Five-star nursing home rating system kicks off with controversy
Dec 18, 2008
The head of one provider organization reacted negatively Wednesday to the way the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has handled the launch of a new five-star rating system for nursing homes. The...
New England nursing homes well-equipped for ice storm
Dec 16, 2008
More than four days after a massive ice storm devastated much of the Northeast, nursing homes have emerged from the disaster relatively unscathed.
Daschle gets official nod for HHS appointment
Dec 12, 2008
President-elect Barack Obama at a press conference Thursday formally announced former Senate Majority Leader Tom Daschle as his pick for secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Sweeping legislation attacks long-term care workforce shortage
Dec 11, 2008
An extensive new bill introduced Wednesday by Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI), chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Aging, addresses the workforce crisis. It would provide funding and expand training in geriatrics...
Healthcare on agenda for Obama administration, Congress next month
Dec 09, 2008
Healthcare, including a stimulus package with Medicaid funding, is expected to be a high priority for President-elect Barack Obama and Congress come January.
CMS forum to address ‘five-star’ rating system for nursing homes
Dec 09, 2008
The new “five-star” rating system for nursing homes will be a topic of discussion at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ “Open Door Forum” this Thursday.
Major new Medicaid rule exempts nursing home residents
Dec 04, 2008
A major new Medicaid regulation gives states “unprecedented flexibility” in configuring their Medicaid programs. Exempted from the rule are nursing home residents, Medicare beneficiaries and...
CMS reminds Medicare Part D providers of obligations to nursing home residents
Dec 03, 2008
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently reminded Medicare Part D plan providers of their duty to provide convenient access to network pharmacies for long-term care residents.
Nursing home suicide rates have not improved in 15 years
Nov 24, 2008
While instances of suicide among community-dwelling seniors have fallen in recent years, the same has not been true for long-term care residents, according to a recent study.
Baucus’s healthcare plan would direct funds away from nursing homes
Nov 13, 2008
Sen. Max Baucus (D-MT) on Wednesday unveiled his plan for universal healthcare coverage. The plan emphasizes restructuring long-term care.