Worms may reveal insights into wound healing response
By
John O'Connor
Jan 03, 2012
California researchers may have found an unlikely key to unlocking the secrets of wound healing in humans: the roundworm.
Implementing Olmstead, one decade at a time
By
John O'Connor
Aug 26, 2013
I first began attending American Health Care Association shows in the 1990s. They tended to be lively events, but not for reasons that had much to do with educational sessions, networking or the goodies...
Better dementia-related info is needed for families: report
By
John O'Connor
May 01, 2014
Even with advance directives in place, family members making decisions for end-stage dementia patients struggle with the trajectory of the condition, suggests a small study out of Virginia Commonwealth...
Industry-backed report warns that cuts could hit $79 billion
By
John O'Connor
Sep 01, 2011
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently unveiled a Medicare plan that trims Medicare payments by 11.1%, beginning Oct. 1. But the real impact will be a $79 billion loss over the next decade,...
Rate hike will be only a part of the new Medicare reality
By
John O'Connor
Sep 01, 2014
Many providers are relieved that Medicare rates are slated to go up by 2% in the next fiscal year. After all, who wants to turn down $750 million, especially in a rate-cutting climate?
Putting quality to the test
By
John O'Connor
Mar 31, 2011
When it comes to embracing quality, long-term care operators are making great strides. Most seem to realize that many of the old ways of getting the job done don’t cut it anymore.
‘Persuader rule’ is rejected
By
John O'Connor
Aug 09, 2018
The Department of Labor has officially revoked a rule that requires employers to report whenever they seek assistance from consultants or lawyers to dissuade employees from joining unions.
AHCA’s Parkinson ‘cautiously optimistic,’ despite sequester and other looming fiscal...
By
John O'Connor
Mar 07, 2013
A newly enacted sequester may be trimming Medicare payments to skilled nursing operators, but the sector remains strong and poised for future growth. That assessment was delivered Wednesday by the head...
Facilities approach 15% goal for antipsychotics reduction
By
John O'Connor
Oct 01, 2013
For decades, many providers have viewed antipsychotic drugs as a necessary evil for treating residents with dementia. But increasingly, these medications are just being seen as evil. So it’s hardly...
SNFs can ask for a 3-month reprieve in quality reporting
By
John O'Connor
Sep 04, 2015
Skilled nursing facilities unable to provide data to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ new quality reporting program will have a 90-day window to request an exception or extension, officials...