Final rule reduces regulatory burden for long-term care facilities
By
McKnight's Staff
May 11, 2012
A new rule eases the regulatory burden on providers serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and has the potential to save the healthcare system $100 million in the first year.
Some Medicaid doctors to receive reimbursement rates that equal Medicare’s
By
McKnight's Staff
May 09, 2012
Physicians providing primary care services to Medicaid beneficiaries will see a federal payment increase to bring Medicaid payments in line with those of Medicare payments, government officials announced...
Federal investigation sought to determine source of prescription pain medication shortages
By
McKnight's Staff
May 08, 2012
Top U.S. lawmakers are concerned that overregulation of prescription pain medications is causing an inadvertent shortage of the controlled — and often necessary — controlled substances.
State unloads tens of thousands of respirators on long-term care providers
By
McKnight's Staff
May 07, 2012
Skilled nursing facilities in California will receive tens of thousands of N95 respirators, officials said Friday.
Number of physicians rising, but geriatrics continues to struggle
By
McKnight's Staff
May 04, 2012
Although the number of medical students is skyrocketing, healthcare officials say they are concerned whether enough future physicians will choose geriatrics or primary care.
Webcast to focus on facility-acquired infections, hospital readmissions
By
McKnight's Staff
May 01, 2012
Long-term care providers continually struggle with healthcare-associated infections (HAIs). They can find answers to the challenge at a McKnight’s no-cost webcast at 1 p.m. (Eastern) June 20. During...
Elder abuse bill pushed
By
McKnight's Staff
May 01, 2012
Lawmakers in Colorado are trying to change the fact that their state is one of only four that do not have mandatory reporting laws governing elder abuse. State Sen. Evie Hudak (D) introduced legislation...
Antipsychotic drug use correlated to staffing levels
By
McKnight's Staff
May 01, 2012
While antipsychotic drug use overuse has decreased since 2005, nearly a quarter of U.S. nursing homes are still giving many residents the medications against recommendations, a Boston Globe analysis reveals.
Respite care cuts create opportunity for nursing homes
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 30, 2012
Nursing homes could see an uptick in admissions as many states grapple with cuts to respite care services, recent reports suggest.
Measuring performance, coordinating care both crucial to lowering costs among the chronically ill, report...
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 30, 2012
The federal government should take advantage of Affordable Care Act funds to improve the coordination and quality of care for the chronically ill, a new report recommends.