RKL's Senior Living Leadership Forum:
Trends, Insights and Innovation

Wednesday, April 30, 2025
Cork Factory Hotel Ballroom
480 New Holland Avenue
Lancaster, PA 17602

Join us for our inaugural RKL Senior Living Leadership Forum. Attendees will gain insights from RKL team members on a broad spectrum of critical topics, including cybersecurity, outsourced backoffice accounting, claim audits, innovation, and staffing retention. Don't miss this opportunity to hear what's shaping the future of the industry while expanding your professional network. 

Agenda:

8 - 8:50 a.m. – Registration, networking and hot breakfast buffet

8:50 - 9 a.m. – RKL welcome
Stephanie Kessler, RAC-CT, CHP, Partner, Senior Living Services Consulting 

9 - 10 a.m. – Unveiling the Intersection of Cybersecurity and HIPAA Rules
Michael McAllister, CPA.CITP, CISA, Partner, IS Assurance and Advisory Services

This program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between cybersecurity and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPPA) Security and Privacy rules. Attendees will gain foundational knowledge in safeguarding sensitive health information in the digital age, including the risks, responsibilities and best practices related to the privacy and security of health information. Earn 1 Specialized Knowledge CPE credit.

Attendees will be able to:

• Gain an in-depth understanding of the HIPAA Security and Privacy Rules, their intent, and their application in the healthcare environment
• Identify the basic principles of cybersecurity, including types of threats, common vulnerabilities and the role of risk management
• Understand how implementing strong cybersecurity measures can help prevent breaches of protected health information

10 - 11 a.m. - Senior Living Accounting and Industry Update
Allyson Hornbaker, CPA, Partner, Audit Services Group
Lindsey Marchant, CPA, Manager, Senior Living Services Consulting Group 

This session will provide comprehensive insights into the latest accounting regulations and standards, financial reporting updates, tax implications, and the impact of these changes on the senior living industry. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the financial intricacies of the industry and be prepared to apply this knowledge in their day-to-day operations and strategic decision-making. The session will also include a senior living industry update, providing participants with a broad understanding of the current industry trends, challenges, and opportunities to plan for what's ahead. Earn 0.5 Accounting and .5 Specialized Knowledge CPE credit.

Attendees will be able to:

• Understand the recent updates and changes in accounting standards and regulations affecting the senior living industry and the related impact to financial reporting
• Gain insights into current industry trends and benchmarks
• Explore the impact of recent industry trends and the outlook of the senior living industry

11- 11:15 a.m. - Break

11:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. – Anticipating What’s Next: Staying Ahead in the Medicare Claims Audit Landscape
Stephanie Kessler, RAC-CT, CHP, Partner, Senior Living Services Consulting Group
Stefanie Knaub, Partner, Senior Living Services Consulting Group

This session aims to provide attendees with a comprehensive understanding of the ever-changing landscape of external claim audits in the context of Skilled Nursing Facilities. This session will explore the regulatory requirements, common types of audits, and strategies for effectively managing and responding to these audits. Participants will gain a solid foundation in the key principles and practices of Medicare claim audits, thereby enhancing their ability to navigate this complex landscape and improve the financial health and compliance of their organizations. Earn 1 Specialized Knowledge CPE credit.

Attendees will be able to:

• Gain an understanding of the regulatory environment surrounding external claim audits for skilled nursing homes, including key legislation, rules, and guidelines related to Medicare claims
• Learn to identify various types of external audits, understand their specific requirements, and learn effective strategies to prepare for and respond to these audits
• Be equipped with best practices for managing audits, including internal controls, documentation standards, and communication strategies
• Learn the appeals process and steps to mitigate potential risks associated with claim audits

12:15 - 1 p.m. – Lunch

1 - 2 p.m. – Innovation in Senior Living: A Guide to Embracing What’s Next
Yenma Herb, CAPM^®, CDMP/PCM^®, LSSB, Systems Innovation Manager, Information Technology Group

This session explores the latest innovations transforming the senior living industry. Attendees will discover how these advancements can potentially enhance operational efficiency and improve resident care. The goal is to equip attendees with the knowledge to navigate and embrace the future of senior living. Earn 1 Computer Software & Application CPE credit.

Attendees will be able to:

• Understand the latest innovations and trends shaping the senior living industry
• Recognize the benefits of adopting innovation in operational efficiency and resident care
• Explore case studies of successful innovation adoption in the senior living space
• Recognize the challenges of adopting new technologies and identify ways to develop a forward-thinking mindset that embraces change and innovation

2 - 3 p.m. – Retention Strategies: Navigating Challenges and Implementing Solutions in Senior Living Facilities
Stefanie Deiter-Printz, PHR, SHRM-CP, Workforce Strategies Senior Consultant, RKL Virtual Management Solutions
Lauren Stricker, Workforce Strategies Senior Analyst, RKL Virtual Management Solutions

This session provides an in-depth look into the complexities of staff retention in senior living facilities. It highlights key challenges, with a significant focus on organizational culture and management processes, and proposes a range of effective strategies aimed at improving staff retention. Earn 1 Personnel/Human Resources CPE credit.

Attendees will be able to:

• Identify the major challenges affecting staff retention in senior living facilities
• Gain insight into the role of organizational culture and management processes on staff turnover
• Learn about practical and effective strategies for improving staff retention

3 - 3:15 p.m. – Break

3:15 - 4:15 p.m. – Backoffice Outsourcing – A Strategy for Success
Gretchen Naso, CVA, MBA, President, RKL Virtual Management Solutions
Stephane Smith, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, Partner and Vice President, RKL Virtual Management Solutions

In today's complex senior living environment, organizations face unprecedented challenges in managing backoffice operations while maintaining focus on resident care and satisfaction. This interactive session explores how strategic outsourcing of accounting, payroll and HR functions can enhance operational efficiency, ensure compliance, and improve financial performance. Gain insights on evaluation criteria, implementation strategies, and best practices specifically tailored for senior living communities. Participants will learn how to assess their current operations, identify opportunities for outsourcing, and develop a roadmap for successful transition. Earn 1 Business Management & Organization CPE credit.

Attendees will be able to:

• Evaluate their organization's readiness for outsourcing accounting, payroll and HR functions by analyzing operational efficiency, cost structures, and compliance requirements unique to senior living communities
• Identify key criteria for selecting outsourcing partners with specific expertise in senior living regulations, revenue cycle management, and healthcare HR compliance
• Learn how process automation and best-in-class, cloud-based technology can result in operational savings
• Develop a strategic implementation plan that maintains service quality and staff engagement while optimizing backoffice operations

4:15 p.m. – Closing remarks

4:20 - 5:30 p.m. – Cocktail reception and networking

Questions? Email info@rklcpa.com