Parkinson: Nursing homes ‘feel like we’ve been forgotten’ during COVID-19 crisis
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 10, 2020
Nursing homes, not hospitals, are the “front line” in the battle against COVID-19, and they desperately need help getting more protective masks and testing to halt the deadly spread of the novel coronavirus,...
Analysis: PPE costs increase over 1,000% during COVID-19 crisis
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 09, 2020
Skilled nursing facilities and assisted living centers treating COVID-19 patients have experienced a 1,064% increase in costs for required personal protective equipment since the deadly virus started its...
CT ‘heading for … disaster’ despite COVID-19 funding package
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 07, 2020
Although Connecticut’s governor is touting increased Medicaid payments for nursing homes, the leader of a state nursing home association says the “incredibly important step” by itself will not be...
Trump wants masks on all nursing home workers, temperature checks for all, and separate COVID-19 units
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 03, 2020
Jarred by the rapid spread of COVID-19 among fragile nursing home residents, the Trump administration on Thursday issued a new set of “critical recommendations” to operators and their governing entities.
Coronavirus highlights dedicated workforce
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 01, 2020
Perhaps providers haven’t let down their guard enough, but as of this writing, there hasn’t been panic whenever I’ve talked to them about coronavirus implications. Sure, there’s concern, but more...
The nation’s nursing homes are heading into the toughest days of the COVID-19 outbreak both underequipped and understaffed, according to results of a McKnight’s Long-Term Care News flash survey.
Next 4-6 weeks critical, top LTC leaders say in impressive debut
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 25, 2020
Long-term care associations are hitting it out of the park with innovations and free advice to providers during the novel coronavirus pandemic.
Feds’ ‘dramatic expansion’ of telehealth widens payment coverage; HIPAA rules are relaxed for COVID-19
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 18, 2020
The federal government removed Medicare restrictions for telehealth coverage nationwide Tuesday while also temporarily relaxing HIPAA obligations for providers. The latter opens the door for doctors’...
CMS guidance bans most visitors, communal dining at nursing homes over COVID-19
By
James M. Berklan
Danielle Brown
Mar 16, 2020
Nursing homes are being directed to restrict all visitor access from its facilities as the nation works to combat and limit the spread of COVID-19. The guidance received instant support from providers...
CMS ‘interested’ in patient satisfaction scores for nursing homes
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 22, 2020
Federal regulators say that nursing homes could eventually come to see patient satisfaction scores included in Five Star Quality Ratings and on the Nursing Home Compare website.