Agency’s crackdown on drug thefts hurts nursing home residents, senators say
Oct 30, 2009
The Drug Enforcement Agency’s efforts to combat narcotics abuse and theft in nursing homes actually negatively affect those residents and hospice care patients who need pain medications, two senators...
Nebraska Supreme Court rules for plaintiff in nursing home arbitration case
Oct 23, 2009
The son of a nursing home resident who allegedly was injured because of negligence did not have the authority to sign a voluntary arbitration agreement on her behalf. As a result, he was not bound by the...
CBO: Malpractice reform would result in billions in savings over next decade
Oct 14, 2009
The government could save as much as $54 billion over 10 years by enacting medical malpractice reforms, according to a recently released analysis from the Congressional Budget Office.
Senate Finance Committee passes pivotal healthcare reform bill
Oct 14, 2009
The Senate Finance Committee voted 14-9 Tuesday to pass America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009. The committee’s approval marks a critical turning point for Congress in its attempt to pass comprehensive...
Obama announces $25 million in malpractice reform grants
Sep 21, 2009
President Obama last Thursday authorized $25 million for pilot programs to investigate tort reform options.
CNAs urge Congress to reconsider Medicare cuts
Sep 21, 2009
Members of a national association of nursing home certified nurse aides called on Congress last week to reconsider cutting billions of dollars in Medicare payments to nursing homes.
Editors’ Blog: Saving the market basket
Sep 17, 2009
The pivotal Senate Finance Committee healthcare reform bill would not cut the annual Medicare cost-of-living increase to nursing homes. That is reason enough to cheer the bill.
States should like bill’s financing of Medicaid expansion, Baucus says
Sep 16, 2009
The financing of a Medicaid expansion that will be part of the Senate Finance Committee’s healthcare reform proposal should please state officials. That is according to Chairman Max Baucus (D-MT),...
Cutting Medicare to nursing homes is poor healthcare policy
By
Alan G. Rosenbloom
Sep 15, 2009
Congress is considering healthcare reform legislation that proposes deep cuts to Medicare spending for nursing home care. Such a bill would not be the way to achieve meaningful reform.
CMS remains positive about Five-Star rating system despite criticism from attorneys general
Sep 03, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services responded to a letter from 31 of the nation’s state attorneys general who criticized the nursing home Five-Star Quality Rating System. In a statement,...