The heightened requirement for data-driven discharge planning
By
Steven Littlehale
Jul 20, 2016
It’s fascinating to observe the evolution of business processes regarding transitions of care.
Final rule for joint replacement: Don’t come unhinged!
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 20, 2016
The first mandatory bundled payment program was set into motion with the publication of the Final Rule on Comprehensive Care for Lower Extremity Joint Replacement (CJR). The implementation date is now...
Ready Set: QAPI!
By
Steven Littlehale
Nov 05, 2012
Nursing facilities must submit written QAPI plans to CMS one year after promulgation of the regulation. This regulation will be in addition to current QAA standards.
How good does your data need to be?
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 29, 2018
It’s a loaded question: How good does your data need to be? If we’re honest with ourselves, we must admit that we’re not perfect. Nor are the systems we create to help minimize error...
When technology fails us: ‘We talk’
By
Steven Littlehale
Dec 19, 2016
Driving my Grandma to one of her favorite restaurants to celebrate a significant birthday (she prefers that I don’t specify which) offered me an important lesson in communication.
Be thankful … for QAPI details?!
By
Steven Littlehale
Nov 25, 2015
t’s the time of year when we reflect and give thanks. With all the rapid changes in post-acute care, providers can be thankful for the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement regulations detailed...
Multistate corporations, listen up!
By
Steven Littlehale
May 30, 2014
It is not a numbers game. Well, I guess it kind of is. Let’s face it: It is now common practice to monitor your facilities’ Five Star ratings.
Back to before census
By
Steven Littlehale
Dec 10, 2021
One of my favorite lyrics from the musical “Ragtime” is “We can never go back to before.” The character Mother sings about no longer being a slave to societal expectations; she is confident, moving...
The nurse guilt Is unbearable
By
Steven Littlehale
May 04, 2020
Amid a deep bout of “nurse guilt,” I feel like I should be doing more.
Residents with cognitive impairment don’t feel pain
By
Steven Littlehale
May 19, 2017
Please, someone tell me why we are still challenged with identifying and treating pain in the elderly, particularly those with dementia.