Skilled nursing providers happily received word of a 2.4% Medicare pay increase in the government’s final 2019 payment that was announced in late July.
Lawmakers demand answers, imply oversight is inadequate
By
James M. Berklan
May 08, 2018
Legislators’ request for sweeping information about federal regulators’ oversight of nursing homes is part of a House Energy and Commerce Committee official inquiry. A letter from four U.S....
Lawmakers: Phase 2 can wait
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 06, 2017
Two dozen senators made what amounted to a last-ditch effort to get implementation of Phase 2 of the Requirements of Participation delayed in late November.
High Court to hear SNF case
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 05, 2017
The U.S. Supreme Court was scheduled to hear arguments in late February in a nursing home arbitration lawsuit that could alter the industry’s future, close observers said.
OSHA seeks violence input
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 06, 2017
Federal regulators are asking providers for thoughts on how to curb violence in healthcare workplaces.
More scrutiny ahead for Five-Star ratings
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 05, 2015
In a move that top nursing home lobbyists privately hoped wouldn’t come to pass, the Government Accountability Office announced in late August it will be investigating the federal nursing home rating...
Senators want to know more about nursing home ratings
By
James M. Berklan
Oct 05, 2015
The Government Accountability Office is becoming well-versed at digging into the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ nursing home ratings system.
Providers fume over pay freeze
By
James M. Berklan
Jul 06, 2015
Long-term care providers quickly fired back after a congressional advisory committee recommended no Medicare pay increase for the coming year.
Feds: Without more funds, we are cutting provider oversight
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 01, 2014
Nursing providers could feel reduced heat from federal Medicare and Medicaid oversight activities — if an agency official’s testimony is to be believed as more than just budget-request bluster.
CMS requests survey buildup
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 01, 2014
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is asking for $49 million more in its next budget, largely to expand long-term care inspection programs.