Trump’s CMS pick can expect tough choices: predecessors
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 06, 2017
President-elect Donald Trump’s choice to run the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Seema Verma, was praised by providers. But she will face tough choices immediately, a previous CMS administrator...
‘Found’ funds earn a rebuke
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 01, 2012
A former top regulator scolded long-term care lobbyists before a crowd of nearly 2,000 influential investors and providers recently.
Analysis — Providers rage as Bush budget asks for more while promising less
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 09, 2007
The howls were loud, clear and in unison after President Bush released his proposed 2008 Budget last month. It seemed there wasn’t a single voice missing from the healthcare provider chorus.
Managed care’s bully act is already wearing thin
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 09, 2018
A new study points out that decreasing lengths of stay (LOS), which are compelled largely by managed care and other group entities, are playing havoc with traditional long-term care operations.
Prohibit binding arbitration entirely? CMS was tempted
By
James M. Berklan
Sep 04, 2015
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is toughening its stance on the use of binding arbitration agreements for nursing home residents and their families. But the agency isn’t being as tough...
Lawmakers revisit sprinkler legislation
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 06, 2007
Nearly 1 in 5 nursing homes might find themselves shopping for sprinkler systems as a result of a new push from federal lawmakers.
The path to professional advancement lies online
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 03, 2011
We’re into January now so that means one of two things, if you’re like me: You’ve either already broken your New Year’s resolutions, or you’re about ready to.
Slain nursing home nurses to be honored on Memorial Day
By
James M. Berklan
May 25, 2017
The National Association of Health Care Assistants is asking fellow long-term care professionals to observe a moment of silence on Memorial Day to recognize “sisters in service who were killed so...
MedPAC backing pay transition
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 08, 2018
Medicare Payment Advisory Commission members are on board with a plan to transition to a new Medicare payment system over a two-year span. The new post-acute payment system would begin in 2019 and merge...
CMS call will discuss NOTICE Act requirements
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 17, 2015
Long-term care providers might want to dial in to a conference call Monday that will discuss requirements of hospitals and other providers under the NOTICE Act.