Editor’s desk: Stars losing their luster for ‘punished’ providers
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 06, 2015
One gets the feeling that federal regulators, no matter how proper the official talk went, took a bit of pleasure in sending a message to providers when recently rebasing their star ratings.
Nursing home residents are allowed to designate organizations as authorized representatives for Medicaid...
By
Tim Mullaney
Jul 16, 2013
In the final rule, CMS confirmed that organizations may serve as representatives, specifically citing the needs of nursing home residents who do not have family available for assistance. The rule also...
Antipsychotic drug use correlated to staffing levels
By
McKnight's Staff
May 01, 2012
While antipsychotic drug use overuse has decreased since 2005, nearly a quarter of U.S. nursing homes are still giving many residents the medications against recommendations, a Boston Globe analysis reveals.
More hospice info wanted
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 01, 2013
Federal regulators have added another layer of bureaucracy for hospice providers operating within skilled nursing facilities.
BREAKING: Feds: Nursing homes must test staff, offer residents COVID-19 testing under new rules
By
James M. Berklan
Danielle Brown
Aug 25, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced sweeping regulatory changes Tuesday afternoon for nursing homes and other providers dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks.
Berwick’s remarks offer insight into his healthcare worldview
By
Liza Berger
Nov 19, 2010
Dr. Donald Berwick of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may not have said enough to satisfy some members of the Senate Finance Committee on Wednesday, but he arguably presented some pretty defined...
Quality measures needed to evaluate end-of-life care in nursing homes, study urges
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 17, 2012
As the number of people who choose nursing homes for end-of-life care continues to rise, more quality measures are needed to help consumers judge quality, a new study recommends.
CMS announces new bundled payment initiative for Medicare providers
Aug 24, 2011
A new initiative under the Affordable Care Act will provide bundled payments to healthcare providers — including post-acute facilities — to improve the coordination of care of Medicare beneficiaries...
CMS to host call next month on RUG-IV transition for skilled nursing facilities
Jul 16, 2010
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Aug. 24 will host a conference call on the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) Resource Utilization Group-Version 4 (RUG-IV).
A vacancy that needed filling
By
Liza Berger
Jul 07, 2010
President Obama has made another recess appointment—this one with big implications for long-term care.