Was this completely necessary. Click here: Tiffany Cunningham, 26, was indicted by a Lubbock County grand jury in September and charged with two counts of assault, allegedly for slapping Alzheimer's residents in January. Lubbock County Sheriff's Office deputies assisted the Attorney General's officers in making the arrest Thursday at Cunningham's place of employment in Brownfield. (emphasis added) Obviously, at the time of the arrest, Ms. Cunningham was no longer working at the … [Read more...] about Walking the “Perp” on your Premises
Star+Plus and Stents
I have two news items to share this morning. Regarding the Star+Plus Program, long term care providers with limited but relevant information about a client (Client Name, Social Security Number, Client Number, Date of Birth) can submit a Medcaid Eligibility Service Authorization Verification (MESAV), and Managed Care information will be available, effective November 4, 2005. As long as Managed Care information on a client (with valid information) exists, MESAV will return Medicaid and … [Read more...] about Star+Plus and Stents
Florida Allowed to Set Ceiling on Medicaid Spending
Last Wednesday, President George W. Bush approved a Medicaid plan for Florida that will shift from the traditional "defined benefit" plan to a "defined contribution" plan, allowing the state to set a ceiling on spending for each recipient. From the New York Times (free registration required): Joan C. Alker, a senior researcher at the Health Policy Institute of Georgetown University, said: "Florida's proposal is one of the most far-reaching and radical proposals we've seen to restructure … [Read more...] about Florida Allowed to Set Ceiling on Medicaid Spending
‘Unusual Incidents’ of Hurricane Rita
Sounds like an ominous title for a documentary, doesn't it? In many ways, it could be. All providers must follow the prescribed reporting guidelines when reporting "unusual incidents" associated with Hurricane Rita to the Consumer Rights and Services Division by calling 1-800-458-9858 (see PDF copy of provider letter). The reasons go without saying, but just in case: Proper reporting will assist in studying the effects of the hurricane on long term care providers and patients. The … [Read more...] about ‘Unusual Incidents’ of Hurricane Rita
Long-term Care Providers Must Deal with Hurricane Wilma
Providers are bracing themselves for another hurricane and more tough decisions. Nursing homes are faced with whether to evacuate patients, some connected to feeding tubes and oxygen tanks, or ride out Hurricane Wilma in place. From the Washington Post: The decision to stay or flee in the event of a hurricane can be difficult even for the able-bodied. But as the evacuations for hurricanes Katrina and Rita showed this year, the decisions made at nursing homes more likely could be a matter … [Read more...] about Long-term Care Providers Must Deal with Hurricane Wilma
Fighting Medicare Fraud
Starting in January 2006, Medicare will begin offering coverage for prescription drugs, and attempts to defraud the system have already begun. According to the National Consumers League, "con artists" are taking advantage of the plan's choice provision. "Choice can be a very good thing, but crooks are always looking to take advantage of opportunities and might pretend to be from the government or legitimate companies to trick people into handing over their money or personal … [Read more...] about Fighting Medicare Fraud
Federal OIG To Investigate Katrina Nursing Home Deaths
Senator Chuck Grassley, through his position on the Senate Finance Committee, has issued a press release regarding his request that the OIG investigate nursing home deaths during Katrina. Specifically, he has requested that the OIG look at the following: 1) Were long-term care facilities prepared to evacuate patients across State lines? 2) Were policies and procedures in place to evacuate residents? 3) Was care jeopardized in transporting patients? and; 4) What mechanisms are … [Read more...] about Federal OIG To Investigate Katrina Nursing Home Deaths
Talk Radio Reminder
This is a reminder that tomorrow, Friday, September 23, I will be Mychal Massie's guest on talk radio at about 1:06 ET on WDEL 1150 AM in Delaware. I will be discussing the issue of St. Rita's nursing home in New Orleans. You can listen to it through the internet by clicking here. The call in number is 302-478-9335 . … [Read more...] about Talk Radio Reminder
“Don’t Get Stuck On Stupid, Reporters”
General Honore takes no guff from the reporters in New Orleans(HT Radioblogger): Honore: And Mr. Mayor, let's go back, because I can see right now, we're setting this up as he said, he said, we said. All right? We are not going to go, by order of the mayor and the governor, and open the convention center for people to come in. There are buses there. Is that clear to you? Buses parked. There are 4,000 troops there. People come, they get on a bus, they get on a truck, they move on. Is that … [Read more...] about “Don’t Get Stuck On Stupid, Reporters”
Here We Go Again: Hurricane Rita
Hurricane Rita is on its way and it's time for Coastal areas to think about their evacuation plans. The word on the street is that FEMA is starting to grab buses to evacuate the Katrina evacuees out of Houston. I have heard that bus companies are requiring payment up front from nursing homes. Things to be concerned about: 1. Chartering buses that end up being commandeered by FEMA or local authorities. 2. Are your local governmental entities working with nursing homes for Plan B in … [Read more...] about Here We Go Again: Hurricane Rita