Ask the legal expert… about the benefits of compliance programs
By
Norris Cunningham
Dec 07, 2023
Many in long-term care view compliance programs with skepticism. The Affordable Care Act requires that organizations have written compliance programs, including ethical standards, policies and procedures...
Ask the legal expert … about antipsychotic scrutiny
By
Norris Cunningham
Apr 10, 2023
Q: The use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes is already a publicly reported quality measure. Are we headed toward even more scrutiny? A: Yes, more scrutiny is coming. In February, the Department...
Ask the legal expert: What can we expect from a staffing minimum?
By
Norris Cunningham
Sep 11, 2022
Q: What can we expect out of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ intention to issue new guidance on minimum staffing measures for nursing homes?
Ask the legal expert: Can CMS increase financial penalties on nursing homes?
By
Norris Cunningham
Apr 01, 2022
Q: I read that the Biden Administration is seeking to increase financial penalties on nursing homes to catastrophic amounts. Can CMS really do this?
Ask the Legal Expert … about emergency preparedness
By
Norris Cunningham
May 03, 2023
I understand that state surveyors will begin focusing more on emergency preparedness. Why so much attention on this issue now?
Ask the legal expert … about generator audits
By
Norris Cunningham
Oct 10, 2023
I have been hearing about a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plan to audit generators in nursing homes. What more can you tell me?
Ask the legal expert … about a potential Medicaid audit
By
Norris Cunningham
Jan 25, 2023
I heard that the Office of Inspector General’s Work Plan for 2023 includes a CMS audit of Medicaid nursing facility use of funds related to direct patient care. Should I be concerned?
Ask the Legal Expert
By
Norris Cunningham
Dec 01, 2021
I heard about a recent case in Illinois federal court that allows residents to sue nursing homes for violations of residents’ rights. Should I be concerned about this?
Ask the legal expert: A break from surveys might feel good, but isn’t this extremely dangerous?
By
Norris Cunningham
May 01, 2022
Q: I understand state surveys of skilled nursing providers are incredibly backlogged. A break from surveys might feel good, but isn’t this extremely dangerous?
Ask the legal expert … about RN staffing
By
Norris Cunningham
Jun 09, 2023
Q: I‘ve read that increased staffing levels for registered nurses are positively associated with a higher quality of care in skilled nursing facilities. So why is there such resistance to requiring nursing...