Mid-April 2021
From the Executive Director
This week, I’ve enjoyed seeing all the messages and social media posts from friends who have gotten a COVID-19 vaccination! With Vermont now vaccinating the 30+ age band, most of my Vermont friends and co-workers have become eligible. As we share what we’re looking forward to in a vaccinated Vermont, I’m struck by the simplicity of what so many of us are thinking about. I hope I never take for granted the things I’m looking forward to, like hugging, dinner parties with friends and coffee in a café
State Update
We’re keeping a close eye on the SFY 2022 budget, which is under consideration in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Vermont home health agencies strongly support rate increases for the Choices for Care program, along with H. 153, a bill designed to create a methodology for Choices for Care reimbursement, including a process to “determine” regular inflationary increases. 
Federal Update
This week, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a proposed FY2022 hospice payment rule and wage index. The proposed rule includes a modest increase. In terms of policy and quality measurement proposals, our partners at the National Association of Home Care and Hospice are characterizing the rule as “expansive” and “far-reaching.” In the coming weeks, we’ll be digging into their analysis of how the rule will impact hospice services in Vermont.
In the News
Educational Opportunities
Materials Available Online
Recording available for purchase
Hosted by National Association for Home Care and Hospice
Webinar

Aide/LNA/Direct Care Resources
In conjunction with the Home Care Hospice & Palliative Care Alliance of New Hampshire, we offer resources for Aides, LNAs and Direct Care professionals. They include a newsletter, sent on the second Thursday of each month, along with a post-test to help readers assess their understanding of the material. Here are the December resources as examples. Past newsletters, quizzes and certificates (organized by topic) appear on this webpage.If you would like to receive these as part of your member benefit thoughout 2021, please register here.

On demand 4-part, 
nine hour series.
April 13 | 1 to 2 p.m.
Hosted by VNAs of Vermont
Webinar

April 12-13 OR May 6-7
2 to 4 p.m. each day
Hosted by VNAs of Vermont
Webinar

April 15 | 2 to 3 p.m.
Hosted by VNAs of Vermont
Webinar

April 27 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hosted by VNAs of Vermont
Webinar

May 12, July 21, November 16
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hosted by VNAs of Vermont
Webinar

May 13 | 1 to 4:30 p.m.
Hosted by VPQHC
Webinar
CEUs and CMEs available

May 27, June 3 | 12 to 1 p.m.
Hosted by VNAs of Vermont
Webinar

June 2 and 3
Live virtual conference

June 8, 9 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Hosted by VNAs of Vermont
Webinar

Fireside Inn, West Lebanon, New Hampshire
Hosted by VNAs of Vermont
In-person event