Prescriptions Plus

On April 1, 2009, the revised community based residential facility (CBRF) rule, DHS 83, introduced new training requirements for CBRF staff. Full implementation of the new CBRF training requirements occurred on April 1, 2010. New training curricula and instructor qualifications were developed by the Department, and the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Center for Career Development and Employability Training (CCDET).

CCDET developed a program to certify instructors and maintain a database of instructors and caregivers. During the first year of the program from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2011, there were 1,351 instructors approved by CCDET to teach First Aid and Choking, Fire Safety, Medication Administration, and Standard Precautions. During this time period, approved instructors taught 10,311 classes to 30,867 participants! The Bureau of Assisted Living congratulates CCDET and the assisted living industry on this remarkable accomplishment.

Prior to the new requirements, data shows that initial CBRF staff training consistently ranked in the Bureau of Assisted Living’s Top 10 Citations. Since the implementation of the new training requirements, data shows that initial CBRF staff training is no longer ranked in the Top 10 Citations. This trend in improved compliance is a testament to the initiative and hard work of the Department, CCDET, and the assisted living industry.

Amy Consolazione, PharmD, RPh

Prescriptions Plus

10233 W. Greenfield Ave.

West Allis, WI 53214

(414) 727-5755

This year, the enrollment period for Medicare Part D plans has been shortened.  The period to review and compare plans has always been limited, but many people may not be aware of the change to the Annual Enrollment Period for 2012 plans.

If an enrollee does not enroll in a Part D Plan during the Annual Enrollment Period they will be without a Medicare prescription drug plan for the following year. Important changes are highlighted below on what enrollees need to know about enrolling in a Part D Plan for 2012:

• The enrollment period for 2012 Part D Plans will begin on October 15, 2011 and end on December 7, 2011. This is a change from years past when you were able to enroll between November 15th and December 31st.
• The last application submitted during the Annual Enrollment Period will become effective on January 1, 2012. In other words if you submit an application but change your mind, as long as you are still in the enrollment period, you can submit another application.
• The plan you choose during the enrollment period cannot be changed after the enrollment period ends. The Open Enrollment Period that allowed changes between January 1st and March 31st was eliminated in 2011 and will not be available in 2012.

Compare 2012 Part D Plans Early - Plan information should be made available earlier this year to accommodate the moved up time frame for the Annual Enrollment Period.

For further information please click here for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Announcement of Calendar Year (CY) 2012.