States prohibiting point-of-care COVID-19 testing devices face trouble, HHS warns
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 13, 2020
States that prohibit long-term care providers from using rapid, point-of-care antigen testing devices are in violation of federal law and could face serious consequences from public health authorities,...
Quality data on Nursing Home Compare iced through 2022, creating obstacles and opportunities
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 13, 2020
Skilled nursing providers could still be negatively impacted despite SNF Quality Reporting Program data being frozen on the Nursing Home Compare site through 2022, a leading expert warned.
Value of extended Medicare loan repayment period hinges on how neediest rebound: expert
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 13, 2020
The effectiveness of the federal government’s move to extend the repayment terms for providers who received advanced Medicare payments during the pandemic will depend “how quickly the industry and...
Long-term care usage increased under ACA-funded Medicaid expansion
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 13, 2020
The use of long-term care services increased among both seniors and low-income adults following the expansion of Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, according to a new investigation.
Also in the News for Tuesday, Oct. 13
Oct 13, 2020
Expert dives into ‘epidemic of loneliness in nursing homes’ caused by pandemic … CMS issues cease and desist letters to 171 facilities conducting COVID-19 tests without proper CLIA certifications...
Providers receive reprieve on advanced Medicare loan repayments
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 09, 2020
Providers who participated in the Medicare Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program for COVID-19 emergency will now have another year to pay back the loan thanks to Congress.
‘No time to be afraid’: Providers recall early months of pandemic, resilience of sector
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 09, 2020
The resilience, work ethic and sacrifice made by providers and staff during the current public health crisis were honored by the nation’s largest nursing home association Thursday as it kicked off its...
Nevada suspends use of point-of-care rapid testing devices at nursing homes
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 09, 2020
Long-term care providers in Nevada are being advised to continue using point-of-care rapid testing devices provided by the federal government — despite a state order that nursing facilities immediately...
Also in the News for Friday, Oct. 9
Oct 09, 2020
Verma assures nursing homes will be at the top of the list for a COVID-19 vaccine … Medicare Advantage drug plans receive star ratings … Massachusetts to require all nursing homes, assisted living...
Providers plea for support after Trump nixes COVID-19 relief talks
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 08, 2020
President Trump’s abrupt decision to halt negotiations between his staff and federal lawmakers on another COVID-19 relief bill until after the election could mean doom for residents and workers at long-term...