BREAKING: CMS final rule allows arbitration agreements, proposes one-year delay of 3rd phase of Requirements...
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 16, 2019
The Centers for Medicare & Medication Services dropped a pair of bombshell announcements concerning nursing homes late Tuesday afternoon, including a proposal to partially delay implementation of phase...
Also in the News for Monday, July 15
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jul 14, 2019
Puerto Rico may receive $12B over four years in Medicaid funding … Aide becomes 8th charged with nursing home resident abuse since Michigan’s Elder Abuse Task Force formed in March … Post-acute providers...
Large numbers of Americans with chronic kidney disease have uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes. A national response is needed, researchers say, and a White House initiative may be a start.
McKnight’s Tech Award deadline nears
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jul 09, 2019
The categories available are: 1) Quality, 2) High Tech/High Touch, 3) Innovator of the Year, 4) Keep It Super Simple (KISS), 5) Safety, and, for skilled care operators only, 5) Transitions.
Rural towns ravaged by healthcare and job losses with latest nursing home closures
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jul 07, 2019
When Minnesota’s Twin Valley Living Center closed late last year, it took with it dozens of beds intended for the town’s frail and elderly. But, as with hundreds of other skilled care communities around...
Rough journey and smooth brushstroke inspire nursing home portrait sessions
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jul 02, 2019
During her junior year of high school, America Ordonez stepped into Oak Hill Nursing and Rehabilitation Center for the first time, armed with a camera, a sketch pad and a box full of paints. Almost a year...
Could marijuana be an effective alternative to pain and sleep medications?
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 02, 2019
Greater access to medical cannabis could cut use of prescription painkillers and sleep medication, researchers say.
‘Staggering’ 75% of nursing homes almost never meet expected RN staffing levels, study finds
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jul 01, 2019
Three-fourths of the nation’s nursing homes never meet federal staffing expectations for registered nurse staffing, and RNs are often missing from such facilities on the weekends, according to a new...
Warrant-free inspections ahead: Improper dispensing, record keeping lead LTC pharmacy to federal settlement
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 27, 2019
A long-term care pharmacy has agreed to pay $75,000 to resolve allegations that it improperly dispensed a controlled substance and failed to keep accurate records. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced...
VA bans use of some wound care injectables after report questions efficacy
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 19, 2019
The Department of Veterans Affairs has advised its facilities to avoid some injectable amniotic tissue products used in wound care because of questions about purity and effectiveness. The Wall Street Journal,...