Expect ‘explosion’ of operator partnerships to follow COVID-fueled collaboration, experts say
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 28, 2021
COVID-19 has accelerated partnerships in long-term care, but experts predict the industry is likely to see even more dramatic merger activity as providers realize the benefits of shared leadership, clinical...
New guidance affirms providers’ right to reject religious exemptions for COVID vaccinations due to...
By
Danielle Brown
James M. Berklan
Oct 27, 2021
Long-term care providers shouldn’t read too much into updated COVID-19 vaccination guidance on religious exemptions released this week by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, according to...
Resizing operations an option for providers struggling to rebound
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 27, 2021
COVID-19’s severe impact on the long-term care industry has forced many providers to resize operations while they weather the storm — but the key to succeeding depends on how well operators know their...
With Phase 3 guidance nearing, skilled nursing providers advised ‘don’t wait’ on infection preventionist,...
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 22, 2021
Final, long-awaited guidance related to nursing home Requirements of Participation may soon be here. The rules were fundamentally rewritten and implemented in three phases starting in 2016 but still have...
Three-day stay waiver, fire safety allowances extended into 2022
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 21, 2021
The temporary waiver for Medicare’s three-day stay requirement will continue at least into January after the COVID-19 public health crisis designation was extended by Health and Human Services Secretary...
OIG eyes COVID-19 reporting requirements for nursing homes
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 20, 2021
More scrutiny will soon be placed on the federal government’s COVID-19 reporting requirements for providers and how they’re handled. The Office of Inspector General ratcheted up pressure Tuesday when...
Operators urged to provide more emotional support for nursing assistants after pandemic’s costly toll
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 15, 2021
Long-term care operators must provide more mental health and emotional support for nursing assistants in response to the psychological and physical toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on them, according...
Recovering or healing?
By
Julie Thorson
Oct 13, 2021
Does acceptance of “what is” indicate defeat? For a leader with competition as one of her top five strengths, I’ve struggled with this question the last few months. Maybe you have also. To...
Providers must take more nuanced approach to visitors, CMS nursing home chief warns
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 13, 2021
OXON HILL, MD — Federal regulators are expecting nursing homes to do more to “maximize visitation,” according to a top official at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Providers’ best chances in federal budget talks lie with funding for infection prevention, staffing:...
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 13, 2021
OXON HILL, MD — Long-term care interests are clearly down the priority line in federal budget negotiators, one of the industry’s top lobbyists noted Tuesday, but several key topics also have earned...