September Is National Preparedness Month: Preparing to Protect Those We Serve 

By Laura Hofmann, VP of Clinical & Regulatory Services  September is National Preparedness Month, an important reminder for long-term care providers that emergency preparedness is...
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Texas Court Strikes Down CMS Staffing Mandates 

In a win for aging services providers, a Texas court has vacated CMS regulations setting minimum staffing standards for nursing homes.   In an opinion and...
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Ziegler CFO Hotline Illustrates Ongoing Workforce Struggles.  

The July CFO Hotline Report from Ziegler focused on the ongoing workforce recruitment, retention and related costs to organizations, and overall reveals not altogether new...
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Supported Employment for Your Residents

Did you know that your residents can go to work, improve their health, earn extra money, and keep their important benefits and services too?  Join...
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WA Cares Fund provider application is now open

The WA Cares Fund is registering qualified providers to offer covered long-term services and supports to eligible beneficiaries. The application is now open. Beneficiaries statewide can begin...
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Calling All Advocacy Champions!

We are excited to introduce the Advocacy Champions Program, an initiative designed to empower long-term care providers, residents, and families to connect with lawmakers and...
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Become an Advocacy Champion!

We’re thrilled to launch the Advocacy Champions Program—an initiative that empowers long-term care providers, residents, and families to connect with lawmakers and shape the future of...
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Seeking Feedback on Long-Stay Antipsychotics Measure

LeadingAge is seeking feedback on the impact of the long-stay antipsychotics quality measure on Nursing Home Care Compare. This measure provides information on rates of...
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NAB 2025-29026 Professional Practice Analysis (PPA) Survey 

The National Association of Long-Term Care Boards (NAB) has launched the 2025-26 Professional Practice Analysis (PPA) survey at the end of November, and we need your help! As...
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NAB 2025-29026 Professional Practice Analysis (PPA) Survey 

The National Association of Long-Term Care Boards (NAB) has launched the 2025-26 Professional Practice Analysis (PPA) survey at the end of November, and we need your help! As...
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Data Validation Process Announcement 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is providing notice that the Skilled Nursing Facility- Value Based Purchasing Data Validation Process - will begin MDS data...
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QSSAM-26-01-NH 

CMS recently transitioned to a cloud-based Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES) for nursing home survey and certification data. This transition has introduced some data discrepancies...
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iQies Reporting Issue 

An issue has been identified in the MDS 3.0 Resident-Level Quality Measure (QM) Report where the footnote for the MDS Hybrid Measure Antipsychotic Med (L) is...
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DOH LTC Q&A Call – January 28th

Long-term care partners in WA from all settings are invited to join us at a Q&A call about infection prevention topics. This call is for...
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Save the Date! RCS Winter 2026 NH and ALF Forums 

Forum Date/Times NH 8:30 am -10:00 am, March 5, 2026    ALF 10:30 am -12:00 pm, March 5, 2026  Forum Location: Virtual  Registration Link: RCS Winter...
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HCS CCRC/LPC Salary & Benefits Study Underway 

February 2026 – Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) is calling on Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC/LPC) providers nationwide to participate in its 2026 CCRC Salary & Benefits Study. This comprehensive study...
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Save the Date! RCS Winter 2026 NH and ALF Forums 

Forum Date/Times:        NH 8:30 am -10:00 am, March 5, 2026                                            ALF 10:30 am -12:00 pm, March 5, 2026  Forum Location:            Virtual  Registration Link:          RCS Winter 2026...
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Why Every DNS Should Consider LeadingAge WA's DNS Excellence Program

Being a Director of Nursing Services (DNS) is one of the most demanding roles in aging services. They’re accountable for clinical outcomes, regulatory compliance, staff...
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Celebrating DNS Excellence Program Graduates

We are thrilled to celebrate the hard work and success of two recent graduates of the DNS Excellence Program! A huge shout out to Kris...
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Clean Buildings Performance Standard: Final Rule Adopted

The Washington State Department of Commerce has filed the final rule implementing HB 1543 changes to the Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS). The rule was...
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2025 Washington Minimum Wage and Salary Threshold Updates

The state’s minimum wage will rise to $16.66 per hour starting January 1, 2025, reflecting a 2.35% increase from the 2024 rate of $16.28 per hour. This adjustment...
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CMS Region 10: Disability Rights in Disasters Training  

Sponsored by the Partnership for Inclusive Disaster Strategies. This important training will cover key aspects of disability rights in disaster situations and is a valuable...
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August 1 SNF New Off-Cycle Revalidations Date Approaching 

Is your skilled nursing facility (SNF) prepared to complete the newly required CMS-855A form? With only a few weeks left to complete the new off-cycle...
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Washington's Greatest Hits: Volcanoes, Earthquakes, Tsunamis, and More! 

Thursday, September 19 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. PT on Microsoft Teams  Join Serve Washington and subject matter experts from the Washington State Emergency...
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Board of Nursing Home Administrators - Recruitment

The Department of Health is looking to fill two vacancies on the Board of Nursing Home Administrators. One position is to be filled by a...
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National Preparedness Month (NPM)  

September marks the start of the annual campaign to remind everyone that preparing for emergencies and disasters can keep them, their families, and their communities...
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From Data Elements to Quality Measures: Web-Based Training 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is offering a web-based training course that provides a high-level overview of how data elements within CMS patient/resident...
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Clean Buildings Performance Standard: Compliance Deadlines Are Approaching – What Long-Term Care Providers Need to Know 

In 2019, Washington State passed legislation creating the Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS), aimed at improving energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions in buildings....
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CMS Repeals Federal Nursing Home Staffing Mandate

An interim final rule repealing the nursing home minimum staffing standards was released to the Federal Register on December 2. Read the LeadingAge press release...
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Home Health and Hospice Providers Can Request COVID Test Kits from HHS.  

LeadingAge has received confirmation that home health and hospice agencies are eligible to request COVID test kits upon request to the Department of Health &...
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CMS Updates Surveyor Resources 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued updates to long-term care surveyor resources on July 11 to reflect the transition to iQIES. Updated...
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Section GG Web-Based Training Series 

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is offering an updated series of web-based training courses that provide an overview of the assessment and guidance...
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Five-Star Users' Guide 2025 - Updated July 2025  

Effective with the July 2025 refresh, CMS is implementing a change to the methodology for calculating the health inspections domain, shifting from using the three...
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HUD Posts NSPIRE Appeals Guidance 

On August 19, 2024 HUD made appeals guidance available for its NSPIRE housing inspection protocol. According to HUD, the agency has received feedback that Public...
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House Subcommittee Advances Flawed HUD Funding Bill

On July 14, the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development voted to move its fiscal year 2026 HUD funding bill to the...
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FEMA Seeks Feedback to Expand Public Assistance Eligibility for Aging and Disability Services Providers.  

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is seeking comments on a proposed rule to update FEMA’s Public Assistance regulations.   The Public Assistance program provides financial assistance...
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Updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu vaccine recommendations 

CDC recommends that everyone 6 months and older, especially older people and those with weakened immune systems, get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 and Flu vaccines...
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How Wellness Programs Can Help Senior Living Operators Recruit, Keep Talent

By Jennifer Ortmeyer Senior living operators continue to struggle with a dire shortage of workers: 99% have open positions and 94% are struggling to recruit. It’s...
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Nurse LEAD Program- LeadingAge National

A training program to help nurse managers and team leaders acquire critical leadership and supervisory skills.  Free for LeadingAge National members.  What's Included Developed by...
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Infection Preventionist Training from CDC Renewed

The Nursing Home Infection Preventionist training made available by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has been renewed for another two-year period. This...
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Growing Awareness of the Growing Issue Substance Abuse Among Seniors

      Substance abuse is a real and worsening problem among older Americans. The reality is that people who abused alcohol or drugs (prescription...
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LeadingAge Washington & WHCA Webinar: Washington Clean Building Performance Standard

October 23, 2025 2:00 - 3:30 pm PDT Washington State’s Clean Buildings Performance Standard (CBPS) are intended to improve energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions,...
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CMS Releases Revised Guidance for Facility Assessment  

In a June 18 Quality, Safety & Oversight Group (QSOG) and Survey & Operations Group (SOG) QSO 24-13-NH Memo, CMS is revising the requirements for...
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Long-Term Care Infection Prevention Q&A Call 

Long-term care partners in WA from all settings are invited to join us at a Q&A call about infection prevention topics. This call is for...
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2024 LTC Workforce Summit Registration 

On July 9th, the Workforce Training and Education Coordinating Board, in partnership with the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) will co-sponsor a one-day...
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NEW SNF Validation Program  

The SNF Validation Program is an audit-driven initiative aimed at evaluating the accuracy of quality measure data elements derived from the Minimum Data Set (MDS),...
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July 1 Nursing Facility Rates and PDPM 

CMS has discontinued the calculation of RUG scores, which the state has used in the past to adjust Nursing Facility Medicaid rates for acuity. CMS...
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Out-of-State Multistate Licensed (MSL) Nurses

If you are a nurse with an out-of-state Multistate License (MSL) and are currently working in Washington state, we ask that you work with your...
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CDC Townhall on Enhanced Barrier Precautions

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) will host a Long-Term Care Townhall on May 22 at 1 p.m. ET on enhanced barrier precautions....
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Public Rule Workshops: Nursing Assistant Rule

The Washington State Board of Nursing (Board) filed a CR-101 Preproposal Statement of Inquiry for chapter 246-841A WAC on February 18, 2025, under WSR 25-05-087. ...
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Resolution Introduced to Overturn Minimum Staffing Rule

On May 10, Representatives Michelle Fischbach (R-MN) and Greg Pence (R-IN) introduced a Congressional Review Act (CRA) resolution of disapproval to overturn the final minimum...
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Reconciliation Bill Moves Through House Budget; Policy Disagreements Remain. Next Up House Rules.

Following the May 14 House Energy and Commerce, Ways and Means, and Agriculture committees’ markups of their reconciliation bills, the House Budget committee late last...
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Reconciliation Bill’s Proposed Medicaid Cuts Will Take Heavy Toll on Aging Services Providers, If Enacted. 

On May 11, the House Energy and Commerce Committee released legislation to fulfill their instructions for budget reconciliation. On April 10, the House passed a budget...
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OIG Identifies Issues with Nursing Home-initiated Discharges

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released two reports on April 3 outlining concerns about facility-initiated discharges...
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HUD Postpones Service Coordinator Funding Deadline to May

The new deadline to apply for Service Coordinator grants is May 23, 2024. HUD’s FAQs are still forthcoming.  On April 2, HUD again postponed the...
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Save the Date!  Fall 2025 NH and ALF Forums 

You are invited to attend the Home and Community Living Administration, Division of Residential Care Services Fall 2025 NH and ALF Forums. They are open...
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FY 2025 SNF PPS Rule Proposes 4.1% Increase and Increased CMP Authority

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) proposed rule was released to the Federal Register on March 28. The...
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Senate Finance Committee Releases Draft Reconciliation Bill: Health Issues.

On June 16, the Senate Finance Committee (SFC) released draft text of its proposals for the Senate's version of the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB)....
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SNF Provider Preview Reports Now Available 

Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Provider Preview Reports are now available in iQIES. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures that will be published...
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CMS Finalizes Average 3.7% Rate Increase for MA Plans in 2025

Although under pressure from Medicare Advantage (MA) plans and some Congressional members to pay MA plans more in 2025, CMS finalized MA plan 2025 rates...
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HUD Announces 2024 Income Limits, Increase Cap.

HUD released the median family incomes and income limits for 2024. The income limits are used to define the terms “very low-income,” “low income” and...
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The state is transitioning Behavioral Health Personal Care to a new program called Community Behavioral Health Supports (CBHS).

The state is transitioning BHPC to a new program called Community Behavioral Health Supports (CBHS). CBHS services will be authorized and paid for by the...
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2024 Minimum Wage and Salary Threshold Increases

2024 Minimum Wage and Salary Threshold Increases   As of 2024, Washington state has implemented an increase in both the minimum wage and the salary...
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National Workforce Development Month

LeadingAge will kick off the month-long observance of National Workforce Development Month on Friday, September 1. We will lift up the vital work of caring...
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Candida Auris Health Alert Information Received from Washington State Department of Health (DOH)

Candida auris (C. auris) is an emerging often multidrug-resistant fungal pathogen that has caused difficult to control outbreaks in healthcare facilities outside of Washington state....
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Northwest Healthcare Response Network (NWHRN) Winter Weather Tip Sheet

The Northwest Healthcare Response Network (NWHRN) continues to work with local response partners to prepare for potential winter weather impacts. This Winter Weather Tip Sheet...
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NETEC Infection Prevention Learning Journey - On Demand

The Infection Prevention Learning Journey introduces three elements of the Hierarchy of Controls: engineering, administrative, and personal protective equipment (PPE). TARGET AUDIENCE This accredited continuing education activity...
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CMS Releases New October MDS Training Videos

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is offering a virtual training program that provides instruction on the updated guidance for the Skilled Nursing...
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End of the Public Health Emergency (PHE) and the 120-Day or 4-Month Rule for NARs

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) granted Washington State a waiver of the 120-day or 4-month rule through the end of the PHE...
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WEBINAR: Don't Wait for Disaster: Proactive Emergency Planning for Long-Term Care Centers

Don't Wait for Disaster: Proactive Emergency Planning for Long-Term Care Centers Date and Time: Thursday 6/22/2023 from 2:00-3:30 pm (PST) Description: Steven Wilder BA, CHSP,...
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Submit TODAY! Scholarship applications for 2023 are now being accepted!

LeadingAge Washington’s 2023 Scholarship  applications are now being accepted!  It is with great pleasure that LeadingAge Washington offers these scholarships to further the professional development of staff...
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Updated CMS Regulations for Emergency Preparedness (EP)

Emergency Preparedness Training and Testing Program Exemption The following information supersedes the previously issued QSO-20-41-ALL-REVISED memo for all certified providers/suppliers. CMS regulations for Emergency Preparedness (EP)...
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LeadingAge Learning HUB: Workforce, Governance, and Public Messaging Resources

Expert-Led Education at Your Fingertips The LeadingAge national Learning Hub offers a mix of learning opportunities across a wide range of topics to give aging...
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SNF Wage Equity Reporting

DSHS has released the final Wage Equity Reporting worksheet. This worksheet must be completed and submitted to the department no later than September 1, 2023....
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Emergency Preparedness Tags

Comagine Health This document provides a list of possible citations a facility could acquire for noncompliance in its visitors policy, cohorting plan and emergency preparedness...
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BOMI Facility Management Training - Hold Your Spot!

      Whether you’re an organization or an individual, BOMI’s world-renowned professional educational programs make perfect business sense. Our industry-standard designations ensure that property...
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SNF AMS Collaborative Opportunity Begins the 3rd Week of June

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HHS Releases NEW Online Cybersecurity Training Platform - Knowledge on Demand

Nursing homes and other healthcare entities have become the hottest target of cyber criminals. Now operators don’t have to just wait and wonder if bad...
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Skilled Nursing Facility Antimicrobial Stewardship Collaborative

The Washington State Department of Health is hosting an antimicrobial stewardship collaborative that will start in June and last for 1 year. The goal of...
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Information Required for Continuation of Nurse Aide Waiver

Critical information required to continue the Nurse aide waiver with CMS If you completed this survey last month, please complete this survey again.  We are...
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White House Executive Order and Fact Sheet on Caregivers

Tuesday, in a Rose Garden ceremony, the President signed an Executive Order summarizing his Administration’s caregiver actions and proposals; Katie Smith Sloan was among the...
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DOH Toolkits for Respiratory Season

As flu and other respiratory illnesses continue to rise across the nation, routine preparedness, including continuing to offer LTC residents ongoing immunizations are critical to...
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New CMS Training Modules Available on QSEP

CMS has added a new Quality in Focus tab on the CMS QSEP Training Site These are three of the most cited F-tags and are...
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CCRC/Nursing Home Wage Study – Deadline Extension for Members to May 31st

The deadline for the HCS CCRC/Nursing Home Salary & Benefits studies has been extended to May 31st for LeadingAge Washington members. Instead of conducting our...
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