Details of the RoP shakeup: CMS eases quality improvement, compliance and new staff requirements
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jul 17, 2019
Less than five months before the final phase of the Rules of Participation were set to go into effect, CMS has proposed yet another rule that significantly changes some components and delays others for...
NQF endorses first hospitalization measure for long-stay residents
By
Jan 27, 2017
A first-of-its-kind measure to gauge hospitalization rates among long-stay skilled nursing residents has been endorsed by the National Quality Forum, the American Health Care Association announced Thursday.
Final pre-PDPM updates to RAI Manual released
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 19, 2019
The last big puzzle piece for providers and stakeholders preparing for the transition to the Patient-Driven Payment Model has been put in place.
Providers cheer QAPI and other RoP delays, alterations
By
Elizabeth Newman
Aug 01, 2019
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services delivered a Phase 3 reprieve of sorts in mid July.
How consistent CNA assignments will help residents
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 07, 2013
Consistent assignments for CNAs are discussed and implemented more frequently than they used to be. For the most part, research studies speak to the positive attributes of this model of care. From improved...
My twitching right eyelid
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 07, 2022
My right eyelid started twitching about six months ago. Although it’s not constant, it is a daily, unwelcome annoyance. It distracts me when I’m trying to sleep; it draws me out of the moment and into...
Supporting the unpaid caregiver through the virtuous circle
By
Steven Littlehale
Nov 12, 2021
It seems inevitable. You are likely among the 53 million people in the United States who are unpaid caregivers for a loved one. If not, you may soon join their ranks. This unpaid and frequently unplanned...
Why some are resisting vaccination, and how we can help
By
Steven Littlehale
Jan 10, 2021
The woeful percentages of long-term care employees willing to receive a COVID-19 vaccination are going to improve. But only with time and ramped up communication efforts.
Nursing Home Compare revisions deserve only 2 stars
By
Steven Littlehale
May 13, 2019
Recent changes to the Nursing Home Compare website leave a lot to be desired. I give them two out of a possible four stars.
Portmanteau a PDPM parody
By
Steven Littlehale
Mar 15, 2019
Here’s how you use some humor to directly confront PDPM myths and nonsense, as well as suggest some authentic opportunities to provide and document better care.