5/7 Cultural/Linguistic Appropriateness Free Webinar

The ESRD NCC will present a free May 7, 2024 webinar for all staff at dialysis facilities and transplant centers on Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Services (“CLAS”) Action Plan for the Kidney Community. Find details on the poster below and register at https://tinyurl.com/mr272atb (note that the “Click here” link below doesn’t work).

4/25 EQRS Interruptions

On Thursday, April 25th, 2024, from 3 to 7 pm PST, CMS will upgrade identity management configurations. Users logging in to EQRS via HARP may experience intermittent connectivity issues with possible downtime from 5 to 6 pm PST. EQRS thanks you for your cooperation and patience. For assistance with EQRS technical issues, please contact the CCSQ Service Center, open Monday-Friday 5 am to 5 pm PST, at 866-288-8912, qnetsupport-esrd@cms.hhs.gov, or online at https://cmsqualitysupport.servicenowservices.com/ccsq_support_central.

5/10 WA DOH Webinar on Vaccine Hesitancy

The WA DOH Power of Providers Initiative Group will host a May 10, 2024 webinar for healthcare staff on Effectively Engaging Communities: Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy, to explore the factors that fuel vaccine hesitancy among populations in the US and discuss effective strategies, patient-centered approaches, and implementation of Trusted-Messenger Interventions, to address historical amnesia and increase faith in institutions. The webinar will be recorded, and CE credits are available for nurses (RN, ARNP, LPN), and medical assistants. Find details and register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_u8eSZ-Y7QXyjy8yLEniQoA#/registration.

New April Events

April 16-17, 2024 – Medicare National Training Program (NTP) Webinars on Understanding Medicare. April 16 covers enrollment, eligibility, SSA and CMS roles, Part A Hospital Insurance, Part B Medical Insurance, and Medigap policies. April 17 covers Part D Drug Coverage, Advantage Plans, and other useful information and resources. You may register for either or both days, at https://cmsnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov/live-events?keys=understanding+Medicare. Previous webinars are recorded and may be found at https://cmsnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov/past-events.

April 24, 2024: Webinar for Dialysis Professionals on Supporting Patients to Improve their Transplant Candidacy. Part of the NKF Navigating Transplant: A Guide to Empowering Your Patients series for FAs, MDs, Nurse Managers, Dietitians, and SWs. For more information and registration, see the poster below or https://cme.kidney.org/spa/courses/resource/r634-supporting-your-patients-to-be-the-best-psychosocial-candidate-for-transplant-/mooc/home/default. Direct questions to celine.koh@kidney.org.

April Events

April 16, 2024 – EQRS New User Training. Find details and registraton at https://mycrownweb.org/pcw_lems/april-2024-new-user-training/.

April 25, 2024 – Webinar on De-Escalation & Communication in a Behavioral Health Setting presented by the National Association on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Seattle, and the Northwest Mental Health Technology Transfer Network (MHTTC Network), online. Designed for direct service providers and staff who work with clients and community members. Learn what contributes to emotionally escalated interactions, ways to assess the situation, and practical strategies to defuse and de-escalate to support the health and safety of everyone involved. Find details and register at https://mhttcnetwork.org/event/de-escalation-communication-in-a-behavioral-health-setting/. Find more NAMI Seattle events at https://namiseattle.org/events/upcoming-events/ (scroll down for the complete calendar), and more MHTTC Network events at https://mhttcnetwork.org/training-and-events-calendar/.

KDIGO has released an extensive list of resources to accompany their new CKD Guideline, including seven “Top Ten Takeaways” resources for nephrologists, pediatricians, and PCPs; an Executive Summary; and a Data Supplement. Find these resources, and a link to the KDIGO 2024 CKD Guideline itself, at https://kdigo.org/guidelines/ckd-evaluation-and-management/.

CMS has released a final rule that will protect and improve access to Medicaid, CHIP, and BHP. The Streamlining the Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Basic Health Program Application, Eligibility Determination, Enrollment, and Renewal Processes rule will remove red tape and barriers to enrollment, update and build on the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) coverage protections. Find more information at https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/biden-harris-administration-finalizes-rule-expanding-access-care-and-increasing-protections-people.