Long-term care providers were intent on dismissing undesirable memories of the COVID-19 pandemic as much as possible in 2023, but the year’s top stories revealed there were still remnants of it to…
As Congress leaves town, providers face Jan. 1 pay cut
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 21, 2023
A 3.4% physician fee cut that affects key nursing home services is set to go into effect Jan. 1, and Congress did nothing to provide relief before adjourning for its winter recess.
MDS, quality reporting changes give providers a ‘bumpy road’ ahead
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 21, 2023
Major changes to resident assessment tools, increasing quality reporting requirements and new state Medicaid payment tools will continue to dog providers well into 2024, a trio of clinical and reimbursement…
Labor activity in long-term care may be poised for ‘enormous’ growth in 2024
By
Josh Henreckson
Dec 21, 2023
Heightened union activity frequently made headlines this year, including among healthcare workers who loudly raised concerns about pay and staffing.
McKnight’s Women of Distinction nominations due Jan. 5
By
Lois A. Bowers
Dec 21, 2023
Save some money and check something off of your to-do list by submitting your nominations for the 2024 McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards program by Jan. 5, the standard deadline.
Also in the News for Thursday, Dec. 21
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 21, 2023
ProPublica adds new nursing home ownership, quality search tool … Insurers refused to cover business interruptions and added virus exclusions. A government insurance option might not work either ……
Genesis evades insurance shakedown over COVID cases thanks to federal ruling
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 20, 2023
A federal appeals court has overturned a decision that could have cost skilled nursing provider Genesis Healthcare millions of dollars in COVID-19 claims not covered by its insurer.
Skilled nursing’s best-read columns and blogs of 2023
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 20, 2023
The rich mix of insights offered at mcknights.com is always a highlight of the year, and 2023 was certainly no exception.
Streamlined licensing leads to a record number of new nursing home administrators
By
Josh Henreckson
Dec 20, 2023
After issuing a record number of nursing home administrator licenses in early 2023, one state is adding even more flexibility to help operators hire and retain leaders.
Also in the News for Wednesday, Dec. 20
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 20, 2023
Three convicted in national nurse diploma scam … State AG says arbitration in elder abuse cases skirts transparency rules … County pursues nursing home needs assessment after buyer snaps up 4 facilities…
Nursing homes guilty in criminal staffing, upcoding case; staff off the hook
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 19, 2023
In a rare case in which a nursing home business faced criminal charges over staffing misconduct, two Pennsylvania facilities owned by Comprehensive Healthcare Management Services were found guilty Monday…
Consumer groups urge CMS to enforce nurse aide training enforcement initiatives
By
Josh Henreckson
Dec 19, 2023
For all its increased regulatory pressure on nursing homes in recent years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services hasn’t fully embraced the Biden administration’s full agenda for long-term care….
Nurse aide turnover can be mitigated with scheduling tweaks: study
By
Josh Henreckson
Dec 19, 2023
Skilled nursing facilities struggling with staff retention should take a closer look at their scheduling, according to a new study on part-time certified nursing assistant turnover.
Also in the News for Tuesday, Dec. 19
By
Josh Henreckson
Dec 19, 2023
Broad guidance kept some nursing homes from using as much Provider Relief funding as intended … Sudden nursing home closure leaves staff without pay, residents hastily relocating … High-dose flu vax…
Bill calls for consolidated cost reporting by related nursing home businesses
By
Josh Henreckson
Dec 18, 2023
New Jersey state lawmakers would place themselves at the front of a push for greater financial transparency of nursing homes with the passage of two bills currently making their way through the Legislature.
Researchers’ app finally lets nursing homes and hospitals talk the same info-sharing language
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 18, 2023
In an attempt to reduce rehospitalizations, researchers have developed a new app that allows hospitals to speak the same language as the nursing homes receiving their newly discharged patients.
Also in the News for Monday, Dec. 18
By
Josh Henreckson
Dec 18, 2023
Iowa Republicans reject move to investigate nursing homes as regulators try to catch up on surveys … Like ‘long COVID,’ Influenza can impact health for months after infection … Michigan gets $400K…
Senate hearing, staggering OIG report underline need to address seniors’ substance use disorders
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 15, 2023
A Congressional hearing and a stunning new report issued by a government watchdog Thursday show seniors need more help accessing care for substance use disorders, finding providers willing to treat them…
Nursing home COVID deaths climb, but vaccinations move slowly upward too
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 15, 2023
Deaths of nursing home patients from COVID-19 climbed as vaccination rates hit new lows last month, according to an updated analysis by the AARP Public Policy Institute and the Scripps Gerontology Center.
In study ranking ‘best’ states for elder care, providers might be surprised to learn the winner
By
Josh Henreckson
Dec 15, 2023
A new study judging quality and access to elder care ranked all 50 states and named Iowa the top state in the country.
