Federal regulators have expanded the use of escrow accounts so that as of this month, providers will be subject to their use for any kind of deficiency from a standard or complaint survey that draws a...
Poll: IPAB best of options
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 02, 2011
In contrast to providers’ preference, more Americans want an independent payment board to make decisions about Medicare spending, rather than leaving the current system as is.
MDS insight found lacking
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 01, 2014
Long-term care staffers’ understanding of the Minimum Data Set and its Quality Indicators is “mediocre at best,” according to recent survey results. Lack of exposure and involvement are...
OIG to study contractors
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 01, 2012
A new federal work plan declares that even the Medicare contractors charged with keeping close tabs on long-term care facilities will be put under the microscope during fiscal 2013.
CMS wants burdens eased
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 01, 2013
Providers will have their say about the future of Medicare Administrative Contractors.
New testing mandates could cost up to $15K each week
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 01, 2020
Larger nursing homes could be on the hook for as much as another $15,000 per week to comply with newly announced COVID-19 testing requirements for staff members, LeadingAge warned in a mid-September report.
Feds offer more support for workers’ background checks
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 01, 2013
A federal agency is again offering to put its money where its mouth is when it comes to employee background checks for long-term care providers. All direct-care employees could potentially be affected.
Pay-for-performance test run yields mixed results: report
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 01, 2012
An Affordable Care Act provision testing pay-for-performance incentives faces an uncertain future after a federal demonstration program testing it has so far brought “disconcerting” results.
Measure would put an end to rule that bans CNA training
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 07, 2019
Providers and their lobbyists hailed moves in mid-February that they hope will bring an end to aide-training lockouts.
Surveyor testing mulled
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 01, 2020
Mandated COVID-19 testing for nursing home surveyors and ombudsmen was “under active consideration” by federal health officials, a top figure told providers in early October.