The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission has unanimously voted to recommend “site-neutral” payment for certain Medicare beneficiaries who need medical rehabilitation following injury or illness. Congress will decide whether to adopt the recommendation. Read More »
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Administrator Marilyn B. Tavenner will leave her position in February, according to media reports. Read More »
2015 is the 50th anniversary of Medicare, Medicaid and the Older Americans Act and the 80th anniversary of Social Security. Provider association leaders recently discussed with Long-Term Living what needs to happen to ensure these programs' future success. Read More »
It is predicted that by 2020, there will be a shortage of 45,000 primary care physicians. Highly educated and skilled nurse practitioners are ready and able fill that gap. Read More »
The three-day inpatient hospital stay requirement for Medicare coverage of Part A skilled nursing care benefits could be eliminated under a bill reintroduced in the U.S. House of Representatives. Read More »
Minimum wage and overtime standards will not apply to home healthcare workers hired by private agencies after a federal district court judge decision to vacate a U.S. Department of Labor rule. Read More »
With the exponential realities of airborne and contact illnesses in long-term care settings, exacerbated by ever-worsening drug resistance to them, industry is devising innovative technology to combat pervasive bugs. Read More »
The White House Conference on Aging has announced five regional forums to help gather input for the national event that will be held later this year in Washington, D.C. Read More »
The American Health Care Association has launched a campaign to educate lawmakers on the value of skilled nursing providers in advance of discussions related to the Medicare sustainable growth rate. Read More »
The Joint Commission has gathered all of its online resources relating to infection control and healthcare-acquired infections in one place. Read More »
People who have had joint surgery or other hospital prodedures rarely see the state or federal quality reports about home health agencies when deciding which agency to hire. Read More »
2015 has dawned and, with it, the employer mandate of the Affordable Care Act. Here's what you need to do to make sure you're in compliance. Read More »
Jewish Home Lifecare has received $500,000 in grants to fund programs for outpatient rehab services and overnight stays for those with dementia. Read More »
A self-reported version of a well known dementia assessment tool is effective in helping clinicians measure the progression of the disease. Read More »
A tabletop medication dispensing cabinet brings medication management technology to caregivers' fingertips without taking up the entire counter. Read More »
It’s said that “all good things must come to an end,” as Long-Term Living’s resident blogger says goodbye to a trusted friend and a reliable source of information and experience. Read More »
A certification program for medical directors has been renamed, the latest reflection of the increasing prominence of post-acute care in the long-term care continuum. Read More »
One of four factors may be to blame for clinicians not prescribing antiviral medications to fight the flu, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Their use, however, can prevent hospitalization and death. Read More »
Do you know a rising star who is passionate about his or her efforts for the benefit of this country’s older adults? Nominate him or her for a Long-Term Living Leaders of Tomorrow award by Feb. 20. Read More »
It's simple, really. No residents, no income. Jayne Warwick addresses how inaccurate treatment records have become a growing problem for healthcare facilities. Inaccurate documentation of care is often where providers leave money on the table. Avoid financial pitfalls by switching to electronic charting for a more complete record of care provided. Click here to read more. Read More »
Should prices be posted on senior living pamphlets and websites? As tempting as it can be, senior marketing expert Luke Fannon says it isn't a smart strategy. Read More »
The National Investment Center for the Seniors Housing & Care Industry's MAP Data and Analysis Service has released fourth-quarter 2014 data related to occupancy, rent growth, annual absorption, inventory growth and construction in independent and assisted living as well as the nursing care sector. Read More »
The American Diabetes Association is recommending two alterations to the standard of care for those with diabetes in the wake of recent changes to guidelines for cardiovascular risk management enacted by two specialty groups. Read More »
As the number of influenza cases increase across the country, using recommended hand hygiene protocols helps prevent the spread of flu viruses and other healthcare-associated infections. Read More »
When is a deal too good to be legal? Receiving discounts from vendors/suppliers may, in some instances, be considered "kickbacks" if you're not careful. Read More »
