When the rules change, not everyone wins: Counting IC deficiencies in Five-Star
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 05, 2021
Do you remember how, as you were growing up, there was always another kid who would change the rules mid-game to ensure that he won? I do, and it would always make my blood boil. The Centers for Medicare...
Nursing home penalties may rise in wake of AARP lawsuit alleging ‘weak’ CMS enforcement, endangered...
By
Danielle Brown
Jan 20, 2021
Nursing home operators should be on high alert for potential rule changes regarding civil monetary penalties after a lawsuit was filed against federal health agencies Sunday that targets a 2017 rule that...
CMS details 5 new scenarios that trigger infection control-focused surveys
By
Danielle Brown
Jan 06, 2021
Multiple weeks with new coronavirus cases or low staffing are among the additional scenarios that will trigger a focused infection control survey at a nursing home, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...
CMS: Calculations for nursing home inspection ratings will resume in late January
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 07, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will resume calculating nursing homes’ health inspection ratings starting on Jan. 27, 2021, the agency announced in a memo Friday.
Thanksgiving heartburn in store? CMS may release final rule on Medicare Part B therapy cuts this week
By
Liza Berger
Nov 23, 2020
There may be more awaiting long-term care providers this week than meals of turkey, stuffing and mashed potatoes. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services may release its final rule regarding cuts...
Regular surveys resume at nursing homes, but CMS treads carefully with enforcement penalties
By
Danielle Brown
Nov 20, 2020
State survey agencies have already begun to resume regular survey activities at nursing homes across the country, according to a top Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services official.
1 in 8 nursing home workers have completed COVID-19 training program, CMS says
By
Danielle Brown
Nov 18, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is calling for more nursing home staff members to complete its new training program designed to help stop the spread of COVID-19.
Relaxed regulations lead to spike in telehealth use, nursing homes report
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 12, 2020
Continued telehealth expansion under Medicare will be good for residents’ well-being, and may help administrators keep pace with other healthcare sectors, according to the Columbia University School...
CMS on holidays: No get-togethers, full guidance may be forthcoming
By
Liza Berger
Nov 06, 2020
Lest you think Thanksgiving will be a time to soften some COVID-19 restrictions for residents, think again.
CMS: A quarter of Medicare recipients skipped needed healthcare during pandemic
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 21, 2020
Fully 21% of beneficiaries have forgone needed healthcare for something other than COVID-19. Nearly half say they did not want to risk being at a medical facility, according to CMS.