Category: Private Duty

NAHC’s Private Duty Committees Meet

As NAHC’s Private Duty membership has grown, so, too, has the interest from members in getting involved, resulting in the creation of three individual committees. These committees, focusing on Education, Membership, and Policy, will support the Private Duty Advisory Council by submitting recommendations and guidance on priorities.

The current committee members are:

Education:

  • Candyce Slusher, Slusher Consulting – Chairperson
  • Cheryl Graham, Qualicare
  • Michael Javitt, LifeCare Home Health Family
  • Maggie Keen, MissionCare Collective
  • Jessica Nobles, Nobility Care Solutions
  • Guy Tommassi, LIFETIME Care at Home
  • Cris Toscano, BAYADA
  • Julie Wolff, MatrixCare

Membership:

  • Sheila Davis, Always Best Care Senior Services – Chairperson
  • Patti Lewis, Interim Healthcare
  • Sam Smith, BRC Access Care
  • Laura Templeton, Compassus
  • Kim Wilkerson, SimiTree

Policy:

  • Kathleen Smith, Gentiva – Chairperson
  • Renee Bush, Home Care Association of Florida
  • Tabitha Dowd, MAS Home Care
  • Lisa Ferden, Generations
  • Brandi Kurtyka, MissionCare Collective
  • Jim Melancon, Aveanna
  • Kristen Robison, Angels of Care Pediatric
  • Albert Simien, LHC Group
  • Damon Terzaghi, NAHC

Each of the Committee Chairpersons along with Executive Director of Private Duty, Kristen Wheeler, held their inaugural meeting recently to make introductions, approve the Committee’s Guiding Principles, and discuss this year’s goals and initiatives. The Committees will reconvene at the end of this month to finalize those goals for submission to the Council.

Are you interested in getting involved with one or more of the Committees? Let Kristen Wheeler know at kwheeler@nahc.org or at (305) 849-1300.

Home Care Data Point for May 2023: Median Hiring Conversions

Welcome to the May 2023 Home Care Data Point from NAHC and Home Care Pulse.

This month’s data point is the median hiring conversions in 2021. This data point is looking at the number of job applicants, the number of job applicants who made it to an interview, and, finally, the number of job applicants who were hired. The data looks at the averages for NAHC members, the home care industry, association membership, and industry masters. The results are very interesting. Have a look.

House Debt Limit Legislation includes Medicaid Work Requirements

On Wednesday, April 19th, Speaker of the House Kevin McCarthy (R-CA) unveiled legislation that would raise the United States debt ceiling in addition to implementing cost reduction measures on Federal spending. In addition to broad limits on domestic discretionary spending, the legislation would implement work requirements for certain Medicaid beneficiaries.

Under the legislation, individuals between the ages of 19 and 56 would be required to document that they worked for a minimum of 80 hours a month or were excluded from the requirements due to a factor such as:

  • An inability to work documented by a physician or medical professional;
  • Participation in an educational or work training program;
  • Responsibility to care for a child or an “incapacitated” person.

The legislation allows, but does not require, states to continue covering these individuals in their Medicaid programs and denies Federal funding for any services delivered to a participant that was not in compliance with the requirements.

Prior to the legislation’s release, NAHC sent a letter to the Speaker expressing concerns about the reporting requirements potentially leading to disenrollment of people with disabilities and chronic conditions who would otherwise be exempt from the requirements. In the letter, NAHC requested that the legislation include a requirement that states review Medicaid claims data and issue an automatic exclusion for anyone who has utilized home health, personal care, hospice, and/or home and community-based services in the past 24 months. Such an exclusion would ensure that anyone with a condition significant to require these types of services is appropriately exempt from the requirements.

Notably, although the Speaker has expressed plans to pass the legislation in the near future, the Senate will not take up the legislation and the policies contained within are extremely unlikely to be enacted.

Notes from the NAHC Private Duty Advisory Council

NAHC’s Private Duty Advisory Council held its monthly meeting on Wednesday, April 19, 2023. Co-chairs Brittnei Salerno of La Jolla Nursing Services and Dave Totaro of BAYADA presided over the meeting that featured a legislative and regulatory update from NAHC’s Director of Government Affairs, Calvin McDaniel, along with the latest Medicaid Home and Community Based Services news from Damon Terzaghi, Director of Medicaid HCBS Advocacy at NAHC.

Calvin reported to the group about a number of potential legislation being watched, including the Home Care for Seniors Act as well as the Elizabeth Dole Home Care Act. He also started a discussion about President Biden’s Executive Order (see NAHC Report), which includes a number of directives focused on home-based care.

Following that discussion, Damon updated the Council on Medicaid redeterminations, begun April 1st as a result of the ending of the PHE. Damon wrapped up his report by recommending that everyone working with Medicaid beneficiaries keep a very close eye on information being released as well as deadlines to ensure compliance.

Newly appointed committee chairpersons also provided an update on their respective committees, including:

  • Candyce Slusher of Slusher Consulting for Education;
  • Sheila Davis of Always Best Senior Services for Membership;
  • Neal Kursban of Family and Nursing Care for Governance and Nominating; and,
  • Kathleen Smith of Gentiva Health Services for Policy

All committees will be holding inaugural meetings early in May, expecting to create a meeting schedule for the year as well as agreeing on committee goals and individual charters for each. Serving on a committee is open to all active NAHC Private Duty members in good standing, with the exception of the Governance & Nominating (G&N) Committee. Members of the G&N must be active members of the Private Duty Advisory Council. Anyone interested in participating with Education, Membership, or Policy should reach out to Kristen Wheeler, Executive Director of Private Duty at NAHC, at kwheeler@nahc.org or 305-849-1300.

Information was also shared about NAHC’s upcoming Financial Management Conference, scheduled for July 16-18 in New Orleans. This year’s FMC is the first in the conference’s history to feature a full Private Duty track. Later in the year, NAHC is delighted to report the relaunch of its Private Duty Summit, being held October 15-17 in National Harbor. More information on speakers and the Summit agenda will be released next month.

If you have any questions or would like more information about NAHC’s Private Duty Advisory Council or any of its committees, please contact Kristen Wheeler at kwheeler@nahc.org.

Jewish Family Home Care Receives 2023 Best of Home Care® Awards

NAHC member Jewish Family Home Care (JFHC), a not-for-profit agency has won both the 2023 Best of Home Care® – Provider of Choice and Employer of Choice Awards from HCP. These awards are granted only to the top-ranking home care providers, based on client and employee satisfaction scores gathered by HCP. JFHC is now ranked among a small handful of home care providers across the country who have proven their ability to provide an exceptional working experience to employees and the highest quality care to clients.

JFHC provides multi-reach, non-medical home quality home care for Broward County, Florida seniors from all reaches of life and any faith. JFHC is one of the largest providers of home health care providing assistance to Holocaust survivors and anyone in Broward County needing in-home care. Providing service to more than 400 clients, JFHC offers services such as home health aides, companions, housekeepers and certified nursing assistants. It delivers tailor-made home health care plans, with special consideration to patients’ physical and emotional needs, as well as their family’s budget.

“We want to congratulate Jewish Family Home Care on receiving both the Best of Home Care – Provider of Choice Award and the Best of Home Care – Employer of Choice Award,” says Todd Austin, President of HCP. “Since these awards are based on real, unfiltered feedback from clients and caregivers, Jewish Family Home Care has proven their dedication to providing a great work environment and solid training to employees, while maintaining their focus on client and caregiver satisfaction. We are pleased to recognize their dedication to quality, professionalism, and expertise in home care.”

Best of Home Care providers have contracted with HCP to gather feedback from their clients and caregivers via live phone interviews each month. Because HCP is an independent company, it can collect honest and unbiased feedback.

“It’s an honor to be selected for the 2023 Best of Home Care Provider and Employer of Choice Awards from HCP,” said Teresa Duvall, president and CEO of JFHC. “We pride ourselves on providing extraordinary care to our clients. This wouldn’t be possible without my dedicated team who shares my passion for excellence and delivering unmatched in-home care to our clients.”

“At HCP, our mission is to help home care businesses create an experience that goes beyond client and caregiver expectations,” says Todd Austin, President of HCP. “We’re thrilled to recognize Jewish Family Home Care as a Best of Home Care award-winning provider and celebrate their accomplishments in building a team of happy, qualified caregivers who provide outstanding care for their clients.”

California Debates Higher Minimum Wage for Health Workers

California may become the first state to establish a $25 per hour minimum wage for health care workers under legislation that is advancing in the state Senate.

SB 525, introduced in February by state Senator Durazo (D-Los Angeles) would apply to a broad range of low-wage home care workers, potentially including those workers that don’t participate in direct patient care, such as office workers. The bill is backed by the powerful SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West, who reportedly have dumped nearly $11 million into a series of California minimum wage measures.

The bill is facing opposition from hospital groups and various health-related associations, arguing that a minimum wage of this level would increase costs to unsustainable levels, resulting in businesses closing and less access to care.

On April 12, the Committee on Labor, Public Employment and Retirement heard from the bill’s sponsor as well as numerous community members, both in favor and opposed. Senator Durazo reported that California faced a health care worker shortage of over 500,000 prior to the pandemic, citing a recent report (not identified) that shows 31% of workers saying they are considering leaving the industry for better paying jobs in other fields. Speaking in opposition, an administrator of a large hospital system stated they would see an annual decrease in revenue of $60-$80 million if this measure passes.

Following public comment, state Senator Laird (D-Santa Cruz) mentioned some health care systems that operate on razon-thin margins, depending on where in the state they’re located. He expressed a need for an amendment bill that addresses this.

As there were no additional questions, the Committee called the roll. With three yes votes, the bill remains on call to allow those absent a chance to vote. Stay tuned to future Private Duty Source newsletters for updates.

Employee Retention Credit: Fact or Fiction

  • Tuesday, April 25, 2023
  • 2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT
  • REGISTER

The Employee Retention Credit (ERC) has received a lot of attention this past year. While it is a legitimate credit, providing a financial lifeline to millions of businesses, there are some bad actors providing misinformation. Know the rules to apply for credit as well as common pitfalls.  Join us for this important 60-minute fact or fiction ERC session where our experts will walk you through qualifications, timelines, and common ERC myths.

Faculty:

  • Lindsay Doak, Research Director, BerryDunn
  • Mike Regan, CPA, Manager, BerryDunn
  • Troy Taylor, CPA, Managing Director, FORVIS
  • Angela Huff, RN, Managing Consultant, FORVIS

Price: 

The 2023 Future of Care Guidebook

  • Fresh thinking from industry thought leaders on the future of senior care

The year ahead is full of workforce challenges alongside a sea of opportunities for growth and legislative change. The 2023 Future of Care Guidebook is a collection from industry leading experts sharing their insight, data, and hopes for the future.

This guide is designed to open your eyes to opportunity, provide you with fresh and insightful perspectives on ways to innovate inside your business, and become a stronger voice to advocate for a better industry.

Collectively, we’re stronger together.

Download The Future of Care.

Home Care Benchmarking Study Extended thru March 7

The 2023 Home Care Pulse Benchmarking Report survey is here! We are inviting home care agency owners throughout the United States to participate. Agencies can submit their data online to be included in the Study and receive over 60% off their preorder of the 2023 Report.

For the first time ever, participants will receive a free digital copy of the Report by completing the survey before midnight Pacific Time on March 7, 2023.

Key Dates

January 3 – Survey Opened, Prep Worksheet Available, & Pre-Orders Begin
The Prep worksheet is an optional tool to help agencies gather data before beginning the survey. Both are available here: https://www.homecarepulse.com/

January 31 – Early Participation Ended
Participants receive an additional discount on preorders of the 2023 HCP Benchmarking Report if they complete their surveys in the month of January.

March 7 at Midnight – Survey Closes
Participants must complete the survey by February 28th to be included in the survey and receive a free copy of the 2023 HCP Benchmarking Report.

Late Spring – Report Released
The 2023 HCP Benchmarking Report will be released in late Spring and retail for $999 for a digital copy or $1299 for a physical copy.

How You Can Participate

If you’d like to get involved, here are the best ways you can support the 2023 HCP Benchmarking Report:

  1. Send emails to your audience about the survey. There are two examples included in this kit.
  2. Share the opportunity on your social media accounts. We’ve included a few suggested posts to get you started.
  3. Promote the survey on your website.
  4. Submit an article to be included in the 2022 Report. Send your suggested topic and a 2-3 sentence description to miriamallred@homecarepulse.com to be considered.

Why You Should Support the Survey

Higher participation in the survey helps everyone in the industry. Here’s how:

  1. If at least 20 participants complete the survey and indicate they heard about it from you, you’ll receive a free digital copy of the report.
  2. Improving the whole continuum of care requires true industry alignment, which can be improved with better data and insights.
  3. Corporate Benchmarking Reports are available for companies with high survey participation among their franchisees.

Pricing

  • Digital Report: $999
  • Hard Copy Report: $1299

Discounts

  • Early Survey Participant (complete before 1/31): Free digital copy of the Report and 50% off a physical copy
  • Survey Participant (complete before 2/28): Free digital copy of the Report

Participation Questions?

  • Send an email to study@homecarepulse.com with any questions.