Yesterday, the Ohio Department of Medicaid filed a motion to dismiss as moot the mandamus action brought forward by LeadingAge Ohio and co-plaintiffs the Ohio Healthcare Association (OHCA) and the Academy for Senior Health Sciences. The motion to dismiss argues that the new budget bill makes the action moot.
Notably, while a subsequent budget bill (HB 96) has passed, that bill made no changes to the Ohio Revised Code language that is the subject of the mandamus action; the disputed language remains in effect.
Questions regarding this matter may be directed to Susan Wallace at swallace@leadingageohio.org. A new resource is now available to support LeadingAge Ohio members in implementing the Never Alone Act (ORC 3792.05 & 3792.06) and Compassionate Caregiver Act (ORC 3721.20), effective March 20, 2025. These laws ensure that residents in congregate care settings can designate an advocate or resident representative with guaranteed access during public health emergencies and other critical circumstances.
To assist providers with compliance, LeadingAge Ohio has developed a customizable policy template that incorporates both laws, along with a designation form and the Ohio Department of Health’s official information sheet. These documents are designed to streamline communication with residents and staff and promote safe, person-centered advocacy within care settings.
These resources may also be found on the Toolkits portion of the LeadingAge Ohio website. Top You Asked: The Ohio Administrative Code 3701-17-16, newly effective July 17, requires nursing homes to report elopement events. How should a provider report an elopement?
We Answered: The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) has clarified that if the elopement does not meet the definition of Neglect under the Abuse regulation, it should be reported by emailing BLTCQ@odh.ohio.gov. ODH also reminds providers to follow all HIPAA requirements when submitting information, which may include encrypting the email to protect resident privacy. Top On July 30, LeadingAge Ohio participated in the Healthy Aging Expo at the Ohio State Fair, engaging nearly 200 older adults and caregivers in meaningful conversations about advance care planning.
As part of our outreach, attendees received free copies of Conversations that Light the Way—a trusted guide to help individuals and families reflect on values, preferences, and goals for future care. Social workers from member FairHope Hospice & Palliative Care offered one-on-one consultations using the Choices: Living Well at the End of Life booklet, enabling fairgoers to complete their advance directives on site. Those who finalized their documents proudly received a sticker to spark continued conversations with loved ones throughout the day.
Both resources are available for members for free download. Developed in collaboration with the Ohio Bar Association, the Ohio Hospital Association, the Ohio Osteopathic Association and the Ohio State Medical Association, these resources remove financial barriers to establishing advance directives and a healthcare power of attorney, all within an easy-to-use booklet. To request copies, contact Laurinda Johnson at ljohnson@leadingageohio.org.
We extend our sincere thanks to the Ohio Department of Aging for organizing this impactful event and to our incredible volunteers from FairHope Hospice & Palliative Care, whose time and expertise made these important conversations possible. The countdown is on for the 2025 LeadingAge Ohio Annual Conference & Trade Show—the premier gathering for aging services professionals from across the state. Whether you're a provider, vendor, sponsor, or advocate, this three-day experience is your chance to connect with peers, recharge your passion, and explore new strategies to elevate care for older Ohioans.
Why Attend?
- Robust Education: Dive into expert-led sessions covering today’s most pressing topics—from regulatory updates and clinical best practices to leadership growth and workforce innovation. With targeted content for all service lines—skilled nursing, home health, hospice, senior housing, and more—you’ll gain real tools to bring back to your team.
- Vibrant Trade Show: Meet face-to-face with solution partners who understand the challenges you face and are ready to support your success.
- Can’t-Miss Events: The Annual Awards Luncheon, Ice Cream Social, and fan-favorite Game Night offer time to unwind, connect, and celebrate the shared mission that unites us all.
This is your moment to help shape the future of aging services in Ohio. Visit www.LAOConference.org to secure your spot and be part of something bigger.
The LeadingAge Ohio room block at the hotel event venue is full. Visit the conference website for nearby alternative hotels. On July 30, LeadingAge Ohio visited the Elizabeth Scott Community in Maumee, Ohio—a five-star rated facility with a rich history of family-centered, mission-driven care. Founded in 1949 by Elizabeth Scott, a pioneer in long-term care, the community began when she converted her rural farm home into a care setting at a time when the field was still emerging. Her guiding philosophy—“to care for residents like they are family”—continues to mold the community’s approach more than 75 years later.
What began as a small operation has since grown into a full continuum of services, including independent living, assisted living, memory care, rehabilitation, and skilled nursing care. The campus remained family-owned and operated for decades, with each generation building upon Elizabeth Scott’s legacy of compassion and quality.
Today, that tradition continues under the leadership of Heritage, a nonprofit aging services provider based in Indiana. Heritage continues Elizabeth Scott’s legacy of the values-based, mission-first approach that ensures residents continue receiving the kind of care that puts people over profit.
LeadingAge Ohio is proud to welcome the Elizabeth Scott Community to our network of mission-driven providers. We look forward to supporting their continued work to honor legacy, elevate care, and foster a true sense of family for every resident they serve.
Learn more about the Elizabeth Scott Community. The LeadingAge Ohio Political Action Committee (PAC) invites members, partners, and guests to join the annual PAC Golf Outing fundraiser on Monday, September 29, 2025, at The Golf Club of Dublin in Dublin, Ohio. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just out to enjoy a day on the course, the outing promises friendly competition, great company, and a chance to support LeadingAge Ohio’s advocacy efforts.
The event will begin with a shotgun start at 10:00AM, with registration opening at 9:00AM. Foursomes and individual golfers are welcome, and registration will remain open through Friday, September 26. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those interested in further supporting the PAC’s mission.
View full event details or register. For questions, contact Corey Markham, Director of Education and Business Development, at cmarkham@leadingageohio.org.
Please note that contributions to Political Action Committees must be made by individuals, partnerships, or LLCs, not corporations, and are not tax-deductible. All contributions are voluntary and will not influence membership standing or benefits. There's always something happening at LeadingAge Ohio, and we don’t want you to miss a moment. From educational opportunities to networking events, our calendar is packed with ways for members to stay informed, engaged, and connected.
Explore what's ahead and make plans to join us—whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, connect with peers, or get involved in shaping the future of aging services in Ohio.
View all upcoming events here and mark your calendar today!
- August 4, 1:00 PM - Hospice HOPE Support Group
- August 5, 10:00 AM - HOPE is Here!
- August 7, 10:00 AM - Advocacy Committee
- August 13, 11:00 AM - Survey Tips & Tactics: Avoidable Falls
- August 14, 1:00 PM - Leveraging Ohio's $180K TechCred Grant for AI Automation
- August 18, 10: 00 AM - Advocacy in Action
- August 18, 1:00 PM - Hospice HOPE Support Group
- August 20, 12:00 PM - Housing Happenings Call
- August 21, 1:00 PM - 2025 Reimbursement Collaborative
- August 21, 2:30 PM - 2025 Survey Success Collaborative
Top Registration is now open for the 2025 LeadingAge Annual Meeting, taking place November 2–5 in Boston. This year’s event invites aging services professionals from around the world to come together in a city built on bold ideas to share innovations, explore new strategies, and create ripples of impact across the sector. Co-hosted with the Global Ageing Network, the conference will also include a special opportunity to attend the Global Ageing Network Summit on Saturday, November 1—a once-in-a-decade pre-conference gathering focused on global collaboration and learning. Visit the LeadingAge Annual Meeting website to explore sessions, view the schedule, and complete your registration.
LeadingAge Ohio members traveling to Boston, along with our colleagues from LeadingAge Indiana, are also invited to the yearly State Night Out event! This year’s event will be held at Ned Devine’s Irish Pub – Parris Lounge & Hall on Sunday, November 2 from 5:30 to 7:30PM. Enjoy a relaxed evening of networking, food, and fun with friends from across the region. Register today on the State Night Out event page. Does your organization’s culture help you attract and keep quality staff—or push them away? A new QuickCast from our national partner, LeadingAge, explores how intentional focus on workplace culture can improve recruitment and retention outcomes.
In Culture-Driven Recruitment, workforce expert Denise Boudreau explains how culture shapes employee behavior, why organizations must assess their culture through open dialogue, and how values-based leadership fosters long-term staff commitment.
This short, on-demand video is free to LeadingAge members and is ideal for providers looking to strengthen staff engagement and reduce turnover. Access the QuickCast here. As the cost of long-term services and supports (LTSS) continues to rise alongside the aging of America’s population, the need for sustainable financing solutions has never been more urgent.
A new resource developed by the LeadingAge LTSS Center @UMass Boston, ATI Advisory, and The SCAN Foundation offers a comprehensive overview of more than three decades of LTSS financing reform proposals. The compendium includes 29 federal policy ideas—ranging from legislation to commission reports and academic studies—that have shaped the national dialogue around long-term care.
This user-friendly reference aims to support providers, advocates, and policymakers in understanding the history of reform efforts and identifying viable pathways for future change. To explore the full compendium, visit the LTSS Center website. Top This week, the Ohio Department of Health met with LeadingAge Ohio to provide an overview of their ongoing transition to iQIES system for survey reporting.
Particularly, ODH shared that for the short-term, providers will be able to retrieve their 2567 report on the “licensure” tab in the EIDC system, rather than on the certification tab. For this reason, it’s imperative that they ensure the organization’s email contact for licensure is up to date. Providers need to ensure their contact information is up to date in order to receive important communications, including those related to past non-compliance. Additionally, they noted that if a provider sees that there is no licensure survey report, that it is correct– that no licensure survey has taken place. ODH is making this change as a transition point as they crosswalk the ASPEN reporting system they currently use to iQIES. They expect this transition to be complete by October.
Questions regarding this change may be directed to Stephanie DeWees at sdewees@leadingageohio.org. During the July 30 Long-Term Care Provider Association Meeting, representatives from the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) provided important updates impacting aging services providers across the state. The discussion included survey delays, updates to administrative rules, and top areas of deficiency.
Survey Delays
Survey delays continue to be a pressing issue. As of the meeting, the average interval between standard surveys stands at 28.3 months for nursing homes and 19.8 months for RCFs.
Rules Under Review
ODH also provided an overview of pending and ongoing rule updates. These include:
- OAC 3701-17 – rules governing nursing homes;
- OAC 3701-12 – rules pertaining to Ohio’s Certificate of Need (CON) program;
- OAC 3701-62 – revisions related to Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) orders.
ODH also reminded attendees to ensure their facility’s contact information in the EIDC system is current, especially with the upcoming iQIES (Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System) transition on the horizon.
Common Citations & Survey Trends
The most frequently cited deficiencies include:
- Kitchen sanitation issues;
- Inadequate or outdated care plans;
- Failure to prevent or properly address pressure injuries;
- Delays in responding to resident condition changes;
- Elopement risks and lack of appropriate safeguards.
As part of its broader effort to support provider compliance and education, ODH encouraged stakeholders to submit topic suggestions for its PREP (Provider Regulatory Education Program). ODH also addressed concerns with contracted survey teams.
For questions pertaining to this call, survey, or regulatory matters, contact Stephanie DeWees at sdewees@leadingageohio.org. The Ohio Department of Aging (ODA) will host 6 town halls across the state this August and September to gather public input for the 2027–2030 Strategic Action Plan on Aging (SAPA). Older Ohioans, caregivers, service providers, and community members are encouraged to attend and share their experiences to help shape the future of aging in Ohio.
These town halls build on earlier community listening sessions and are a key part of ODA’s planning process. Feedback collected will help identify priorities and strategies to support longer, healthier lives for Ohioans as they age.
Sessions will take place in Findlay, Cambridge, Norwalk, Oxford, Columbus, and Uniontown. All Ohioans are welcome, and registration is encouraged. Register to attend a town hall.
In addition to attending a town hall, individuals can also complete ODA’s Statewide Needs Assessment Survey to provide additional input. Responses from both the survey and the town halls will directly inform the priorities outlined in the 2027–2030 SAPA. To learn more about ODA and its programs, visit aging.ohio.gov. Top The July 2025 refresh of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) data is now available on the compare tool on Medicare.gov and Provider Data Catalog (PDC).
The data are based on quality assessment data submitted by SNFs to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from Quarter 4, 2023 through Quarter 3, 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) measures reflect data from Quarter 4, 2023 through Quarter 1, 2024 for the Influenza Vaccination Coverage Among Healthcare Personnel measure, and Quarter 3, 2024 for the COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage among Healthcare Personnel (HCP) measure. Claims-based measures display data from Quarter 4, 2021 through Quarter 3, 2023, and the SNF Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Requiring Hospitalization measure data is from Quarter 4, 2022 through Quarter 3, 2023.
Please visit the compare tool on Medicare.gov and PDC to view the updated quality data. For questions about SNF QRP Public Reporting, please email SNFQRPPRQuestions@cms.hhs.gov. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released memo QSO-25-23-ALL on July 30, announcing that Focused Infection Control surveys will no longer be a part of the long-term care survey process. Implemented during the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE), these focused surveys were continued on a reduced scale after the PHE expired in May 2023. The July 30 memo clarified that any COVID-19 or infection control concerns will now be investigated through the complaint survey process rather than as part of the standard survey. Read the memo here. Top Throughout 2025, F-tag 655 (Baseline Care Plans) has been cited frequently in Ohio nursing homes. A common issue noted by surveyors is the failure to adequately identify and address a resident’s initial care needs upon admission.
Citations may occur when a resident experiences a negative outcome or does not receive the necessary services—and the baseline care plan either omits key risks or fails to reflect those needs.
Federal regulations require that a baseline care plan be both completed and implemented within 48 hours of admission. This critical window is intended to ensure continuity of care, improve communication among staff, and reduce the risk of adverse events during a resident’s most vulnerable time: the first days after arriving.
Additionally, the resident—and their representative, when applicable—must receive a written summary of this plan to help them understand how care and services will be delivered from the start.
Providers are encouraged to review their admission and care planning processes to ensure compliance and, most importantly, support safe, person-centered care.
The baseline care plan must include the minimum healthcare information necessary to properly care for each resident immediately upon their admission, which would address resident-specific health and safety concerns to prevent decline or injury, such as elopement or fall risk, and would identify needs for supervision, behavioral interventions, and assistance with activities of daily living, as necessary.
Baseline care plans are required to address, at a minimum, the following:
- Initial goals based on admission orders.
- Physician orders.
- Dietary orders.
- Therapy services.
- Social services.
- PASRR recommendation, if applicable.
Because the baseline care plan outlines the interim strategies for addressing a resident’s immediate needs, it must be updated if there are any significant changes in the resident’s condition or needs before the comprehensive care plan is developed. In keeping with professional standards of quality care, these updates should reflect any necessary changes in approach.
Facility staff are responsible for putting the baseline care plan into action, using the outlined interventions to help the resident meet the identified goals and objectives.
Facilities should also routinely monitor compliance using the surveyor guidance outlined in the State Operations Manual Appendix PP. Additionally, the survey pathways can be found in the Survey Resources zip file on the CMS Nursing Home webpage and under the downloads section on this CMS webpage. LeadingAge Ohio has provided survey tips to help navigate the changes in the revised QSO-25-14- NH memo. The previously provided survey tips can be accessed on the LeadingAge Ohio webpage under the Communications tab, then The Source tab. CMS has updated the survey resources on the CMS Nursing Home webpage in accordance with the revised QSO-25-14- NH memo. LeadingAge has developed webinars and resources on the requirements of participation which are located on the LeadingAge learning hub. LeadingAge continues to add QuickCasts on the regulatory groups. Updated resources have also been added on the Nursing Home RoP Tools and Resources webpage.
For more information about the requirements of participation and citations occurring in Ohio, please join us on the monthly STAT: Survey Tips and Tactics call. Register now for the August 13 call at 11:00AM. LeadingAge Ohio is sharing tips to assist members during the survey process. Send questions you would like addressed in future Tips of the Week to Stephanie DeWees at sdewees@leadingageohio.org. Top LeaderStat, staffing and consulting for aging services, has launched a reimagined Workforce Solutions program designed to help providers take control of staffing challenges with a strategic, streamlined approach. The new model blends LeaderStat’s Managed Service Provider (MSP) services, Recruitment Process Outsourcing (RPO), and expert consulting to create a comprehensive system that supports both short- and long-term workforce stability.
The program begins with controlling agency staffing costs. Through the MSP model, LeaderStat consolidates all agency vendors under a single agreement. This allows providers to simplify invoicing, standardize rate structures, and gain full visibility into agency spend—all while reducing the burden on internal schedulers and freeing up staff to focus on resident care. Even providers who aren’t currently using agency services are encouraged to enroll for future flexibility.
Once agency management is streamlined, LeaderStat’s dedicated recruiting team gets to work. Acting as an extension of the provider’s HR function, the team identifies open positions and delivers thoroughly vetted candidates for quick hiring. This hands-on recruitment support is paired with ongoing consulting to optimize hiring practices and ensure the changes stick.
“We seriously feel like we have finally cracked the code,” said the LeaderStat team. “By combining multiple services under one coordinated system, we’re seeing real results for providers who’ve struggled with staffing for too long.”
To learn more about LeaderStat’s Workforce Solutions program or to schedule a conversation, visit www.leaderstat.com. Has your organization recently celebrated a major milestone? Opened a new building? Been featured in the news? Whether it’s a groundbreaking, an award, or a great story from your community, we want to help spread the word.
LeadingAge Ohio members are doing incredible work across the state, and we’re proud to highlight those efforts. Share your press releases, social media posts, or media coverage with us and we’ll feature them in the Member News section of The Source. We may also help amplify your story on LeadingAge Ohio’s social media channels.
To submit a news item, simply email Laurinda Johnson at ljohnson@leadingageohio.org. We can’t wait to celebrate your success! Top LeadingAge Ohio holds valuable education webinars and in-person events throughout the year. Opportunities are added weekly. See the complete Schedule of Events. Top
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