I’m here in Florida trying to prepare for this hurricane we are supposed to get as I write this. You know, you can do your best to prepare but as you’re scurrying about, knowing it’s hurricane season,...
Survey and certification: Level that playing field!
By
Steven Littlehale
Dec 11, 2012
As you engage in quality improvement efforts, put together data-driven marketing materials, complete a HUD refinance application, or talk with families and other community members take care to make sure...
How soon is soon enough?
By
William Vaughan
Jul 31, 2013
The word “immediate” in the State Operation Manual, Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities can be interpreted in multiple ways. Determining the timing of interventions...
A survey and regulatory review of 2013
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 24, 2014
It’s important to do a review that considers your region and state. Identify how complaints and care deficiencies were handled last year.
Bigfoot has been sighted in your facility, for real!
By
Joel VanEaton
May 14, 2024
According to Wikipedia, “Bigfoot, also commonly referred to as Sasquatch, is a large and hairy human-like mythical creature alleged by some to inhabit forests in North America, particularly in the Pacific...
Supreme Court levels the playing field for SNFs
By
Alan C. Horowitz, Esq., RN
May 01, 2023
As part of its survey process, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is authorized to take several enforcement actions, including but not limited to imposing civil money penalties (CMP), denials...
Fasten your seatbelts: It MIGHT be a bumpy ride
By
Steven Littlehale
Oct 13, 2023
It’s been a flurry of activity leading up to the implementation of the “new MDS.” For months our industry has been doing what we do best — rising to the occasion. Countless MDS training sessions,...
Time to get rid of the nurse-aide training prohibition, CMS!
By
Neville M. Bilimoria
Dec 19, 2022
I’ve written a lot in the past few years about increased enforcement against nursing homes when it comes to health surveys by state departments of public health and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid...
Bad survey? Call your medical director
By
Neville M. Bilimoria
Mar 20, 2023
I recently won a case against state surveyors and I learned something new… again. The surveyors were adamant that the facility neglected a resident, and cited violations of policies, and criticized...