For reasons that are understandable yet hard to countenance, antipsychotic drugs are widely used in nursing homes. Too often over-used, according to government statistics. But it’s beginning to look...
An emerging union challenge: ‘micro’ management
By
John O'Connor
Mar 27, 2015
The National Labor Relations Board’s willingness to let smaller groups of people form “micro unions” has many operators on edge.
MedPAC wants to put SNF Medicare claims to the test
By
John O'Connor
Apr 10, 2017
Skilled operators have been telling lawmakers and regulators that they are the cheapest post-acute care option out there, and it appears the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has not only heard the...
Readmission penalties could harm hospitals and SNFs
By
John O'Connor
Aug 24, 2012
Economic incentives – both good and bad – are a proven way to modify behavior. But what happens when an economic penalty is based on a dubious premise? Many hospitals may soon be forced to...
The truth can set you free — or put your long-term care facility out of business
By
John O'Connor
Jan 11, 2013
Journalists generally get all warm and tingly when previously guarded information becomes available. It must be in our DNA. So I should probably be cheering ProPublica’s announcement that the government...
Message from the White House: Don’t trust nursing homes
By
John O'Connor
Mar 08, 2013
Ever wonder how much regard the White House has for long-term care operators? A brief filed last week makes the answer abundantly clear: very little.
Proving that the ACA challenge can be met
By
John O'Connor
Dec 07, 2015
If there’s one question sure to put a provider on edge these days, it’s this: How do I transition my facility into the world of accountable care organizations? For those who want to see how...
3 bold predictions for the coming year in long-term care
By
John O'Connor
Jan 02, 2018
There’s nothing like a budding new year to awaken that urge in scribes to warn better-informed readers what to expect. It must be some kind of occupational hazard. So in the spirit of not always...
Where’s your next lawsuit coming from?
By
John O'Connor
May 22, 2015
If a recent survey of about 800 corporate attorneys is to be believed, there’s no shortage of things to lose sleep over.
Dangerous work with low pay, and we wonder why they leave?
By
John O'Connor
Jan 23, 2015
Researchers have concluded that workers are leaving the field in droves. The two main culprits: poor wages and dangerous work conditions.