up after I told them I was here to help. At that moment, I knew the Care Careers Oklahoma program was needed.

My job is not only to get more CNA’s/CMAs in long-term care facilities. I want to bring a sense of belonging, certainty, and passion back into the industry. I want people to understand that COVID may have caused a strain on every aspect of healthcare but if we work together, we can continue to change the stigma.

So, if you were to ask me how it’s going? I would say ‘awesome’ because I get to build relationships with people who also share the same passion as me.

Helping people.

CPO provides a ‘caring’ atmosphere for Oklahoma’s care providers

By Jim Stafford (CPO Content Creator)

It was just about a year ago that my friend, Steven Buck, asked me to serve as a "room monitor" for a couple days at the Care Providers Oklahoma Spring Convention & Trade Show in Norman.

Steven is the President and CEO of Care Providers Oklahoma. Our friendship began almost two decades ago after meeting at church and then discovering we both have a rooting interest in the Oklahoma City Thunder basketball team.

I'm a couple years beyond retirement age after a long career in newspapers and as a public relations person, so I told Steve I would do it. I knew nothing about CPO or that it was an organization representing almost 300 of the state's nursing homes and long-term care facilities.

Anyway, I showed up on a stormy Monday, and Steven directed me to my station outside a small classroom at the Embassy Suites in Norman. My job was to scan the badges of people as they entered and left the room.

From what I recall, the topic of my room's speakers focused on food service for residents at long-term care facilities.

A highlight of the two days I served as room monitor was the opportunity to meet Mike Turpen, the former Oklahoma Attorney General and long-time co-host of Flashpoint, the political debate show on OKC's KFOR. In fact, I wrote about the encounter in my personal blog. You can read it here.

Fast forward six months.

Steven texts me and offers the opportunity to join CPO on a part-time basis as 'content creator' for the organization's social media accounts. The hours didn't seem taxing and fit my schedule, which revolves around providing care for my 3-year-old grandson.

So, I said 'yes.'

Now, I've hit the six-month milestone as CPO's 70-year-old "intern," and have learned quite a bit about what the organization does and the folks it represents.

As you might expect, CPO has a big focus on ensuring that the state’s care providers’ interests are well represented at the Capitol. I could have guessed that.

But I've discovered that the organization has another big mission, and that is providing ongoing education that helps professionals advance in their careers as care providers.

CPO has a large classroom at its downtown OKC headquarters, and that room is in constant use providing continuing education on topics like Certified Nurses Aides or Certified Medication Aides. There are also classes that focus on facility safety, water safety, as well as continuing education opportunities for administrators.

The CPO continuing education schedule is coordinated by Connie Guinn, Director of Education, a long-time veteran of the organization who works tirelessly to develop the opportunities for those who would benefit.

On a routine basis, there may be two dozen or more people who fill our classroom and sit for hours of instruction. Instructors are most often industry professionals such as nurses who bring decades of experience to the topics.

CPO also provides certification testing and provides proctors from among its staff to ensure the integrity of the test taking process.

And that brings me to the CPO staff. From the "Intern" to the CEO, there are only 7 people who keep the operation running smoothly on a day-to-day basis. And they do it with enthusiasm and competence.

Six months into my "Internship," I'm still learning what terms like "SNFs" (skilled nursing facilities) and "ICF/IIDs" (Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with Intellectual Disabilities) actually mean. Care providers love their acronyms.

But I've also learned how appropriately named Care Providers Oklahoma is.

That's because the folks who work here and keep things moving care deeply about their work and the people who are impacted by their actions every day.

CPO is an acronym that fits the mission.

Regional Roadshow Recap

By Connie Guinn

Care Providers Oklahoma recently offered a continuing education event we called the Regional Road Show for care professionals in both OKC and Enid. This is a new education delivery strategy launched this spring. Our goal is to bring high-quality, in-person education closer to you!

It was led by our nurse consultant, Linda Farrar, RN, LNHA, and tackled topics like top Survey results and new CMS reporting requirements.

As Director of Education, I attended both sessions and was so encouraged by the dialogue between not only Linda and those in attendance, but among the class members themselves.

It turned out to be a tremendous learning and sharing opportunity for the Oklahoma care professionals in attendance.

As if to confirm my own impression, I received this warm note afterward from one of those in attendance.

"Great program. Very few programs do you walk out of the program with specific ideas how to fix problems. That was one of the best programs I have attended. Thank you so much."

Besides making me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, the comment shows just how valuable a continuing education program like the Regional Road Show can be.

In fact, if you browse the "Education" tab on the Care Providers Oklahoma website, you will see that we offer many educational opportunities year 'round, both in-person and as Webinars.

We shape our curriculum based on input from our CPO education committee and from suggestions from our members, which allows us to present topics reflecting the most need from those working in the long term care profession.

All of which leads me to this. Our upcoming Spring Convention on May 1-3 at the Embassy Suites Hotel and Convention Center in Norman offers a diverse mix of educational classes that cover a host of areas of need.

Led by industry leaders in each area, our breakout sessions will go in-depth into topics like food service excellence, workforce recruitment and retention, healthcare water management and legionella, importance of building maintenance, MDS changes coming in October, dealing with clinical issues in assisted living, and much much more.

In addition, our keynote speakers will bring messages that both inform and inspire everyone in attendance.

There will also be an engaging trade show by CPO vendors and an entertaining Top Tech Challenge in which maintenance professionals from around the state will compete in timed repair events. It promises to be fun for everyone.

We've opened registration, and I encourage you to register for the event before April 16 to gain our Early Bird discount. Hotel registration deadline is April 14.

It's a tremendous educational opportunity where you will learn not only from session leaders but through networking with your fellow professionals from across Oklahoma.

Don't miss it!

Key to negotiating MDS changes – be prepared in advance

By Cathy Young, RN
Director of Clinical Services, Phoenix Healthcare LLC

Each year, those of us in the MDS/RAI world anticipate what changes October 1 will bring. October 1, 2023, will be no different - change is on the horizon with the modification of the MDS/RAI.

With this year’s change, the MDS 3.0 data set will be undergoing the most significant change to the RAI since its implementation in 2010.

These changes will include key changes to the MDS item sets that require accurate coding of newly implemented or revised items as a critical component of preparing for this change. Additionally, consideration must be given to facility systems and process changes, reimbursement considerations, individualized care planning, managing the Care Area Assessment (CAA), QRP reporting, Regulatory compliance and survey implications, discharge planning and the 5 star-rating system.

One item set change includes the removal of section G (Nurse assessment coordinators around the Nation are likely cheering this move) and the merging with section GG, meaning ADL flow sheets will have little meaning in this scenario. This requires a training process and a mind shift in data collection.

Another item set of Sections A, B, D, social determinants of health including transportation, language, social isolation etc., will require new ways to capture data and will likely increase workload. It requires looking at outcomes as well. This section also deals with transfer of health information and SNF QRP ratings — asking about how we transfer information during care transitions including a look at assessing for health literacy.

Section N, indication of use of medications, schizophrenia diagnosis, and survey and Five-Star ramifications, by looking not only if a resident is taking a medication but what the indication for that medication is. These are quality components and could also have a survey impact. Supporting documentation will be a must! If you are found to have a diagnosis of schizophrenia listed without supporting documentation, then CMS will drop your quality measures star rating to a 1 star for 6 months — which could cause you to lose an overall star rating. This could impact your participation in preferred networks causing lost referrals and revenue shifts.

There are so many changes, and changes can be hard. No one typically likes “change” unless it is jingling in their pocket. Change is inevitable in the Long-Term Care and MDS arena. These changes will require planning, preparation, training, operational changes, and most of all the desire and willingness to be strategic and think outside of the box.

Facilities that prepare ahead of time will integrate the updates and processes more smoothly and be able to move ahead with confidence.

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