Policy

President Trump Announces New Pandemic-Related Measures To Protect Seniors

In a statement issued April 30th, President Trump reiterated his support for the nation's seniors and announced new COVID-related protection measures. Read More »

6 Strategies for Training New Hires

The training and experience a new hire receives during their first days at your senior care facility can set the tone for their employment. Read More »

CDC: Protect Staff With Underlying Conditions Against COVID-19

Staff at skilled nursing facilities and other senior care facilities risk serious illness if infected with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. Read More »

Use Caution with Heartburn Medications

As a senior care leader, prescribing or distributing medications, it’s critical to know the latest pharma recalls and modified warning labels Read More »

Coronavirus: The role of social distancing in senior care facilities

Social distancing is challenging in a senior care facility. Here we share expert advice for social distancing at meals and with visitors Read More »

Gun Violence and Senior Living

Last year, gun violence led to tragic outcomes in several U.S. senior living facilities. How can you keep residents and employees at your facility safe? Read More »

Sexual Expression and Intimacy: How to Develop a Strong Policy

Providers should consider developing a resident-centered policy for the management of resident sexual activity - here are the guidelines to consider. Read More »

Fire Safety and Evacuation Plans for Senior Care Facilities

48% of all structural fires in health care facilities occurred in skilled nursing facilities. You can reduce the risk of a fire becoming a tragic event. Read More »

Unmet Needs Lead To Staff Turnover

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 »

QAPI Can Engage Staff and Improve Your LTC Facility

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 »

Handling the Finances for a Senior with Dementia

For family and caregivers, handling someone else’s finances can be a difficult task, particularly when that individual is afflicted with dementia. Read More »

New Safe Medication Disposal Rules

Is your facility in compliance with new EPA rules regarding disposal of pharmaceuticals? Read More »

CMS’ PDPM May Impact Clinical Protocols

Changes to Medicare reimbursements may affect your facility’s workflow. Read More »

Beyond Survey: Creating a Culture of Staff Competency

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 »

Therapy cap survives via congressional inaction

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 »

Nursing home discharges under scrutiny

Residents, ombudsman, associations and consumer advocates are raising their voice about a growing number of allegedly improper evictions and discharges. Read More »

DOJ tallies $57M in Medicare fraud busts in two weeks

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 »

FDA approves, CMS proposes coverage for extensive cancer genomic test

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 »

CMS puts 18-mo. hold on certain enforcements, 5-star ratings

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 »

CMS adds online tool for quality measures

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 »

Championing infection control

As the CMS regulations for infection control programs kick in, providers are finding that leadership matters as much as training. Read More »

CMS proposes new Immediate Jeopardy policy for SNFs

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 »

LTC associations urge Congress to keep the medical expenses tax deduction

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 »

CMS proposes new Immediate Jeopardy policy for nursing homes

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 »

Wisconsin considers dementia legislation

Four Republican Assembly members have drafted bills to provide support for those with dementia and their families.  Read More »

New elder abuse protections law

The Elder Abuse Prevention and Prosecution Act expands federal agency perception and efforts to protect and prosecute elder abuse. Read More »

Immediate jeopardy: True or false?

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 »

AHCA: A bright year ahead

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 »

Oregon expands electronic POLST for end-of-life care

The state's electronic registry keeps people's end-of-life care wishes just a click a way for easy access in any emergency. Read More »

Price resigns from HHS: Now what?

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 »