Report details new CMS quality improvement indicator tool
May 10, 2011
Quality Indicator Survey inspectors are beginning to use new software that works with personal tablet computers during their nursing home visits, according to a new Government Accountability Office report.
Obama Medicaid rule would discourage provider reimbursement cuts
May 04, 2011
The Obama administration has proposed a rule that would make it harder for states to reduce Medicaid payments to nursing homes, doctors and hospitals. The rule would help federal and state officials implement...
Providers grapple with CMS ‘rule’
By
James M. Berklan
May 03, 2011
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has a lot of long-term care providers shaking their heads. They’re not sure they heard one of CMS’s latest proposed rules right.
What we have here is a failure to capitulate
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 08, 2011
The saga of Donald Berwick as administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services took an interesting, if not sadly predictable, turn last week. Opponents of his patron, President Obama, called...
New rule would crack down on payments for facility-acquired ‘conditions’
Feb 18, 2011
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Wednesday proposed a new rule that would deny states federal money—of any amount—to help cover costs associated with adverse hospital-acquired conditions.
Providers to sound off about CMS survey and certification process
Apr 30, 2010
Nursing home operators have a golden opportunity to let federal regulators know their feelings on new healthcare reform provisions that will take effect soon. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services...
CMS proposes physician Medicare payment rate cut in 2010
Jul 02, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Wednesday proposed reducing Medicare payment rates for physicians by 21.5% in calendar year 2010. It also disclosed other physician payment reforms as part...
CMS nursing home guidance focuses on resident quality of life, environment and choice
Jun 22, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Friday issued new guidance for nursing home surveyors emphasizing the importance of resident quality of life and homelike environments.
Healthcare officials eliminate nursing home assessment protocols
May 29, 2009
It’s a wrap on RAPs. Resident Assessment Protocols (RAPs) will be eliminated under a new assessment regimen in development, an official with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced...
New law eliminates fines for nursing homes that fix problems
May 29, 2009
Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D) this week enacted a law that eliminates fines against nursing homes that identify and correct health and safety issues on their own accord. The law sets out new rules and guidelines...