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.
The 2015 McKnight’s Online Expo is here
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 04, 2015
9th annual ‘virtual’ tradeshow makes it easy to earn continuing education credits, learn from national experts, visit vendor booths and get up to speed on the profession’s hottest topics
Officials: More additions and rebasings of nursing home ratings to come
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 23, 2015
Nearly one-third of the nation’s skilled nursing facilities lost a rating star due purely to administrative changes Friday, when regulators also emphasized that more quality measures will be added...
Supervisor let resident die, covered it up, state charges
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 01, 2014
A nursing home supervisor in New York allegedly failed to administer CPR or direct staff members to do so, criminally allowing a resident to die, the state attorney general’s office has charged.
A ‘special’ feeling that no provider wants to have
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 01, 2014
As spring blends into summer, some nursing home operators are going to start feeling more heat. The federal government is moving to reclaim some form of “normalcy” after sequestration cuts...
CMS wants tighter oversight for Medicare prescriptions
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 01, 2014
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has seen enough and wants to gain more control over drug-prescribing practices for the Medicare Part D program.
Painkiller distribution could be curtailed
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 02, 2013
An advisory panel has recommended making it more difficult for long-term care residents and others to receive certain painkillers. Providers criticize the proposal, saying it could leave seniors suffering...
Stereotypes predict the odds of rehab success
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 01, 2013
If you’re like me, you’re a big believer in the saying “Attitude determines altitude.” Eldercare professionals should have this embedded in their minds — for their good and the...
‘Found’ funds earn a rebuke
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 01, 2012
A former top regulator scolded long-term care lobbyists before a crowd of nearly 2,000 influential investors and providers recently.