Transparency and accountability to take center stage in CMS nursing home reform, leader says
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 21, 2022
CHICAGO — More transparency and accountability of nursing homes owners will remain a top focus for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services as it implements reforms in the coming year, according...
Ensign execs see potential 5% PDPM cut as acquisition opportunity, concerned about CMS calculations
By
Danielle Brown
May 03, 2021
A recalibration of the Patient Driven Payment Model’s parity adjustment has several long-term care operators worried about potential steep cuts to skilled nursing reimbursements. But executives with...
As AstraZeneca puts its COVID-19 vaccine study on hold, experts say don’t worry, just wait
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 09, 2020
A vaccine participant in the United Kingdom developed a rare inflammatory disease, causing AstraZeneca to pause its Phase 3 COVID-19 trials.
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...
LATEST BREAKING: Feds ban most nursing home visitors in escalation of coronavirus fight
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 14, 2020
Federal authorities announced late Friday new restrictions on nursing home visitors in guidance aimed at protecting seniors from the novel coronavirus.
Feds’ antipsychotics program fails to reduce prescriptions in assisted living
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 23, 2022
In a federal initiative to reduce unnecessary antipsychotics prescribing, results in assisted living didn’t match the successes seen in nursing homes, a new study reveals.
Operators urged to provide more emotional support for nursing assistants after pandemic’s costly toll
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 15, 2021
Long-term care operators must provide more mental health and emotional support for nursing assistants in response to the psychological and physical toll the COVID-19 pandemic has taken on them, according...
COVID vaccine protection drops by 80 percent in 6 months among nursing home residents: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 03, 2021
Vaccinated staff members had a similar six-month decrease in immunity levels, investigators say. The data may support recommendations for vaccine booster shots, they contend.
Treating rare blood clots related to J&J COVID vaccine following usage suspension: new guidance
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 28, 2021
Advisers to the CDC have released new clinical guidance and education regarding a rare blood clotting condition reported after vaccination.
CMS gives therapy providers the green light to provide Medicare telehealth services
By
Danielle Brown
May 01, 2020
Therapy providers will now be able to offer their services through telehealth to Medicare patients after the federal government announced a new set of rules and waivers Thursday. The move should help facilitate...