A two-year study of three nursing homes in Sweden offers valuable data for all nursing home leaders. The study, Unmet Expectations: Why N... Read More »
A key component of active implementation of the final rule is for all staff to be trained and participating in Quality Assurance Performance Improvement (QAPI) activities — a paradigm shift for some nursing homes. Read More »
For family and caregivers, handling someone else’s finances can be a difficult task, particularly when that individual is afflicted with dementia. Read More »
As nurse leaders, we often take for granted that staff have the necessary skills and knowledge to adequately and safely care for the diverse needs of all our residents, especially new admissions. Read More »
Congress recessed for the final holiday of 2017 without addressing the current Medicare therapy cap exceptions process, set to expire on December 31. Without the exceptions process or an alternative, therapists will not be allowed to provide services above the therapy cap in 2018. Read More »
Residents, ombudsman, associations and consumer advocates are raising their voice about a growing number of allegedly improper evictions and discharges. Read More »
Medicare fraud squads are closing out 2017 by catching a wide range of health service providers in the crosshairs of crime, including several cases of opioid-related fraud. Read More »
The FoundationOne CDx (F1CDx) is a diagnostic test that can detect gene mutations for cancer, and its potential to help patients has spurred the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to pay for qualifying beneficiaries to be screened. Read More »
The agency has issued a temporary moratorium on the enforcement of eight specific Phase 2 F-Tags, although the new survey process begins this week as scheduled. Read More »
The web-accessible version of the CMS Measures Inventory Tool (CMIT) will make it easier for providers to track their quality measures across the care continuum. Read More »
The draft policy could reduce the likelihood of high civil money penalties against skilled nursing providers for immediate jeopardy deficiences that resulted in no harm or death. Read More »
The tax deduction for medical expenses is on the chopping block in the Trump Administration’s new tax reform bill, an elimination that could seriously hurt all seniors, especially those with dementia. Read More »
The draft policy could reduce the likelihood of high civil money penalties against skilled nursing providers for immediate jeopardy deficiences that resulted in no harm or death. Read More »
An immediate jeopardy deficiency can cost providers dearly in finances and reputation. But what if it’s not true? Legal expert Alan C. Horowitz discusses a recent case where the provider challenged CMS over nearly $1 million in fines—and won. Read More »
Mark Parkinson, CEO of the American Health Care Association, shared his optimistic view for the senior living industry in his opening remarks of the 68th annual AHCA/NCAL Conference and Expo. Read More »
As the head of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services steps down amid scandal over the use of travel funds, how will it affect the swirl of unsolved healthcare issues? Read More »
An analysis of Nusing Home Compare shows cuts to Medicaid could harm the poorest residents and lowest-rated facilities that will have to do more with less. That could cost the government even more. Read More »
CMS Administrator Seema Verma has announced the dawn of big changes at the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation (CMMI). What will happen to all the bundled payment projects? Read More »
The criminal investigation into the eight South Florida nursing home deaths following Hurricane Irma is prompting a larger look at how long-term care facilities prepare—and practice—for natural disasters. Read More »
Traveling from Point A to B is not as easy as getting in the car and going for blogger Kathleen Mears, who recently had a particularly harrowing drive. Read More »
A resident's advance directive has turned into a legal battle with family members who say the assisted living provider shouldn't be helping her eat. Read More »
Much like the Nursing Home Compare site for skilled nursing facilities, the new data comparison tool will allow consumers to see quality measures data on hospice and palliative care providers. Read More »
