Coronavirus rates drop 96% in nursing homes, but some see first-ever cases in new year
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 31, 2021
More than 430 nursing homes saw their first-ever COVID cases in early 2021, evidence that continued infection control measures are needed, and despite phenomenal declines in facility rates, says the U.S....
Therapy relief, but also plenty of provider concerns with newly published CMS payment rule
By
Marty Stempniak
Jul 30, 2018
The federal government is delivering relief to therapy providers from a burdensome and long-running rule, but also causing concern for skilled care providers
Omicron renders Pfizer vaccine less effective; variant surge to hit U.S. by January
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 15, 2021
The vaccine is less able to prevent infection, but retains 70% protection against hospitalization, a new study shows. The news comes as federal health officials warn that omicron is spreading rapidly in...
COVID vaccine protection drops by 80 percent in 6 months among nursing home residents: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 03, 2021
Vaccinated staff members had a similar six-month decrease in immunity levels, investigators say. The data may support recommendations for vaccine booster shots, they contend.
Medical director shares wins, challenges of nursing home’s pandemic response
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 23, 2020
Once described as the epicenter of West Virginia’s COVID-19 outbreak, a 100-bed facility gained control of its infection and mortality rate. A new study details its most helpful strategies — and biggest...
The hospital lobby strikes again with the ‘60% Rule’
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 08, 2008
If you haven’t noticed by now, the ballyhooed “75% Rule” has been laid to rest. Long live the “60% Rule”!
Ultra High therapy billing prompts investigation, CMS says
By
Mar 10, 2016
Concerns over skilled nursing facility residents receiving the highest levels of therapy in huge amounts have driven the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to turn the issue over to recovery audit...
OSHA accepting new comments on healthcare worker COVID-19 protection rule
By
Lois A. Bowers
Mar 23, 2022
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is accepting additional comments as it establishes a final rule meant to protect long-term care workers and other healthcare providers from exposure to...
CMS expected to order COVID-19 reporting; nursing home deaths surpass 3,600
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 14, 2020
The Trump administration could soon require nursing homes to report all confirmed coronavirus cases to residents, their families and staff members.
Lawmakers suspect Kindred of misspending public funds before closures at LTC facilities
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 17, 2018
A group of state legislators is asking Massachusetts’ attorney general to investigate Kindred Healthcare’s plans to close four nursing homes and an assisted living facility in and around Boston,...