Policy

Calif. governor signs ‘right to die’ bill

The controversial bill will allow physicians in the state to prescribe life-ending medications to those with a terminal illness who wish to end their lives. Read More »

AHCA/NCAL opening session: Team leadership, quality improvement needed in changing times

The opening general session of the AHCA/NCAL Annual Conference and Expo focused on the importance of cross-discipline teamwork, with special highlights on the role of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Read More »

Germ Warfare: Reduce antibiotic misuse

Antibiotic misuse is a growing problem in skilled nursing settings. The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention have issued new recommendations to improve infection prevention programs. Read More »

CMS releases v1.13 of the RAI User’s Manual

The newly released RAI includes ICD-10 coding information and other clarifications. Read More »

ALFA launches advocacy fund to support state-level issues

ALFA starts a fundraising campaign to support advocacy and engagement at state chapters. Read More »

Argentum names new COO, restructures organization

Argentum, formerly known as the Assisted Living Federation of America, creates new executive leadership position and restructures organization to emphasize advocacy, programs and education arms. Read More »

EPA proposes new hazardous waste status for long-term care facilities

The EPA considers changing hazardous waste classification for LTC facility from household to healthcare facility-specific management standards. Read More »

ALFA changes its name to Argentum

ALFA rebranding as Argentum reflects changes in the senior living industry and a new organizational focus. Read More »

CMS proposes individualized care plan for long-term care patients

CMS proposes revising the requirements long-term care facilities must meet to participate in Medicare and Medicaid programs. Read More »

AHCA/NCAL: New CMS nursing home regulations ‘simply too much’

The new proposed rules from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services are not sitting well with the head of the American Health Care Association, who says they will takes years and extraordinary cost to implement. Read More »

Judge acquits former ACHCA chair of alleged corruption charges

In 2014, Larry Slatky was charged with allegedly giving a laundry contract for a publicly run nursing home to a friend's company instead of hiring the lowest bidder. Read More »

PHI names new federal affairs director

The Paraprofessional Healthcare Institute (PHI), one of the nation's key policy advocates for the direct-care workforce, welcomes Daniel Rutherford Wilson as its new director of federal affairs. Read More »

CDC releases guidance to help nursing homes combat antibiotic-resistant infections

CDC data indicates that up to 75 percent of antibiotics prescribed in nursing homes are given incorrectly. This new tool encourages antibiotic stewardship in nursing homes. Read More »

Regulators: 13 Massachusetts nurses commit license fraud

State regulators revoked or suspended the licenses of 13 nurses after discovering that the caregivers lied about having nursing degrees or being licensed in other states. Read More »

The Joint Commission launches antibiotics awareness campaign

The agency’s new educational program aims to curb inappropriate antibiotic use by helping residents and families understand what antibiotics can—and can't—do. Read More »

CMS to issue payment reduction for 2014 PQRS reporting

Registrants who did not satisfactorily report quality measures will be subject to a 2 percent reduction in 2016. Read More »

MedPAC reviews possible new post-acute pay model

The commission discusses how to balance quality of patient care with new Medicare payment system. Read More »

New tool identifies ways to improve 5-star quarterly rating

LeadingAge is launching a reporting tool to calculate how to improve resident care and increase 5-star ratings. Read More »

Omnicare wins $300M alleged fraud case

Omnicare was accused of offering "illegal remuneration to skilled nursing facilities in exchange for referrals to its pharmacy business." Read More »

Calif. legislature passes right-to-die bill

California’s State Assembly passed a right-to-die bill Wednesday that could have monumental impact on hospice and long-term care processes in the state, especially in terms of late-stage dementia care. The bill now moves on to the State Senate. Read More »

ALFA, ASHA: Proposed changes to labor exemptions will be ‘harmful to industry’

The Department of Labor’s proposed changes to the way "exempt employees" are defined and the minimum salary requirements exemptions for certain categories of employees and institute minimum salary requirements for exempt status will do more harm than good in the senior care market, say two of the nation’s senior living associations. Read More »

CMS unveils 4-year plan to improve health equity

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services releases six priorities to reduce health disparities among Medicare beneficiaries over the next four years. Read More »

Former nursing home employee convicted of theft

A nursing home business office manager has been found guilty of writing checks from resident accounts and keeping the money for herself. Read More »

CMS pilot model to provide additional benefits for chronic conditions

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announces a new pilot program using the value-based insurance design model to provide better – and cheaper – care. Read More »

MatrixCare to release clinical analytics for CMS benchmarks

Electronic Health Records provider MatrixCare debuts new dashboard to measure and compare the most current CMS benchmark data. Read More »

GAO to conduct review of Nursing Home Compare tool

After being scrutinized by senators in three states, the United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has agreed to conduct a review of the Nursing Home Compare tool. Read More »

California SNF and two staff charged with involuntary manslaughter

California Attorney General has filed involuntary manslaughter charges against a skilled nursing and wellness center for failing to provide requisite nursing care to a resident resulting in his death. Read More »

CMS announces initiative to improve care in nursing homes

The new initiative provides funding to would allow nursing homes to test a new payment model. Read More »

Illinois passes law allowing family video surveillance, monitoring in resident rooms

State lawmakers have made it legal for residents and their families to install their own “granny cams” and other recording devices in resident rooms to monitor care and other activities. Read More »

NADONA’s Dornberger nominated to antibiotics council

In a concentrated effort to halt the spread and severity of antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections, an advisory council will be assembled to combat this serious health threat Read More »