Congress is considering the Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008, which make pre-admission arbitration agreements invalid and unenforceable. The House Judiciary Subcommittee on Commercial Law and Administrative Law just approved the bill and refused amendments which would prevent it from being applied retroactively, among other things. Specifically, the bill: ...requires that agreements to arbitrate nursing home disputes be made after the dispute has arisen and not at the time … [Read more...] about The Fairness in Nursing Home Arbitration Act of 2008
Dual Eligible Lawsuit Settled
Beneficiaries of Medicaid can continue buying prescription drugs at a low cost once they become eligible for Medicare, according to a class action lawsuit settlement. (Kaiser Network) The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the settlement last week. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of 6.2 million "dual eligible" Medicaid beneficiaries. Under the 2003 Medicare law, dual eligibles are supposed to receive assistance for buying prescription drugs, but beneficiaries were … [Read more...] about Dual Eligible Lawsuit Settled
Introducing GINA New Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
President Bush is expected to sign into law the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) passed last week by Congress. The new law, which has been debated in Congress for 13 years, adds to current federal anti-discrimination laws (including Title VII) prohibitions on employers and insurance companies using genetic tests showing people are at risk of developing cancer, heart disease or other ailments to reject their job applications, promotions or health care coverage, or in setting … [Read more...] about Introducing GINA New Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act of 2008
Texas Medical Board is Sued in Federal Court
The Association of American Physicians and Surgeons has filed suit on behalf of its members against the Texas Medical Board. Go here to see the allegations. … [Read more...] about Texas Medical Board is Sued in Federal Court
CMS Set to Base Medicare Hospital Reimbursements on Quality of Care
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed to change the way it pays Medicare reimbursements to hospitals. (Kaiser Network) CMS seeks to reduce payments by a flat rate (2 percent to 5 percent) to create an "incentive payment pool" for hospitals that meet quality of care thresholds. According to CQ HealthBeat, the plan would create a "Value-Based Purchasing Program." Under this program, a hospital's diagnosis-related group reimbursements would be based on quality … [Read more...] about CMS Set to Base Medicare Hospital Reimbursements on Quality of Care
Tropical Storms and Texas
There are two tropical storms presently aimed at the Texas Coast. Here is the latest on Tropical Storm Erin: Here is its projected path: In the Gulf of Mexico, Tropical depression Five took shape last night, and has been upgraded to Tropical Storm Erin at 10 am CT moving northwest toward the southeastern Texas Coast. Conditions appear favorable for Tropical Storm Erin to be a flooding rain threat into Friday night. The current forecast track brings this system into the … [Read more...] about Tropical Storms and Texas
HIPAA–Stonewalling Families is NOT the Law
HIPAA continues as the gift that just keeps giving--to lawyers at any rate. Apparently, it is being misconstrued around the country to be an obstacle to families seeking to ascertain the condition of their loved ones. From an interesting editorial in the Idaho Mountain Express: American medicine and its practitioners are among the finest anywhere in the world. However, getting to that treatment through the maze of government and insurance paperwork and waiting for an appointment is … [Read more...] about HIPAA–Stonewalling Families is NOT the Law
LTC Facilites: Prepare to Update FIVES Daily June 4-7!
In a provider letter dated June 1, 2007, DADS is notifying Texas long-term care facilities that it will be conducting a hurricane preparedness exercise "involving local, state, federal, and private sector partners." DADS is requesting that you update your number of vacancies in the Facility Inventory, Vacancy and Evacuation Status application (FIVES) on a daily basis. FIVES can be accessed here.. The provider letter can be accessed here. … [Read more...] about LTC Facilites: Prepare to Update FIVES Daily June 4-7!
Provider Letters: ‘Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities,’ Cost of Living Adjustments
In a letter dated May 14, the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS) notified assisted living providers, provider organizations, and surveyors about a conference called, “Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities.†The conference will be held on July 19, 24, and 31. Topics to be presented include aging in place, emergency preparedness, and medication management. For locations and times, you may download the letter here. DADS reminded nursing facilities (in a … [Read more...] about Provider Letters: ‘Clarifying the Myths in Assisted Living Facilities,’ Cost of Living Adjustments
Cooperation Key to Nursing Home Quality Improvements
Mary Ousley, past chair of the American Health Care Association, which represents long term care providers, testified before a congressional committee last week about the long term care profession’s experience with the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987 (OBRA ‘87). OBRA '87 is considered landmark legislation because it established many nursing home oversight rules in place today. Ousley said that in order to improve nursing facilities, providers, regulators, and consumers must … [Read more...] about Cooperation Key to Nursing Home Quality Improvements