BREAKING: CMS granting more nurse aide training flexibility
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 30, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has revised guidance for a temporary nurse aide training program that has threatened many individuals’ ability to come into compliance by an Oct. 7 deadline.
Profile —Architect of change: Mary Jane Koren, M.D., Vice President, The Commonwealth Fund
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 06, 2007
Mary Jane Koren has always taken pride in being creative. Inventiveness has driven everything she’s done, who she’s worked with and what causes she has advanced. But there is no question what...
BREAKING: CMS vaccine mandate upheld
By
Kimberly Marselas
James M. Berklan
Jan 13, 2022
A vaccine requirement for staff at all U.S. nursing homes and other federally funded healthcare facilities can proceed, the Supreme Court said in a 5-4 decision Thursday afternoon.
More pain ahead for big providers?
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 23, 2016
Take it from a guy who’s experienced the ups and downs of being, shall we say, not normally sized throughout life. There are definitely times when you prefer to be larger than others, and then there...
EXCLUSIVE EXCERPT: Larry Minnix’s 12 secrets to successful aging
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 29, 2018
Retired LeadingAge President and CEO Larry Minnix has published his first book, an inspirational self-help volume for people of all walks of life, “Hallowed Ground: Stories of Successful Aging.” Reprinted...
DOJ’s new nursing home initiative opens with a threatening bang
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 03, 2020
Today’s column can be filed under the “Be careful what you ask for” category. If you have been tired of Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Seema Verma playing the smiling “We’re...
Not time to pull the plug on hospital readmissions program … yet
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 21, 2015
It’s hard to sit on one’s hands when caregiving issues are in play. Yet, that’s exactly what I’d recommend with regard to at least one initiative aimed at lowering hospital readmissions.
Who will learn? Long-term care’s next great plan
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 12, 2018
Liable to get lost among today’s other exciting news, is a story that can make long-term care workforces better in every way. Don’t let it pass you by.
News Analysis: Disasters teach again — prep even more
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 30, 2005
‘Plan B’ may be the most important tool in planning for catastrophes. If history serves as any guide, there will be many lessons learned about emergency planning in the wake of hurricane season...
[UPDATED] BREAKING: CMS proposes 4.1 percent nursing homes pay boost; staffing minimum not addressed
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 29, 2024
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Thursday proposed a 4.1% pay increase for nursing homes in fiscal 2025 but declined to issue an update on its staffing minimum proposal as part of its annual...