A new federal review process designed to lower the rate of improper government payments is sending provider staffs scurrying to justify their coding.
Washington nursing homes get 13.6 percent Medicaid boost — no strings attached
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Apr 26, 2023
Washington state lawmakers have increased Medicaid funding for nursing homes by 13.6% over the next two years, but advocates say the additional resources won’t fully cover the cost of care
LTC company bucks trend and adds skilled nursing beds
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Sep 14, 2023
While many long-term care facilities are closing skilled nursing wings or decertifying beds, one healthcare company in northeastern Pennsylvania is bucking that trend and adding to its skilled nursing...
Hybrid COVID immunity conveyed by infection, shots lasts up to 12 months: study
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Jan 20, 2023
Hybrid immunity of infection and immunization provides up to 12 months of protection against hospitalization or a severe, second COVID infection, according to a new study.
Nursing agency owes $260K for unpaid overtime
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Apr 28, 2023
A nursing staffing agency has been fined more than $260,000 for incorrectly paying workers and denying them overtime.
Nursing home job losses happened three times as fast as in other sectors: JAMA
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Nov 08, 2023
Nursing homes job losses have mounted at more than triple the rate of loss in hospitals and physicians’ offices, according to new research that looked at labor rates from 2016 to 2022.
Rare nursing home sessions on grief, isolation seek solutions for patients, staff
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Feb 06, 2023
A rare series of structured conversations on bereavement and grief in nursing homes is revealing key insights into the emotional, physical and psychological trauma of repeated loss experienced by residents...
CMS to lose half of staff in shutdown, full impact on providers uncertain
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Sep 28, 2023
Nursing home providers should not see any interruption in Medicaid and Medicare benefits during a short-term government shutdown, experts and sector observers said as Congress moved closer to the precipice...
Nursing home administrators spent 20 percent less time on-site in recent years, group claims
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Mar 13, 2023
Accusations that nursing home administrators are spending 20% less time with residents and on-site miss the mark, said two people who closely observe top facility staff.
Medical errors without ‘blame and shame’ can improve frontline worker satisfaction: study
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Mar 10, 2023
Shifting nursing home culture from “deny and defend” to “disclosure and apology” when medical mistakes are made can improve job satisfaction and help stem burnout among employees, according to...