Mollie Gurian, VP of HCBS Policy at LeadingAge, provides a federal update and will review the FY26 appropriations process, efforts to extend telehealth flexibilities, the proposed Home Health Payment rule for CY 2026, and other federal developments. The LeadingAge Ohio policy team will also be on the call to answer questions and provide an update on state advocacy efforts, giving members timely information on both national and Ohio priorities. Register today to stay current on the latest advocacy issues.

Enhanced Barrier Precautions (EBP) have become a critical component of infection prevention and control efforts in long-term care settings, directly impacting compliance with F880. As F880 remains a top-cited F-tag, failures to implement or maintain EBP protocols are frequently cited during surveys. This session will examine the CMS expectations for EBP implementation, highlight the difference between Standard Precautions and EBP, and explore how surveyors assess compliance with these critical guidelines. Participants will gain practical insights into how to integrate EBP seamlessly into their daily infection control practices, protect residents from multidrug-resistant organisms (MDROs), and ensure their facility’s policies and practices align with CMS requirements.

Join the LeadingAge Ohio and National policy teams on Monday, July 21, at 10am and get up to speed on all of the action happening in Washington DC. You’ll hear news and insights from Mollie Gurian, LeadingAge’s VP of Policy and Government Affairs, as she gives a rundown of post-budget reconciliation activity by both Congress and the administration, and what to watch out for next.

The topic of water management programs under F880 (Infection Prevention & Control) is rapidly emerging as a major area of concern in Ohio’s long-term care surveys, where F880 is currently the most frequently cited deficiency. Recent trends indicate that failures to properly develop, implement, and maintain effective water management programs are a key reason for these citations, placing residents at risk for serious waterborne illnesses like Legionella. This session will provide an in-depth look at the regulatory expectations for water management plans, highlight common pitfalls leading to citations, and discuss best practices for maintaining a compliant program that addresses potential waterborne pathogens. Participants will learn to proactively evaluate their facility’s water management strategies and integrate them into their broader infection prevention and control program to meet CMS standards and ensure resident safety.

On Monday's Advocacy in Action Call, the LeadingAge Ohio policy team broke down the full state budget—including any last-minute changes or vetoes—and what it all means for your organization.

Ohio’s Medicaid reimbursement system for nursing facilities is undergoing a major overhaul. During this member-only call, we’ll walk through the changes that will impact how your Medicaid rate is calculated and what actions you should be taking now. You’ll also hear how LeadingAge Ohio is preparing to support providers through this change with tailored resources, strategic guidance, and upcoming member initiatives.

Recorded June 17, 2025: LeadingAge Ohio invited all members to join for the All-Member Webinar on June 17 at 11:30AM, where they reviewed more survey results and outline how LeadingAge Ohio plans to respond.

Recorded on June 16 - Monday’s Advocacy in Action Recaps Senate Action on State Operating Budget

The updated CMS guidance reinforces the role of QAPI in identifying and addressing health equity concerns within long-term care facilities. Facilities are now expected to incorporate feedback mechanisms to assess whether they effectively meet the needs of diverse populations, including individuals with disabilities, limited English proficiency, and varying cultural or ethnic preferences.

Recorded in 2025, this webinar explores how Assisted Living Communities can stand out among many competitors.