Providers: Staffing rule a CMS ‘fairy tale’ that will ‘exacerbate’ nursing home access issue
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 23, 2024
Despite minor concessions in a staffing mandate issued Monday, many nursing home providers were shell-shocked by what they saw as federal regulators’ intractable stance on minimums at a time when nearly...
Providers warn of access issues as waivers near their end
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 08, 2022
Phasing out several COVID-related waivers, including one allowing temporary nurse aide training, over the next several weeks will further complicate workforce struggles, skilled nursing providers said...
Staffing for success: President Biden’s initiative and the call for holistic healthcare reform
By
Todd Walrath
Mar 06, 2024
The Biden-Harris Administration’s recent initiative to establish federal staffing standards in nursing homes marks a commendable step toward improving patient care. These standards, aiming to enhance...
Nursing homes reveal widespread emergency planning barriers in new OIG report
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 06, 2023
More than three-quarters of US nursing homes in areas at high risk for natural disasters face significant challenges in preparing for them, estimates a new federal report issued early Wednesday.
An unwelcome warning
By
Gary Tetz
Jul 27, 2023
While plodding a narrow, precipitous path high on the flank of Mt. Rainier this week, I saw a father and his young daughter approaching on the trail. She was an adorable child of maybe 4 or 5, all decked...
Governor steps into COVID vaccine mandate fray by targeting LTC workers
By
Danielle Brown
May 19, 2021
New Jersey long-term care workers could soon be mandated to receive COVID-19 vaccines under a directive from the state’s top official.
BREAKING: CMS granting more nurse aide training flexibility
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 30, 2022
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has revised guidance for a temporary nurse aide training program that has threatened many individuals’ ability to come into compliance by an Oct. 7 deadline.
MedPAC to recommend 3 percent skilled nursing cut to Congress
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 13, 2023
A Congressional advisory commission on Thursday recommended a 3% cut to Medicare base payments for skilled nursing facilities in 2024.
Providers plea for support after Trump nixes COVID-19 relief talks
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 08, 2020
President Trump’s abrupt decision to halt negotiations between his staff and federal lawmakers on another COVID-19 relief bill until after the election could mean doom for residents and workers at long-term...
Labor activity in long-term care may be poised for ‘enormous’ growth in 2024
By
Josh Henreckson
Dec 21, 2023
Heightened union activity frequently made headlines this year, including among healthcare workers who loudly raised concerns about pay and staffing.