The release of President Obama’s healthcare reform proposal couldn’t have come at a better time. The American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging is holding its advocacy conference...
The healthcare reform roller coaster
By
Liza Berger
Mar 16, 2010
This week and next will largely determine the fate of healthcare reform. Of course, we in the media have been offering variations on that theme a lot during the past year.
A big night for healthcare reform
By
Liza Berger
Mar 22, 2010
Sunday evening marked the turning point for the passage of healthcare reform. After the turmoil of the past year, you almost have to pinch yourself to believe it.
Action-packed 2010 awaits nursing homes
By
Liza Berger
Dec 31, 2009
Ah, the New Year. As much as many of us try to downplay it, the holiday carries an undeniable host of expectations. While I can’t pretend I know how to read tea leaves, my prediction is that the...
A new fight over healthcare reform
By
Liza Berger
Nov 04, 2010
One of the highlights of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging conference came near the end—during a panel discussion about the impact of midterm elections on healthcare reform.
Tough love
By
Liza Berger
Feb 08, 2008
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is getting tough with its Medicare contractors, Quality Improvement Organizations. This week, CMS released its 9th Statement of Work. The three-year contract,...
Congress improves its writing skills
By
Liza Berger
Sep 29, 2010
It sounds like a set-up for a punch line. The Senate this week passed the Plain Writing Act of 2010. Plain Writing Act? So what do we have now? Inscrutable, government-speak?
Labor unification could be positive for immigration reform
By
Liza Berger
Apr 14, 2009
A major development is afoot in the labor movement, and it could have interesting implications for long-term care. I’m talking about American unions’ recent plans to unify. In case you haven’t heard,...
Saying ‘yes’ to nursing homes and ‘no’ to healthcare reform
By
Liza Berger
Jun 11, 2010
Some of nursing homes’ heartiest advocates on Capitol Hill are against the healthcare reform law. Three such lawmakers addressed members at the American Health Care Association’s annual briefing...
Workers, get your flu shots
By
Liza Berger
Sep 01, 2009
This week, an infection control group issued a new, more urgent message about employee vaccinations: Facilities should require flu vaccinations for workers with direct contact with patients. And employees...