And you thought long-term care operators lived in silos?
By
John O'Connor
Apr 20, 2012
Our Founding Fathers were wise to separate our government’s executive, legislative and judicial branches. As we’ve seen all too often, concentrated power leads to disastrous results.
Fire, rain and the elephant on the 40th floor
By
John O'Connor
Nov 27, 2017
You never know when freak storms or unexpected fires might strike. But you can be sure that if and when one does, angry people will line up to demand that you be held more accountable.
A Biden damaging proposal that’s barely getting noticed
By
John O'Connor
Mar 13, 2022
President Biden sure gave nursing homes the stink eye during his State of the Union address. Care quality is down while charges are up, he alleged. He added that Medicare rules need to be tightened
Can an employee refuse overtime? More often than you might realize.
By
John O'Connor
Jul 31, 2023
One consequence of this long-term care’s perpetual staffing shortage is that employees are sometimes — or in some facilities more than sometimes — told they must work overtime.
Want to know what ‘secrets’ you’ll soon be sharing? Buy a car
By
John O'Connor
Aug 01, 2014
As never before, data collection and analytics have become part and parcel of long-term care. Even midsize and smaller operators are sifting through amazingly granular information to document strengths,...
Reducing seniors’ drug use, one iPod at a time
By
John O'Connor
Mar 28, 2014
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...
Who invited them?
By
John O'Connor
Sep 07, 2021
After O’Connor family gatherings, it’s always the outrageous attendees who are remembered and later talked about. Nursing home operators can relate, as they’re being reminded yet again after...
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...