Tune in to LeadingAge Ohio’s inaugural podcast featuring United Church Homes Chair Karl Ulrich! During this episode, Karl and Susan explore the vital role of advocacy and the power of unified voices, or as Karl describes it, "adding voices to the chorus." This episode dives into the importance of engaging board members in advocacy initiatives for your organization and how United Church Homes has successfully integrated this expectation into their board culture.
We titled the podcast "Another Word for Living" because aging is just another word for living. Subscribe to this podcast to hear LeadingAge Ohio's President and CEO, Susan Wallace, host enlightening conversations on topics that matter to the aging community. From inspiring stories of older adults to heartfelt tales from those who cherish them, and essential updates for professionals in senior living, hospice, palliative care, and long-term services and supports - this podcast is your go-to source for all things related to aging.
Tune in here! Exciting News! Registration for LeadingAge Ohio’s Regional Networking Forums is now open!
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with colleagues, friends, and sector peers while enjoying light refreshments.
Highlights of the Regional Network Gatherings:
- Insightful Updates: Hear from LeadingAge Ohio President/CEO Susan Wallace as she shares the latest news and happenings across the state.
- Sponsor Spotlight: Gain valuable information and connections from our event sponsor, Link-age Solutions, LLC.
- Networking Time: Enjoy the remaining time to build and nurture key sector relationships in a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere.
Join us for an engaging and enriching experience!
May 1 (Cincinnati/Hamilton Region)
4:00-6:00PM
Berkeley Square (Coach House)
100 Berkeley Drive
Hamilton, OH 45013
May 20 (Cleveland Region)
4:00-6:00PM
Pinstripes
111 Park Avenue
Beachwood, OH 44122
May 22 (Columbus Region)
4:00-6:00PM
Columbus Hilton at Easton (Patio)
3900 Chagrin Drive
Columbus, OH 43219 Top You Asked:
Is a staff member required to wear a gown when delivering a meal tray to a resident on contact precautions?
We Answered:
The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has provided guidance on this question and recommends that the facility establish a policy that aligns with CDC’s Transmission-Based Precautions guidance for contact precautions. This guidance states that for individuals on contact precautions, use personal protective equipment (PPE) appropriately, including gloves and gown. Wear a gown and gloves for all interactions that may involve contact with the patient or the patient's environment. Donning PPE upon room entry and properly discarding before exiting the patient room is done to contain pathogens. The CDC’s Contact Precautions signage also states that providers and staff must put on gloves and gown before room entry without making exception for what activities the staff member will be carrying out. The nursing home should also take into consideration that in many instances a staff member may go into a room just to drop off an item or lunch tray, but the resident may make a request that results in prolonged contact with the resident or the resident’s environment such as retrieving an item, throwing trash away, adjusting bedding, etc.
Additional guidance can be found in the CDC Guideline for Isolation Precautions: Preventing Transmission of Infectious Agents in Healthcare Settings, which states healthcare personnel caring for patients on Contact Precautions wear a gown and gloves for all interactions that may involve contact with the patient or potentially contaminated areas in the patient’s environment. Donning PPE upon room entry and discarding before exiting the patient room is done to contain pathogens, especially those that have been implicated in transmission through environmental contamination (e.g., VRE, C. difficile, noroviruses, and other intestinal tract pathogens; RSV)
ODH also notes that for the nursing home setting, Enhanced Barrier Precautions, if applicable, does make exceptions in regards to the use of PPE based on the level of contact that the staff member will have with the resident.
To read the complete YAWA for this week, please click here. Top Time is running out to honor the unsung heroes among your frontline, non-management staff who make a meaningful difference every day. The STARS Awards Program recognizes employees who consistently go above and beyond, providing exceptional and selfless service to residents, clients, and communities.
You now have until Friday, March 28, 2025, to submit your nominations! Employers can nominate up to six outstanding employees and invite up to ten guests to a special regional luncheon honoring your nominees. Registrations are $30 per attendee. Please note, nominations must be submitted digitally.
Nominate Your STAR Employees Today!
For questions or more information, contact Randi Hamill at RHamill@leadingageohio.org. In February and March, LeadingAge Ohio hosted a series of five regional and one virtual event to revitalize and promote adult day services (ADS) across the state. If you missed it, a recording of our virtual ADS Revitalization event is now available at: www.adultdayohio.org/events
The virtual session brought together ADS providers, referral sources like case managers and discharge planners, and professionals across aging services to learn more about adult day services and how meaningful they can be for older adults in the community. Attendees also gained access to new resources for caregivers, referral sources, and ADS providers, as well as research findings from the Scripps Gerontology Center’s recent study on the ADS landscape in Ohio.
And on April 6 at 6pm, the Alzheimer’s Association Central Ohio Chapter is hosting a virtual ADS event specifically for caregivers, so if you know someone caring for an older loved one, please share this registration link with them. LeadingAge Ohio has partnered with Cinematic Healthcare Education to bring their virtual ReadyCNA program to members at a discounted rate. Using the power of storytelling, this training program is online for the classroom portion of the STNA training program. ReadyCNA was created to not only support the training needs of STNA candidates but to help long-term care facilities improve their employee retention rates by better preparing STNAs for the role.
Explore more about this highly-rated program here.
Watch a video on the LeadingAge Ohio site here. Top On March 11, the House Ways & Means Committee’s Subcommittee on Health held a hearing to discuss the factors affecting Medicare beneficiaries' access to post-acute care (PAC) services and potential solutions. While in-person testimony was limited, LeadingAge submitted written statements addressing the challenges faced by providers and beneficiaries that restrict PAC access.
In their statement, LeadingAge highlighted how low payments from Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicaid strain providers financially, and how MA prior authorizations delay admissions to PAC and impose additional burdens. LeadingAge also pointed out that certain regulations, such as minimum staffing requirements in nursing homes, restrictions on CNA training after certain fines, and rules excluding observation stays from the 3-day hospital stay requirement for SNF eligibility, threaten PAC access and should be reconsidered. Additionally, LeadingAge proposed ideas to improve the Medicare program to better meet the needs of older adults.
In a second joint statement, LeadingAge, alongside other PAC organizations, responded to testimony from a witness who suggested implementing a Unified PAC (UPAC) prospective payment system, claiming it would save Medicare Trust Fund dollars. LeadingAge’s statement clarified the misleading information and explained how existing changes in SNF and HH payment policies, along with practices from MA plans and Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), have already reduced PAC costs, achieving many of the goals intended by a UPAC system.
For more information on the March 11 hearing, click here. Review the two statements here. Top This week, the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) distributed a Fact Sheet providing information on HB 236, which passed the Ohio General Assembly in December 2024. Previously, LeadingAge Ohio had provided testimony conveying concerns related to the bill.
House Bill 236 specifies conditions in which patients and residents of congregate care settings may elect to designate an individual as their advocate, but stops short of requiring ODH to survey for compliance with the bill. (See Ohio Revised Code 3792.05 and Ohio Revised Code 3792.06). Effective March 20, 2025, the act establishes conditions with which an advocate can be physically present with the patient or resident. In the announcement, ODH notes that federal law and regulations still apply to congregate care settings and may override this act under certain circumstances.
Under HB 236, patients and residents are required to be informed either at admission or first opportunity after admission of their ability to designate an individual as their advocate.
For more information please see the attached Advocates in Congregate Care or visit ODH Advocates in Congregate Care Settings website. LeadingAge Ohio has a toolkit forthcoming on the toolkit that we will share in future editions of The Source. To increase protection for the Provider Network Management (PNM) system and the State of Ohio’s data, starting May 4, 2025, signing into the PNM secure web portal will require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA). MFA is a two-factor authentication process that takes user verification a step beyond the State of Ohio ID (OHID) and password. This is done by using a second source of validation to verify your identity before granting access to State resources.
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) urges users to set up MFA prior to May 4, 2025 to ensure access to PNM is not interrupted. If users are an existing PNM portal user and already have MFA set up for the OHID used to sign into the PNM portal, no action is required.
This link assists users with setting up MFA. Please refer to the instructions starting on page 12.
If assistance is needed, please contact the ODM Integrated Help Desk (IHD) at 800-686-1516 or email IHD@medicaid.ohio.gov. On January 1, 2026, the first phase of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) Interoperability and Prior Authorization final rule (CMS – 0057-F) will go into effect. This final rule will improve the electronic exchange of healthcare data and streamline processes related to prior authorization through new requirements.
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) encourages you to learn more about what it means for patients, payers, and providers here.
Additional Resources
For a more comprehensive description of the CMS Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule, visit the Federal Register. The Ohio Department of Medicaid’s Next Generation MyCare program update webinar, originally scheduled for March 19 and March 20, has been rescheduled to the dates and times listed below.
This webinar intends to share more information about the Next Generation MyCare program and what it means for aging service providers. Members who attended today's LeadingAge Ohio CFO Workshop learned strategies on how to position themselves for the Next Generation MyCare set to launch in January 2026. The same webinar is offered twice, and members are encouraged to register for the time that works best for you.
Please note that if you previously registered for either of the originally scheduled March dates, you must re-register using the links below.
The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) is pleased to announce improvements to the form required for requesting an Administrator change within the Provider Network Management (PNM) module, based on valuable user feedback. The updated form, ODM10304, has been developed to streamline the process and enhance security measures. Users can submit either the old or new form through April 1, but the updated form will be mandatory after this date. Top “Seniors deserve to have choices for accessible, high-quality care. Both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage are important for giving seniors this choice. If confirmed, I would work to ensure that both traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage are well administered, effective, and available for eligible beneficiaries.” - Dr. Oz.
On Tuesday, the Senate Finance Committee voted 14-13 along party lines to advance the nomination of Dr. Mehmet Oz to be confirmed as Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS.) His nomination now heads to the full Senate for a final vote, which has yet to be scheduled. As CMS Administrator, Dr. Oz would oversee insurance coverage for more than 150 million Americans through Medicare, Medicaid, and the Affordable Care Act’s insurance exchanges.
The Finance Committee held its confirmation hearing with Dr. Oz on March 14, covering a range of policy issues pertinent to aging services. LeadingAge was actively engaged with Committee members before the hearing, providing suggested questions to gain clarity on Dr. Oz’s policy positions regarding nursing home staffing, Medicare Advantage, potential Medicaid cuts under consideration by Congress, and other issues relevant to aging services.Several senators, including Ranking Member Ron Wyden (D-OR), raised concerns about Medicare Advantage in their questions for the hearing record to Dr. Oz.
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) asked if Dr. Oz would commit to implementing and enforcing the CMS staffing rule on its current timeline. “If confirmed, I will work within CMS to ensure nursing home residents receive safe, high-quality care,” Dr. Oz responded.
LeadingAge will continue tracking Dr. Oz's nomination as it progresses to a full Senate vote. The Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) released a report that recommended the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issue more instructions to state survey agencies to evaluatethe adequacy of emergency preparedness programs. This recommendation comes after a Biden Administration proposed rule was withdrawn from the Office of Management and Budget in January and could impact the Trump Administration’s next steps.
Read more here. The Executive Order, Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity, directed federal agencies to begin requiring contractors and grant recipients to affirmatively certify “that [they do] not operate any programs promoting DEI that violate any applicable Federal anti-discrimination laws.” Any contractor or grant recipient who continues to engage in prohibited diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies (i.e., “illegal DEI”) will risk liability under the Federal Claims Act by virtue of submitting invoices to the government for payment.
The Trump administration has not defined “illegal DEI” and, thus, federal contractors and grant recipients can't know if they are or are not practicing illegal DEI. The following is advice for organizations in addition to the explainer article published March 2.
- Organizations should not certify to ceasing DEI activities without a thorough legal review of the certification request and any proposed certification language, including reviewing RFP and RFQ documents to ensure there is no explicit reference to complying with or certifying compliance with the new administration’s EOs.
- Organizations should catalog their DEI and DEI-related programs and begin to determine its risk tolerance as it relates to potential scrutiny and inquiry by the administration, including considering whether to rescind, revise, rebrand certain programs, as well as to consider where the organization draws the line (what areas will it not rescind or revise?).
- Organizations should also consider staff communications about the EO and the organization's protocols about the EO.
On March 26, KFF released research demonstrating the state-by-state use of provider taxes. Though publicly available data is scant on Medicaid Provider Taxes, KFF released analysis from their survey of state Medicaid Directors indicating that all states but Alaska, the Dakotas, South Carolina, and Virginia use nursing home provider taxes to generate revenues and fund their Medicaid programs. Ohio is one of 39 states with 3+ provider taxes and fees, with 38% of the Ohio Medicaid spend comes from these taxes and fees - one of the highest percentages in the nation. Ohio ranks fourth out of these 39 states with total Medicaid payments.
As Congress considers ways to reduce federal spending, Medicaid is a primary target. Political talking points accuse the very large Medicaid budget line item as rife with inefficiencies and downright illegalities despite bodies of research to the contrary (see article Influential Think Tank Takes Aim at Provider Taxes, IGTs). Of particular ire to some are provider taxes because of how they legally generate state funding and allow federal matching dollars to augment state Medicaid expenditures. The rules governing provider taxes are complex and include limitations on states’ collection above a threshold of 6% of net patient revenues unless certain statistical tests are met. Federal proposals to offset the cost of tax cuts and increased border control funding include reducing the 6% threshold. It is unknown to what threshold that reduction would be, though the KFF analysis demonstrates that 28 states have nursing home provider taxes above 5% of net patient revenues, therefore generating significant funding for the state. Should the federal threshold be reduced below 5%, all 28 states would see Medicaid budget holes.
Read the full brief here. LeadingAge continues to advocate and educate members of Congress on the critical role of all Medicaid preservation. Talking points are available here and here, or take action and write your member of Congress here. In a March 26 paper, the Paragon Health Institute attacked state Medicaid financing and payment mechanisms. In the paper, Paragon, which describes itself as “an independent, non-profit, non-partisan research institution that examines how government health programs are working and develops health policy solutions to make life better for Americans,” accuses states of engaging in “legalized ‘money laundering’” in funding their state share of the Medicaid Program.
The paper discusses the ability of states to impose taxes and intergovernmental transfers (IGTs) on providers and use these revenues in Medicaid programs, therefore pulling down federal matching funds to supplement the revenues from providers, to pay for Medicaid services. Paper authors tie this revenue specifically to state adoption of state-directed payments, which are payments that allow states to make payments to providers outside of the normal rate methodology in fee-for-service, and in the form of fee schedules or quality payments in managed care. Though the revenues generated by provider taxes are tied to some directed payments in some states, the growth in directed payments is not a function of provider taxes but rather reflects the proliferation and adoption of managed care as intermediaries in Medicaid programs.
In managed care programs, states typically were not involved in provider rate negotiations with managed care companies. As states implemented managed care and saw provider complaints and access contractions, CMS has expanded the rules to allow states more flexibility in directing payments in managed care. Because of this, the significant increase in state adoption of managed care happened concurrently with the growth in state-directed payments.
Issues raised in the paper by Paragon have become vernacular among Republican health policy wonks and, thus, provides an important lens for how some conservatives view Medicaid funding. The full paper can be accessed here.
LeadingAge continues to pressure Congress for the preservation of Medicaid, including education to offices that taxes and IGTs are legal and provide significant portions of funding for state Medicaid budgets. LeadingAge talking points for members interested in getting involved can be found here and here, or take action and write your member of Congress here. Top The Ohio Administrative Code 3701-17-25 for nursing homes and 3701-16-16 for residential care facilities require that a facility conduct at least two disaster preparedness drills per year, one of which shall be a tornado drill which shall occur during the months of March through July.
While some facilities are cited for failing to conduct required drills, citations also occur when documentation is incomplete or missing. Facilities are required to investigate and take corrective action for all problems encountered in the drills obligated under paragraph (K) of this rule. Additionally, each residential care facility is obligated to keep a written record and evaluation of each fire drill which includes the date, time, staff member attendance, method of activation, effectiveness of the drill procedures, number of individuals evacuated, total time for evacuation, and the weather conditions during the evacuation, and of each tornado drill. Any problems encountered and the corrective actions taken are to be included in the written record. This record is to be maintained in the facility for three years.
LeadingAge Ohio encourages providers to also refer to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Emergency Preparedness rule and the State Operations Manual Appendix Z- Emergency Preparedness for All Provider and Certified Supplier Types Interpretive Guidance.
To read the complete Survey Tip of the Week, please click here. Top United Church Homes (UCH) has successfully completed a RAD for PRAC (Rental Assistance Demonstration for Project Rental Assistance Contract) conversion at Capitol Station Apartments, a 50-unit affordable senior housing community in Indianapolis. The project secures the long-term preservation of affordable housing for older adults by transitioning the community from Section 202 PRAC to Section 8, allowing access to new funding for critical upgrades.
With over $120,000 invested per unit, renovations at Capitol Station include infrastructure improvements, enhanced accessibility, energy-efficient systems, and fully modernized living spaces. UCH leaders emphasized that every decision—from upgraded kitchens and bathrooms to new HVAC and safety features—was made with resident dignity and comfort in mind.
“This transformation isn’t just about preserving a building—it’s about creating a home,” said Kevin Deegan, Vice President of Corporate Ventures at UCH.
The project reflects UCH’s ongoing commitment to expanding and protecting affordable housing for low-income older adults.
For the full press release, please click here. Top LeadingAge Ohio holds valuable education webinars and in-person events throughout the year. Opportunities are added weekly. See the complete Schedule of Events. Top The Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) is requesting feedback on topics for the Assisted Living Wednesday’s meeting. LeadingAge Ohio is sharing this request with our members in hopes of making the meetings useful and valuable for all who attend Top
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