Nursing home survey processes to be pared back, new MDS items added in 2024: CMS
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 07, 2023
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will be testing truncated survey processes starting in 2024, part of an effort to make on-site inspections more efficient as the agency deals with multiple...
Providers hail immigration bill that seeks to reissue visas to healthcare pros
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Nov 06, 2023
Providers are praising federal lawmakers who are trying again to push through immigration reform that would allow officials to recapture unused visas and reprocess them for nurses and other healthcare...
One step forward, one back as lawmakers increase role of LPNs, take back temp rate hike
By
Josh Henreckson
May 08, 2024
A week after the Minnesota Nursing Home Workforce Standards Board approved a $24 minimum wage for CNAs, a group of elected lawmakers fell short in their attempt to create exceptions and funding for “distressed”...
Nursing home fights for right to end temporary bonuses, avoid $369K payout
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 15, 2024
Can a nursing home end an emergency bonus program for unionized workers without negotiating after a contract has expired?
Why CMS is shifting its infection control focus to sepsis
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 11, 2024
BALTIMORE — Quality experts at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will be taking a closer look at sepsis rates in nursing homes while continuing broader efforts to improve infection control,...
Prime time to firm up those Women of Distinction Awards nominations
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 08, 2023
The nomination period for the 6th Annual McKnight’s Women of Distinction program is at its midpoint, a good reminder to pull together key materials soon if they haven’t been already, organizers remind.
Is Mom late on bills? Could be sign of dementia, report finds
By
Kristen Fischer
Jun 05, 2024
Older adults who fall behind on paying their bills may have early signs of dementia and be susceptible to further financial risks, according to a recent report.
Older adults in cancer clinical trials don’t have more ER, observational visits, data shows
By
Kristen Fischer
Jun 05, 2024
Older people in clinical trials for cancer didn’t have significantly more emergency room or observational visits compared to those not in trials, but they underwent more hospitalizations, according to...
First-ever drug can treat ‘bad cholesterol’ that statins miss
By
Kristen Fischer
Aug 29, 2023
A new drug called muvalaplin successfully lowers a genetic form of cholesterol that’s linked to higher risks of strokes and heart attacks, according to a new study published Monday in JAMA. It’s the...
Meet Kurt Merkelz, MD, 2024 McKnight’s Pinnacle Awards ‘Setting the Standard’ honoree
By
Jessica R. Towhey
May 09, 2024
Kurt Merkelz, MD, led the recent standardization of best practices throughout Compassus through the development of tools and procedures built into the organization’s interoperability platform. This effort...