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 information on the licensing standards for an agency and 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 -12:00 PM
*1A. Employment Law
This presentation will provide an understanding of recent legislative and litigation trends, as well as best employment practices to follow to minimize the risk of employment claims and lawsuits and keep your agency on the right track. In addition, agencies will learn the latest with the ADA, Civil Rights Act of 1991, Rehab Act of 1993 and the FMLA of 1993.
Speaker: Kimberly R. Stuart, Shareholder, Crain, Caton and James
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Continuing Education: 1.75 clock hour continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.75 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Standard Track
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1:15 PM - 3:00 PM
*2A. HCSSA Regulatory Compliance for Administrators
Session Description:(Part A) Bring your “A” game to this session where an interactive environment 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, Home Health Regulatory and Policy Manager, TAHC&H and Grace Werckle, BSN, RN, Home Care Education Nurse Manager, TAHC&H
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Continuing Education: 1.75 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.75 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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3:15pm -5:15pm
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*3A. HCSSA Regulatory Compliance for Administrators*
Session Description: (Part B) 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. You will “B” on the top of your game following this session!
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Speaker: Jennifer Elder, Home Health Regulatory and Policy Manager, TAHC&H and Grace Werckle, BSN, RN, Home Care Education Nurse Manager, TAHC&H
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Continuing Education: 2.0 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 2.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Advanced Track
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1:15 PM - 2:30 PM
2B. Advanced Concepts in Risk Management: Advance Directives – What Providers Need to Know
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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: Luis Acevedo, J.D., LLM, CM&AA, Acevedo & Edwards PLLC
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Continuing Education: 1.25 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.25 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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2:45 PM - 4:00 PM
3B. Mission Possible - Next Level Business Development Strategies to Grow your Business in 2023
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Have you been struggling to scale your business during the time of scarcity and the recession? Join Jennifer Prescott RN, MSN, CDP, as she explores the ways to position your organization and team for growth, innovation and next level business development. This session will help you identify the following:
• When is it time to grow the footprint of your organization or add additional revenue lines of service?
• 5 key steps to keeping your team focused on growth opportunities that are best for your business
• Best practices for strategic planning for your organization
• 5 key leadership strategies that will help you improve the culture of your organization
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Speakers: Jennifer Prescott, RN, MSN, Founder, Blue Water Homecare and Hospice
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Continuing Education: 1.25 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates
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4:15 PM - 5:30 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. Liles Parker PLLC
Continuing Education: 1.25 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.25 contact hours Continuing Nurse Education
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NOVEMBER 15
Core Program
Standard Track
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8:15 AM -9:45 AM
*4A. 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.
Speaker: Jennifer Papapanagiotou, Esq. Liles Parker PLLC
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Continuing Education: 1.50 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.50 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 Finance: The Science of a Successful Budget
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In a world where cuts to payments and everchanging regulations dictate how your agency operates, budgeting your revenues as well as expenses has never been more important. In order to budget properly in the current healthcare environment, collaboration between the clinical and fiscal teams is a MUST! In this session, participants will master the components of a successful operating budget by understanding how to use their cost report and clinical documentation to leverage a financial competitive advantage. Being aware of financial implications before admitting a patient can help to put your agency on the path to success.
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Speaker: Natalie Alexander, Manager, WIPFLI
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Continuing Education: 1.50 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.50 contact hours Continuing Nurse Education
Standard Track
10:00 AM -11:30 AM
*5A. Emergency Preparedness
Emergency Preparedness is a topic we can all relate to in light of the COVID-19 public health emergency. In this session, learn what is required of healthcare providers regarding OSHA, the CMS mandatory vaccination rule, crisis standards of care as well as Texas licensing regulations. Discover how to be compliant with policies, staff training, patient education and planning, and disaster exercises. This presentation will also cover some of the challenges with regard to violence in the workplace.
Speakers: Barbara B. Citarella RN, BSN, MS, CHCE, NHDP-BC, President, RBC Limited Healthcare & Management Consultants
Continuing Education: 1.50 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.50 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. How Homecare Workers Say You’re Missing the Mark on Recruitment & Retention and What to Do About It
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Leveraging two decades of research and three decades of operational experience, the presenter will share the latest data, insights and best practices that attendees can use today to attract and retain employees. Brand-new research results will be shared with attendees, and attendees will have access to tools after the conference to help them plan and chart progress. The program will give you practical ways to apply concepts based on the results to “future proof” your workforce.
Speaker: Marcylle Combs, MS, RN, BS, CHCE, President, MAC Legacy
Continuing Education: 1.50 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.5 contact hours Continuing Nurse Education
Standard Track
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
*6A. Infection Control
This presentation will discuss the current and updated regulatory requirements for infection control for HCSSAs, as well as practical implementation of the regulations within your agency, including all of the COVID-19 changes. The session offers tips and tools for you to use as you tackle the ongoing challenge of educating staff, patients and caregivers about this ever-important requirement.
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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: 1.50 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.50 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Advanced Track
12:45 PM - 2:15 PM
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6B. Advanced Concepts in Infection Control
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During the last two years, the world has experienced the devastation of an infectious disease. It made health care workers and provider organizations rethink infection control practice. Everyday practice became more sophisticated and will continue to stay at a heightened level as the country and world see increases in Ebola, Polio, RSV, Influenza and COVID-19. This session will focus on the latest practices and guidance as well as how to develop these advanced concepts into your infection prevention program
Speaker: Barbara B. Citarella RN, BSN, MS, CHCE, NHDP-BC, President, RBC Limited Healthcare & Management Consultants
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Continuing Education: 1.50 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.50 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
Standard Track
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
*7A. Complaint Investigation and Resolution
This session will cover client rights, including the right to confidentiality and Agency Responsibilities. 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
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Speaker: Kay Hollers, BSN, RN, MPH, Consultant, Healthcare Consultlink
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Continuing Education: 1.00 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.00 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Advanced Track
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2:30 PM - 3:30 PM
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7B. Advanced Concepts in Operations
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Administrators of home health and hospice are challenged with many responsibilities - operational efficiency is at the top of the list. In a world a data, reports and benchmarks, it is often a challenge to narrow down the day-to-day focus. This session will highlight some areas to assist leaders in the management of performance, quality patient care and financial metrics.
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Speaker: Valerie Cornett, MS, Chief of Strategy and Innovation, MAC Legacy
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Continuing Education: 1.00 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.00 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
Standard Track
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
*8A. 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.
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Speaker: Kay Hollers, BSN, RN, MPH, Consultant, Healthcare Consultlink
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Continuing Education: 1.00 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.00 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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Advanced Track
3:45 PM - 4:45 PM
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8B. Marketing, Recruitment, and Retention – Oh My
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These three words might be some of the scariest for an Administrator in the COVID and post-COVID era. The past 3 years have seen nothing but change and chaos. So how do you continue to move you business forward? This session will focus on strategics moves you can make within your organization to continue to see growth, client and employee satisfaction, and increased health outcomes without breaking the bank.
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Speaker: Lauren Tobey, Chief Impact Officer, Helping Restore Ability
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Continuing Education: 1.00 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates
NOVEMBER 16
Specialty Program
8:15 AM -9:15 AM
MEDICARE TRACK
M1. Home Health Final Rule (Part 1)
A comprehensive overview of the 2023 Home Health Final Rule. Develop an understanding of the final Home Health VBP structure through an overview including historical pilot program results, finalized timelines, and performance measures. Learn how to leverage data in order to model the overall financial impact on your individual agency.
Speakers: Mike Simione, Director, Cost Reports, SimiTree and John Rabbia, PT, DPT, MS, MBA, COS-C, Director, Operations Consulting, SimiTree
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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HOSPICE TRACK
H1. Hospice 2022 Final Rules
The Hospice Final Wage Index & Payment Rule is packed full of changes for 2023 and this webinar will provide a detail analysis of changes and the specifics of implementation! Preparation for implementation of these changes is necessary, with the changes including rate adjustments, numerous Hospice Quality Reporting Program changes and the update on the HOPE Tool.
Speaker: Leslie Heagy RN, COS-C, Director of Clinical Services, Healthcare Provider Solutions, Inc.)
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hour continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nurse Education
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COMMUNITY CARE TRACK
CC1. Cultural Competency for Health Professionals: Caring Across Cultures
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Organization culture does not always align to cultural competency. The healthcare industry is unique because we provide care not culture. Competency in the culture of people can broaden our perspective and improve the level of care currently provided. It can feel exhausting and overwhelming unless you can embrace a changing culture. Providing care in a climate that embraces client culture can change the dynamics of the healthcare industry.
The session is designed to help healthcare leaders develop knowledge, skills, and attitude to perform in a culturally sensitive society. We will discuss six core competencies, namely: 1)Inclusive care; 2) Exploring cultural differences; 3) Identify Competency triggers; 4) Understanding Biases; 5) Growth through awareness; and 6) Standards and law.
Speaker: Anita Foster-Horne, RSW, MSW, Ph.D., Master Caregivers
Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hour continuing education for Administrators/Alternates ; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nurse Education
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9:30AM - 10:30AM
MEDICARE TRACK
M2. Home Health Final Rule (Part 2)
A comprehensive overview of the 2023 Home Health Final Rule. Develop an understanding of the final Home Health VBP structure through an overview including historical pilot program results, finalized timelines, and performance measures. Learn how to leverage data in order to model the overall financial impact on your individual agency.
Speakers: Mike Simione, Director, Cost Reports, SimiTree and John Rabbia, PT, DPT, MS, MBA, COS-C, Director, Operations Consulting, SimiTree
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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HOSPICE TRACK
H2. Deep Dive into Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP)
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This session will describe the components of the Hospice Quality Reporting Program (HQRP) and the financial impact for hospice providers who do not meet the reporting requirements. You will learn the changes in the HQRP that were finalized in the Hospice FY 2022 payment rule including the new Hospice Care Index (claims-based) measure, an update on the Hospice Visits in the Last Days of Life (HVLDL) measure, STAR rating for the hospice CAHPS survey and removal of the seven HIS measures from Care Compare. This session will also provide an update on the HOPE tool.
Speaker: Leslie Heagy RN, COS-C, Director of Clinical Services, Healthcare Provider Solutions, Inc.
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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COMMUNITY CARE TRACK
CC2. Texas’ Better Way to Preserve Family Estate Property
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The Transfer on Death Deed (TODD) allows Texas property owners to transfer real property to heirs without the need for a will and without the need for probate. The session will outline the benefits of the TODD, which serves to unify title, avoid the court costs associated with probate, and exempt the property from Medicaid estate recovery (MERP).
Speaker: Paul Zambie, Attorney, Texas Legal Services Center
Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates
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10:45AM - 11:45AM
MEDICARE TRACK
M3. Looking Ahead to 2023: Preparing for Success - Part 1
Just as the dust is beginning to settle from the implementation of PDGM, and navigating a global pandemic, 2023 is going to bring some of the most significant regulatory and payment changes the home health industry has seen. Learn, from an Administrator’s perspective, what planning and adjustments need to be made today in order to prepare your agency for success in the coming year by leveraging data to optimize performance in the dynamic 2023 Home Health landscape.
Speakers: Mike Simione, Director, Cost Reports, SimiTree and John Rabbia, PT, DPT, MS, MBA, COS-C, Director, Operations Consulting, SimiTree
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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HOSPICE TRACK
H3. Hospice HOT Topics Part 1
This session will take agencies through the winding road of Medicare scrutiny. While billing the Medicare benefit and getting paid relatively easy, there is always a risk of things being reviewed at some point and what can you do to avoid denials. Participants will be able to define Targeted Probe & Educate (TPE) and outline the structure of how to respond to any level of medical review that may occur, including UPIC, RA, SMRC.
Speaker: Leslie Heagy, RN, COS-C, Director of Clinical Services, Healthcare Provider Solutions, Inc.
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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COMMUNITY CARE TRACK
CC3. End of Pandemic: What Now? Part 1
Now that the Texas State of Emergency for the COVID-19 Pandemic has technically ended, it’s time to look back at the massive effects it had on our industry. In this session, we will recap the changes and adaptations that we as home care providers had to implement during the global event in order to continue to do business, including Emergency Preparedness, Infection Control, OSHA ETS, CDC requirements, Blanket Waivers, staffing shortages, and government assistance programs.
Speaker: Candyce Slusher, LVN, CDCS, Owner of SLUSHER Consulting
Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
12:00PM - 1:00PM
MEDICARE TRACK
M4. Looking Ahead to 2023: Preparing for Success - Part 2
Just as the dust is beginning to settle from the implementation of PDGM, and navigating a global pandemic, 2023 is going to bring some of the most significant regulatory and payment changes the home health industry has seen. Learn, from an Administrator’s perspective, what planning and adjustments need to be made today in order to prepare your agency for success in the coming year by leveraging data to optimize performance in the dynamic 2023 Home Health landscape.
Speakers: Mike Simione, Director, Cost Reports, SimiTree and John Rabbia, PT, DPT, MS, MBA, COS-C, Director, Operations Consulting, SimiTree
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Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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HOSPICE TRACK
H4. Hospice HOT Topics Part 2
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 claim denials under Medical Review. The clinical documentation must 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 continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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COMMUNITY CARE TRACK
CC4. End of Pandemic: What Now? Part 2
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As we in home care always do, we’ve adapted and overcome every challenge thrown at us during the past 2 years and 8 months. In this session, let’s not dwell on the past, but learn from it and move forward with a new level of resilience. We’ll discuss a new way of doing some things, and which protocols are forever changed, as well as which aspects of the industry can return to a relative “normal”.
Speaker: Candyce Slusher, LVN, CDCS, Owner of SLUSHER Consulting
Continuing Education: 1.0 clock hours continuing education for Administrators/Alternates; 1.0 contact hours Continuing Nursing Education
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