Top SNF leaders see progress but warn of ‘no interest’ in joining workforce
By
Josh Henreckson
Mar 26, 2024
The long-term care sector is recovering well from the worst challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, optimistic top leaders said. But some problems that began during the pandemic have only worsened with time,...
Congress advisers back permanent telehealth expansions, look to nix in-person rule for behavioral telehealth...
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 12, 2024
Maintaining Medicare beneficiaries’ access to telehealth services, especially for behavioral health, must remain an initial priority over payment reform or quality measurement, members of a congressional...
Advocates work behind scenes to stop, reshape staffing rule as finalization nears
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 16, 2024
Several nursing home advocacy organizations have met with the White House Office of Management and Budget in recent days, angling to change the proposed minimum staffing rule that could be issued in final...
Ensign Group goes on buying spree as it reports yet another record quarter
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 02, 2024
The Ensign Group on Wednesday announced a sweeping package of deals that will kickstart growth in one market, expand its footprint in five others and make the company a player in a new post-acute segment.
Families press for nationwide ‘essential caregiver’ rights
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 18, 2024
More than four years after nearly all visitors were barred from US nursing homes amid a spreading pandemic, consumer advocates are pushing to enshrine permanent access for essential caregivers into federal...
White House promises staffing rule is near as Biden courts fresh attention for caregiving agenda
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 10, 2024
President Joe Biden said Tuesday his administration plans to finalize its nursing home staffing rule in “coming weeks,” just one element of a platform meant to transform caregiving for patients and...
Partnerships with pharmacists increasingly important for complex resident needs, care transitions: experts
By
Josh Henreckson
Apr 24, 2024
Building relationships and formal partnerships between long-term care providers and pharmacists is increasingly vital to managing resident care, experts said at a Moving Forward Nursing Home Quality Coalition...
OIG writing compliance guidebook to assist nursing home sector, hints at focus areas
By
Josh Henreckson
Apr 19, 2024
The federal government’s top watchdog is working on sector-specific guides to assist nursing homes in keeping in compliance with federal regulations. Particular attention will be given to some challenging...
Disadvantages, understaffing combine to ratchet up nursing homes’ antipsychotic reliance: study
By
Josh Henreckson
Apr 25, 2024
Nursing homes in disadvantaged neighborhoods are more likely to rely on antipsychotics, especially when understaffed, compared to those in more affluent areas, according to a new study in Jama Network...
Dwindled giant’s $18M settlement ‘a signal’ to SNF owners about ‘negligent’ care’
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 21, 2024
A chain of 19 nursing homes has agreed to continue allowing independent monitoring and could be forced to pay nearly $18 million to settle state charges that it understaffed facilities, neglected patient...