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.

1/10+ January+ Events

• January 10, 2024: UCLA Core Kidney Chat on Kidney Health Awareness. Find more information and register at https://uclahs.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GxLIlyDwSmmDssQCvBL0Xw#/registration. See also the first poster below.

• January 11, 2024:
  • CMS Webinar on CY2024 QIP Final Rule. Find details and registration link at https://www.cms.gov/medicare/quality/end-stage-renal-disease-esrd-quality-incentive-program/educational-resources.
  • CMS National Training Program webinar on 2024 Medicare updates, Vaccinations, and Marketplace Open Enrollment. Find information and register at https://cmsnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov/live-events.

• January 16, 2024: EQRS New User Training, find more information and register at https://mycrownweb.org/pcw_lems/january-2024-new-user-training/. Find the latest EQRS Newsletter at https://mycrownweb.org/2023/12/december-2023-newsletter/.

• January 24, 2024: NKF Navigating Transplant, the first Zoom session in a series of Transplant-focused “Lunch& Learn” Sessions for Dialysis Professionals – Ready, Set, Go… Referring Dialysis Patients for Kidney Transplant Evaluation. Find more information and register to earn 1.0 free CE credits at http://tinyurl.com/NKFreadysetgo. See also the second poster below.

• CDC has issued a HAN Bulletin on Immunization to their Health Advisory Network on the Urgent Need to Increase Immunization Coverage for Influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Find it at https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/pdf/CDC_HAN_503.pdf.

• KDIGO has published 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Management of Lupus Nephritis. For more information see https://kdigo.org/guidelines/lupus-nephritis/.

7/18+ More July+ Events and Announcements

• July 18, 2023: EQRS New User Training, online; find more information and register at https://mycrownweb.org/pcw_lems/july-2023-new-user-training/.

• July 24, 2023: Comments due on KDIGO 2023 Clinical Practice Guideline for Evaluation and Management of CKD; find the Guideline and submit comments at https://kdigo.org/guidelines/ckd-evaluation-and-management/.

• July 26, 2023: Livestreamed Bi-Annual Meeting of CNSW PNW Chapter, with CE Credits; find information and register at https://cme.kidney.org/spa/courses/resource/pacific-northwest-chapter-of-the-council-of-nephrology-social-workers/mooc/home/default.

• August 4, 2023: Comments due on KDIGO Controversies on CKD Mineral and Bone Disorder Scope; https://kdigo.org/conferences/controversies-conference-on-personalizing-ckd-mbd-care/.

• 2023 CDC HAN Health Advisories:
  • Wildfire Smoke Exposure, https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/pdf/CDC_HAN_495.pdf.
  • Measles Summer 2023, https://emergency.cdc.gov/han/2023/pdf/CDC_HAN_493.pdf.

• ESRD QIP SHR, SRR and STrR Measure Updates are described in the June 2023 EQRS Quarterly Newsletter; see https://mycrownweb.org/2023/06/june-2023-newsletter/.

2/16+ KDIGO FSGS, HCV, IgAN Webinars

KDIGO has announced webinars on…

• New Directions about Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis Treatment and Why They Matter, February 16, 2023.
• Hepatitis C Guideline Update, February 21, 2023.
• Reducing Risk of Transplantation for People with IgA Nephropathy, February 21, 2023.

Find details and registration links, along with news on other KDIGO activities and Guidelines, at https://myemail.constantcontact.com/KDIGO-Direct—February-2023.html?soid=1134196072483&aid=qIsPI7zM2M0.

March Announcements

• Home Dialysis: HDC has published a March 3, 2022 blog post on In Case You Missed It—The 2021 USRDS Annual Report Has a New Chapter on Home Dialysis. Find it at https://homedialysis.org/news-and-research/blog/476-in-case-you-missed-it-the-2021-usrds-annual-report-has-a-new-chapter-on-home-dialysis.
• Staff Safety: The National Academy of Medicine has published a web page on Resource Compendium for Health Care Worker Well-Being. Find it at https://nam.edu/compendium-of-key-resources-for-improving-clinician-well-being/.
• Recorded AAKP HealthLine webinar: Raising Awareness of CKD in Minority Communities, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBAi1Y-WPQ4.
• March:
  • National Kidney Month. Find more information at https://www.dhs.gov/employee-resources/blog/2021/03/25/national-kidney-month.
  • EQRS Bulletin on CMS-2744 Annual ESRD Facility Survey Completion Process. Find details at https://mycrownweb.org/2022/03/cms-2744-annual-esrd-facility-survey-completion-process/.
• March 5-April 3, 2022: NWRD 2022 Annual Conference Recordings. Attendees, Enter Hub at https://www.nwrdonline.org/conference-overview. Non-attendees, buy tickets at https://www.accelevents.com/e/u/checkout/nwrd2022/tickets/order.
• March 10, 2022:
  • World Kidney Day with the theme Bridge the knowledge gap to better kidney care. Fine more information at https://www.worldkidneyday.org/2022-campaign/2022-wkd-theme/.
  • Global UCLA CORE Kidney Health Conference, online. Find details and register at https://uclahs.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zQv54skkSRasvs7ysv5oZw.
  • KDIGO webinar on Interpretation of Genetic Testing Results, Episode 7 of their Genetics in CKD Webinar Series. Find details and register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4530643636231313421.
  • CMS National Training Program Medicare Update & Education Webinar. Find details and register at https://cmsnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov/moodle/login/index.php.
• March 13, 2022: Donate Life Quilt Workshop. Details at https://www.donatelifenw.org/content/submit-quilt-square; register at https://www.donatelifenw.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=9663&id=9663.
• March 15, 2022:
  • EQRS New User Training. Details and registration at https://mycrownweb.org/pcw_lems/mar-2022-new-user-training/.
  • NKF webinar on Innovations in Kidney Care. Information and registration at https://go.caredx.com/webinar/innovations-in-kidneycare/.
• March 17, 2022: AAKP Healthline webinar on Transplant Silent Rejection, details and registration at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/AAKPHealthLine_TGI.
• March 18, 2022: Comment deadline on KDIGO dm Guidelines, on 2022 Clinical Practice Guidelines for Diabetes Management in CKD. See https://kdigo.org/guidelines/diabetes-ckd/ for details.
• March 22, 2022: Donate Life New Ambassador Orientation. Details and registration at https://www.donatelifenw.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=9654&id=9654.
• March 24, 2022:
  • EQRS Town Hall. Details and registration at https://mycrownweb.org/2022/03/march-2022-town-hall-2/.
  • AAKP HealthLine on Emerging Therapies, COVID Prevention & the Immunosuppressed. Find details and register at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/HLWebinarEmergingCOVIDTherapies.
• March 27, 2022: NKF webinar on Transitioning through the phases of the pandemic, Community Education Program. Register at https://kidney.secure.force.com/rc_connect__campaign_designform?id=7013a000003D3cqAAC&form=00P3a00001fHrkeEAC&.
• March 30, 2022: Donate Life Erase the Wait Reunion. Details on the Living Donation Mentorship Program at https://www.donatelifenw.org/content/erase-wait-living-kidney-mentorship-program. Register at https://www.donatelifenw.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=9659&id=9659.
• April is National Donate Life Month. Find information at https://www.donatelifenw.org/content/national-donate-life-month and https://www.donatelife.net/ndlm/.
• April 1, 2022: Donate Life Trivia Night Fundraiser. Details and registration at https://www.donatelifenw.org/content/trivia-night.
• April 3, 2022: NWRD 2022 Annual Conference Recordings – last day to view. See March 5-April 3 above.

February-March Webinars and Notices

• Forum Be A Superhero poster promoting Vaccine and Boosters for Facilities and Others. In English and Spanish. Illustrated below. Download from https://esrdnetworks.org/resources-news/covid-19-information-resources/resources-for-kidney-patients/.

• January 1-March 31, 2022 for Patients: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period for switching or leaving MA plans, https://www.medicareadvantage.com/medicare-enrollment.

• February 2022 for Facility Staff: FMC Global Medical Office Courses for February. Find details and register at https://custom.cvent.com/0C5715850B334257947E1386198E9836/files/37d0e152f82941f586ac8681b659e0e2.pdf.

• February 15, 2022 for Facility Staff: EQRS New User Training. Find details and register at https://mycrownweb.org/pcw_lems/february-2022-new-user-training/.

• February 17, 2022 for Patients: Employment Options Webinar on Resumes That Get You Hired! Find details and register at https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_GgxyXP7hQbiTg5zb4opx1g?utm_medium=Link&utm_source=Newsletter&utm_campaign=NewsWebinarFeb2022GM.

• February 25, 2022 for Clinicians: Feedback due on Revision of KDIGO Hepatitis C in CKD Guidelines. Find details and comment form at https://kdigo.org/guidelines/hepatitis-c-in-ckd/.

• March 1, 2022 for Facility Staff: Registration Opens for 2022 International Conference on Dialysis to be held September 20-23, in person and online, by the Renal Research Institute. Find details and register at https://web.cvent.com/event/b94b5aee-2ef3-4206-b769-8ea5796e6c6b/summary.

• March 3-4, 2022 for Renal Dietitians: NWRD Annual Conference, online. Find details and register at https://www.nwrdonline.org/conference-overview.

• March 4, 2022 for Providers: Feedback due on Proposed CMS CY2023 Rates: CMS has published Advance Notice of Methodological Changes for Medicare Advantage Capitation Rates and Part C and Part D Payment Policies for CY2023. CMS will accept comments on this through March 4, 2022, and and plans to publish the final Rate Announcement by April 4, 2022. Find the Fact Sheet at https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/fact-sheets/2023-medicare-advantage-and-part-d-advance-notice-fact-sheet.

• March 11, 2022 for Clinicians: Feedback Due on Revision of KDIGO CKD Evaluation and Management Guidelines. Find details and comment form at https://kdigo.org/guidelines/ckd-evaluation-and-management/.

• March 13-19, 2022 for Everyone: Patient Safety Awareness Week. For details and to download a toolkit, see https://forward.centerforpatientsafety.org/patient-safety-awareness-week-psaw.

• March 31, 2022 for Patients: Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period ends for switching or leaving MA plans, https://www.medicareadvantage.com/medicare-enrollment.

11/4 KDIGO Webinar on Psychological Issues in Dialysis

KDIGO will present a November 4, 2021 webinar on Optimizing Management of Psychological Symptoms in Dialysis, the third in their series on Symptom-Based Complications in Dialysis, to consider the psychosocial experience of dialysis patients, focusing on identification, assessment, and treatment strategies for their most common psychological issues. Find more information and register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/4606655071579436816. The webinar includes a live poll of attendees, at https://app.sli.do/event/9gpa15gp/live/polls, which you can use to add your own comments and questions in advance.

October Webinars & Events

• October 5, 2021 – Donate Life Northwest “301” Training to be a Donate Life High School Educator, https://www.donatelifenw.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=9525&id=9525 for information and registration.

• October 6, 2021 – AAKP HealthLine Webinar on Nutrition; for information and registration see https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/3305527094076078606.

• October 9, 2021 – HDC and ISHD Demonstration of Home HD machines; information and registration at https://form.jotform.com/212516610524143; More HDC News at https://mailchi.mp/homedialysis/4f2g1e2j94-1826442?e=3660b178be.

• October 11, 2021 – Donate Life Northwest “101” Training to be a Donate Life Ambassador, https://www.donatelifenw.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=9501&id=9501 for information and registration.

• October 11, 2021 – Last day to register for October 21 Bingo Night and receive materials by mail.

• October 12, 2021 – FMC Advanced Renal Education Roundtable on Managing Critically Ill patients with CKRT, https://web.cvent.com/event/6a67a832-4002-4dc4-90a7-c354acc8050c/summary?i=PHWrK76D4kKorNirKkrWgg&locale=en-US for information and registration.

• October 21, 2021 – Donate Life Northwest virtual Volunteer Appreciation BINGO night, information and registration at https://www.donatelifenw.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=9497.

• October 24, 2021 – NKF patient education webinar on Managing Side Effects, information and registration at https://kidney.secure.force.com/rc_connect__campaign_designform?id=7013a000002h3wFAAQ&form=00P3a00001cD248EAC&.

• October 27, 2021 – FMC Advanced Renal Education webinar on PD-Related Infections, https://web.cvent.com/event/9728ccab-2233-4469-808f-3d647d47298b/summary?i=9ayho5G3VUOHCDH6S00XSQ&locale=en-US for information and registration.

6/16 KDIGO Anemia Webinar

KDIGO will present a June 16, 2021 webinar on Optimal Anemia Management in CKD: A New Paradigm in Treatment? The webinar draws on discussions and conclusions from the KDIGO Optimal Anemia Management Controversies Conference. For more information and registration see https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6444240264547585035.

4/15+ April Staff Education

A partial list of April 2021 CEU and other staff education opportunities follows:

• April 2021 weekdays: FMC Global Medical Office Medical Education Online Webinar Series and Product Training Presentations. Multiple topics, many repeated monthly, CEUs available. New for April: Clinical & Surgical Management of Non-Infectious Complications of PD, Virtual PD Product Demonstrations, ESRD Care: New CMS Payment Models and Resources. Find details and register at https://custom.cvent.com/0C5715850B334257947E1386198E9836/files/33a31c5178af411a82d4608ad5d39703.pdf.

• April 15, 2021: CMS National Training Program Medicare Update & Education Webinar. Find details and register at https://cmsnationaltrainingprogram.cms.gov/moodle/login/index.php.

• April 15, 2021: Advanced Renal Education Home Dialysis Webinar on A Patient’s Journey Through Transitional Care. CEUs available. Find details and register at https://web.cvent.com/event/5431acd7-886f-4c2a-85ca-2a1d1889b772/summary.

• April 20, 2021: EQRS New User Training. Find details and register at https://mycrownweb.org/pcw_lems/april-2021-new-user-training/.

• April 22, 2021: Advanced Renal Education Home Dialysis Webinar on Vascular Access in HHD & Hands-on Self-Cannulation Training. CEUs available. Find Details and register at https://web.cvent.com/event/c9dd79e6-b4ae-4adc-b336-edb43ccfc042/summary.

• April 23, 2021: PFCC webinar on Reigniting Partnerships with Patients and Families. Find details and register at https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIpcO2urj0rHt32Rc8UPd8iLWbDoFOMtkTB.

• April 29, 2021: KDIGO webinar on CKD-MBD Guideline: 4 Years On and Time for Change? Find details and register at https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/330719217881283595.

Note that Continuing Education Credit may be available even where not indicated above.