The New England Home Care & Hospice Conference and Trade Show is the region’s premier event for home care and hospice agencies. The conference is hosted by the six New England state home care associations, which collectively represent nearly 400 organizations. This coming year, the conference heads to Newport, RI from May 11-13!
The conference is designed for senior and mid-level administrative and clinical staff. The conference features multiple keynote sessions, workshops, and intensive programs. Topics are designed to meet the needs of all agencies, including Medicare-certified, private duty, and hospices. The trade show is the largest home health and hospice expo in the Northeast.
We are pleased to open the call for speakers up to any and all who are interested. We highly encourage agency staff members to submit innovative programs they have developed within their companies to present to colleagues.
Vendors who submit proposals are highly encouraged to include an agency in their presentation for preferential review.
The deadline to submit proposals is Sunday, November 14th by end of day.
For more information on our conference you can go to www.NEHCC.com!
ACE Virtual introduces 27 educational webinars covering topics ranging from PDGM, COVID-19, Staff Retention, IT Security and more!
Although it is a chaotic time, and personal energy probably barely exists outside of work – we know that we must continue to offer opportunities for all to stay educated as we adjust to the “new normal”.
The sessions in this new virtual conference have been made available in a recorded format with the option for members to purchase as individual sessions, packages of 5 (based on tracks), or the full series. Thanks to sponsors, you will also be given the opportunity to receive significant discounts on products (up to 50% off!)!
If a staff member that is in the position of Director or higher agrees to have one-on-one phone calls with our Premium Sponsors you earn significant discounts!
Use the following codes: 3 Sponsor Calls: 30% OFF – ACE30 5 Sponsor Calls: 50% OFF – ACE50
The hosting states of the PDGM Summit and NAHC have decided to postpone the virtual conference until late April so agencies can focus on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic for the next weeks.
The hosting states of the PDGM Summit and NAHC have decided to postpone the virtual conference until late April so agencies can focus on the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic for the next weeks.
The following information will explain any conference updates that are included with the postponement:
The virtual conference will be held according to the 4 different time zones: Tuesday, April 28 will be for EST and CST, Wednesday, April 29 will be for MST and PST.
All sessions will be from 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM according with the time zone.
Attendees can choose which day/time zone they prefer Members who previously registered for the March 30 in-person event are automatically registered to listen to the EST session on Tuesday, April 28 and will receive the recording for free. If you are already registered, you do not need to register again.
Any members not already registered will now be charged $225 per person plus an optional $75 for the recording. Non-members will be charged $375 per person plus an additional $100 for the recording.
Anyone wishing to receive CEUs for this conference MUST register separately. CEUs will only be provided to someone who paid for their own registration – not to anyone else that may listen to the live session in the same room or to the recording afterwards.
There will be an additional session added in the morning that provides an overview of PDGM basics. The schedule will include two 15-minutes breaks and a 30-minute lunch break during the day.
Call-In logistics will be sent our closer to the conference.
You have been waiting, and now it’s here, The 2020 New England Home Care & Hospice Conference and Trade Show Program has been released! Join colleagues from throughout the region from May 13-15 in Newport, RI for the best home health and hospice event of the year!
You have been waiting, and now it’s here, The 2020 New England Home Care & Hospice Conference and Trade Show Program has been released! Join colleagues from throughout the region from May 13-15 in Newport, RI for the best home health and hospice event of the year! This fabulous conference will feature renowned keynoters and informative workshops that will give you new ideas and insight to take back to your agency. Sessions include Pre-Conferences on PDGM: Lessons Learned, and Medicaid Healthcare Reform; Keynotes on Caregiver Trends, Navigating Change, The Future in Home Health Through Data, and Bridging the Gap Between Life and Death. With 25 additional break-out sessions, you are bound to find topics that appeal to you and your staff as there is something for everyone!
Looking to find new partners with your agency regarding things like software systems, consulting, staff benefits, etc? Our exhibit show is the largest home health gathering in the Northeast with close to 80 exhibitors! See who is currently exhibiting here.
The Home Care Alliance of MA will honor excellence in home care when we present the 2019 Innovations Showcase and Star Awards at the “Our Time to Shine” celebration on Tuesday, November 19, at the Granite Hills Golf Club, Quincy.
The Home Care Alliance of MA will honor excellence in home care when we present the 2019 Innovations Showcase and Star Awards at the “Our Time to Shine” celebration on Tuesday, November 19, at the Granite Hills Golf Club, Quincy.
What a better way to show your staff appreciation during home care month then treating them to an afternoon of celebration, food and a special inspiration keynote by Tim Cunningham, an intrepid survivor and best-selling author.
Together, we can celebrate our people and our pioneers by recognizing how they make life better for thousands of patients and their families. In celebrating individual achievement, we shine a light on our collective accomplishments.
2019 Star Award winners are: Champion: Sandy Hurley, President/Administrator, Commonwealth Clinical Services, Winthrop
Clinicians of the Year: Nicole Geddes, LPN, Aberdeen Home Care, Danvers Gerry Sanderson, RN CDP, NVNA and Hospice, Norwell
Manager of the Year: Robin Pelletier, Director of Supportive Care Services, Southcoast VNA, Fairhaven
Aides of the Year: Me McBride, CHHA Team Leader, South Shore VNA, Rockland Vinette Tyme, Care Coordinator, HouseWorks, Newton
Innovation award winners: Connected Home Care, Concord: Oz Documentation System O’Connell Care at Home, South Hadley: Advanced Internal In-Service Training Maxim HealthCare Services, Plymouth: Novice Nurse Program
Join us on Tuesday, December 10th at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester, MA for our Annual Financial Management Conference. Take a deep dive into the current trends and issues happening in the Home Health industry as you prepare for 2020.
Join us on Tuesday, December 10th at the Beechwood Hotel in Worcester, MA for our Annual Financial Management Conference. Take a deep dive into the current trends and issues happening in the Home Health industry as you prepare for 2020. This is the perfect conference for CFOs, CEOs, and Clinical Directors!
The 2019 Agenda Includes: Hindsight is 2020: Hone into Home Health & Hospice Payment Compliance in the New Decade, Kathleen Hessler, Simione Healthcare Consultants The HHS Office of Inspector General (OIG) continues its intense oversight and scrutiny of the Medicare home health and hospice programs by analyzing the rich sources of data available to them. With increase in survey and audit activity —including Targeted Probe and Educate (TPE), UPIC and SMRC audits, learn what your agencies need to do to ensure payment compliance in the new decade. The session will cover types of government audits, recommendations for internal-self monitoring, as well as what to do if your agency identifies an overpayment.
HHVBP Trends & Data, Chris Attaya, SHP Data As we close out year 2 of the Home Health Value-Based Purchasing Demonstration, Chris Attaya will take a deep dive and identify the latest updates and trends in HHVBP and Star Rating measure scores. Attaya will also discuss data points specific for Massachusetts state agencies.
PDGM Check Point, Mike Carr, Axxess PDGM is almost here, now is the time to ensure you are ready for the changes. This session will review where you should be, and how to get there if you’re not. Carr will provide a high level overview of PDGM as well as understanding how past performance will be impacted by PDGM. Other elements to be discussed include technology challenges, therapy impact, and measures for survival.
Making Home the Center of Care: Opportunities & Challenges of Public Priorities, Mike Canter, Carecentrix & Reactor Panel Recent public policy trends focus on cost containment, integrated care, and quality outcomes. Home care is in a unique position to thrive in this emerging environment. Is your agency poised to seize the opportunity?
PDGM is coming January 1, 2020 – HCA has numerous education opportunities to help you prepare and progress!
Blueprint for OASIS Training & Certification, November 4-6 Training, Devens, MA
Experience the comprehensive and nationally acclaimed two-day Blueprint for OASIS Accuracy workshop and learn to confidently teach, audit, and collect OASIS-D items accurately. Through guided, expert instruction, and participation in problem-solving discussions and application scenarios, achieve mastery of the OASIS items, conventions, and the latest data collection rules. Rather than provide opinions, assumptions, or unfounded interpretations, the “Blueprint” presenters will model reliance on CMS guidance documents and provide and demonstrate strategies for how to find defendable answers to your OASIS questions.
PDGM Comittee Meeting, November 18 Networking Meeting, 10:00-12:00, Milford, MA
Clinical Leadership Development and Care Coordination Under PDGM
PDGM introduces complex challenges and heightens the importance of efficient discipline utilization while maintaining quality care outcomes. The role that the clinical manager plays in this care management process can make or break success under the new model. This session will cover strategies for effective collaboration of care and agency leadership development in order to maintain focus on patient-centered quality care delivery.
Registration: FREE HCA MEMBERS ONLY!!
PDGM Clinical Episode Management Webinar, November 21 Online Webinar, 2:00-3:30PM
Clinical episode management takes on an even more critical role under PDGM. This session will describe how effective clinical episode management is the foundation for improving both patient and agency outcomes as well as improving regulatory compliance. We will review tactics for management of the 30 day payment period and explain the new LUPA thresholds and show that effective clinical episode management will be key to ensure patients are receiving appropriate, cost-effective, quality care. We will discuss strategic planning for implementation of clinical episode management best practices within the agency, and strategies to enhance communication and collaboration between all disciplines.
PDGM is fast approaching and a lot of changes are coming with it. HCA has partnered with Melinda Gabourey, CEO of Healthcare Provider Solutions, to put on a 4-part webinar series, each 90-minutes long! The series will run daily from 11:00AM-12:30PM. Sessions include: • PDGM Structure & Financial Impact • PDGM Coding & OASIS Integrity • PDGM Operational Decision Necessities • PDGM Revenue Cycle Changes
REGISTRATION HCA Members: $79/Line per Webinar -OR – $299/Line for Full Series Non-Members: $149/Line per Webinar -OR – $549/Line for Full Series
2019 Financial Management Conference, December 10 Conference, Worcester, MA, 9:00AM-4:00PM
This years financial conference will cover topics on PDGM, VBP, Billing Compliance, and Managed Care. The following PDGM session will be by Mike Care of Axxess: PDGM is almost here, now is the time to ensure you are ready for the changes. This session will review where you should be, and how to get there if you’re not. Carr will provide a high level overview of PDGM as well as understanding how past performance will be impacted by PDGM. Other elements to be discussed include technology challenges, therapy impact, and measures for survival.
2020 Leadership Summit Pre-Conference, January 28 Conference, Boston, MA, 1:00-4:30PM
Vision Quest: Refining Your Personal Leadership Style for Success Under PDGM and After We will start the summit with an interactive exploration of what industry and leadership issues you are hear to work on! After breaking it all down, we will engage in some self reflection on your leadership journey to date and how that has or has not got your prepared to meet today’s challenges. The session will continue with an instructional tutorial that will help to make you a better more confident and ultimately successful leader. Put it all together with a set of top industry experts on the journey to PDGM success.
PDGM Impact on Therapy Practice, March 5 Online Webinar, 1:00-2:30PM
CMS has changed the PPS case mix system “to rely on patient characteristics to set payment for therapy and non-therapy services and should no longer use the number of therapy visits as a payment factor.” The practice patterns and therapy compensation creep associated with the PPS methodology up until 2020 will fit poorly with a case mix system not relying on a therapy visit number. However, practice pattern changes do not occur as abruptly as payment changes. This session will review the new Patient Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) and how therapy can and should impact the groupings within their own agency. We will then apply reasonable and necessary plans of care to typical home health conditions and link them to the outcomes agencies strive to achieve. Participants will learn to prepare changes in practice and to demonstrate the value therapy services can bring to the home health agency.
HCA will host an HR Management Half-Day Conference on Tuesday, October 29 at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. This conference is an excellent resource for HR Managers, CEOs, COOs, and Clinical Directors.
HCA will host an HR Management Half-Day Conference on Tuesday, October 29 at the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. This conference is an excellent resource for HR Managers, CEOs, COOs, and Clinical Directors. Topics will include the following:
Attracting a Talented Workforce, Sheri Heller, PHR, SHRM-CP, Senior HR Advisor MassPay HR & Services Attracting and keeping talented employees in today’s job market is more difficult than ever. Learn about best practices to ensure successful talent acquisition efforts that will lead to a high-performing workforce. This session will include topics on talent sourcing vs. recruiting; finding the right talent pool; building your employer brand; the candidate experience; and creating the perfect job ad.
Discrimination Law Issues for the Home Care Industry, Layla Taylor, Esq. Partner, Sullivan Hayes & Quinn Employment discrimination laws have been established to prevent discrimination based on race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, physical disability, and age. Learn from Taylor the important key points relating to patient choice and anti-discrimination case law for your employees. Topics such as employee religious and disabiliaty accommodations to vaccinations will be covered.
The Step-by-Step HR Department Checklist, Julie Brinkman, COO, Hireology Whether you have a staff of 5 or 500, clear HR policies and consistent processes are essential to success on the people side of your business. This presentation will review a comprehensive HR checklist developed by Hireology and BambooHR designed to help home care agencies establish a new HR function or improve the HR systems and initiatives that are already in place in your agency. This checklist includes key elements such as an overview of important HR policies and processes, recruitment best practices to attract quality candidates, and tips for developing and maintaining a successful HR team.
Home Care Alliance Workforce Initiatives, HCA of MA Staff The HCA Board has identified Workforce Development as a critical priority issue under its current Strategic Plan. A Board working group had identified a number of initiatives for the Alliance and Foundation to expand our member support on workforce issues, addressing staff development at all levels: executive, management, supervisory, and all levels of direct care. This session will review results to date on some of the projects already in progress, preview future objectives, and solicit member input on new initiatives to help ensure a skilled and motivated workforce for the future.
Registration is only $50/Person for HCA of MA Members!
Celebrate Home Care Month by nominating your best and brightest staff members for the Innovation and Star Awards!
Join us during Home Care Month for the
Alliance’s annual celebration of innovation and excellence which will return to
the Granite Links Golf Club in Quincy on November 19, 2019.
Nominate your innovative programs and star
employees to be recognized during this celebration of the BEST in home care in
Massachusetts!
Innovations Awards
The Innovations Awards recognize programs,
products, or operational changes that enhance the quality or outcomes of
patient care, improve community well-being; drive efficiency in operations
within the agency or the health care system; or enhance staff productivity or
satisfaction.
Star Awards
The Star Awards celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of the everyday heroes in our midst who make incredible differences in the lives of their patients/clients and their families. A STAR award brings well-deserved recognition for both the agency and the individual.
2019 Private Care Management Conference Agenda Announced!
Labor Management Relations, Robert Brooks, Labor & Employment Partner, Verrill Dana Learn strategies to develop an effective plan of action when dealing with the current labor laws. This session will review recent and ongoing developments relating to handling your employees; such as, hiring, firing, discipline, and payment of wages. Additionally, hear more on the new Massachusetts Home Care Worker Registry Act and how it impacts your organization.
Recruiting, Onboarding & Educating the Caregiver Workforce of the Future,Helen Adeosun, EdM, Co-Founder & CEO of CareAcademy Educating caregivers is the number one health intervention for today’s home care agency. Learn staffing best practices to help find new caregivers and educate existing caregivers to meet the growing needs of clients in their care. Attendees will learn several actionable steps that agency owners and management can take today to ensure that their caregivers have the knowledge they need that a structured training program can offer, and the positive impact for retention, home care ROI and business.
Preventing Verbal Abuse of Workers: The Safe Home Care Project,Margaret M. Quinn, ScD, CIH, Professor and Director, Safe Home Care Project, Zuckerberg College of Health Sciences, UMass Lowell Previous studies have found that violent behaviors, including verbal abuse as well as physical assault, by patients towards health care workers is common and leads to injuries, illness, burnout and job turnover. The Safe Home Care Project team conducted a survey of nearly 1,000 Massachusetts home care aides and found that about 1 in 4 experienced verbal abuse from clients within the past year. The study identified home care conditions under which verbal abuse was most likely to occur and recommendations for prevention that can improve safety for both aides and their clients.
Key Metrics to Motivate Staff, Improve Retention and Promote Growth, Kunu Kaushal, Senior Solutions Home Care Learn from the Senior Solutions Home Care founder and CEO Kunu Kaushal who grew his Tennessee-based home care business from zero to $18+ million in nine years, with 800+ clients and 10 locations. The first session will share actual usable metrics, and formulas to help operate your agency at peak performance. Areas covered will include financials, operations, staffing, and recruitment. Move beyond revenue metrics to incentivize staff and provide more clarity around roles related to scheduling, recruitment and human resources. This simple, budget-driven model uses national metrics and KPIs that consider salaries and profitability for setting goals, defining responsibilities and motivating your staff.
Building Your Leadership Team, Kunu Kaushal, Senior Solutions Home Care In the second session you will learn his culture “secrets”, what makes a company’s culture great, how employee engagement can impact that culture. Kunu will share how he managed to build an attractive work culture, recognize when it’s time to let someone go, how to manage accountability, and more. Additionally, Learn how a great leadership team is built, including how to identify when it’s time to add to the team, ways to divide roles in order to maximize the team’s efficiency and key skill sets to identify when hiring.
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