I’ll say this for Congress: Its members sure know a thing or two about aesthetics.
Let’s say you’re a lawmaker and believe nursing homes need a closer look under the hood. Why not make that proclamation at a union rally where you will be cheered like a conquering hero, as Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) recently demonstrated.
Yep, find a friendly crowd and a good backdrop, and you’ve got the ideal mix for a Kodak moment. One that will surely look good on your next campaign video.
Of course, if such theatrics are not convenient, a damning speech recorded after hours to an empty chamber can be an effective alternative.
I suppose such tactics are harmless enough. But let’s face it. In the long run, the grandstanding isn’t going to amount to much more than what the old folks call a hill of beans. That’s because those carefully chosen words are doing little to change the status quo.
But don’t take my word for it. The scorekeepers reveal that more than 95% of all proposed bills are never voted into law.
To truly understand where Congress wields its power, heed the advice of Washington Post Executive Editor Ben Bradley during the Watergate era: “Follow the money.” More precisely, follow the money Congress approves.
But don’t stop there. Also follow where it doesn’t go. I was reminded of this latter addendum while reading colleague Kim Marselas’ excellent story Friday on new Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services plans to streamline its survey activities.
Now the official reason for streamlined surveys is that inspections will become more efficient. I suppose that is true enough, as far as it goes.
But the announcement does beg a deeper question. Namely, what else is going on here? In a nutshell, Congress has been squeezing and continues to squeeze funding to CMS. And as a result, federal regulators are being forced to cut back on their activities, such as inspecting skilled care facilities.
I can’t imagine many skilled nursing operators are crying in their Cheerios over this particular development. Fewer, less intense surveys? Oh, that really is too bad, isn’t it?
But this episode does highlight how Congress serves as a significant agent of change. When lawmakers turn a funding spigot on or off, they really are making quite a statement.
Even if it’s one that’s unlikely to be captured in a photo op.
John O’Connor is editorial director for McKnight’s Senior Living and its sister media brands, McKnight’s Long-Term Care News, which focuses on skilled nursing, and McKnight’s Home Care. Read more of his columns here.
