August 7, 2008

Volume 15, Issue 33

 

FAHSA
LINK

 

 

 

 In This Issue

Welcome to this week's edition of the FAHSA Link

 


Constitutional Amendment 5 Could Affect FAHSA Members -- Earlier this year, the Florida Taxation and Budget Reform Committee voted favorably to place Amendment 5 on the November general election ballot. Some believe that Amendment 5 would offer some tax relief, but opponents see it as a 'tax swap' that could evolve into one of the largest tax increases in Florida history.  Amendment 5 proposes to eliminate the current required local effort portion of school property taxes, which amounts to 25 to 35 percent of a typical tax bill.  But, while this reduction may sound good, the lost revenue is projected to be somewhere around $9.5 billion.  This lost revenue will have to be made up in other areas and would require the legislature to find more than $11 billion from new revenue options, such as: 

  • Raising the sales tax by one cent. The extra penny tax would raise only an estimated $3.5 billion in today's stalled economy.
  • Repealing some of Florida's sales-tax exemptions that could affect Florida's non-profit providers.
  • Or, spending cuts elsewhere.

Janegale Boyd, FAHSA's President/CEO, provided some perspectives on how this Amendment could affect FAHSA members:

  • Tax Exemptions -- for communities who are non-profit and currently do not pay tax on supplies or services, could loose their sales tax exemption increasing the cost of delivering services. Additionally, the "Homes for the Aged" exemption that is now in Florida statute could disappear.  Most voters only think of "Ostrich feed and stadium sky boxes" as exemptions which would be eliminated, however, all exemptions will be at risk because the amount of replacement funds needed is so high. 
  • Sales Tax Increase -- at best this will require every county's sales tax to be increased by at least one cent.  So if your county charges seven cents per dollar, it will increase to eight cents per dollar. So every item purchased, (except for raw food, utilities, rent, prescriptions drugs and health services) will be subject to the additional tax increase. 
  • Resident Services -- most seniors receive some type of services (even those that live independently). One of the many items that can be taxed is assistance for non-medical services such as housecleaning, dry cleaners, accounting services (tax preparers), assistance with laundry (clothing), legal services, lawn care, taxi rides, etc. At this time, FAHSA is uncertain whether assistance with dressing, bathing or meals will be taxed since these are not skilled medical services (some home health services are non-skilled). 
  • Residents that own property and have a declared homestead (business will get a cap) should see some small tax relief. But, while Amendment 5 will benefit property owners, it will increase taxes for all! 
  • Amendment 5 will be a tax increase and a bigger percentage increase to those with the least ability to pay -the poor and those on fixed incomes. Some call it a "regressive tax", a tax system in which those with low incomes pay proportionally higher taxes than the wealthy for this reason.

 

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Education News
General News
HCBS News
Housing News
Legislative News
Nursing Home News
Retirement Community News
Preferred Business Associate News
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Senator Haridopolos Delivers Message on Amendment 5 -- Last week, Senator Mike Haridopolos, Chairman of the Senate Tax and Finance Committee, spoke to more than 200 FAHSA convention participants about his concerns with Constitutional Amendment 5.  If more than 60 percent of voters approve it in November, the measure would take effect in 2010. 
 
The Senator is holding a series of public forums on Amendment 5 throughout the state. Please encourage your resident leaders and staff to attend one of the meeting forums listed below that is scheduled in your area.
 
Miami, Monday, August 11th, 1 pm
Miami-Dade College
Wolfson Campus, ETCOTA Auditorium, Room 7128
300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami
Phone: (305) 237-3771
 
Ft. Pierce, Tuesday, August 12th, 1 pm
Indian River State College
Kight Center Auditorium, Room V-110
3209 Virginia Avenue, Fort Pierce
Phone: (772) 201-5371
 
Panama City, Wednesday, August 13th, 1 pm
Gulf Coast Community College
Language Building, Sarzin Lecture Hall
5230 West Highway 98, Panama City
Phone: (850) 872-3814
 
Tallahassee, Monday, August 18th, 1 pm
Tallahassee Community College
Building 38 (Center for Economic Development), Room 105
444 Appleyard Drive, Tallahassee
Phone: (850) 201-6058
 
Dunedin, Wednesday, August 27, 2008, 3:30 pm
Mease Manor, Inc.
Hale Senior Center
330 Douglas Avenue
Dunedin, FL 34698
Phone: (727) 733-1161 x. 390
 
Members Attend Amendment 5 Meeting -- This week, John Meserve, CEO, Fleet Landing; Maureen Gartland, Vice President/Administrator, St. Catherine Laboure' Manor; Marty Goetz, CEO, and Jim Richmond, River Garden Hebrew Home Wolfson Health and Aging Center; and residents and key staff from FAHSA member facilities attended the first forum meeting with Senator Haridopolos in Jacksonville.  After the meeting, Marty Goetz said the following, "This is a most important topic - critical in my opinion - you need to make sure you get your residents to these meetings.  Get your buses there, pack a lunch for your residents and get them behind the defeat of this amendment."
 
On Monday, Governor Crist announced his support of Amendment 5. By supporting the amendment, Crist puts himself at odds with Senator Mike Haridopolos and many of the state's education, union and health care leaders that also opposed Amendment 1 in January.
 

45th Annual Convention and Exposition

FAHSA's 45th Convention and Exposition Enjoyed by All - Last week, more than 520 converged in Boca Raton to attend FAHSA's 45th Annual Convention and Exposition.  The week-long event, captured with photos taken by Dr. Erwin Bodo, FAHSA's COO, and Marty Goetz, CEO, River Garden Hebrew Home Wolfson Health and Aging Center, are available for viewing on the homepage of the FAHSA web site.
 
The convention, "Riding the Wave", featured 51 innovative educational presentations, an exhilarating exhibition featuring the latest products and services, a Silent Auction and raffle, two awards luncheons, a general business meeting, a fun night dinner and a special progressive tour of several area ACTS facilities. Three were awarded scholarships -- Schello Outar from John Knox Village; Peggy Klutts from Waterman Village; and LaToya Billips from Glades Healthcare.
 
On Sunday, participants enjoyed the Sunrise Worship Service featuring Rev. Chinnappan Devaraj, OFM, Chaplain, and Sister Mary Ann Dennehy, Lourdes-Noreen McKeen Residences and beautiful music featuring soloist Madison McIntosh.  
 
On Monday, a Golf Tournament was coordinated by Tim Gregson, President, FMS Purchasing & Services.  The best ball tournament winners were Tim Gregson, Lesley Vogels and Lori Girasole.

 
On Tuesday, FAHSA recognized the following Preferred Business Associates and Special Sponsors.  They included, in the bronze category: Care Purchasing, FMS Purchasing & Services, and Hunt Insurance Group, LLC; the Silver category: AAHSA Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), Lancaster Pollard, Morrison Senior Dining, RXPERTS Pharmacy Services and Sodexho; the Gold category: Brown & Brown, Evercare and Ziegler Capital Markets Group. 


Sponsors for the convention:

 

The Opals: Allied Irish Bank, Brown & Brown Insurance, Hunt Insurance Group LLC, Paragon Rehabilitation, PharMerica, Plante & Moran, PLLC, Peoplefirst Rehabilitation, Rees Associates, RehabCare, RXPERTS Pharmacy Services, Senior Care Pharmacy, and Structural Waterproofing of Florida.


The Sapphires: ChemRX, Commerce Bank, Dixon-Hughes, PLLC, LarsonAllen LLP, Lewis, Brisbois, Bisgaard & Smith, LLP, McCumber Daniels, Moore Stephens Lovelace, PA, Praxeis and Sodexo;

 
The Rubies: FMS Purchasing & Services;

 

The Diamond: Raymond James and Associates and Ziegler Capital Markets Group; and

 

The Double Diamond: Ponce De Leon LTC RRG, Inc. 

 
During Wednesday's lunch, special awards were presented, followed by the annual general business meeting and Board of Trustee's installation.  Thank you to all of the communities and individuals who submitted nominees for this year's awards. FAHSA is proud to honor the following outstanding professionals, who were recognized and presented with plaques at our Annual Convention, for their service and leadership. Congratulations to all of  FAHSA's 2008 Award Winners.

 
2008 Distinguished Service Award - Mr. Peter Dys, President/CEO, Shell Point Retirement Community

 
For many years, Peter Dys has worked quietly behind the scenes to help the FAHSA staff with many public policy issues and legislative contacts. He was credited with analyzing a very complicated continuing care bill, educating members of the Taxation and Budget Reform Commission, and for the past seven years, worked tirelessly on legislation related to ad valorem property tax exemptions and continuing care regulations.  Mr. Dys has dedicated his life to enriching the lives of older people served by the two very successful retirement communities he oversees.


2008 Chair's Award - Mr. Steve Protulis, Executive Director, EHDOC

 
Mr. Protulis has participated in numerous grassroots advocacy campaigns aimed at getting more federal funding for affordable housing.  When the federal budget for HUD was in peril last year, Steve arranged for meetings with several prominent members of the U.S. Senate including Senator Barney Frank, Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Bill Nelson and Senator Mel Martinez. In 2006, his residents embarked on a 3,000+ letter writing campaign to save the affordable housing budget. When a FAHSA member needed help, Steve sent his staff to help. He is a relentless advocate for low income seniors, and we are proud of him for his dedicated service.

 
2008 Executive of the Year Award - Mr. Jim Binnicker, CEO, Air Force Enlisted Village


FAHSA's Executive of the Year Award was given to a CEO/President who demonstrates the highest qualities of leadership, innovation and commitment to a FAHSA member organization.  The Executive of the Year, Jim Binnicker, has many titles including "Chief" and once served as Chief Master Sergeant of the entire U.S. Air Force, the highest rank possible for an Air Force non-commissioned officer.  Jim is described as a sensitive and caring person who is a "no nonsense" administrator when it comes to the care and dignity of his residents.  He strictly enforces the "Mom Rule", and all employees are expected to treat every resident in the same way they would treat their mother.


2008 Employee of the Year Award - Virginia Ohanian, Director of Culinary Services, St. Andrews Estates North

 
This year's award recipient, Virginia Ohanian, is more than worthy of the recognition.  She enriches the lives of residents through her culinary skills, and top-notch customer service.  She was described by one of the residents as "the perfect total package" - professional, creative, efficient and respected.

 
2008 Volunteer of the Year Award - Dian Haynes, Air Force Enlisted Village


A resident, Dian Haynes has worked more than 40 hours per week as a receptionist and greeter in the busy maintenance department at the Air Force Enlisted Village in Shalimar.  She is a hard-working member of the maintenance team who never misses a day of work.  She is the link between residents who need help with repairs and maintenance and the employees who are dispatched to do the job.

  
2008 Resident Council Award - Dick Walker on behalf of Fleet Landing Residents Association


Council President Dick Walker accepted the award on behalf of the Fleet Landing Residents Council.  The council makes significant contributions to improve the community in which they live.  Council members meet regularly with the Executive Director to offer the resident viewpoint on matters under consideration. To help residents with the grieving process, the council prepared a "Survival Information Pamphlet" and instituted a survivor support system for recently widowed residents.


2008 Public Servant Award - Les Hallman, Director of the Division of State Fire Marshal, Florida Department of Financial Services

 
Mr. Hallman was honored for his commitment to ensure a safe and secure environment for nursing home residents, and in appreciation for his outstanding efforts to help nursing home providers comply with fire-safety requirements by advocating for an extension of the State Fire Marshal Nursing Home Fire Protection Loan Guarantee Program.


2008 Caregiver of the Year Award - Doris Gill, R.N., Vicar's Landing


Doris has spent the last 17 years as a R.N. at Vicar's Landing. Referred to as the "Go-To" girl, Doris plays a pivotal role when it comes to the health of independent residents. She assesses the health needs of every new resident, organizes health fairs, and is the first to respond to emergency calls. This dedicated woman, who has been a nurse for more than fifty years, also serves on a culture change team that is committed to ensuring the highest quality of life for residents as they move through the continuum of care.

 
2008 Quality First Award - ACTS Retirement


The 2008 Quality First Award was presented to Elsie French of ACTS Retirement for their outstanding efforts to provide a "Signature Experience" to residents throughout the continuum of care, and in gratitude for leadership in Florida and nationally to promote an innovative team approach to resident-centered care that embodies Quality First. 

 

Annual General Business Meeting - FAHSA's chair, Alma Ballard, welcomed members to the Annual Membership Meeting.  Four members, James Emerson, CEO, Westminster Communities of Florida; Martin Goetz, CEO, River Garden Hebrew Home Wolfson Health and Aging Center, Inc.; Steve Protulis, Executive Director, EHDOC; and Luanne Reese, Director of Business Development, Mease Manor, Inc. were elected to the AAHSA House of Delegates. A few small changes to the bylaws were unanimously passed and the following FAHSA Board of Trustees were installed by past chair Drew Gackenheimer:  Alma Ballard, Chair; Terri Cunliffe, Chair-elect; Judi Buxo, Immediate Past Chair; Jack Norton, Past Chair; Brian Robare, Senior Vice Chair; Litha Berger, Secretary; John Meserve, Treasurer; Mary Kay Klinge, ALF/HCBS Chair; Charles Coxson, CCRC Chair; Jason Pincus, Housing Chair; Diane Marcello, Nursing Home Chair; David Grofic, Associate Member Representative; Jeff Rock, District Chair 1; Chris Mulrooney, District Chair 2; Maureen Gartland, District Chair 3; Kevin Smaage, District Chair 4; Richard Lewis, District Chair 5; George Bryan, District Chair 6; Mo Funk, District Chair 7; Judy Johnson, District Chair 8;Randal Long, District Chair 9; Dorothy Barichak, District Chair 10; Peggy Koruschak, District Chair 11; Deje Kondor, District Chair 12; Mike Bell, District Chair 13; and Joanna Buckles, District Chair 14; Joshua Ashby, At-large; Linda Williams, At-large; James Binnicker, AAHSA House of Delegates (HOD); Raymond Johnson, AAHSA HOD; and Robert P. Scharmann, AAHSA HOD.
 
Raffle Winners - Judy Cunningham, won a two night stay from the Safety Harbor Resort and Spa; Genebar Brown, won a Nintendo Wii Console donated by Onsite Health Care Services; Eric Haider, won a FAHSA Convention Registration; Ruth McDowell, won a photo taken by Dr. Erwin Bodo; Mark Koruschak, won a gift certificate to Bonefish Grill donated by Mary Kay Klinge of Mease Manor; and Julie Bindl, won a HP Laptop computer donated by Robert P. Scharmann of John Knox Village of Florida.

 

 

 

District and Membership

Michele Wasserlauf Receives Promotion -- Michele Wasserlauf has been named the new corporate director of resident health services and outreach for ACTS Retirement-Life Communities. In this role, Ms. Wasserlauf will lead the development and implementation of resident health services provided within the various resident care settings, including medical care services and related dementia care, assisted living residences, resident nurse's office, activities and social services programs.  Wasserlauf previously served as corporate director of social accountability and outreach.
 
Ms. Wasserlauf began her career with ACTS in 1994 and has held a series of progressive leadership roles including executive director positions at St. Andrews South, St. Andrews Estates North and Edgewater Pointe Estates.  She holds a master's of science degree in health care administration from Nova University and bachelor's degree in gerontology from the State University of New York College at Cortland.
 
Congratulations Michele!

Event Calendar

Education News

Now is the Time to Renew Your CE Broker Subscription - FAHSA members who are renewing their CE Broker subscriptions can take advantage of a small discount by entering the following discount code:  FAHACEB to save $10. The code can be entered on the renewal/registration page on the CE Broker web site. 
 
 
New Workshop Scheduled on September 4 -- AHCA's Skip Gregory Examines Physical Plant and Life-Safety Requirements for Nursing Homes:  Learn about State-of-the-Art Design Models that Promote Resident-Centered Care - This workshop is a 'must' for providers who want to improve their survey outcomes or who are considering replacing or renovating their nursing home. Why build yesterday's nursing home when you have the opportunity to incorporate design features and technology that tomorrow's residents will demand?  The following topics will be covered:

  • Overview of Physical Plant and Life-Safety Requirements that can get you into trouble
  • Best practices to follow when renovating or remodeling a nursing home
  • The Florida Building Code -- The Future is Now: Putting the "Home" Back into "Nursing Home"
  • Status of wireless communication systems
  • State-of-the-Art Nursing Home Models
  • What's Possible in Florida?
  • Revisions to the Americans with Disabilities Act
  • CMS Artifacts of Culture Change Tool -- Where Does your Organization Stand with Culture Change and Resident-Centered Care?


Register online now and mark your calendars to join us on September 4, 2008 at the Hotel Royal Plaza in Orlando.
 
Upcoming Educational Events:

August 27 - EIV Update Audio Call featuring Bonnie Wilpon
September 4 --AHCA's Skip Gregory Examines Physical Plant and Life-Safety Requirements for Nursing Homes:  Learn about State-of-the-Art Design Models that Promote Resident-Centered Care
September 15 - FAHSA's HCBS Workshop, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront, Jacksonville
September 16-17 - FAHSA's 25th Annual HUD and Service Coordinator Workshop, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
September 26 - IMAX TRACs Audio Call featuring Bonnie Wilpon

Event Calendar

General News

New Ruling on Guns at the Workplace in Florida -- During FAHSA's Annual Convention, Ms. Jennifer Birmingham, Esq., Alvarez, Sambol, Winthrop & Madson, P.A., presented an update following the U.S. Circuit for the Northern District, Tallahassee Division's recent ruling on Florida Retail Federation, Inc., et.al v Attorney General of Florida, (commonly referred to as the case on "guns in the workplace or the parking lot.")  The recent court issues an injunction while striking down part of the new law.  The court ruled that the state cannot force private business owners to allow customers to bring weapons on their property. By making this decision, it affirms that there is no constitutional right to bear arms on someone else's property. However, the court determined that the Legislature indeed has authority to require business owners to allow employees carrying a concealed weapon permit to keep their guns locked in their cars while they are at work.

General Alerts

HCBS News

CMS Open Door Forum -- The next CMS Home Health, Hospice & DME Open Door Forum is scheduled on August 13, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. EDT. Please plan to dial in approximately 15 minutes before call begins. The conference leaders for this call will be Lori Anderson, Nancy O'Connor and Natalie Highsmith. To participate by phone: 1-800-837-1935 and reference conference ID #: 55463424 (Persons participating by phone are not required to RSVP.)

HCBS Alerts

Housing News

Make Your Hotel Reservations Now for FAHSA's Affordable Housing, Service Coordinator and HCBS Workshops, September 15-17 in Jacksonville - The workshops will be held at the Hyatt Regency Jacksonville Riverfront Riverfront Hotel, beginning with FAHSA's 2nd annual Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) workshop on Monday, Sept. 15, and continuing with housing sessions and joint Service Coordinator / HCBS sessions on Tuesday and Wednesday, Sept. 16-17. A reception sponsored by SPM, Inc, Silent Auction and Exhibit Show will be held on Tuesday evening. Watch your mail for detailed brochures and registration forms. Make your hotel reservations now by calling the hotel, (904) 588-1234.

Housing Alerts

Nursing Home News

F-Tag 323: Bedrails as Potential Entrapment Hazard

-- There have been discussions among FAHSA members about the spacing between bedrails, mattresses or bed frames, and how this could be a potential entrapment or entanglement to a patient.  Specifically, it was mentioned that the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) surveyors were measuring the space with a cone, however, this was not confirmed by the Agency.  To read more about this and other NH Articles click on the Nursing Home Alert page below.
 
Other Nursing Home News: 

  • Nursing Home Physical Therapy Rates in 2008
  • Nurse Workforce Issues for the Health of Florida
  • Background Screening For All Nursing Home Employees (Minors Included)
  • Med Watch: Caution ESA Usage
  • New MDS Coordinator at AHCA
  • Resources and Updates from FMQAI
     

Nursing Home Alerts

Preferred Business Associate News

-- A list of PBAs can be found by on the FAHSA Web site www.fahsa.org by selecting Preferred Business Associates from Products menu tab.

FAHSA Preferred Business Associate Page
 


FAHSA is pleased to provide an opportunity for you to advertise your "position wanted" or "position available" through the FAHSA Link newsletter and on our Web Page.

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

 

 


Copyright 2008 -- Publication of the Florida Association of Homes and Services for the Aging (FAHSA).

  • FAHSA Chair: Alma Ballard
  • FAHSA President/CEO: Janegale Boyd
  • Managing Editor: Gail Matillo

Copyright Information: Copies of the articles and other information in this publication may be noncommercially reproduced for the purpose of educational or scientific advancement. Otherwise, no part of this publication may be reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, mechanical or electronic, including photocopying, microfilm and recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without the written permission of the editor.

Correspondence: Should be addressed to: Editor, 1812 Riggins Road, Tallahassee, FL 32308. For telephone inquiries, call (850) 671-3700. Or E-mail FAHSA at info@fahsa.org. © 2008 FAHSA. All rights reserved.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this correspondence is not intended as a substitute for legal advice. Please discuss any information gathered from this or any other FAHSA publications with your legal counsel in the context of your particular situation before implementing any new policies or procedures.