Not so fast: 10 states suing CMS over healthcare worker vax mandate
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 12, 2021
Despite many legal analysts’ view that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ healthcare worker vaccination mandate will clear legal muster, a group of 10 states have filed suit to stop it.
Ensign Group’s future ‘brighter than ever,’ growth-minded CEO says
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Aug 03, 2022
After picking up 11 new skilled nursing facilities and restoring occupancy at several others in its extensive holdings, the Ensign Group’s future is “brighter than ever,” CEO Barry Port said on a...
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...
Providers demand piece of COVID-19 stimulus pie; ‘We’re in a recession,’ economist declares
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 20, 2020
The leader of the nation’s largest nursing home association is calling out federal lawmakers to give long-term care providers a significant portion of coronavirus relief funding. The demand came even...
Opt-in COVID vaccine program kicks off; Feds partner with CVS, Walgreens
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 19, 2020
Long-term care facilities nationwide can voluntarily opt in to a free pharmacy partnership program that will provide and administer future COVID-19 vaccines on site, federal officials announced Friday.
CMS to begin audits for schizophrenia coding, says citations will affect quality ratings
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 19, 2023
The agency will start auditing nursing homes this month to determine whether residents’ schizophrenia diagnoses are accurate and appropriately coded. A pattern of inaccurate coding may result in a quality...
CMS proposes 1.3% pay increase — with plenty of strings attached
By
Kimberly Marselas
Danielle Brown
Apr 09, 2021
A proposal that would boost Medicare payments to skilled nursing providers by 1.3% next fiscal year also could trigger additional reporting requirements and increase the potential for penalties.
CNA candidates ‘giving up’ as exam openings fail to keep pace with worker demand
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 27, 2022
Thousands of certified nurse aide candidates are struggling to find exam placements across the US, with many of them under a fast-approaching deadline to become certified before a four-month, temporary...
BREAKING: CMS finalizes 2.7% pay raise, two year phase-in for PDPM cuts
By
Danielle Brown
Jul 29, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Friday afternoon announced a finalized cut to nursing home Medicare pay rates for fiscal 2023.