How to solve the COVID-19 crisis in long-term care? Reform the system for one, AMDA advises
By
Liza Berger
Jul 20, 2020
To improve the coronavirus problem in nursing homes, federal policy must be proactive, not reactive, and supportive, not punitive. So say managing physicians in nursing facilities. In “Solving...
Verma: Feds to prioritize nursing homes with three or more COVID-19 cases for point-of-care tests
By
Liza Berger
Danielle Brown
Jul 15, 2020
The federal government will prioritize nursing homes with three or more coronavirus cases during the initial distribution of point-of-care COVID-19 tests.
HHS now requires more lab data on who’s being tested for coronavirus
By
Liza Berger
Jun 09, 2020
Labs that conduct coronavirus testing now need to provide additional information to the Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose is to better monitor disease incidence and ultimately target...
Expert urges providers to show extra legal vigilance in COVID era
By
Liza Berger
Jan 08, 2021
A top legal adviser is cautioning skilled nursing providers to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to the latest guidance and regulations during the national public health emergency, when the threat of...
Righteous COVID-19 indignation
By
Liza Berger
Apr 22, 2020
Outrage. That is the only word that comes to mind to adequately explain the devolving situation that has occurred for nursing home providers as a result of the novel coronavirus.
Webinar on Sept. 30 targets staff turnover solutions
By
Liza Berger
Sep 14, 2020
It’s not easy to retain long-term care staff. The pandemic has exacerbated the problem. A webinar to take place Wednesday, Sept. 30, at 1 p.m. ET, will discuss a range of tactics to improve retention....
‘Big, big changes’ coming to nursing home regulation thanks to pandemic’s destruction, Grabowski...
By
Liza Berger
Nov 16, 2020
Because of the devastation COVID-19 has wrought on nursing homes, regulatory changes likely are coming, according to a highly respected long-term care researcher.
Star rating system: Expedia for nursing homes?
By
Liza Berger
Jun 20, 2008
Yes, you too could be the Four Seasons of nursing homes. As we all know by now, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to create a five-star quality rating system for facilities (see stories...
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.