Deadline for HITECH disclosure rule is now ‘fluid,’ federal official says
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 29, 2013
A controversial “accounting of disclosures” provision of the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act will probably not be finalized before the scheduled...
Safety commission weighs petitions for total bed-rail ban, seeks input
By
McKnight's Staff
Jun 05, 2013
The Consumer Product Safety Commission has merged two petitions calling for a total ban on adult bed rails and will accept comments on the matter through Aug. 5, according to an entry in Tuesday’s...
Senate takes up bill to improve Medicare audits, address RAC concerns
By
McKnight's Staff
May 28, 2013
A new Senate bill addresses provider concerns over the Medicare audit process, including the role of Recovery Audit Contractors. The House is also considering a version of the “Medicare Audit Improvement...
Republican senators question $20 million public relations campaign promoting the Affordable Care Act
By
McKnight's Staff
Jun 15, 2012
Republican lawmakers are angry that $20 million in preventive health funding was spent on a public relations campaign for the Affordable Care Act.
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.
Lawmakers threaten subpoena over Affordable Care Act PR campaign
By
McKnight's Staff
Oct 25, 2012
Republican members of the House Ways and Means Committee have threatened to subpoena federal health officials to gain access to public relations contracts related to the Affordable Care Act.
Combo therapy aids nutrition
By
McKnight's Staff
Apr 01, 2013
Memory training combined with a Montessori-based approach to daily living can improve nutrition and reduce depression among those with dementia, a study in the Journal of Advanced Nursing finds.
Nursing home aide can proceed with federal religious discrimination claim, judge rules
By
McKnight's Staff
Sep 07, 2012
A nursing home activities aide allegedly fired over refusing to pray the rosary with a Catholic resident can proceed with a religious discrimination claim, a federal district court ruled this week.
Medicare service providers cannot object to a Medicare Recovery Audit Contractor’s (RAC) decision to re-open a payment decision, a federal appeals court ruled Tuesday.
Medicare, Medicaid fight could take center stage after debt ceiling extension
By
McKnight's Staff
Jan 23, 2013
Medicare and Medicaid funds could face steep cuts in the House of Representatives’ 2014 budget. GOP congressional leaders have promised dramatic spending reductions to rally conservative support...