CMS to providers: Help us determine your PDPM cuts
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 16, 2021
Providers will have a say in how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recalibrates its Patient-Driven Payment Model, agency officials reiterated in a call with skilled nursing operators Thursday...
An extension of telehealth flexibilities beyond the COVID-19 pandemic is likely if President Joe Biden’s nomination to lead the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is confirmed. Chiquita Brooks-LaSure...
A new normal: Experts don’t see discharges to SNFs returning to former levels
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 15, 2021
Skilled nursing facilities shouldn’t expect to see discharges return to pre-COVID levels soon thanks to a fundamental shift in how hospitals, health systems and other providers view the post-acute discharge...
Congress delays 2% Medicare cuts at least through 2021
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 15, 2021
A bill that will delay a 2% across-the-board cut to Medicare rates through the rest of the year — and stop billions in payment cuts for providers — is expected to be signed into law by President Joe...
State increases required nursing home staffing hours by nearly 30% — and providers call it a ‘big...
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 15, 2021
Arkansas’ nursing home staffing requirements will be updated for the first time in decades after Gov. Asa Hutchinson (R) on Wednesday signed a measure that providers called a “big win for our long-term...
Also in the News for Thursday, April 15
Apr 15, 2021
Feds assure they have enough vaccine supply despite J&J pause … Nursing homes can recover from COVID-19 fears through more staff investment, expert stresses … Families urge NY AG to launch criminal...
Cadette Girl Scouts set to earn highest honor for volunteer work at nursing home
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 14, 2021
Two Indiana Cadette Girl Scouts are set to receive the highest honor they can earn for their volunteer work at a local long-term care facility during the pandemic.
LTC pharmacies pivot after feds call for timeout on J&J COVID vaccine
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 14, 2021
Long-term care pharmacies have stopped using the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine and are awaiting further instruction from federal health officials, who recommended the halt while they investigate six...
Lesson from site of first US COVID outbreak: Staffing levels, worker support vital
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 14, 2021
Being aware of state staffing regulations and providing support to employees were crucial lessons for leaders at the Washington state nursing home that became the first U.S. site of a COVID-19 outbreak.
Judge rules COVID-related suit against provider can advance, despite state’s immunity order
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 14, 2021
A federal judge has decided that a coronavirus-based lawsuit can move forward against an Illinois nursing home, despite the state’s immunity law.