CMS now offering cognitive, mood assessment training for SNF providers
By
Alicia Lasek
May 10, 2021
The training includes four virtual, on-demand courses that give providers an overview of key clinical considerations for performing these assessments in the nursing home setting, the agency announced.
Verma: CMS to ensure free COVID vaccine for seniors, Medicaid beneficiaries
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 16, 2020
The agency has a plan to expedite the new coverage and will provide more information before the end of October, Verma said. CMS is also working on appropriate Medicare fees for administration of potential...
CMS must refine data on antipsychotic drug use in nursing homes, OIG says
By
Alicia Lasek
May 07, 2021
The Minimum Data Set should not be CMS’ sole source for determining the number of nursing home residents using antipsychotic drugs, according to a new report from HHS’ Office of the Inspector General.
New CMS guidance nudges nursing homes to offer COVID shots, timely treatments
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 23, 2022
The agency reminds nursing facilities of the requirement to actively offer updated COVID vaccines and urges them to provide approved treatments early to keep mild symptoms from escalating.
Feds uncover coronavirus’s heavy toll on assisted living
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 20, 2020
As of Oct. 15, 22% of assisted living communities in 39 states reported cases of COVID-19 among residents and staff members. Rates ranged widely, from 1.3% of communities in Iowa to 93% of Connecticut...
PPE, staff shortages unchanged: CMS data show 1 in 5 facilities ‘severely’ affected
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 24, 2020
There were notable clusters of equipment shortfalls in certain states. A quarter of U.S. counties had at least 44% of nursing homes reporting low staffing levels.
CMS eases restrictions for physicians in long-term care facilities
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 12, 2020
In-person visit requirements have been lifted along with restrictions on delegating tasks to nurse practitioners and clinical nurse specialists.
Time to allow visits: Vaccine success supports reopening in long-term care, advocates say
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 26, 2021
State and federal officials are being urged to ease visitation restrictions as COVID-19 vaccinations continue and cases fall among residents.
Nursing homes, feds hide sky-high antipsychotic use with dubious diagnoses: report
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 20, 2021
At least one-fifth of nursing home residents are taking the drugs, many for schizophrenia, a diagnosis that has skyrocketed in these settings since 2012, a new investigation finds.
Panel on non-invasive ventilation seeks to simplify ‘maze’ of regulation for device coverage
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 20, 2021
Recommendations aimed at expediting CMS coverage determinations for non-invasive ventilation devices could help ensure that LTCF residents and others get quick access to lifesaving treatments.