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PHE Ending – What it means for Nursing Homes
On February 23, 2023 by Mark Schulz
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) held its routine National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call. During this call, CMS staff reiterated several vital facts about the end of the Public Health Emergency (PHE).
US Senators Send Letter to CMS on Minimum Staffing Standards
On February 16, 2023 by Mark Schulz
On Feb. 10, US Senate Special Committee on Aging Chairman Bob Casey (DFL-PA) and Senate Finance Committee Chairman Ron Wyden (DFL-OR) sent a multi-member letter to CMS regarding upcoming regulations to create a minimum staffing standard.
CMS Proposes New NH Disclosures Rule
On February 16, 2023 by Mark Schulz
Continuing with its desire to strengthen its ability to examine nursing home ownership types, including private equity and real estate investment trusts, on Feb. 13, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a proposed rule to gather such data.
New Protections for Pregnant and Nursing Employees
On February 9, 2023 by Mark Schulz
On Dec. 29, 2022, President Biden signed the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act (PWFA) and the Providing Urgent Maternal Protections for Nursing Mothers Act (PUMP) into law.
LeadingAge Calls of Feds to “Get Real on Ratios”
On February 2, 2023 by Mark Schulz
On Tuesday, LeadingAge released its “Get Real on Ratios” effort to advocate for a realistic federal minimum staffing requirement reflecting the reality of current staffing and funding crises.
HUD Previews HOTMA Final Rule to Streamline Rental Assistance Calculations
On February 2, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
On Jan. 31, HUD posted a preview version of its final rule implementing the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA), which Congress enacted in 2016. HOTMA was a bipartisan bill that sought to streamline aspects of HUD’s rental assistance programs, including by making changes to resident income calculations and reviews.
Public Health Emergency to End on May 11
On February 2, 2023 by Mark Schulz
On Monday, President Biden announced he will end the public health emergency (PHE) on May 11. This announcement was not a surprise given the shift towards our new “normal” the pandemic has created for everyone.
New Adult Day VA Rates Released
On January 26, 2023 by Bobbie Guidry
The Veterans' Administration (VA) released new rates for CY 2023 that are effective for care delivered on and after Feb. 1. Nationally, adult day services (ADS) rates increased by 7%, then adjusted by the location's wage index. In about ten locations, VA medical centers (VAMC) asked the VA to freeze CY 2022 rates for CY 2023, and these requests were approved; most of the locations were in Northern California.
National Partner LeadingAge to Host Nursing Home Network Call on Managed Care
On January 19, 2023 by Jeff Bostic
LeadingAge, our national partner, is hosting a special edition of the Nursing Home Network on Friday, Jan. 20, at noon CST. They are soliciting feedback on the recently-proposed rules governing Medicare Advantage and Special Needs Plans practices and policies.
Reminder: Don’t Let Your Insurance Policies Lapse
On January 19, 2023 by Mark Schulz
A recent federal court case regarding a wrongful death claim is a good reminder for all providers: check the expiration dates on your insurance policies.
CMS Automating Process for Sending CMP Letters
On January 19, 2023 by Mark Schulz
On Jan. 17, CMS survey staff leaders notified our national partners at LeadingAge that they are automating parts of the process for creating and sending letters to nursing homes for imposed Civil Monetary Penalties (CMPs). There is no underlying CMP policy change being made.
CMS Announces Two Quality and Safety Initiatives Related to Antipsychotic Medication
On January 19, 2023 by Kari Everson
On Jan. 18, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced two initiatives in quality and safety oversight memo 23-05-NH in response to the Biden-Harris administration effort to improve nursing home transparency, safety, and quality. CMS intends to conduct offsite nursing home audits to determine if the nursing home correctly coded diagnoses for residents using antipsychotic medication. CMS will change how citations under dispute are posted.
Federal Trade Commission Proposes Rule to Prohibit Noncompete Clauses
On January 12, 2023 by Mark Schulz
On Jan. 5, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to prohibit employers from imposing noncompete clauses on workers. Noncompete clauses or agreements block people from working for a competing employer or starting a competing business after their current employment ends.
Public Health Emergency Extended
On January 12, 2023 by Mark Schulz
The Public Health Emergency (PHE), first declared in Jan. 2020 and extended continually for 90-day periods since then, has been extended for another 90 days until April 11.
HUD Outlines Plans to Implement New Housing Inspections
On December 22, 2022 by Bobbie Guidry
As HUD readies its new NSPIRE housing inspection protocol, the agency has begun to share details of the Real Estate Assessment Center's (REAC) new protocol implementation, scheduled for October 2023.
CMS’ Nursing Home Stakeholder Call, Jan. 5
On December 22, 2022 by Mark Schulz
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will host the first Nursing Home Stakeholder Call of the new year on Thursday, Jan. 5 at 2 p.m. CST. The discussion will focus on post-acute care quality reporting programs. The event is open to the public; registration is required. After you register, you will receive zoom information.
NLRB Decisions Update
On December 22, 2022 by Mark Schulz
The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB or Board) was very busy last week. The Board issued four new rulings that significantly impact labor relations between employers and employees.
CMS to Increase Scrutiny of Psychotropic Drug Use
On December 22, 2022 by LeadingAge
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a report outlining the potentially inappropriate use of several psychotropic medications, including antipsychotics, anxiolytics, sedative-hypnotics, and anticonvulsants. As a result, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to increase its oversight of psychotropic drugs and focus more closely on certain drug classes.
Improving Indoor Air Quality Webinar and CMP Funding for Achieving It
On December 15, 2022 by Mark Schulz
The Harvard Healthy Building Program and the Lancet COVID-19 Commission Task Force on Safe Work, Safe School, and Safe Travel are hosting a free webinar tomorrow, Friday, Dec. 16, at 10 a.m. titled "Improving Indoor Air Quality in Long Term Care Facilities: Practical Guidance."
Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations – Available for Download
On December 15, 2022 by Mark Schulz
The thirteen edition of the Really Big Book of Nursing Home Regulations is finally here and ready to go! It is now available for order.