Commun ty Matters Topeka Presbyterian Manor
January 2015
HIPAA 101
Whistle while you work
A simple question doesn’t always have a simple answer. “Why did my friend go to the hospital?” seems to be a simple question, but the answer is blocked by a federal law. While most think of the law as the protector of medical records, privacy isn’t even in its name.
Some days, his job is emotionally draining. Other days, it’s light and uplifting.
We call it HIPAA (pronounced HIP-pah), but the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 also has been known as the Kassebaum-Kennedy Act or Kennedy-Kassebaum Act. Sen. Nancy Landon Kassebaum, R-Kan., was a leading sponsor of the bill, along with Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass. The official explanation is: “An Act To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to improve portability and continuity of health insurance coverage in the group and individual markets, to combat waste, fraud, and abuse in health insurance and health care delivery, to promote the use of medical savings accounts, to improve access to long-term care services and coverage, to simplify the administration of health insurance, and for other purposes.” The main intent was that the health industry would save money by computerizing paper records. That led to concerns over privacy, which led to new privacy regulations. HIPPA, continued on page 2
Chaplain relies on humor to help residents
“I split my responsibilities between Presbyterian Manor and a local hospice. While I’m here, I can still whistle while I work, so that’s what I do,” said the Rev. Terry Frizzell, Presbyterian Manor chaplain. Terry is known for his warm demeanor, and more specifically, his sense of humor. “When we’re in chapel, I frequently mess up the words. Not on purpose, but I think it’s a humorous relief for the residents,” he said. “They’re pretty forgiving.”
The Rev. Terry Frizzell enjoys a pastor appreciation reception put on by residents and employees.
He’s been working in ministry since he was 22 years old, or as he calls it, “fresher than fresh can be.” He’s worked in retirement communities, hospices and congregations, and has found a home at Presbyterian Manor.
“I like to joke that I’ll work here until I can move in,” Terry said. “I’m just past the half-century mark, so it’ll be awhile now, but it wouldn’t be a bad deal!” Terry wears many hats as chaplain, from preaching, to hospital ministry to funeral services to vespers. He enjoys relating to the people and understands much of his job involves crisis ministry. “When I came here, they already had a good foundation of spiritual support, thanks to the previous chaplain, Alina Ash. She was loved tremendously, and I didn’t dare try to fill her shoes. I’m just glad to walk the path she left behind,” said Terry. “They’ve allowed me to be who I am, which is wonderful. As a matter of fact, I’m the first non-Presbyterian chaplain they’ve had here. I guess my probation period is over, and they decided to keep me!” CHAPLAIN, continued on page 6
HIPPA, continued from page 1
Protected Health Information
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Protected Health Information, called PHI, is any information about a person’s health status, any health services provided to the person and any payment specifics about those services. Details of your medical record may not be shared without your consent. That’s one reason there are so many forms to sign at the doctor’s office; they must have your consent to process your visit for billing, insurance purposes, etc. That is also why it is so difficult to obtain information about friends in the hospital. It is subject to strict HIPAA regulations. Violations result in expensive fines, and health care workers are required to receive training on how to keep all medical information safe. Some key privacy points: • When your health information is shared, only the minimum necessary should be disclosed. • Health information is to be used only for health purposes. Without your consent, it can’t be used to help banks decide whether to give you a loan or by potential employers to decide whether to give you a job. • If someone wants to share your health information, you have to give your formal consent. • You can ask for copies of all this information and make appropriate changes to it.You also can ask for a history of any unusual disclosures. • Your health care provider and insurance company must explain how they’ll use and disclose health information. (Information from WebMD.)
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Retirement community regulations Retirement communities that provide state-licensed services, such as assisted living and health care, must abide by the strict privacy regulations. Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America employees receive training and updates regularly. Vendors also are trained to ensure resident privacy is maintained. PMMA employees know they are not to chat about residents in the hallways – or anywhere – because that violates their privacy protections. The privacy laws are why health care staff can’t talk to other residents about the people in their care. It’s not that they are being unhelpful or that they don’t care about your feelings. They are required to keep the information confidential. Another key component of the privacy rules that affect health care residents is that the “information” may not be linked to an individual. In the rules, “information” includes photos of faces. That’s why we ask residents to sign consent forms when we take pictures for our newsletters, web sites and other marketing purposes. Family concerns Information from AARP explains that health care staff can discuss conditions and treatments with family members, but you must give written permission for your loved ones to see your official medical records. Older adults may have their adult children sign a letter or form designating them as a personal representative. This will give the health care providers the coverage they require to avoid HIPAA violations, according to AARP.
PMMA’s focus turns to the future in the 1990s This month, we continue to look back at our history as Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America celebrates 65 years of the art of life. In 1990, Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America moved into a new corporate office building in northeast Wichita, and Manor of the Plains in Dodge City opened.
was donated by American States Insurance Company. Construction began in December 1992. Jane O’Bryan was named the first administrator.
That year, the “Tradition of Caring” capital campaign also kicked off with a goal of $6.4 million. The first leg of the campaign was conducted in Emporia, where $600,000 was raised. Each campus had its own campaign to raise funds toward the $6.4 million goal. The campaigns raised funds to meet current Good Samaritan Program needs and provide a future endowment for Good Samaritan needs, assist in covering debt service and provide capital improvements at PMMA campuses.
Also in 1992, four Presbyterian Manor campuses—Wichita, Newton, Salina and Lawrence—received recognitions from the Kansas Association of Homes for the Aging. Wichita Presbyterian Manor won the Excellence in Service and the Recognition awards. The service award recognized Wichita’s ethics committee, which led to the campus working to become “restraint free” before the movement became popular around the country. Lawrence and Salina also received recognition awards, which signify high marks in the Department of Health and Environment’s annual survey of Kansas nursing facilities. Newton received the Innovation of the Year Award for the Apple-A-Day preschool, which opened in January 1992.
Local volunteers in Fort Scott, Kansas, led efforts to raise funds for a new retirement complex. The “Time to Secure the Future” campaign set out to raise $500,000 in base contributions toward the construction of a 40-unit residential complex in Fort Scott. The land
In July 1993, Dr. Mary Carman
A rendering of PMMA’s Fort Scott campus before construction began in 1992.
A 1992 groundbreaking ceremony for Fort Scott Presbyterian Village.
became chairperson of the PMMA board of trustees. Carman, who served on the advisory council at Newton in the 1980s, was a professional psychologist on staff at Prairie View. She was instrumental in the creation of one of the first special care units for residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia at the Newton Presbyterian Manor campus.
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A Veterans Day to remember After lifetime of military service, Sayre Youngs takes trip of a lifetime Since 1949, Sayre Youngs’ life has revolved around military service. That’s when he joined the United States Air Force, became a gunner and flew on B-50s and other aircraft. For 20 years of his career, Sayre was a boom operator responsible for safely refueling other aircraft while in flight and flew on KC-97 and KC135. On one 8 1/2 hour mission, he refueled 24 fighter aircraft. He flew on 200 combat missions as a boom operator and received five Air Medals. During his military service, Sayre traveled to China, Guam, Thailand, the Azores Islands off Portugal and Germany. He also traveled and was stationed all over England. His military career spanned World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In 1975 Sayre retired as a Master Sergeant E-7 after completing 26 years of service.
Resident Sayre Youngs, left, and his youngest son, Stuart, participate in the Kansas
Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. During his early career while stationed at Forbes field in Topeka, Sayre met his future wife, Beverly. They went on to have two boys and two girls, and Sayre is a proud grandfather to three grandchildren. At Sayre’s recent November birthday party, he was thrilled to meet his precious 5-month-old twin great grandson and great granddaughter.
Following military retirement, Sayre continued his military ties while employed as a hydraulic mechanic at Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Sayre is a lifetime member of the VFW, American Legion, Air Force Sgts. Association and the Air Force Aid Association. The AFAA receives donations for military families helping to provide education, clothing, and more. On Nov. 11, 2014, Sayre (accompanied by his youngest son Stuart) had the opportunity to take the trip of a lifetime on an Honor Flight. Sayre and a number of Kansas veterans and their escorts participated in the Kansas Honor Flight traveling to Washington D.C. Sayre moved to Presbyterian Manor in March 2013, where he keeps very active. Sayre enjoys putting out sugarfree candy in the laundry room for other residents. He appreciates being able to live close to his children who reside in Topeka, Kansas City and Springfield, Mo. 4
Topeka Presbyterian Manor calls for Art is Ageless® entries Topeka Presbyterian Manor has issued a call for entries for the Art is Ageless® juried exhibit to be held March 18, 2015. Entries of artistic works will be accepted from any area artist who is 65 years of age or older to exhibit and/or compete for an opportunity to be featured in the 2016 Art is Ageless calendar. The Art is Ageless® Program encourages Topeka Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year. Having a creative outlet benefits the mind, body and spirit. “The exhibit and competition always draw a wide array of impressive artwork from talented seniors,” said Marsha Anderson, marketing director. “We’re
expecting this to be another great year for creativity and variety of works on exhibit.” Local competition winners will join winners 17 other Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America communities to be judged at the systemwide level. Entry forms and information can be picked up at Topeka Presbyterian Manor, 4712 SW Sixth, or by contacting Anderson at 785-272-6510 or manderson@pmma. org. Or go online to ArtIsAgeless.org to view rules, download an entry form or enter online. Artists may choose to enter the exhibit only. For the competition, works are to have been completed in the past five years (since January 2010). There are nine categories, as well as designations of amateur or professional. Works entered for judging need to be at Presbyterian Manor by March 13, 2015.
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Topeka Presbyterian Manor 4712 S.W. Sixth Ave. Topeka, KS 66606-2284 Return Service Requested
CHAPLAIN, continued from page 1
He’s grateful to have found this community, one that he feels ministers to its residents from all aspects of care. “They’re wonderful people here. It’s really the ideal picture of what a church ministry should be. Everyone has their role and is allowed to fulfill their strengths. While I may officially be in charge of ministry, everyone pastors here. Everyone helps others feel God’s love and care,” said Terry. “When a resident passed several weeks ago, I was there right before she passed. I notified the nurses, and just like that, all of the staff came quickly to say their goodbyes, to comfort her. Everyone takes care of everyone. It doesn’t relieve me of my responsibilities, it just reinforces pastoral care.” Terry was recently honored at a Pastor Appreciation reception, where residents and employees thanked him for his dedication to their spiritual needs. “The whole Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America system has a Christian aspect to its mission, and that makes a difference. People can sense it when they come onto campus,” Terry said. “It’s something beyond description, an uplifting spiritual element.” 6
Resident Council meeting Feb. 2 Are you familiar with the Good Samaritan Program? Perhaps you’ve heard of it, but you’re not completely aware of how the program impacts the lives of Topeka Presbyterian Manor residents. Come hear Ed Shafer, senior vice president of development for Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America, give an informative update at the Resident Council meeting Feb. 2 at 9:30 a.m. in the chapel. All are welcome.