It’s not perfect, but the $856 billion, 10-year bill released today cuts nursing homes some slack. To be specific, the bill, which was released by the Senate Finance Committee, would not reduce the...
Healthcare to miss Kennedy
By
Liza Berger
Aug 26, 2009
Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), who died late Tuesday at 77, shepherded pivotal healthcare legislation through Congress. His best accomplishment may have been yet to come, according to the leader of a major...
Seniors take Medicare cuts seriously
By
Liza Berger
Aug 11, 2009
Lawmakers should have seen it coming. When they proposed cutting Medicare by the billions over the next decade they should have suspected that seniors would rise up to protest. And that’s exactly what...
Nonprofits laud move to start LTC benefits
By
Liza Berger
Dec 01, 2009
The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging was pleased the Senate included the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act in its healthcare package bill last month.
County COVID-19 rates will dictate staff testing frequency, new CMS guidance says
By
Liza Berger
Aug 27, 2020
Routine testing of staff now will be based on the level of COVID-19 activity in the community. That’s according to official new guidance released Wednesday in response to federal regulatory changes disclosed...
How to beat the COVID-19 staffing crisis? Communication, strong oversight
By
Liza Berger
Sep 25, 2020
The pandemic has hammered long-term care on numerous operational fronts, from testing the field’s infection control capabilities to depressing occupancy rates. One of the hardest-hit areas has been staffing.
CMS set to move on interim RUG-IV plan
By
Liza Berger
Sep 01, 2010
At press time, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services was preparing, to implement its interim Resource Utilization Group-Version 4 (RUG-IV) system Oct. 1.
Another state goes ‘on offense,’ orders universal COVID-19 testing
By
Liza Berger
Apr 30, 2020
Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan (R) took dramatic action in the COVID-19 battle in long-term care on Wednesday. He said he is requiring universal testing for all nursing homes and assisted living workers and...
Provider steps up to the plate
By
Liza Berger
May 06, 2020
COVID-19 has exposed the sensitive spots in senior care — understaffed facilities, lack of resources — but also the innovation that takes place each and every day. Whether it’s being creative...
Deadline for ‘McKnight’s’ Tech Awards submissions quickly approaching
By
Liza Berger
Jul 16, 2020
Have you implemented something unique with technology at your facility this year before or since COVID-19? If so, McKnight’s wants to know about it. The deadline to submit entries for McKnight’s...