Providers support state’s flexible, incentive-laden staffing mandate but CMS may soon make it moot
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Feb 21, 2023
Nursing home advocates and observers say Virginia’s staffing mandate adequately melds direct care hours with financial incentives for facilities and punitive flexibility by state regulators.
In the quest for Medicare patients, Yelp stars outshine Care Compare
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Sep 22, 2023
More consumers are turning to social media review platforms to help choose a nursing home for family members, but the reviews can be skewed by anecdotal and personal evidence, a new study shows.
US health chief: COVID vaccinations up at nursing homes but egregious lapses exist
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Jan 19, 2023
The top US health official on Wednesday complimented nursing homes’ efforts to boost COVID-19 vaccination rates over the last two months, but he also made it clear that conditions must continue to improve.
Concerns continue after CMS delays staffing rule unveiling
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 07, 2023
Skilled nursing providers who had readied themselves for the unveiling of a national staffing mandate as part of the 2024 pay rule were left reading the tea leaves this week after federal regulators delayed...
Aging committee chair delivers another broadside about nursing home surveys
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Jul 28, 2023
A powerful US senator is bringing added firepower in his quest to fix what he sees as major issues with state surveys of nursing homes. It’s an effort that had one leading advocate channeling Alanis...
Advocates warn against overly restrictive prescribing rules for nursing home, hospice patients
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Apr 05, 2023
Warning that patients could otherwise be left in pain, LeadingAge has formally asked the US Drug Enforcement Agency to ensure nursing home, hospice and palliative care patients have continued access to...
‘Killer nurse’ fallout: Nursing homes likely to take the blame even if they did ‘everything right’
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Nov 06, 2023
An “angel of mercy” nurse who saw herself as putting patients out of their misery by hastening their deaths further damages the already fragile reputation of nursing homes, a long-time nursing director...
New Supreme Court term has major implications for long-term care
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Oct 05, 2023
Three cases before the US Supreme Court this term could have significant repercussions for the long-term care sector, including how much authority federal agencies have to create and enforce regulations...
Sheila M. Davis is, by numerous measures, an exemplary employee and motivator. She also is, according to close colleagues, knowledgeable in “all things regulatory.”
DEA appears ready to allow some providers expanded telehealth prescribing rights
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Aug 09, 2023
The US Drug Enforcement Agency will consider relaxing its rules on prescribing controlled substances via telehealth appointments, a move that could ease concerns of long-term care providers administering...