You have to wonder who is making some of the calls at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services—because they don’t seem altogether consistent. While some decisions are spot on, others leave you...
Healthcare system (finally) pays long-term care notice
By
Liza Berger
Mar 04, 2009
It looks like long-term care is finally getting a seat at the table—the healthcare reform table, that is. That was apparent from the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging’s hearing today. The hearing...
Unions: good or bad? Discuss amongst yourselves
By
Liza Berger
Feb 26, 2009
Unions have been a hot topic—both in Washington and at McKnight’s.com. If you don’t believe me on the latter, see our recent story about a merger among three nursing unions. Click here to read the...
Economic stimulus package still in the works
By
Liza Berger
Feb 10, 2009
It’s not over yet. The Senate managed to pass a $838 billion dollar stimulus bill today. But before it can become law the House and Senate have to iron out their differences—and not just the price...
Daschle withdrawal could hold up healthcare reform efforts
By
Liza Berger
Feb 03, 2009
A wrench was thrown into President Obama’s healthcare reform goals today after Tom Daschle withdrew his nomination for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. It was presumably over...
Stimulus package ‘so far so good’ for nursing homes
By
Liza Berger
Jan 27, 2009
OK, so it’s my birthday. Perhaps it’s because of all the attention (and presents) I’ve been getting, but I sense some good things on the horizon—at least in Washington. I’m speaking specifically...
IT with a human touch
By
Liza Berger
Jan 01, 2009
Majd Alwan, Director, Center for Aging Services Technologies
Rough economy hits Erickson
By
Liza Berger
Jan 09, 2009
Well, it seems we are in a financial crisis. I know I’m in the news business and should be up on these things. You might agree, though, that economic trends are hard to grasp unless you’ve felt them...
A ‘promising’ new year
By
Liza Berger
Jan 06, 2009
It’s the New Year, otherwise known as resolution time—the season to hit the gym five days a week, read more books and be nicer to your mother-in-law. At least until the end of January, that is. Since...
Five-star fiasco
By
Liza Berger
Dec 18, 2008
What do nursing homes want for Christmas? Something that they are unlikely to receive: a new five-star rating system. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services presented them with a most unwelcome holiday...