For Texas operators, a proposal that might not be as appealing as it sounds
By
John O'Connor
Dec 19, 2014
At first blush, providers in other states might feel a bit envious about a proposal being floated in Texas. But they might want to reconsider.
Expanded surveys will focus on staffing, MDS coding
By
Tim Mullaney
Nov 04, 2014
Special surveys to determine Minimum Data Set coding accuracy and nursing home staffing levels will occur nationwide in 2015, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced in an Oct. 31 memorandum....
The fault in our (5) stars
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Sep 19, 2014
So, let me start off by saying that I am sure a lot of us have our own rating systems. For example, my sisters and I have a tissue-box rating system for tearjerker books and movies. The book the “Fault...
Four reasons why states need to stop inspecting nursing facilities
By
John O'Connor
Aug 08, 2014
What if every state had its own language, currency and traffic signals? Life could get a lot more complicated once you ventured into another jurisdiction.
States can designate more nursing homes in urgent need of quality improvement, government says
By
Tim Mullaney
Apr 22, 2014
The federal government is reactivating the special focus facility program for nursing homes with quality issues, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has announced. The program was minimized due...
Two weeks until McKnight’s Online Expo
Mar 19, 2014
MDS 3.0, wound care, technology, capital and surveys will all be covered at the 8th Annual McKnight’s Online Expo on March 26 and 27. Participants can earn up to 5 CE credits.
Eighth annual McKnight’s Online Expo to kick off March 26
By
Tim Mullaney
Feb 19, 2014
For the eighth year, the McKnight’s Online Expo is set to deliver practical, timely information to long-term care providers at an unbeatable price point. The 2014 Expo, taking place March 26 and...
Sprinkler system citations now in effect
By
Tim Mullaney
Oct 01, 2013
Nursing homes without a full sprinkler system installed and functioning are now subject to deficiency citations, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
CMS issues guidance on survey timing for facilities that change ownership
By
Tim Mullaney
Sep 10, 2013
Surveyors should prevent providers from being able to game the Medicare system through well-timed facility sales and purchases, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services instructed in a recent memorandum.
Practice makes perfect for state surveyor visits
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jun 13, 2013
A visit from state surveyors should be seen as a chance to “put on a show,” a long-term care expert says.