13th Annual Compliance Conference

General Session

A Practical Approach to the Post-Acute Risk Assessment
Speaker: Betsy Wade, President, Eitic Healthcare Compliance Solutions

This session will help attendees understand the regulatory requirements for the annual compliance risk assessment. Attendees will learn practical approaches for conducting the annual compliance risk assessment and understand new risk areas facing post-acute care.

Compliance Program Effectiveness: A Practical Approach 
Speaker: Betsy Wade, President, Eitic Healthcare Compliance Solutions

During this session, attendees will understand the regulatory framework for compliance program effectiveness reviews while learning about the government tools for assessing compliance programs based on the OIG and DOJ guidance.

Enhancing Compliance Oversight: Financial and Operational Dashboards for Healthcare Leadership and Boards 
Speaker: Lindsey Marchant & Stephanie Kessler, RKL

This session will show leadership teams and board members how to use concise, reliable dashboards to strengthen compliance oversight and organizational performance. We’ll highlight the financial and operational metrics that matter most, such as revenue cycle health, cost and productivity, quality and access, and risk indicators, and how to align them to regulatory and strategic priorities. Attendees will learn practical design tips including clear visuals, thresholds, trends, drill downs, governance practices, and meeting cadences that turn dashboards into action.

But It Was Only An Accident: Strategies for Challenging Deficiencies 
Speaker: Mark Mattioli, Post & Schell

This session will discuss strategies for challenging deficiencies, including the difference between the IDR and IIDR process and when one might be beneficial over another.  It will also explore the appeal process to CMS and the Department of Health, and when an appeal may be warranted.  The session will also explore the types of remedies that may be imposed by CMS or DOH.  Finally, we will explore strategies and what makes an appeal successful.

Increasing Regulatory Compliance Requirements 
Speaker: Stephanie Kessler, RKL

This session addresses the increasing complexity of regulatory compliance at the federal and state levels, with a particular focus on expanding health and safety requirements and the growing importance of external audits. Participants will examine the factors driving regulatory changes, understand the critical role of surveys and external audits in verifying compliance, and learn strategies for maintaining organizational compliance amid ongoing regulatory developments.

2026 Employment Law Update 
Speaker: Angela Sanders, Post & Schell

This session will provide an overview of recent and upcoming developments in employment law, including practical tips and proactive strategies for compliance.  Topics covered will include separation agreements, immigration enforcement in the workplace, HR policy updates, federal Centers for Faith, wage and hour developments, the changing landscape of discrimination and harassment,  employee leave expansion, AI in the workplace,  state law developments,  and anticipated developments in 2027.

One System, Three Lenses: Risk Management, Compliance, and Quality 
Speaker: Jenny Sheckells, NHA, PCHA, CHC, CPASRM, Vice President of Risk Management, Resource Partners

Risk management, compliance, and quality are all part of a single system that protects residents, protects the organization, and improves outcomes. But who does what when an event occurs such as a fall with significant injury, missing resident, or failure to notify when there is a serious change in condition?  This session explores the roles of each area – risk, compliance, quality – when there is an undesired outcome. Through case studies, we will discuss what the responsibilities are for your risk manager, compliance official, and quality champion as well as show how these functions interlock to reduce harm, reduce citations, and elevate resident experience.

Difficult Conversations as a Compliance Official  
Speaker: Shanda O’ Dennis, AQORD Consulting

Compliance professionals often face the difficult task of delivering uncomfortable truths to senior leaders, while executives must be prepared to receive feedback that may require change, investment, or course correction. This session equips attendees with practical strategies to deliver compliance findings with confidence and clarity. Whether you are a Compliance official or senior leader, you will be able to identify barriers that prevent productive compliance conversations and learn techniques to overcome them and effectively respond to feedback. Learn to foster a culture of compliance built on trust, accountability, and shared responsibility.

Preparing Your Organization for AI, Cyber Risk, and Regulatory Scrutiny 
Speaker: John DiMaggio, Blue Orange Compliance & Karla Dreisbach, AQORD Compliance Collaborative

Senior living organizations are heading into a period of real change. AI is starting to shape operations and decision-making, cyber threats continue to target healthcare and nonprofit entities, and regulators are raising expectations. You will leave with a better understanding of how AI is beginning to impact risk and accountability, where cybersecurity exposures are increasing across senior living,  what’s changing in terms of regulatory and audit expectations, the key questions leaders should be asking today, and how to take a more structured, defensible approach to oversight.

Networking Reception
Sponsored by Blue Orange Compliance 

General Session

2026 Federal Legal Update for Long-Term Care Providers 
Speaker: Dave Marshall, Latsha Davis & Marshall, P.C.

There continue to be significant legal, statutory, and regulatory changes for the long-term care industry affecting providers. The government is expanding its oversight of the industry through the development of several new regulatory mandates. As a result, it is critical for providers to understand these changes and how they may impact the industry and their operations. This session will review current legal issues impacting long term care providers, the latest developments with respect to the federal Requirements for Participation and will address the impact of those regulations on both operations and the survey and enforcement process.  A preview of issues and trends to come in 2027 will be covered so that attendees can monitor these developments over the coming year.

How Broadmead is Redefining Nighttime Safety 
Speaker: Ann Patterson, VP of Health Services & Stacey Young, Director of the Center of Excellence in Dementia Care  

This session will highlight how Broadmead reimagined nighttime care by addressing one of senior living’s most persistent blind spots—resident safety after dark. Through the integration of AI-powered smart lighting, the organization established a proactive process that detects falls, delivers immediate response, and generates actionable insights to guide individualized care planning. Participants will learn how this innovative approach supports better outcomes, empower team members, and builds a safer, more responsive care environment.

Taking Therapy Back: The In-House Therapy Playbook
Speaker: Diana Grover, Compliance Officer–LEC; Jack Dempsey, Director of Health Services– Pennswood Village; Tanvi Desai Parker, Director of Rehab; Angele Tran, Compliance Manager–AQORD Compliance Collaborative, Dave Lishinsky, Compliance Specialist, AQORD Compliance Collaborative

Are you considering bringing therapy services in-house or looking to maximize the value of your existing in-house therapy program? Join a panel of senior living leaders as they share firsthand experiences, challenges, and lessons learned from transitioning from contract therapy to an in-house model. This interactive discussion will explore operational, clinical, financial, and compliance considerations and provide practical insights on how to build strong therapy programs, align services with organizational goals, enhance resident outcomes, and create long-term value for your community. Attendees will leave with actionable strategies and real-world perspectives to help guide informed decision-making and successful program implementation.

Fair Housing for Senior Living 
Speaker: Jason Lundy, Ice Miller 

The Fair Housing Act and its prohibition against discrimination on the basis of disability applies to senior living providers.  Providers must understand how disability discrimination can arise in senior living and be aware of ways to avoid it, including offering reasonable accommodations. But providers should not retain a resident who is a danger to the community, and CCRCs should not fundamentally alter the community as a continuum of care for residents with service needs. This session will educate attendees about important concepts around Fair Housing law, explain past situations that have led to government enforcement actions against senior living providers, and advice on important housing decisions providers must make on behalf of their communities.

How Can We Manage Cannabis in SNFs: Preparing the SNF for the Use of Medical Cannabis 
Speaker: Ilene Warner-Maron, Assistant Professor, Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine

At the conclusion of the program, participants will be able to understand the differences between recreational and medicinal cannabis use. Identify three reasons why cannabis was considered a Schedule I drug. Reference an experience from Canada to identify how prescription, storage and accountability for cannabis can be used in the U.S. Attendees will also learn SNFs to safeguard residents and staff and be able to identify potential problems and pitfalls that SNFs may face if and when cannabis is changed from Schedule 1 to Schedule III or not scheduled at all.

The Right Way to Handle Incident and Abuse Investigations
Speaker: Jason Lundy, Ice Miller 

Every incident, accident and suspicion, or allegation of abuse/neglect at a licensed facility must be thoroughly investigated and reported. There are many facets to the investigation and reporting process that a facility must know and perform. This session will educate about the required steps, advise on how to conduct an investigation, and coach you on how to write a report that complies with regulations and emphasizes the good care implemented by your facility and staff.

Quality Measures, Quality Programs, and Quality Monitoring
Speaker: Kerry Weaver, Compliance Specialist, AQORD 

This session will provide an overview of the current Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0, Skilled Nursing Facility-Quality Reporting Program (SNF-QRP), and Skilled Nursing Facility-Value Based Purchasing (SNF-VBP) Quality Measures (QM). It will include how these QMs are used in several Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) programs including the Nursing Home 5-Star Rating system, SNF-QRP Annual Payment Update (APU), and SNF-VBP annual payment adjustment. Internet Quality and Improvement System (iQIES) reports will be reviewed for each CMS program to ensure communities have the data available to monitor their progress and apply as needed to an ongoing Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) Program.

CMS Psychotropic Medication Standards in Skilled Nursing Facilities: Survey Risk and Practical Compliance 
Speaker: Jennifer Urso, RPh, BCGP, FASCP

This session will provide a focused overview of CMS expectations for psychotropic medication use in skilled nursing facilities, with an emphasis on clinical implications. Participants will review how current CMS guidance frames psychotropic use and how related F-tags connect medication management with professional standards, person-centered care, and interdisciplinary team oversight. The session will translate regulatory language into practical applications interdisciplinary teams can use to support appropriate prescribing, resident-centered decision-making, survey readiness, and defensible documentation.

The Things Nobody Told Me About Compliance: The Good, the Bad, and the Surprising 
Speaker: Carla Cherry, VP of Compliance, Country Meadows Retirement Communities 

What is it really like to serve as a Compliance Officer in long-term care and hospice? This candid session goes beyond regulations, audits, and policies to explore the real-world experience of transitioning from a compliance professional to a compliance leader in long-term care and hospice. Through honest reflections, attendees will hear about the good, the bad, and the surprising realities of the role. From earning credibility, building relationships and influencing culture, to navigating difficult investigations, operational resistance, competing priorities, and the weight of accountability that comes with being “the compliance person.”  We’ll discuss lessons learned, mistakes made, unexpected wins, and the things that are incredibly exciting about being a compliance professional at this time.  Whether you’re newly appointed, aspiring to a leadership role, or supporting a compliance function, this session offers practical insights, relatable experiences, and actionable takeaways for successfully leading compliance in highly regulated healthcare environments. Attendees will leave with a better understanding of what to expect, what really matters, and why compliance leadership is both more challenging and more rewarding than they may realize.