Fire alarms are one of the most important protections to residents and staff to ensure their safety. But the alarm system must be checked regularly tor a faulty fire alarm system could be fatal. Read More »
According to data analysis by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), independent and assisted living properties are feeling the pinch. Read More »
In a milestone addition to its physician payment schedule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposes to add a new billing code to allow for the reimbursement of advanced care planning services. Read More »
Two studies discuss the effectiveness of wearing protective gear when performing daily care activities in guarding against incidences of MRSA. Read More »
In response to requests from the provider community, CMS is releasing additional guidance that will aim to allow for flexibility in the claims auditing and quality reporting process Read More »
The tool helps plan ahead to meet the emergency needs of community residents who rely on electrically powered medical and assistive equipment to live independently at home. Read More »
Performance-based reimbursement requires an efficient approach to documentation and data collection. Between readmission penalties and the IMPACT Act of 2014, the data we use to demonstrate quality outcomes is quickly becoming the currency of our business. Success in the changing reimbursement models means we need to take a data-driven, proactive approach to improving care and quality of life in nursing homes.The Affordable Care Act of 2010 resulted in a provision to develop standards we now know as “QAPI” programs or Quality Assurance & Performance Improvement programs.QAPI is the foundation.Click here to read more. Read More »
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration expanded its inspections to include musculoskeletal injuries related to patient or resident handling and four other risks to nurses. Read More »
Residents often form warm relationships with their direct caregivers. Employee turnover is not a surprise in the long-term care field, but even for the aide that is going back to school, changing jobs or beginning a family, it’s hard to say goodbye to the older resident who relied on them. Read More »
After nine years of leadership in the long-term care industry, ACHCA President and CEO Marianna Grachek announces that she will be retiring next month. Read More »
A Center for Public Integrity report shows as many as 80 percent of nursing homes are inflating their staffing levels on Medicare.gov for higher rankings. Read More »
Workgroups responsible for implementing the standardization of documentation codes across care settings under the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (IMPACT Act) have been busy during the past year, and SNFs may have to be ready to report under the new assessment data as early as fall 2016, noted panel presenters at this week's Long-Term and Post-Acute Care Health IT Summit in Baltimore. Read More »
