Oregon Gov. Ted Kulongoski (D) issued a mandate last month to lower the ratio of nurses to residents in nursing homes.
House committee passes Medicaid moratorium bill
Apr 17, 2008
The House Energy and Commerce Committee Wednesday unanimously passed legislation that would put a hold on the implementation of seven Medicaid regulations, despite threats of a presidential veto.
Impact of Medicaid regulations would be harsh, group says
Apr 17, 2008
A Washington-based healthcare advocacy group is releasing a series of reports that show the potentially devastating effects of the Bush administration’s proposed Medicaid cuts on individual states.
IOM report: Medicare ill equipped to handle aging baby boomers
Apr 15, 2008
The Medicare system is not ready for the 78 million baby boomers that are headed its way, according to a report from the Institute of Medicine.
Long-term care hospitals treat fewer short-stay patients
Apr 15, 2008
Long-term care hospitals treated fewer short-stay patients from fiscal years 2003 to 2006 as a result of cuts in Medicare reimbursement, according to a memo from the Department of Health and Human Services...
Ask the payment expert
By
Patricia Boyer
Apr 01, 2008
How is the new Quality Indicator Survey process going to affect facilities?
Skilled nursing facilities find new opportunities, new challenges with 60% rule
By
John Andrews
Apr 01, 2008
Since the reduction of the so-called 75% Rule to 60%, SNFs have to work even harder to attract Part A therapy residents
Subcommitee passes Medicaid moratorium bill
Apr 10, 2008
A House subcommittee passed a bill Wednesday that would delay seven significant Medicaid regulations until April 1, 2009.
Hospital errors draining ‘billions’ from Medicare fund, reviewer says
Apr 08, 2008
More than 238,000 deaths resulting from hospital “safety incidents” from 2004 to 2006 were potentially preventable, alleges a Web site grading service. Overall, more than 270,000 Medicare patients...
CMS updates kidney dialysis standards
Apr 07, 2008
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a new rule governing health assessment, patient outcomes and physician practices at kidney dialysis centers around the country.