If LeadingAge’s latest strategy works as hoped, it would mean high-performing nursing homes wouldn’t have the fire of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services dragon breathing down their...
CMS budget defines nursing home quality targets, requests an additional $50 million for surveys
By
Tim Mullaney
Mar 12, 2014
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ proposed budget for fiscal year 2015 requests additional funds for survey activities and lists the agency’s targets for nursing home quality measures.
Delirium can hurt survey results
By
Debi Damas
Mar 10, 2014
Delirium can be deadly if not diagnosed and treated. If that should occur, we all know that an Immediate Jeopardy citation is just around the corner. Don’t let that happen to you and your residents.
The power of the MDS, and the will to rein it in
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 05, 2014
The Minimum Data Set helps determine how resident care is classified and reimbursed. Because it drives providers’ fate, virtually from start to finish, providers cling to any nugget they can glean...
A survey and regulatory review of 2013
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 24, 2014
It’s important to do a review that considers your region and state. Identify how complaints and care deficiencies were handled last year.
Are you prepared? 5 questions you need to know the answers to
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Aug 27, 2013
With all the recent regulatory changes that have come down the line, or are about to, we developed a simple five-question survey that each provider had to ask every therapy employee. If you can develop...
New bill improves on nursing home surveys and surveyor training
By
Ashley Carman
Aug 01, 2013
A new House bill aims to improve the nursing home survey process, enhance whistleblower protections for surveyors and establish an advisory committee for CMS that would include skilled nursing facility...
How soon is soon enough?
By
William Vaughan
Jul 31, 2013
The word “immediate” in the State Operation Manual, Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities can be interpreted in multiple ways. Determining the timing of interventions...
Nursing facilities rank fifth in most dangerous workplaces
By
Ashley Carman
Jul 25, 2013
Nursing facilities are the most dangerous workplace in Maine and the fifth most dangerous workplace in the U.S., according to a new study from an insurance company.
Avoid survey deficiencies through clear communication and honesty, former surveyor says
By
Ashley Carman
Jul 24, 2013
Long-term care providers should use surveys as an opportunity to showcase great care in their facilities, a former surveyor said in a McKnight’s webcast.