June 24, 2026

 

Hertel to Depart MDHHS, Epkey Named Acting Director

On June 22, Governor Witmer announced that Amy Epkey will serve as acting director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) beginning July 1. Director Elizabeth Hertel is stepping down. Epkey steps into the role from her position as Senior Deputy Director for the Financial Operations Administration at MDHHS. In that role, she oversaw the department’s budget, contracts and grants, finance and accounting, audit functions and information technology financial support services. Epkey served as HCAM’s contact point for funding and other financial issues. She worked with HCAM on policy and process changes to best assist long-term care facilities and residents across the state. For more on Epkey, see HCAM’s profile article, “In the Spotlight: Inside MDHHS with Amy Epkey.” 

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HCAM’s Legislative Day Was a Big Success

Yesterday, June 23, HCAM held our Legislative Day at the State Capitol. The event is an exclusive membership opportunity to help shape long-term care policy, discuss key issues and network with Michigan’s top policymakers. We are grateful for your strong support of the association and our advocacy efforts! Watch your email tomorrow for a wrap-up article and photos!

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CMS Posts FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Update Effective October 1

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced new International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10-PCS codes, which are effective October 1, 2026. The update adds 238 codes, revises four codes and removes 21 codes. Providers should use the updated codes for resident stays occurring from October 1, 2026 – September 30, 2027.  Updates include: 

• 2027 Conversion Table. This table identifies ICD-10-CM codes that are inactive as of 10/1/2026 and their replacement codes. Timely correction of inactive codes for current residents is essential to avoid claim rejections for October 2026 billing. 
• 2027 Code Descriptions in Tabular Order
• 2027 Addendum files
• 2027 Code Tables, Tabular and Index 

At this time, the FY 2027 ICD-10-CM Coding Guidelines have not been posted.

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Blue Cross Shares WellSky Update

At a recent HCAM and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan meeting, BCBSM provided an update on the WellSky post-acute care authorization platform. BCBSM reported generally positive feedback from several Michigan skilled nursing facility providers, including reports of faster authorization turnaround times, improved workflows, and reduced administrative burden through enhanced clinical review processes. One large provider noted they receive most authorization decisions within an hour of submission, while another reported saving approximately two hours per week through streamlined processes.

Blue Cross and WellSky also acknowledged several ongoing provider concerns, including frequent clinical outreach requests, lack of real-time portal messaging, missing notifications when documents are uploaded, and confusion surrounding Notice of Medicare Non-Coverage and appeals workflows. BCBSM indicated that some system enhancements have already been implemented, additional improvements are under evaluation, and efforts are underway to further clarify appeals processes and provider communication. Providers seeking assistance with WellSky or authorization-related issues are encouraged to contact the BCBSM Provider Consultant Team through the designated provider inquiry process.

Contact the Southeast, East and Mid-Michigan Provider Consultant Team

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Nursing Facility QMI Resident Satisfaction Survey Data Due in August

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) issued Numbered Letter L 26-33-NF QMI.pdf requiring facilities to submit acceptable resident satisfaction survey data and supporting documentation by August 14 to continue to receive 100% of their standard QMI payment. Facilities that do not submit acceptable information will have payments reduced to 85% of the standard amount. Providers may use their own survey methodology and questions, as long as the survey is specifically focused on resident satisfaction. Facilities must submit survey questions, response summaries, participation data, survey methodology details and an explanation of how results are used to improve resident care. Surveys must have been completed on or after June 27, 2025, and submissions are due electronically to MDHHS by August 14, 2026.

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PBJ System to Transition to CMS’s Secure Cloud-Based System (SNF)

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced that, effective August 17, 2026, the Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ) system will transition to the Internet Quality Improvement and Evaluation System (iQIES), which is CMS’s secure cloud-based system. Here’s what providers need to know to prepare for the transition. 

• Providers will use the current PBJ system for the Quarter 3 reporting period (April 1–June 30, 2026), with submissions due by August 14, 2026. 
• PBJ submission for the Quarter 4 reporting period (July 1–September 30, 2026) is due November 14, 2026, and will be submitted via iQIES. 
• PBJ reporting requirements or quarterly submission deadlines remain the same.  

Click here to see the “Four Steps Required Before August 17” and other details. 

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CDC Updates the NHSN LTC Facility Component for the Respiratory Pathogens Module (SNF)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) announced updates for the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) Long-term Care Facility (LTCF) Component for the Respiratory Pathogens module. The changes include the following: 

  • Optional Person-Level Vaccination Form for Residents – The form now auto-calculates a resident’s vaccination status for COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). For instructions on how to use this updated form, please refer to this guidance document: LTCF Person-Level Vaccination Form How to Guide.  
  • Generate Reports for the Optional Reporting of Therapeutic Medications – Facilities can now use the analysis and report functions to view data on therapeutic medications given to residents diagnosed with COVID-19, influenza or RSV.
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AHCA Releases New Food & Nutrition Toolkit (SNF/AL)

Food and nutrition programs play a vital role in supporting residents’ health, satisfaction, dignity and quality of life. To help providers strengthen these programs, the AHCA Education: Optimizing Excellence in Food & Nutrition Toolkit is now available. The free-for-members toolkit offers practical strategies and resources to help facilities improve food service operations and enhance the resident dining experience. The toolkit is organized into four sections: 

  1. Regulatory & Food Safety Compliance – Guidance on maintaining compliance with federal regulations and food safety standards to support safe, high-quality meal service.  
  2. Workflow Optimization – Strategies to improve kitchen operations, staffing efficiency and foodservice workflows.  
  3. Menu Design & Resident Engagement – Approaches to creating appealing, nutritious menus while incorporating resident preferences and feedback.  
  4. Reducing Processed Foods & Enhancing Scratch Cooking – Practical steps to increase the use of fresh ingredients and scratch cooking to improve meal quality and nutrition.  
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AHCA Releases New Life Safety Survey Resource (SNF)

Life Safety surveys are a key part of the survey process and give facilities an opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to resident safety and regulatory compliance. Because survey preparation requires coordinating records, plans and facility information, staying organized is essential for a smooth experience. To support providers, AHCA’s Emergency Preparedness and Life Safety Committee created a new resource: Tips for Preparing Before Your Life Safety Survey. 

The checklist is designed to help facilities review the documents, records and information that surveyors commonly request during a Life Safety Survey. It can also serve as a useful tool for conducting internal readiness reviews throughout the year, to identify gaps and ensure important records remain current and accessible. The resource covers several key areas, including: 
• Reference documents such as Life Safety Code and Healthcare Facilities Code materials 
• Life safety drawings and building information 
• Inspection, testing, and maintenance records for fire protection, electrical, and emergency systems 
• Fire drill documentation 
• Patient care-related and non-patient care electrical equipment records 
• Emergency preparedness plans and supporting documentation, should it be requested  
• Hazard Vulnerability Assessments, exercises, and staff training records 

In addition to documentation, the checklist highlights practical items facilities may want to have available during the survey process, such as facility drawings, keys for secured areas, flashlights and ladders. The resource also includes reminders about post-survey activities, such as reviewing statements of deficiencies and developing plans of correction when needed. This resource and other life safety resources are available here. 

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Join Our Connected Community

Don’t forget that HCAM Assisted Living members have access to an online community just for our group to facilitate communication among members. We can use this community to communicate, collaborate and securely share information and electronic files with one another. Our Connected Community includes a discussion board, a library and a community member directory — and it’s very easy to use. If you have questions about the community or need help, please email HCAM’s Jenny Post. 

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Emergency Preparedness and Procedure Manual Now Available

The National Center for Assistive Living (NCAL) developed a customizable framework for emergency response. Hazard assessments, event-specific protocols, recovery plans and ready-to-use forms and checklists are all included in one place. This resource is $250 and can be ordered through NCAL’s bookstore. 

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