New state staffing ratios unearth ‘grave’ concerns about vacant jobs, empty beds
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 24, 2023
Despite increased state funding that has allowed nursing homes to provide raises for existing staff and increase starting salaries, the number of Pennsylvania providers limiting census due to staffing...
Timing narrows on White House-led staffing rule; funding remains in question
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 10, 2023
A White House budget released Thursday proposes no new ways to recruit or pay for more nursing home workers, even as federal officials are expected to unveil a minimum staffing standard in coming weeks.
While regulators are working furiously to push through a comprehensive nursing home reform agenda backed by the Biden administration, providers remain concerned about an earlier change whose impact is...
Local vaccine mandates adding punishing pressure
By
Kimberly Marselas
Oct 14, 2021
Philadelphia is among several cities and states to adopt their own mandates ahead of federal rule for healthcare workers that is expected later this month. Fast-approaching deadlines may trigger an avalanche...
Experts urge providers: Start planning now to ensure extra shots of COVID-19 vaccines
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 21, 2021
Early this month, AMFM Nursing & Rehabilitation Centers celebrated the completion of second-round COVID-19 vaccinations at all 19 of its buildings — before many had even offered a first round and nearly...
With bankruptcies increasing, lawmakers look to regulate CCRC refund process
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jul 21, 2023
The bankruptcy filing of Illinois’ largest nonprofit life plan community has brought renewed attention to resident refunds, an issue already being targeted for reform by state lawmakers.
(Updated) CMS uncovers affiliated nursing homes with new ownership tools
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 29, 2023
Providers had a mixed response Wednesday afternoon to a new effort to create more public awareness of nursing home ownership, in particular when facilities share a parent organization.
Providers call for broader antipsychotic exclusions to help reduce schizophrenia diagnoses
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 31, 2023
Providers and quality experts are questioning why the agency hasn’t done more to review its quality measure for antipsychotic drug use.
Switch to new MDS platform underpins feds’ growing drive for nursing home data
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 18, 2023
Providers should view the change to the iQies system as just the first step in an ongoing process to make it easier for federal regulators to gather and evaluate nursing home statistics.
COVID-19 vaccine mandate deadlines push providers
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 17, 2022
With every state but Texas now covered by rules mandating when workers must be vaccinated against COVID-19, providers are facing increased urgency around ongoing vaccination campaigns.