His passion is LTC policy and funding, thank goodness
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 11, 2016
There is an unusually strong fire in Doug Burr that keeps him going, and for this, long-term care providers everywhere should be thankful.
CMS call will discuss NOTICE Act requirements
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 17, 2015
Long-term care providers might want to dial in to a conference call Monday that will discuss requirements of hospitals and other providers under the NOTICE Act.
PharMerica, Kindred settle kickback suit
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 05, 2015
Federal regulators were combing through out-of-court agreements at press time to discern whether settlement terms reached by PharMerica Corp. and Kindred Healthcare would pass regulatory muster.
Prohibit binding arbitration entirely? CMS was tempted
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 04, 2015
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is toughening its stance on the use of binding arbitration agreements for nursing home residents and their families. But the agency isn’t being as tough...
Conference for the ages develops personal touch
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 05, 2015
When President Obama took the podium on the morning of July 13, he thrust aging and long-term care into a reinvigorated spotlight.
Beyond the 403-page elephant in the room
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 15, 2015
Civics class was in full session Monday, when long-term care providers received a summer reading assignment that should keep them busy — and anxiety-ridden — for many days to come. But, hey, at least...
Campaign to archive dementia love stories stumbles
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 03, 2015
Jane Youell appeared to have hit the jackpot with her timing, but now that’s exactly what she still needs: a financial jackpot. The British researcher is attempting to build a first-ever love-and-dementia...
CVS purchase of Omnicare to bring severe teeth gnashing
By
James M. Berklan
May 28, 2015
It’s an odd thing to see the king of the jungle become the hunted instead of the hunter. But now that the smoke has started to clear from last week’s announcement that pharmacy giant CVS will...
Providers suffering Medicare appeals backlog — at their own hand?
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 29, 2015
If providers were charged a fee for challenging Recovery Audit Contractor findings, there wouldn’t be the current overwhelming backlog of Medicare appeals, says the administration — and, surprise,...
Alarming headline about safety gives incomplete picture
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 16, 2015
Curse the headline writers, for they sometimes don’t do stories justice. The nursing home profession knows this as well as anyone.