Tuesday, August 26

Pre-Conference Intensives Registration

Top Gun: The Game of Assisted Living
Douglas Fullaway, President & CEO, Vigilan
“Top Gun” is a three-hour session that leads teams of people through the different phases of turning around a poor performing assisted living community.
“Top Gun” recognition at the end of the session.
$50 separate fee for AHCA & AALNA members;
$75 separate fee for non-members (3.0 CEUs)

Pre-Conference Intensives Registration - Ballroom Foyer

Long Term Care Nursing Skills Needed in the 21st Century
Sandra Fitzler, BSN, RN, Senior Director, Clinical Operations, American Health Care Association
An overview of how long term care programs and services have changed over the past ten years and what changes, knowledge and skills will be necessary in the future.
$50 separate fee for AHCA members;
$75 for non-members (3.0 CEUs)

Conference Registration

Lunch on your own - Experience a large variety of restaurants near by

AALNA Business Luncheon

Members of the Arizona Assisted Living Nurses Association (AALNA) are invited to join AALNA leadership for our first membership and business luncheon. $25 separate fee for AALNA members.

Vendor Registration and Trade Show Setup

Welcome & Introductions: Michelle Donahue

President, Arizona Health Care Association

General Session

What You Need to Know About Tomorrow’s Seniors

Gail Miller, CPA, Principal, LarsonAllen

Sanford “Sandy” Elsass, President/CEO-Underwriting Manager, Lewis & Clark LTC RRG, Inc. (1.0 CEU)

Grasp the implications of demographic and economic changes that are taking place and will alter the business of long term care in ways that will directly affect providers

Concurrent General Session

Moving Arizona Forward on the Regulatory Front

Sylvia Balistreri, RN, BSN, Program Manager of Long Term Care Licensing, Arizona Department of Health Services (1.0 CEU)

Become aware of important skilled nursing updates from DHS. Learn the latest information on long term care regulations in Arizona. Survey and deficiency trends, and emerging issues will be discussed.

Concurrent General Session

News From the Assisted Living Regulatory Front

Larry Martens, Program Manager of Assisted Living Licensing, Arizona Department of Health Services (1.0 CEU)

Find out the latest on assisted living survey trends, procedures, rules and regulations… and what’s in store for the future. Learn about resources available through the assisted living licensing division.

General Session

Mama Said There’d Be Days Like This

Featured Speaker
Jean Gatz, CSP (1.0 CEU)

Overwhelmed? Can’t remember the last time you had a chance to relax, and laugh? Learn skills to manage your daily challenges.

4:30 - 7:00

Since we are right next to the Arizona Cardinals football stadium… go the distance and make a touchdown-80 vendors are ready to cheer you on at the Opening Night Tailgate Party.

Silent Auction is now One NIGHT ONLY!

The Arizona Health Care Foundation presents it’s
9th Annual Silent Auction, with proceeds benefiting the Foundation’s
Live A Dream and Scholarship programs.
This is your chance to shop and support the Foundation all at the same time. Plan to attend the Silent Auction, bring a friend, and your checkbook because, unlike the past several years, the Silent Auction will open at 4:30 pm & close at 7:00 pm
Be on hand for cash drawings that will be held throughout the evening… starting at
5:00 pm $100;
6:00 pm $200;
and at 6:45 pm $300.
you must be present to win.

Wednesday, August 27

General Session

Would You Like Some Cheese With That Whine? Overcoming Negativity

Featured Speaker
Jenny Nolen-Marko

Continuum Training (1.5 CEUs)
Statistics tell us that 78% of daily conversation is negative. Are you part of the problem or part of the solution? Guaranteed to improve your attitude.

TRADESHOW GRIDIRON
EXTRAVAGANZA

With 80 exhibitors to choose from, take advantage of all of the knowledge, products and services they have to offer. This is your chance to speak one-on-one with suppliers and hear their specific recommendations for your facility.

Prizes will be given away during the TradeShow Extravaganza.

Building One Team

Lori Porter, CEO & Founder, National Association of Health Care Assistants (NAHCA)

Lori is back! Build an effective workforce culture by utilizing the One Team approach which encompasses the theory that it takes a team to meet the resident’s needs. For leaders at every level.

Strengthening Staff Retention through Employee Assistance Programs

Donald G. Jorgensen, President, Jorgensen/Brooks Group

This session will demonstrate how a full service employee assistance program can assist organizations with consultation, training and other services to assist
troubled employees.

The 7 ‘L’s of Living

Jenny Nolen-Marko,
Continuum Training

Jenny will guide you through a self assessment of your leadership skills and bring you back to a place of re-commitment through the 7 ‘L’s of Living.

Meeting the Staffing Challenge in a Rural Area

Paula Mitchell, Administrator,
Copper Mountain Inn

This session will discuss today’s staffing challenges in rural Arizona, how they differ from those in the urban setting, and solutions that work.

AHCA Assisted Living Programs and Services... Setting the Standard

Karla Averill, MA, ALM, Director of Assisted Living & Business Development, Arizona Health Care Association

Join Karla to learn more about the exciting new services and programs that AHCA will be offering. She will discuss falls prevention, medication management and much more.

Preparing for the MDS 3.0

Lori Gutierrez, RNRN, BS, Founder and Principal, Clinical Advisors for Resources and Educational Services (C.A.R.E.S.)

Twelve years after its original inception, the draft revision of MDS 3.0 has been posted on the CMS web site. Lori will review highlights of the MDS 3.0, assist participants in creating a pathway for training their staff and team members, and identify changes.

Enhancing Quality through Pain Management and Palliative Care

Scott Bolhack, M.D., Medical Director, TLC Healthcare Companies

Dr. Bolhack will illustrate to participants what palliative care embodies and clarify hospice regulations. What new directions are being considered by CMS?

Tackling the Union in Assisted Living

Bernard J. Lishinsky, Partner,
Vexillate, LLC

Participants will learn about today’s new union organizing climate and what to do about it. Union avoidance training for management, National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) and the future Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA) will be reviewed.

The Power of Wii in Activity, Rehab and Young Adult Programming

Diane Mockbee, BS, ACC, President- National Association of Activity ProfessionalsDaChisa A. Stevenson, PT, WCC, Palm Valley Rehab & Care Center

A new innovative tool in activity and rehab therapies! Learn how the Wii facilitates functional progress and positive outcomes, increases self-esteem and social interaction, as well as assisting in regaining functions previously lost.

Ask an Attorney... A Forum on Law and Long Term Care

John Checkett, Esq., Campbell, Yost, Clare & Norell, PC
David S. Cohen, Esq., Jones, Skelton & Hochuli, PLC

Discuss legal trends in long term care, enforcement trends, and identify pro-active strategies providers can implement to protect themselves.

Issues Relating to Self-Reporting in Skilled Nursing Facilities

Sylvia Balistreri, RNRN, BSN, Arizona Department of Health Services

What incidents need to be self-reported and how? This session will provide an opportunity for dialog about the challenges of self-reporting and implications for the survey process.

Caregivers Count! Fulfilling the Promise of Care

Lori Porter, NAHCA

Frontline caregivers... discover your special qualities and recognize the power of your influence. Gain a new enthusiasm and motivation for your role and responsibilities

Ron Buchanan, Veterans Pension Benefits Consultant
Jill A. Preston, Elder Care Services Administrator, JacksonWhite Elder Law Attorneys

What are the eligibility requirements and application issues for VA benefits? What benefits are available to veterans and their surviving spouses? Attend this session to learn these answers and more.

Promoting Culture Change in Dining

Linda Crandall, BS, RDRD, President, Crandall Corporate Dietitians

Consider... when to eat, what to eat, how much to eat, with whom to eat and where
to eat. How to implement cultural change in your dining program.

General Session

Becoming the Greatest You Can Be

Featured Speaker
Earl Suttle, Ph.D., President, Three E Corporation (2.0 CEUs)

This highly charged interactive presentation provides practical ideas to help participants become better in their professional and personal lives. Dr. Earl will help

Thursday, August 28

Continental Breakfast

AHCA Membership Meeting & Election of Board of Directors
(.5 CEU)

General Session

Customer Service with Heart

Featured Speaker
Sheryl Roush, Sparkle Presentations (1.0 CEU)

Discover simple communication strategies to foster cooperation, earn respect, and create authentic connections with residents, patients, staff and business partners…
even “difficult” ones!

Effectively Managing Medications in Assisted Living

Sandra Brownstein, PharmD, CGP, Consulting Pharmacist

Join Sandra as she reviews issues that are specific to medication management, resources available for training, and how to prevent adverse medication problems. A pharmaceutical model for assisted living will be presented.

Lessons Learned from the New DHS Cost Report

Larry Litman, President & CEOEO, Healthcare Systems and Services
Edd Welsh, Martha LaVoy, Financial Reporting Division, Arizona Department of Health Services

Take a first look at the information DHS has received from the newly revised Medicaid cost report, and what it means to Arizona’s long term care providers.

Preventing MRSA: It’s in Our Hands

Barbara Averyt, Project Director, Safe & Sound and HealthWorks, Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association

In 2005, patient safety was identified as a priority for Arizona. One of the newest concerns is the spread of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus, or MR SA. Receive an overview of a toolkit that will help prevent the spread of MRSA.

Redirection to Restraints Reduction Success

Pat Wilson, Administrator
LeeLucia Westfall, Quality Manager, Posada del Sol Healthcare Center

Share Posada del Sol’s journey as Pat and LeeLucia provide practical suggestions on reducing the use of restraints. Their goals, processes, and successes will be discussed.

Exploring the Electronic Road Map for Arizona’s AHCCCS Providers

Anita C. Murcko, MD , FA CP, Medical Director, Clinical Informatics & Provider Adoption, Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS)

As an AHCCCS provider you need to understand the impact of electronic Health Information Exchange as it applies to the care continuum. Explore Arizona’s initiatives with AHCCCS, and learn how to prepare for the technology requirements.

Staying Ahead of the Curve on Therapy

Julie Strid, MS, CCC-SLP, Director of Business Development, Select Rehabilitation

Get the latest information from CMS on the Medicare Part B therapy cap, the newest therapy CPT codes, and the new Medicare denial process. Current and future educational degree requirements for PTs and OTs will be discussed, along with the latest trends regarding supply and demand.

The Magic of Making Connections: Sensory Stimulation for Persons with Advanced Dementia

Maribeth Gallagher, Psych NP, MS, Dementia Program Director, Hospice of the Valley

Experiential sessions using music will teach a simple step-by-step approach to achieving and evaluating desired outcomes. Learn how to customize musical selections to honor the unique preferences and backgrounds of your residents.

The Power of One… Becoming an Advocate at the National and State Levels

Rich Miller, Multifacility Membership Liaison, American Health Care Association

Become an advocate! This session will provide the tools that will help you serve as a professional resource for elected officials in order to make your voice heard.

Healthy Chocolate: How It Is Being Used in Health Care Settings

Lyle Rapacki, Ph.D., Consultant;
Maria Parham, BS, Administrator, Sun Health Grandview Care Center
Lori Gutierrez, BS, RN-C, C.A.R.E.S.

Discover the characteristics of chocolate and it’s benefits for a healthier lifestyle for all age groups.

Developing a Game Plan for Financial Success

Larry Litman, President & CEO, Healthcare Systems & Services

Don’t miss Larry’s recommendations for specific methodologies to assist skilled nursing and assisted living providers in evaluating their performance and improving their financial outcomes.

Best Practices in Managing Challenging Behaviors

Jan Dougherty, RN , MS, Director of Family and Community Services, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute

Reconceptualzing problem behaviors as an expression of unmet needs provides caregivers with a more constructive way to identify what the resident is communicating. Learn how to assess and interpret behavioral disturbances and identify strategies that work!

Taking Steps to Improving Investigations

Diane Kubala, RN , C-DON , RA C-CT, Clinical Resource Specialist, Residents First.

Increase your awareness of day-to-day activities and how to initiate a thorough investigative process... a survey must!