SESSIONS
DAY 1
Mon. November 6
DAY 2
Tues. November 7
DAY 3
Wed. November 8
NOVEMBER 6
Core Program
* Denotes required topics for first time Administrators / Alternates.
Both Tracks
9:00 AM -10:00 AM
A. General Session: Industry Update
This session will help Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs) understand the up-to-date information on the licensing standards for an agency and latest information on the state and federal laws applicable to an agency.
Speakers: Rachel Hammon, Executive Director, and Jessica Boston, Director of Government Affairs, Texas Association for Home Care & Hospice
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrators/Alternates
Both Tracks
10:15 AM -11:45 PM
*1A. Employment Law : Staying Out of the Spotlight - A look at Key Employment Regulations & Ways to Set the Stage for Success
In this informative session, Maricia Meyer, Partner, ETC HR, LLC, will review the key tenets of several important employment law regulations providing attendees not only a clear understanding of each but also practical takeaways that can be utilized by organizations to be better positioned and protected from missteps. Core employment law regulations include: Title XII of the Civil Rights Act, The Americans with Disabilities Act, the recent PWFA & PUMP Acts), Family Medical Leave Act as well as a look at EEOC Cases, the agency's focus in the coming months/years in addition to a glance at recent NLRB case law.
Speaker: Maricia Meyer, Partner & Director of HR Services, ETC Companies
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Continuing Education: 1.5 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.5 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Standard Track
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12:45 PM - 2:45 PM
*2A. HCSSA Regulatory Compliance for Administrators: Part 1
This session will be an interactive environment that will keep you on your toes. Chapter 558 Licensing Standards for Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs) will be reviewed including required content from Texas Health and Safety Code, Chapter 250 and Chapter 142 and its intent as it relates to licensing standards that must be met by administrators.
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Speakers: Jennifer Elder, Director of Regulatory Affairs, TAHC&H and Grace Werckle, BSN, RN, Home Care Education Nurse Manager, TAHC&H
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Continuing Education: 2.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 2.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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3:00pm -5:00pm
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*3A. HCSSA Regulatory Compliance for Administrators: Part 2
This session on Regulatory Compliance will continue to test your knowledge on Nurse Aide Registry and Criminal History Checks of Employees and Applicants for Employment in Certain Facilities Serving the Elderly or Persons with Disabilities; Texas Human Resources Code, Chapter 102, Rights of the Elderly; and OSHA and more!
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Speaker: Jennifer Elder, Director of Regulatory Affairs, TAHC&H and Grace Werckle, BSN, RN, Home Care Education Nurse Manager, TAHC&H
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Continuing Education: 2.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 2.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Advanced Track
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12:45 PM - 2:00 PM
2B. Advanced Concepts in Risk Management:
Advance Directives - What Providers Need to Know
This presentation will cover the Texas Advance Directives Act as it applies to Home Care, Hospice and providers in general. It will cover necessary policies and procedures as well as risk management. At the end of the session, participants will have a better understanding of the law and updates and how to navigate the specifics of Texas and Federal law on the subject.
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Speaker: Troy Brooks, Attorney, Degan, Blanchard & Nash
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Continuing Education: 1.25 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.25 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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2:15 PM - 3:30 PM
3B.Advanced Concepts in Business Development
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Unlock the potential of advanced business development strategies tailored for the dynamic world of home care services. In this enlightening session, we delve into the innovative and forward-thinking concepts that propel your home care agency beyond the fundamentals. Our journey into advanced business development will explore a spectrum of cutting-edge tactics, from data-driven decision-making to outcome-based care models.
Key Topics:
1) Data Analytics and Business Intelligence:
2) Outcome-Based Care
3) Telehealth Integration
4) Partnerships and Alliances
5) Specialized Care Programs
6) Value-Based Payment Models
7) Employee Development and Training
8) Marketing Automation
9) Advanced Care Technology
10) Regulatory Compliance and Risk Management
11) Quality Improvement Initiatives
12) Market Expansion
13) Client-Centered Care
14) Research and Innovation
Join us for this dynamic session as we equip you with the knowledge and strategies needed to thrive in the evolving home care industry. Gain a competitive edge by embracing these advanced concepts and delivering exceptional care to your clients. Your journey to business excellence starts here.
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Speaker: Sheila Davis, Senior Vice-President, Area Operations, Always Best Care Senior Services
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Continuing Education: 1.25 clock hours Administrator/Alternate
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3:45 PM - 5:00 PM
3C. Advanced Concepts in Compliance
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The last few years have seen many new challenges for home health and hospice agencies (pandemic, wage inflation), while old challenges remain (payer audits). This presentation will take a deeper dive into some of the more complex and enduring compliance issues as well as exploring what the DOJ’s updates to its policies on prosecution of individuals and evaluation of the effectiveness of corporate compliance programs mean for home health and hospice providers.
Speaker: Heidi Kocher Esq. , J.D., M.B.A., C.H.C. Liles Parker PLLC
Continuing Education: 1.25 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.25 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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NOVEMBER 7
Core Program
Standard Track
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8:15 AM -9:45 AM
*4A. Complaint Investigation and Resolution
This session will cover client rights, including the right to confidentiality and Agency Responsibilities for complaints and for advance directives. Attendees will learn to improve the effectiveness and consistency of managing complaints and how to use quality assessment/performance improvement (QAPI) to manage and reduce such complaints, develop person-centered approaches and explain how perception can be an ally or foe in reducing client complaints.
Speaker: Rosalind J. Nelson-Gamblin, RJNG Health Care Consulting, LLC
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Continuing Education: 1.5 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.5 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Advanced Track
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8:15 AM -9:45 AM
4B. Advanced Concepts in Communication for Healthcare Leadership
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In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, effective communication is paramount, not only in patient care but also in leadership. This presentation centers on "Advanced Concepts in Communication" tailored to healthcare leaders and their teams. Jennifer will explore how healthcare leaders can employ advanced communication strategies to enhance team collaboration, drive organizational excellence, improve outcomes, and increase revenue. Topics will include fostering a culture of open and transparent communication, building interprofessional collaboration within leadership teams, and leveraging communication tools and technologies for more efficient decision-making. Ethical and sensitive conversations within leadership, especially in challenging situations, will be emphasized. The aim is to equip healthcare leaders with the knowledge and skills needed to optimize their leadership capabilities through advanced communication concepts, ultimately leading to higher team performance, improved organizational outcomes, and a more resilient healthcare system.
Speaker: Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, Founder, Blue Water Homecare and Hospice
Continuing Education: 1.5 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.5 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
Standard Track
10:00 AM -11:30 AM
*5A. Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation
What is self-reporting and how can an agency stay in compliance with the HCSSA requirements? We will discuss expectations listed in the Texas Administrative Code for Agency Investigations and provide a detailed, step by step, process for reporting according to the HCSSA regulations.
Speakers: Rosalind J. Nelson-Gamblin, RJNG Health Care Consulting, LLC
Continuing Education: 1.5 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.5 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Advanced Track
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10:00 AM -11:30 AM
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5B. Advanced Concepts in Budgeting: The Science of a Successful Budget
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In today's dynamic healthcare landscape, where payment cuts and evolving regulations constantly shape your agency's operations, effective budgeting for both revenues and expenses has become paramount. The key to achieving this lies in fostering collaboration between your clinical and fiscal teams, an absolute necessity in the current healthcare climate. During this session, participants will gain expertise in crafting a robust operating budget by harnessing the power of cost reports and clinical documentation to gain a financial edge. Anticipating financial implications prior to admitting a patient is the strategic move that can set your agency on the path to success.
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Speaker: Brian W Lebanion, MBA, CPC, RNC, HCS-O, HCS-D, Healthcare Consulting Manager, Wipfli
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Continuing Education: 1.5 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.5 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
Standard Track
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
*6A. Emergency Preparedness – Develop and Maintain a Comprehensive Plan to Ensure Compliance
Emergency Preparedness is an essential part of providing quality care to patients and ensuring your agency is prepared when an emergency event strikes. In this session you will learn the elements required in the emergency preparedness and response plan as outlined in the Texas licensing regulations. Discover how to be compliant with Emergency Preparedness including: policies and procedures, risk assessment, communication plan, training and testing, and documentation of any actual events. This presentation will also include strategies for ongoing compliance for survey readiness.
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Speakers: Lisa McClammy, BSN, RN, COS-C, HCS-D, HCS-O, Senior Clinical Education Consultant, MAC Legacy
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Continuing Education: 1.5 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.5 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Advanced Track
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM
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6B. Advanced Concepts in Technology: Artificial Intelligence
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Artificial Intelligence or AI is all the rage today. Some say it is more transformative than the internet. What is it really and how will it likely impact our industry? Join Chris Attaya as we learn more about what and how AI will revolutionize how we work today.
Speaker: Chris Attaya, MBA, Vice President, Product Strategy, Strategic Healthcare Programs (SHP)
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Continuing Education: 1.5 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.5 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
Standard Track
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
*7A. Infection Control Updates
This presentation will discuss the current and updated regulatory requirements for infection control for HCSSAs, including the impacts of the multiple changes that have taken place related to COVID-19, the PHE, and the suspension of the PHE. The session offers tips and tools for you to use as you tackle the ongoing challenge of staying compliant while educating staff, patients and caregivers about this critical requirement, including don't miss information from state and federal regulations.
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Speaker: Colleen Bryan MSNED, RN, Senior Consultant, Primary Nurse Planner, JCC
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Advanced Track
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2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
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7B. Advanced Concepts in Ethical Practices
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Join noted speaker, Heidi Kocher, attorney from Liles Parker PLLC, as she tackles the sensitive issues of ethical practices in the healthcare industry. Heidi will touch base on fraudulent business behaviors, both operationally and clinically, as well as issues surrounding upcoding, staffing ratios, clinicians not turning in notes and lastly, agencies being compliant with their compliance plan, etc. Business owners and leaders must practice ethically and can’t afford to miss this informative session.
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Speaker: Heidi Kocher Esq. , J.D., M.B.A., C.H.C. Liles Parker PLLC
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
Standard Track
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
*8A. Fraud, Waste & Abuse- Recent Developments and Compliance Tips
Home care and hospice providers face a daunting array of complex laws and regulations, with non-compliance potentially resulting in a host of criminal charges, civil sanctions and administrative enforcement actions. This session will review relevant federal and state laws pertaining to fraud, waste and abuse, recent enforcement activity, and focus on tips for improving agency compliance programs.
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Speaker: Jennifer Papapanagiotou, Esq., Liles Parker PLLC
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Advanced Track
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
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8B. Advanced Concepts in Cyber Security: Proactive Cybersecurity Risk Management
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While technology and risk management help decrease an agency's vulnerability to a cyber-attack, cyber criminals continue to develop elegant methodologies to attack healthcare environments, which remain the #1 target to our nation’s critical infrastructure. This session offers a comprehensive overview of the unique cybersecurity challenges for home health agencies and the importance of proactive and reactive measures to best protect patient data and other sensitive healthcare and business information.
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Speaker: Jennifer Dunn, Woligo and Brad Maughan, HCISPP, CyberForce|Q
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate;
NOVEMBER 8
Specialty Program
8:15 AM -9:15 AM
MEDICARE TRACK
M1. CY2024 Home Health Final Rule Overview
Join noted industry experts, Michael Simione, MBA, Director, Cost Reports, SimiTree and Lisa Selman-Holman, JD, BSN, RN, HCS-D, COS-C, McBee, who will give us a high-level comprehensive overview of what the CY 2024 Home Health Final Rule will include. Agencies will have a better understanding of the impact that the final rules will have on them and what steps they should take to prepare their agencies for the final rule. Don’t miss the overview as it will prepare you for the breakout sessions that will then guide you through the details of the final rule both financially and clinically.
Speakers: Lisa Selman-Holman, JD, BSN, RN, HCS-D, COS-C, McBee and Mike Simione, Director, Cost Reports, SimiTree
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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HOSPICE TRACK
H1. Unlocking the Secrets of Hospice Financial Management: Demystifying CAP Reporting and Calculation
In this enlightening session, we will delve deep into the world of Hospice financial management, focusing specifically on the elusive CAP (Capped Annual Payment) Reporting and Calculation. Join us as we unravel the complexities surrounding CAP and equip you with the knowledge and tools to navigate this critical aspect of financial management in the Hospice industry. The expert instructor will guide you through the intricacies of CAP reporting, helping you gain a comprehensive understanding of its nuances and importance in ensuring your Hospice agency's financial health. You will learn how to effectively calculate and manage CAP, allowing you to optimize reimbursement and financial stability. Don't miss this opportunity to demystify CAP reporting and calculation, empowering yourself and your team to make informed financial decisions that will contribute to the success and sustainability of your Hospice agency. Join us for a session that will transform the way you approach financial management in Hospice care.
Speaker: Brian W Lebanion, MBA, CPC, RNC, HCS-O, HCS-D, Healthcare Consulting Manager, Wipfli
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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PRIVATE PAY/PAS TRACK
PP1. The Building Blocks of a PAS Agency
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In this session we'll touch on the basics of developing PAS service lines, especially expanding into private pay with a alternate culture to ensure success. We'll review the definition in what falls under the PAS licensure category and what does not and discuss specialty program options as competitive advantages.
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Speaker: Candyce Slusher, LVN, Owner of SLUSHER Consulting
Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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9:30AM - 10:30AM
MEDICARE TRACK
M2. CY2024 Home Health Final Rule: VBP
What’s now and what’s new? The TNC is currently 17.5% of the Total Performance Score of VBP, but CMS is implementing drastic changes. Even though CMS is omitting the TNC from its programs and replacing it with the Discharge Function score, the TNC scores are still important through payment year 2026. Now is the time to ramp up for the first performance year for Discharge Function, so learn what your plan should be for 2024. ACH and ED Use claims data currently comprise 35% of your Total Performance Scores. Even though your ACH and ED Use scores are being jettisoned in favor of the new PPH, the ACH and ED Use will still impact your payment until 2026. New to VBP are the PPH and the Discharged to Community (claims-based) quality measures, which together will comprise 35% and will require some adjustments in your Performance Improvement Programs. PPH will include hospitalizations (both ACH and LTCH) and observation stays. The DTC measure will include readmissions for up to 31 days after discharge. Lisa will discuss what actions can be taken now to improve those numbers.
Speakers: Lisa Selman-Holman, JD, BSN, RN, HCS-D, COS-C, McBee
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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HOSPICE TRACK
H2. The Top 5 Hospice Claim Denials and How to Avoid Them
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This session will provide a review of the top hospice claim denials from all Medicare MACs, OIG & other review contractors. Targeted Probe & Educate is in full swing and this session will help navigate the edits and the denial percentages that are being produced. It is imperative that agencies are prepared to successfully navigate the Medicare medical review process.
Speaker: Leslie Heagy RN, COS-C, Director of Clinical Services, Healthcare Provider Solutions, Inc.
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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PRIVATE PAY/PAS TRACK
PP2. Growing Your Business Through Third-Party Payers
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Home care is more than private pay. Join Greg Bean to explore the practical aspects of diversifying revenue streams through engagements with third-party payers such as Veteran Affairs (VA), Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage. Attendees will learn actionable strategies for navigating government and third-party payer relationships, paving the way for payer diversification and business expansion.
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Speaker: Greg Bean, VP Business Development, Paradigm
Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
10:45AM - 11:45AM
MEDICARE TRACK
M3. CY2024 Home Health Final Rule: QRP
CMS is making the move so that QRP, Care Compare and VBP include the same data. There are new QRP measures regarding transitions in care and the focus on falls has just gotten greater considering the OIG study on falls in home health. The implications of other finalized changes will also be discussed, including the clinical aspects of PDGM updates in the functional, clinical grouper and comorbidities.
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Speakers: Lisa Selman-Holman, JD, BSN, RN, HCS-D, COS-C, McBee
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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HOSPICE TRACK
H3. Prepare for 2024 with a Financial and Operational Perspective of the Hospice Final Rule
It is crucial for hospice agencies to understand how the Hospice Final Rules impact agency operations both financially and operationally. The Hospice Final Wage Index & Payment Rule is packed full of changes for 2023-2024 including a projection of 3.1% increase in total hospice payments. However, it is not an overall increase in reimbursement rates for everyone due to the significant and widely varying changes in the wage index that drives the local rates an agency receives from Medicare. Lastly, the presentation will also include strategic insights with a comprehensive breakdown of the updates to Hospice Conditions of Participation and Hospice Quality Reporting Requirements. Join SimiTree’s national speakers, Mike Simione and Laurie Newlun, as they delve into the conversations that matter. You will walk away with the knowledge and resources for preparing your agency for the impact of both the value piece and financial piece as well as outline anticipated actions providers should take now. This session is a MUST for all Hospice staff.
Speaker: Mike Simione, Director, Cost Reports, SimiTree and Laurie Newlun, MSN, RN, CHC, CHPC, Senior Manager SimiTree Healthcare Consulting
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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PRIVATE PAY/PAS TRACK
PP3. Fraud and Abuse Detection and Prevention in Home Care
We commit to caring for our community’s most vulnerable citizens. We often don’t realize just how vulnerable they are until we come across someone who’s been taken advantage of or abused by someone they trusted. As Administrators and advocates for our clients’ general wellbeing we must educate ourselves, our staff, and our community about detecting and preventing elder fraud and abuse. In this session we’ll review some of the most common schemes to which our seniors may be subjected and discover how to identify these situations so we can detect, stop, report, and prevent further victimization.
Speaker: Candyce Slusher, LVN, CDCS, Owner of SLUSHER Consulting
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
12:00PM - 1:00PM
MEDICARE TRACK
M4. The 2024 Home Health Landscape- How do the financial, PDGM, and VBP changes included in the Final Rule impact your agency?
We all know the home health landscape has been very dynamic over the past several years with the introduction of PDGM, behavioral adjustments, and the national roll-out of Value-Based Purchasing (VBP). The 2024 Home Health Final Rule is now different with Wage Index & Payment Rate updates, another behavioral adjustment, changes to PDGM payment calculations, and significant modifications to the VBP structure for 2025. Join SimiTree’s national speaker, Mike Simione, as he details the changes that are coming, helps you to understand how they impact the future Home Health landscape, and provides insights into what your agency can do today successfully navigate this dynamic environment . You will walk away with both the knowledge and resources to become your agency’s expert on the Home Health Final Rule and strategies toward successful operations moving forward. This session is a MUST for all Home Health staff.
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Speakers: Mike Simione, Director, Cost Reports, SimiTree
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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HOSPICE TRACK
H4.Will your Hospice Documentation Withstand the Scrutiny of a Medical Review Audit?
Accurate hospice eligibility documentation is critical to fulfilling the CoPs and payment requirements. The lack of supporting documentation for a terminal prognosis is the number one reason for denial. Reviewers often look for a significant decline in patient condition. Although this is not a requirement of hospice care, terminal prognosis is. The webinar will help clinicians document the slightest changes in baseline measures. More importantly, you'll learn how to capture in documentation the occurring changes that support terminal prognosis – even without a decline in baseline measures. Go beyond the LCDs and common tools for documenting eligibility by drilling down to the details and characteristics that differentiate terminal and chronic patients with the same diagnosis.
Speaker: Leslie Heagy, RN, COS-C, Director of Clinical Services, Healthcare Provider Solutions, Inc.
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours Administrator/Alternate; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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PRIVATE PAY/PAS TRACK
PP4. Marketing, Recruitment, and Retention – Oh My!
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These three words might be some of the scariest for an Administrator in the post-COVID era. The past 3 years have seen nothing but change and chaos. So how do you continue to move your business forward? This session will focus on strategic moves you can make within your organization to continue to see growth, client and employee satisfaction, and increased health outcomes without breaking the bank.
Speaker: Lauren Tobey, Chief Impact Officer, Helping Restore Ability
Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours for Administrators/Alternates; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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