While overall survey frequency improved, feds find widespread lag persists on follow-up inspections
By
Kimberly Marselas
Aug 06, 2024
Twenty states reduced their recertification survey backlog by at least 50% in 2023, but the latest data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services underscores persistent problems with untimely follow-up...
Texas adds pressure with lawsuit against nursing home staffing mandate ‘power grab’
By
James M. Berklan
Aug 15, 2024
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton on Wednesday added his state’s name to the roster of groups suing the federal government over its new nursing home staffing mandate.
Some providers ‘hurting terribly’ as CMS schizophrenia audit penalties drag on
By
Kimberly Marselas
Aug 06, 2024
A year and a half after the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services began auditing thousands of nursing homes for inappropriate schizophrenia diagnoses, providers are raising concerns that the quality...
COVID on the rise in nursing homes along with vaccine reluctance and mistrust
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Aug 11, 2024
COVID cases are on the rise again in nursing homes, and the largest nonprofit provider advocacy is asking the White House to create and stick to an annual vaccination schedule to help combat vaccine fatigue...
Without planning, TEAM model will cost SNFs money on 5 key procedures: experts
By
Kimberly Marselas
Aug 07, 2024
The latest evolution of a federal push to improve care coordination and reduce costs across settings may spell lost revenue for skilled nursing providers who are unprepared, two experts warned this week.
Nursing home infection control weaknesses persist, researchers warn
By
Josh Henreckson
Jul 16, 2024
Many of nursing homes’ infection prevention and control weaknesses initially exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic still demand additional support and resources, researchers warn in a new JAMDA study.
Surprise facility visits touted by NM governor a ‘gotcha’ display, exec claims
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Aug 01, 2024
Eleven long-term care facilities in New Mexico obtained a perfect score and 23 more missed a perfect score by one mark during surprise state inspections that took place over a weekend in May.
Staffing mandate would save 13,000 lives a year, Senator’s analysis contends
By
Josh Henreckson
Jul 22, 2024
The nursing home staffing mandate from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services could save nearly 13,000 lives each year, researchers from the University of Pennsylvania estimated this week.
Medicaid rates boost LTC Properties amid occupancy struggles and cyberattack during 2Q
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Jul 30, 2024
The second quarter went “generally according to plan” except for challenges with occupancy issues at some assisted living communities operated by one company and a major cyberattack that disrupted...
Same flaws that have weakened state staffing rules may undercut federal push for nursing home minimums
By
Jordan Rau, KFF Health News
Jul 12, 2024
The administration’s plan also has some of the same weaknesses that have hampered states. It relies on underfunded health inspectors for enforcement, lacks explicit penalties for violations, and offers...