Camera policies held up by privacy, litigation concerns
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 06, 2016
In the battle of pros and cons for placing cameras in resident rooms, the potential negative legal and privacy implications are winning out with most providers, new research shows.
Cases subject to escrow
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 01, 2013
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.
Hospices earning high scores on newly released ratings
By
Sep 06, 2017
Hospice providers are showing impressive scores on the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ new Hospice Compare website — but those high grades have led some to question the site’s efficacy.
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.
Transport rates for portable X-rays in peril for 11 states
By
Liza Berger
Feb 02, 2020
Nursing home providers in 11 states and Washington, D.C., may have to send more residents to the hospital to undergo X-rays, if a change from a Medicare Administrative Contractor goes into effect this...
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.