Can a one-star skilled nursing facility be the same as a five-star facility? It depends on your zip code. When the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services assigns the health inspection...
Five-Star makes complaints against nursing homes even more serious
By
Tyler J. Smith
Jul 06, 2009
Nursing homes have a difficult enough time contending with the survey and certification system. Now that the Five-Star Quality Rating System has begun, they have to work even harder to protect themselves...
With new rules, more payment denials expected
By
Shelly Mesure, MS, OTR/L
Oct 02, 2012
Here it comes again! The Oct 1, 2012, federal regulatory changes will not only impact reimbursement but new reporting requirements also will multiply denials for skilled nursing providers across the country.
Fines, fines, fines… we are not fine
By
Jessica Curtis
Jan 10, 2022
Record instances and dollar amounts of fines to skilled nursing facilities just made public last month highlight the tense regulatory environment operators are managing through. Despite federal “provider...
Looking at dementia beyond drugs and disease
By
G. Allen Power, M.D.
Aug 01, 2014
The emerging literature on “nonpharmacological interventions” has not succeeded in providing long-term solutions for many people, such that expressions of need continue to recur on a regular...
Former CMS administrator scolds long-term care providers — but he has it all wrong!
By
Steve Moran
Oct 01, 2012
Former CMS chief Tom Scully is off-base in his chastisement of the long-term care industry.
Move to improve residents’ quality of life a welcome development
By
Nancy L. Gorman
Aug 04, 2009
Enhanced standards from The Joint Commission complement new guidance from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Both emphasize improving the quality of life of long-term care residents.
Apply outcomes measurement to therapy services
By
Bill Goulding
Mar 09, 2010
Outcomes measurement is a powerful tool that can help demonstrate the quality of therapy your long-term care facility is providing. Why not give it a try?
An MDS affair — or RFI — to remember
By
Joel VanEaton
Apr 19, 2024
I’m a sucker for classic movies. My parents made sure I grew up watching black and whites of the likes of Fred Astaire, Ginger Rogers, Bing Crosby, Danny Kaye, Rosemary Clooney, Gene Autry, John Wayne,...
MDS transition or escape room adventure?
By
Maureen McCarthy
Dec 01, 2023
Skilled nursing facilities across the country unknowingly entered an escape room on Oct. 1, searching for a unique combination of clues, keys and passcodes to solve the puzzle. Their mission: Performing...