DCHFA Signs on With Incite Strategic Partners GPO

Genesis Lofland Park Center Earns Top Honor for Superior Performance

Genesis Lofland Park Center, a 110-bed skilled nursing facility, has been recognized as a 2024 recipient of the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL). The award is the final step in three progressive levels of awards through the AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Program, which recognizes high-quality long term and post-acute care organizations.

Genesis Lofland Park was one of only two providers nationwide to receive the prestigious Gold – Excellence in Quality Award this year.

“Achieving excellence in quality is an ongoing commitment. We started our Quality Award journey in 2016. Each year we achieved continuous improvement,” said Tawnya Dennis, Ed.D., NHA, senior administrator for Lofland Park Center. “When we started, we were a 3-star facility. The structure of the program is definitely what has led us to our sustained 5-star status. I would recommend every long-term care facility work with AHCA/NCAL to achieve quality outcomes.”

Earning the Gold – Excellence in Quality Award requires a facility to achieve both the Bronze – Commitment to Quality and Silver – Achievement in Quality awards before advancing to the Gold level—an accomplishment that takes several years. Applicants adhere to the core values and criteria of the Baldrige Performance Excellence Program, an organizational improvement tool that focuses on strengthening performance in leadership, customer- and staff-focused processes, strategic planning, and more.

“We are so proud of our member Genesis Lofland Park Center achieving the 2024 Gold – Excellence in Quality Award through AHCA/NCAL’s National Quality Award Program,” said Cheryl Heiks, Executive Director of Delaware Health Care Facilities Association (DHCFA). “Consistent, talented leadership and dedicated and determined staff made this happen! Congratulations to Center Director and DHCFA Board Member Tawnya Dennis and her team. Lofland Park’s commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents is second to none and an inspiration to all of our members.”

“This recognition is a testament to the dedication, compassion, and tireless efforts over the years by these incredible providers,” said Cathy Bergland, AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Board Chair. “Genesis Lofland Park Center deserves to be celebrated for their unwavering focus on delivering high-quality care and outcomes for their residents and staff.”

The award will be presented to Genesis Lofland Park Center during Delivering Solutions 24, the AHCA/NCAL Convention & Expo, October 6-9, 2024, at the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.

Quarterbacking Your Needs for Touchdown Training:
Registration Open for DHCFA’s Annual Education Conference and Trade Show

Fall is football season, and we’re embracing it! DHCFA’s annual event, slated for November 7 at The Rollins Center, Bally’s Casino Resort, kicked off attendee registration August 6, offering a full day of touchdown training. Barbara Speedling, a quality of life expert, will deliver a two-part session on Trauma-Informed Care: Achieving Compliance in Behavioral Health. Sue Grafton, RN, will train attendees on Best Practices in UTI Prevention. These, together with two more sessions, give attendees the opportunity to earn up to 5.5 continuing education credits. The entire event will have a gridiron feel!

Over 30 service providers have already secured their exhibit space to meet with attendees. Skilled Wound Care, Complete Care, Diamond Pharmacy and Medical Supplies, and Bayada Home Health and Hospice have already committed to event sponsorship. A limited number of sponsorship and exhibit spaces.

Don’t miss the biggest day for long-term care providers in Delaware! Registration and Sponsor/Exhibitor Info Here

Staffing Shift Ratio Waiver Extended to January 1, 2025

The epilogue language in the  SB325 FY25 Operating Budget Bill, introduced and passed by the Senate and House on June 20, extends the staffing shift ratios waiver until January 1, 2025. Skilled nursing facilities must continue providing 3.28 hours of direct care per resident per day. 

While the waiver is in place, the Department of Health Care Quality will start collecting data on shift ratios to help identify areas of staffing challenges.

CMS Facility Assessment Due August 8, 2024

CMS issued guidance on June 18 on the Facility Assessment that is part of the staffing mandate rule. The lawsuits challenging the federal staffing mandate do not stop the Facility Assessment requirement. Skilled nursing facilities must complete this Facility Assessment by August 8, 2024. Read QSO-24-13-NH here.