Survey Indicates That Majority of Resident Councils Hold Open Meetings -- Twenty-three retirement communities responded to a June 5, 2008 FAHSA survey about resident council meetings.  All but one of the respondents was from a continuing care community. 82.6% of the respondents indicated that all resident council meetings are open to the resident body. Several commented on the importance of open communication between resident leaders and others, including the administration and board of the community.

Ø       16 of the respondents indicated that their resident council meets monthly; three meet quarterly; two meet every other month; and three meet eight to 10 times a year.

Ø       19 of the respondents reported that resident council meetings are open to all residents.  One respondent indicated that every other meeting is open. Another reported that although the council meetings are open, the meeting for setting the agenda is closed.

Ø       Two respondents reported that council meetings are completely closed, but an open meeting is held once a year.  One televises the meeting.

Ø       The two remaining respondents said that in lieu of an open resident council meeting, the council holds a monthly town hall meeting with the resident body. Any resident may request that a topic be placed on the agenda for that meeting.

Ø       Three of the councils that have open meetings also hold a monthly resident "town hall meeting" to encourage more communication between the resident council and the resident body. 

Ø       One council opens its meetings to prospective residents and family members.

Ø       A few suggestions and observations were made by respondents. Few residents attend open resident council meetings.  The "town hall meetings" hosted by the resident council draw larger crowds. It's important to remind residents periodically that resident council meetings are open and that there is a process to follow for getting an issue on the agenda or addressing the council. Open communication is important, especially with newer residents who want to be connected and involved.

·         Disaster Preparedness Experts Share Valuable Information at FAHSA Regional Meetings

·         Durable Medical Equipment Changes Are Coming

Proposed Minimum Standards for Nursing Homes Rule (Chapter 59A-4, FAC) -- This week, Carol Berkowitz, Senior Director of Regulations and Compliance attended a proposed rule hearing on the Minimum Standards for Nursing Homes --Chapter 59A-4, FAC.  This was one of many meetings held for the past four years to review this rule.  To read FAHSA's comments, please see this week's Nursing Home Alert, NH 08-19. 
 
Other Nursing Home News:

• Clarification on Satellite Phones in Nursing Homes
• Durable Medical Equipment Changes are Coming
• AHCA Plans Cultural Change Meeting on Tuesday, June 17 

FAHSA Nursing Home Alert Page

FAHSA's Preferred Business Associates Program (PBAs) -- A list of PBAs can be found by on the FAHSA Web site www.fahsa.org and selecting Preferred Business Associates from the left side menu bar or clicking on the FAHSA Preferred Business Associates Page hyperlink. FAHSA members can also use the on-line directory to search for PBAs by specialty.

FAHSA members may use the Job Mart services at no charge. A nominal fee of $25 will be charged to nonmembers.

Your Job Mart advertisement will be displayed on our Web site for approximately three months. The FAHSA Link is published weekly and distributed to our membership which is comprised of nursing homes, CCRCs, HUD housing, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities and companies/firms.

To reserve advertisement space in our Job Mart program, please complete the application and fax it to FAHSA at (850) 671-3790 or E-mail Erin Steele at esteele@fahsa.org