Overall national healthcare spending is expected to rise by modest amounts during the decade from 2014-2024, notes a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services budget report released today. Read More »
Legislation to inform Medicare beneficiaries of their outpatient status has passed through the legislative branch without a hitch. Now, it’s off to the White House. Read More »
Dramatic results from a recent study indicate that integrating Progressive Resistance Exercise (PRE) into the active range of motion portion of a restorative program improves strength and balance. Read More »
Police in North Carolina are looking for two women who suited up in hospital scrubs and allegedly stole jewelry from residents at two nursing homes. Read More »
Anthem’s purchase of Cigna constitutes the largest health insurance deal in history, but regulators will be watching closely for impacts on market competition. Read More »
Getting staff on board with a new electronic health record (EHR) can be daunting. A Connecticut provider shares how concerted training efforts with its EHR system vendor helped ensure a smooth transition for staff and residents. Read More »
A new pilot program model from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will test whether hospice care and curative care should be offered simultaneously, instead of asking terminally-ill patients to choose one or the other. Read More »
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' proposed rule would require long-term care facilities to establish an antibiotic stewardship program in order to participate in Medicare. Read More »
Side rails may sound like a great safety tool, but unless the use of side rails is properly assessed and documented, their usage can pose great risks to residents and the facility. Read More »
The 400-page proposal includes new rules to reduce hospitalizations, infections and resident risks. But, opponents question the financial impacts: Feds estimate the cost would be nearly $90,000 per facility over two years. Read More »
An Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology task force has created a roadmap to improve identification and sharing of information on health IT-related safety events. Read More »
Compared to the rate of visual impairment in the general older adult population, seniors living in subsidized housing have considerably worse vision. Read More »
It happens in most professions, but the tensions that lead burnout in long-term care are magnified by the pressures—and responsibilities—of caring for people. Read More »
A new directive is aimed to further reduce the risk of tuberculosis (TB) to employees working in healthcare settings, including new rules for screening and bloodwork. Read More »
Alice Bonner, MD, earned the award for her contributions to quality in the long-term and post-acute care community, especially in dementia care. Read More »
Validus Senior Living and the NFL Alumni Association have partnered to build assisted living and memory care facilities in major cities with a high concentration of retired NFL players. Read More »
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services wants all nursing homes and long-term care facilities to participate in health information exchange. Read More »
Fire alarms are one of the most important protections to residents and staff to ensure their safety. But the alarm system must be checked regularly tor a faulty fire alarm system could be fatal. Read More »
According to data analysis by the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), independent and assisted living properties are feeling the pinch. Read More »
In a milestone addition to its physician payment schedule, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services proposes to add a new billing code to allow for the reimbursement of advanced care planning services. Read More »
Two studies discuss the effectiveness of wearing protective gear when performing daily care activities in guarding against incidences of MRSA. Read More »
