LAO
August 20, 2025

LeadingAge Ohio News

Monday’s AIA Call Focuses on Pending Legislation Under Consideration by the Ohio General Assembly

With the state legislature currently on summer break, the LeadingAge Ohio policy team is evaluating legislation currently under consideration in the House and Senate, and the potential impact on aging services and senior housing providers. Attendees will also get a preview of the advocacy-related events occurring at this year’s LeadingAge Ohio Annual Conference and Trade Show. Register for Advocacy in Action here.

Come Together at the 2025 LeadingAge Ohio Annual Conference & Trade Show

The countdown is on for the 2025 LeadingAge Ohio Annual Conference & Trade Show—the premier gathering for aging services professionals from across the state. Whether you're a provider, vendor, sponsor, or advocate, this three-day experience is your chance to connect with peers, recharge your passion, and explore new strategies to elevate care for older Ohioans.

Why Attend?

  • Robust Education: Dive into expert-led sessions covering today’s most pressing topics—from regulatory updates and clinical best practices to leadership growth and workforce innovation. With targeted content for all service lines—skilled nursing, home health, hospice, senior housing, and more—you’ll gain real tools to bring back to your team.

  • Vibrant Trade Show: Meet face-to-face with solution partners who understand the challenges you face and are ready to support your success.

  • Can’t-Miss Events: The Annual Awards Luncheon, Ice Cream Social, and fan-favorite Game Night offer time to unwind, connect, and celebrate the shared mission that unites us all.

This is your moment to help shape the future of aging services in Ohio. Visit www.LAOConference.org to secure your spot and be part of something bigger.

The LeadingAge Ohio room block at the hotel event venue is full. Visit the conference website for nearby alternative hotels. 

Tee Off for Advocacy at the 2025 LeadingAge Ohio PAC Golf Outing

The LeadingAge Ohio Political Action Committee (PAC) invites members, partners, and guests to join the annual PAC Golf Outing fundraiser on Monday, September 29, 2025, at The Golf Club of Dublin in Dublin, Ohio. Whether you're a seasoned golfer or just out to enjoy a day on the course, the outing promises friendly competition, great company, and a chance to support LeadingAge Ohio’s advocacy efforts.

The event will begin with a shotgun start at 10:00AM, with registration opening at 9:00AM. Foursomes and individual golfers are welcome, and registration will remain open through Friday, September 26. Sponsorship opportunities are also available for those interested in further supporting the PAC’s mission.

View full event details or register. For questions, contact Corey Markham, Director of Education and Business Development, at cmarkham@leadingageohio.org.

Please note that contributions to Political Action Committees must be made by individuals, partnerships, or LLCs, not corporations, and are not tax-deductible. All contributions are voluntary and will not influence membership standing or benefits.

Maximize Your Membership: New Member Resource for Never Alone & Compassionate Caregiver Policy Template Now Available

In recent years, Ohio has enacted new laws, such as the Never Alone Act (ORC 3792.05 & 3792.06) and the Compassionate Caregiver Act (ORC 3721.20), which took effect March 20, 2025, that shape visitation policies in congregate care settings, including nursing homes, assisted living communities, and hospice inpatient units.

To help members navigate and comply with these laws, LeadingAge Ohio has created a customizable policy template that integrates requirements from both acts. The resource package also includes a resident designation form and the Ohio Department of Health’s official information sheet. Together, these tools are designed to streamline communication with residents and staff while fostering safe, person-centered advocacy within care settings.

These resources may also be found on the Toolkits portion of the LeadingAge Ohio

Recruit New Talent at the Hondros Career Fair

Are you looking to grow your care team? Don’t miss the opportunity to connect with qualified candidates at one of Hondros College of Nursing’s upcoming career fairs. These in-person events are free for LeadingAge Ohio members and are a great way to meet nursing students and recent graduates pursuing careers as Medical Assistants, STNAs, LPNs, and RNs.

Career fairs will be held at multiple campuses throughout August, including:

  • AkronTuesday, August 19, 11:30AM–1:00PM
  • Cincinnati / West Chester – Wednesday, August 13, 11:30AM–1:00PM and Thursday, August 14, 12:00PM–1:30PM
  • Cleveland / Independence – Wednesday, August 20, 11:30AM–1:00PM
  • Columbus – Thursday, August 21, 4:00PM–5:30PM
  • Dayton – Tuesday, August 19 and Thursday, August 21, 11:30AM–1:00PM
  • Detroit – Thursday, August 21, 11:30AM–1:00PM
  • Indianapolis – Thursday, August 14, 11:30AM–3:00PM
  • Toledo / Maumee – Thursday, August 21, 12:00PM–3:00PM

Each organization is asked to register for only one session and one slot to allow all partners an opportunity to engage. Click on the RSVP button for your preferred location in the invitation you received or reach out directly to Hondros for more information.

While you’re reconnecting with Hondros, it’s also a good time to remind staff about the 11% LeadingAge Ohio member tuition discount—which rises to 16% for Hondros alumni. The more member employees who use this benefit, the more the discount can grow. Staff can enroll at any of the six Ohio campuses with no wait list and flexible start dates throughout the year. To help promote this opportunity internally, download and share the Hondros member benefit flyer.

Questions about tuition discounts or partnerships with Hondros? Contact Molly Homan at mhoman@leadingageohio.org.

Stay Connected Snapshot: Upcoming Meetings & Events

There's always something happening at LeadingAge Ohio, and we don’t want you to miss a moment. From educational opportunities to networking events, our calendar is packed with ways for members to stay informed, engaged, and connected.

Explore what's ahead and make plans to join us—whether you're looking to expand your knowledge, connect with peers, or get involved in shaping the future of aging services in Ohio.

View all upcoming events here and mark your calendar today!

LeadingAge News

LeadingAge Annual Meeting Registration NOW OPEN

Registration is now open for the 2025 LeadingAge Annual Meeting, taking place November 2–5 in Boston. This year’s event invites aging services professionals from around the world to come together in a city built on bold ideas to share innovations, explore new strategies, and create ripples of impact across the sector. Co-hosted with the Global Ageing Network, the conference will also include a special opportunity to attend the Global Ageing Network Summit on Saturday, November 1—a once-in-a-decade pre-conference gathering focused on global collaboration and learning. Visit the LeadingAge Annual Meeting website to explore sessions, view the schedule, and complete your registration.

LeadingAge Ohio members traveling to Boston, along with our colleagues from LeadingAge Indiana, are also invited to the yearly State Night Out event! This year’s event will be held at Ned Devine’s Irish Pub – Parris Lounge & Hall on Sunday, November 2 from 5:30 to 7:30PM. Enjoy a relaxed evening of networking, food, and fun with friends from across the region. Register today on the State Night Out event page.

Nursing Facility News

Survey Tip of the Week: Sufficient Space and Equipment

The Long-Term Care Survey Process (LTCSP) requires surveyors to assess whether the facility provides sufficient space and equipment in dining, health services, recreation, and program areas to meet residents’ needs, as identified in their assessments and care plans. Citations have occurred when recliner chairs did not move and function properly, linen was not readily available on all shifts, and transfer lifts were not repaired timely.  

In the State Operations Manual Appendix PP, CMS provides examples of noncompliance: Dining and program areas that do not allow for the safe use of mobility devices, therapy areas that lack adequate equipment, or spaces that are not accessible to residents due to clutter or crowding. Surveyors will also assess whether these areas support the activities and services outlined in the resident’s comprehensive care plan.

Under §483.90(d)(1), facilities must ensure:

  • · Dining, recreation, health services, and program areas are large enough to comfortably accommodate persons who usually occupy the space, including space for wheelchairs, walkers, and other mobility aids.
  • · Residents are not restricted in their ability to access and use these spaces.
  • · There is adequate storage and setup space for items such as activity supplies, therapy equipment, assistive technology, or adaptive devices.
  • · The environment allows for full participation in care planned activities and services, including hand-eye coordination programs, therapy sessions, and adaptive equipment use.

Facilities should also routinely monitor compliance using the surveyor guidance outlined in the State Operations Manual Appendix PP. Additionally, the survey pathways can be found in the Survey Resources zip file on the CMS Nursing Home webpage and under the downloads section on this CMS webpage. LeadingAge Ohio has provided survey tips to help navigate the changes in the revised QSO-25-14- NH memo. The previously provided survey tips can be accessed on the LeadingAge Ohio webpage under the Communications tab, then The Source tab. CMS has updated the survey resources on the CMS Nursing Home webpage in accordance with the revised QSO-25-14- NH memo. LeadingAge has developed webinars and resources on the requirements of participation which are located on the LeadingAge learning hub. LeadingAge continues to add QuickCasts on the regulatory groups. Updated resources have also been added on the Nursing Home RoP Tools and Resources webpage.

For more information about the requirements of participation and citations occurring in Ohio, please join us on the monthly STAT: Survey Tips and Tactics call. Register now for the September 10 call at 11:00AM. LeadingAge Ohio is sharing tips to assist members during the survey process. Send questions you would like addressed in future Tips of the Week to Stephanie DeWees at sdewees@leadingageohio.org.

ODM to Sunset Automated Cost Report Software September 1

Beginning September 1, Ohio’s Automated Cost Report (ACR) software will be retired, and cost reports for nursing facilities and intermediate care facilities for individuals with intellectual disabilities must be completed using the new Online Cost Report Tool (OCRT) within the Ohio Medicaid Enterprise System (OMES) Cost Report and Rate Setting Web Portal. Cost reports will no longer be submitted via the ACR software or uploaded to Statlog.

To prepare providers for this transition, the Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) and the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities (DODD) will host three training sessions in August covering OCRT navigation, cost report submission, and related portal functions.

Learn more and register for training on the ODM website.

ODM Releases New Intravenous Therapy Resources for Nursing Facilities

The Ohio Department of Medicaid (ODM) has published two new resources: a fact sheet on intravenous (IV) therapy services in nursing facilities and guidance on state requirements for their use. The materials address the growing presence of retail IV therapy clinics and outline standards for medical necessity, appropriate staffing, and compliance with Ohio’s drug compounding and scope-of-practice rules.

ODM notes that custom IV hydration and micronutrient infusions are generally considered experimental, clinically unproven, and in most cases medically unnecessary. Covered alternatives include standard IV fluids for dehydration, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) or enteral supports, and FDA-approved vitamins or trace elements administered orally or by injection when appropriate.

Both resources are available on ODM’s Nursing Facility Resources page.

Nursing Home Administrator Salaries Rise as Turnover and Bonuses Decline

The average annual salary for nursing home administrators has climbed to $134,000, according to the latest industry compensation and staffing data. While wages have increased, turnover and hiring incentives are trending downward.

Leadership Stability Improving
Turnover among executive leadership has dropped significantly, from 31.97% in 2024 to 22.12% in 2025. Similar declines are seen across many staff roles, signaling improved retention efforts. Certified nursing assistants (CNAs) continue to have the highest turnover rates, though their rate dipped slightly from 44.16% to 42.34%.

Sign-On Bonuses See Cuts
Fewer facilities are offering sign-on bonuses — down from 65.44% to 55.61% this year. For positions where bonuses remain, amounts have shifted: RNs, LPNs, and CNAs saw modest increases in bonus size, while Directors of Nursing and support staff such as dining, kitchen, and housekeeping workers saw reductions.

Industry Outlook
The data suggests a market where competition for skilled leadership remains strong, but hiring incentives are being scaled back as turnover slows. Retention strategies, workplace culture, and steady wage growth may be playing a larger role than one-time hiring perks in staffing stability.

Read the full article at McKnight’s Long-Term Care News.

Member News

LeadingAge Ohio Board Treasurer Named to Cleveland 500

LeadingAge Ohio congratulates Board Member and Treasurer Richard M. Boyson Jr., President & CEO of Eliza Jennings, on being named to the 2025 Cleveland 500. Published by Cleveland Magazine, the list honors Northeast Ohio’s most influential leaders across business, nonprofit, and civic sectors. Read the full Cleveland 500 profile here.

In his profile, Boyson emphasized keeping stakeholders—especially residents—at the heart of decision-making. He shared that his first job in a pizza shop taught him hard work, teamwork, and customer service, and that humility remains his most valued leadership quality. Outside of work, he enjoys family time, home improvement projects, and restoring classic cars.

LeadingAge Ohio is proud to celebrate Boyson’s recognition and the leadership he brings to both Eliza Jennings and our statewide association.

Do You Have Exciting News? We Want to Hear About It!

Has your organization recently celebrated a major milestone? Opened a new building? Been featured in the news? Whether it’s a groundbreaking, an award, or a great story from your community, we want to help spread the word.

LeadingAge Ohio members are doing incredible work across the state, and we’re proud to highlight those efforts. Share your press releases, social media posts, or media coverage with us and we’ll feature them in the Member News section of The Source. We may also help amplify your story on LeadingAge Ohio’s social media channels.

To submit a news item, simply email Laurinda Johnson at ljohnson@leadingageohio.org. We can’t wait to celebrate your success!

Education and Resources

Attention Adults Age 55+

LeadingAge Ohio Diamond Sponsor, Link-age Connect, wants to hear from YOU! Your experiences and opinions about technology matter — and your insights help shape the future.

Please take just 9–10 minutes to complete a brief survey covering a variety of technologies — from mobile phones and smart home devices to televisions. We want to know what you own, what you use, and what you think! We encourage communities to share on your social media, with staff and family members in addition to residents.   

Simply click on the link to open this anonymous survey. When prompted, enter the password TECH, to begin. You can also scan the QR code to access the survey!

QR Code
The survey will close at 11:00PM on August 31, 2025… But stay tuned for a complete report of the findings later this fall!

Supercharge your ERP and Streamline AP Operations with Corpay

Corporate payments are a vital part of business operations, yet they’re often seen as a necessary burden rather than a strategic advantage. Many companies face complex, competing objectives across treasury, finance, and AP teams, while navigating a fragmented landscape of payment solutions—traditional banks, software providers, and fintech players—with no true one-stop shop. As a result, many organizations settle for inefficient, manual processes that drain valuable resources and expose them to risk.

Join LeadingAge Ohio Partner, Corpay, for this insightful webinar to discover how Corpay complements your existing ERP system—not replacing it—to transform your corporate payments workflow. 

Learn how Corpay’s unified platform streamlines your entire procure-to-pay cycle, integrates seamlessly with your ERP, and drives meaningful efficiency gains of 31% or more across your AP team. From corporate cards and AP automation to cross-border payments and fleet management, Corpay handles the complexity at a scale unmatched by competitors.

Check out the LeadingAge Ohio Education Calendar!

LeadingAge Ohio holds valuable education webinars and in-person events throughout the year. Opportunities are added weekly. See the complete Schedule of Events.

Upcoming Events

August 21, 2025
1:00PM - 2:00PM

2025 Reimbursement Collaborative: Trends That Tell the Story – Understanding Your QIP & PDPM Data

Webinar Series

August 21, 2025
2:30PM - 3:30PM

2025 Survey Success Collaborative: Survey Strategy and Risk Evaluation

Virtual

August 25, 2025
12:30PM - 4:00PM

Hospice Pre-Conference

Hilton Columbus at Easton, Columbus OH