Medicare beneficiaries supportive of ACOs, despite rough start
By
McKnight's Staff
Jun 11, 2012
Despite a somewhat rocky start, Medicare beneficiaries have been supportive of accountable care organizations, a government official said.
CMS debuts antipsychotic drug reduction program
By
McKnight's Staff
May 30, 2012
Federal officials unveiled a medication reduction initiative with an ambitious goal: trimming antipsychotic drug use among residents by 15% this year. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’...
Obama pushes for Tavenner confirmation hearing
By
McKnight's Staff
May 24, 2012
The Obama Administration is pushing the Senate Democrats to hold a confirmation hearing for Marilyn Tavenner, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, according to news reports.
Five-Star insights: Will those stars ever illuminate your path?
By
Steven Littlehale
May 16, 2012
I recently asked a hospital discharge planner how she chooses which nursing home to discharge to. “Five-Star” was the reply. Was I surprised? Not at all. Once again, it demonstrates just how...
Survey expert provides insight on most common deficiencies
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 18, 2012
A nursing home survey expert gave providers a cheat sheet to the most common deficiencies — and how to avoid them — in the first McKnight’s Super Tuesday webcast of 2012.
Report: Nursing homes found to be lacking in preparation efforts for natural disaster
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 16, 2012
While most U.S. nursing homes have adequate written plans for managing natural disasters, many facilities have significant gaps in preparedness and response, a government report finds.
Will nursing homes be subcontractors to the stars?
By
John O'Connor
Apr 16, 2012
Nursing homes take care of 1.5 million residents each year. They pump more than $100 billion into the nation’s economy. In many communities, they are the largest source of jobs. But as far as the...
Failure to prepare for MDS updates in the next 10 days could be costly, expert warns
By
McKnight's Staff
Mar 21, 2012
If skilled nursing facilities are not prepared for the MDS 3.0 changes that will go into effect April 1, 2012, the consequences could be expensive, a top expert warned Wednesday.
Push to decrease antipsychotics use has only just begun
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 14, 2012
If you feel like you’ve been reading a lot about antipsychotics lately, you’re not alone.
DAY TWO at the 2012 MDS National Conference: Providers playing MDS catch-up before April 1
Mar 08, 2012
CMS officials were listening, and that was positive. Very positive.