Association Approved Continuing Education Providers For OTs, PTs and SLPs

Continuing education requirements are a fact of life for most professionals in the healthcare field.   Here is a sample list of association-approved providers that are bringing something different to the table for physical therapy, speech therapy and occupational therapy. 

Occupational Therapy:

Saebo: Founded in 2001 by two OTs, this Charlotte, NC based company is a global provider of innovative products for the rehabilitation of stroke victims and other neurologically disabled people.  Their nationwide two day course, besides discussing the latest stroke research and treatments, gives hands-on experience with their patented upper extremity orthoses.

Interactive Metronome:   A research based training program designed to promote synchronized neural timing in pediatric patients with ADHD, ASD, TBI, strokes, Cerebral Palsy, Parkinson’s, and others.  They offer self-study courses along with live IM certification programs at a variety of locations around the country.

Physical Therapy:

Burdenko Method Webinar:  This 90 minuteweb presentation is an active aquatic therapeutic approach for pediatric and adult patients with varying diagnoses.  It airs September 12, 2012.

Seated Tai Chi For the Back & Neck:  Get introduced to this unique low impact rehab therapy designed by a Tai Chi Master.  It is an online course by Ciao Seminars, with or without video supplements.

Speech Language Pathology:

iTherapy Revolution:  A one day group learning session, given by the New Mexico Speech-Language-Hearing Association, to discuss the therapeutic applications of the third generation of iPads.

Supported Communication Intervention for Aphasia:  An SLP produced self-study program consisting of DVDs and manual addressing the importance of social communication in aphasia rehabilitation.  Additional manuals can be purchased, making it suitable for group learning and training.

Centra Healthcare recognizes the importance of continuing education for professional enrichment and growth.  Knowledgeable professionals make strong employment candidates.  Call us at 800 535 0076 and we will find you the right environment to apply your new skills.

October is Here. Are you Ready for MDS 3.0?

If you operate a skilled nursing facility, are you ready for MDS 3.0?

As you know, the MDS is a critical part of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) program for skilled nursing. The data gathered with the MDS is used for RAP/CAAs, payment, surveys and quality measures.

In addition, the MDS is  used as a powerful tool for implementing standardized assessment and for facilitating care management in nursing homes and non-critical access hospital swing beds.

MDS 3.0 is designed to improve the usefulness of the MDS as well as to include the resident in the assessment process and to use standard protocols used in other settings. The CMS believes MDS 3.0 is a great improvement over MDS 2.0 because 2.0 failed to rely on residents' input -- the very people skilled nursing facilities serve.

The CMS timeline had MDS 3.0 implementation starting Oct. 1.

You can find more information about MDS 3.0 by visiting the CMS website's page on Nursing Home Quality Initiatives.

Since resident interviews is such a big change between MDS 2.0 and MDS 3.0, we will discuss this part of MDS 3.0 at more length.

A major goal in MDS 3.0 was to increase residents' voices by introducing more resident interview items. This change is included in Appendix D of the MDS 3.0 RAI Manual, "Interviewing to Increase Resident Voice in MDS Assessments." This appendix offers suggestions on how to make interviews simple and more effective.

You may find the sections of MDS 3.0 that contain changes in resident interviews:

Section C - Cognitive Patterns

Section D - Mood

Section F - Preferences for Customary Routine & Activities

Section J - Pain (in Health Conditions)

Section Q - Return to Community/Overall Goals

If you need terrific rehabilitation therapists to serve your residents at your skilled nursing facility, contact Centra Healthcare Solutions. We will find you reliable and qualified temporary therapists for short-term assignments, to help you fill full-time positions for those hard-to-fill slots, and to supplement your core staff. Contact us today.