CMS improperly paid $84M for skilled nursing services, government watchdog says
By
Marty Stempniak
Feb 21, 2019
The federal government likely overpaid about $84 million for improper skilled nursing services during a two-year period, according to a new report from the HHS Office of the Inspector General.
Feds target laggards in effort to reduce antipsychotic use
By
Marty Stempniak
Mar 15, 2019
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is targeting skilled care facilities that are not reducing residents’ antipsychotic use rates as quickly as the government would like.
Over-the-counter hearing aids will mean nursing homes must step up their audiology game, experts advise
By
Marty Stempniak
Jan 08, 2019
Nursing homes and other eldercare providers will need to bolster their offerings in audiology due to a recent federal law, an expert recommended this week.
Provider advocates say ‘abrupt’ changes to Nursing Home Compare are confusing consumers
By
Marty Stempniak
Apr 25, 2019
Industry trade groups slammed changes to Nursing Home Compare that went into effect on Wednesday, concerned that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is “moving the goalposts” for providers.
Penalty box: CMS official says moratorium on nursing home fines will end in May
By
Marty Stempniak
Mar 08, 2019
A long-running moratorium on monetary fines for nursing homes will expire in May, a top Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services official testified to federal officials Wednesday.
Nursing homes are underreporting the use of antipsychotics, a new study claims, but industry executives criticized researchers’ conclusions, citing the use of old data.
Feds issue new guidance on Immediate Jeopardy penalties on eve of Senate hearing exploring nursing home...
By
Marty Stempniak
Mar 06, 2019
With one of its top officials set to testify before the Senate today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services made a pre-emptive strike to show that it’s addressing nursing home safety concerns.
At Thanksgiving celebration, CNA shows up early, stays late
By
Marty Stempniak
Nov 21, 2018
A certified nursing assistant at one Texas facility is earning accolades for the extra work she puts in around Thanksgiving.
Things I Think: Anxiety-busting ways, Shavasana in a closet
By
Marty Stempniak
Mar 07, 2019
Seeking an antidote for the stresses of life and long-term care, I’ve been attending yoga lately, slipping out of the office at lunchtime in my sleek yoga garb to writhe and gasp on a rubber mat. I’ll...
Landlord doubts Senior Care Centers’ chances at survival
By
Marty Stempniak
Apr 04, 2019
A California-based skilled nursing landlord said it suspected that Texas’ largest operator would not be able to come out of bankruptcy and was therefore actively looking for another tenant.