Vaccinations and health officials’ inconvenient truths
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 05, 2024
Twice in two weeks, the nation’s top health official has called providers on the carpet over concerns about COVID-19 vaccination rates in nursing homes. It wasn’t billed as a scolding session, but...
Helpful advice you might actually remember
By
John O'Connor
Dec 04, 2023
There was a lot of real wisdom for long-term care operators being shared during the fall shows. The advice was not only overwhelmingly accurate, but also remarkably relevant and beneficial.
A Medicare Advantage fix: What took so long?
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 12, 2024
Providers hoping that policy makers might some day show some backbone when dealing with Medicare Advantage plans can take heart. Well, at least a little.
Who’s easier to beat up on than nursing homes? No one
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 19, 2024
When historians look back on the 21st century, many lessons will be learned. Among them, the importance of maintaining a good reputation and image.
Unions to the rescue?
By
John O'Connor
Oct 16, 2023
Ben Franklin famously assured us life has two guarantees. They are higher taxes and death. If Ben were alive today and owned a nursing home, he’d probably add a third: Unions will ruin everything.
When judges play favorites
By
John O'Connor
Aug 27, 2023
The National Labor Relations Board gave skilled care operators another kick to the gut Friday.
Here’s what I predict
By
John O'Connor
Jan 08, 2024
What’s the problem with forecasting the days ahead for long-term care? I think Warren Buffet aptly summed up all you really need to know. “Forecasts may tell you a great deal about the forecaster;...
Not so fast with the LTC study scorn
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 13, 2023
Long-term care providers have a lot to be grateful for and, no, this isn’t an early start on a perfunctory Thanksgiving column.
One state seeks to return polish to star ratings. How long will the rest take?
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 27, 2024
More ratings, relationships and payment incentives are tied to nursing home data than ever before, but that data also appears to be harder than just about ever to collect in a timely manner.
No longer the CMS boss, Verma sounds more like provider friend than foe
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 03, 2023
Dwell on the past too much at your own peril, but providers could be forgiven if Seema Verma had them fondly looking back Wednesday.