McKnight's News is reporting that long-term-care physical therapists working through home health and hospitals are getting larger raises. This is based on data from the Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service. According to McKnight's: Providers should “ be creative in offering incentives for your rehab employees to stay with you beyond the typical raises,” said Rosanne Zabka, director of reports for H&HCS. Options include offering perks such as extra days off, … [Read more...] about Pay Bumps for Physical Therapists
Proposed Rule Regarding Reimbursement Methodology for Nursing Facilities
HHSC has proposed a rule change for 1TAC §355.306 regarding final cost reports for changes of ownership for Nursing Facilities. The new rule would read as follows: §355.306.Cost Finding Methodology. (a) - (d) (No change.) (e) Final cost reports for change of ownership. When a facility changes ownership, for a provider who participates in the rate enhancement program, the prior owner must submit a final Staffing and Compensation Report as described in §355.308 of this title. When a facility … [Read more...] about Proposed Rule Regarding Reimbursement Methodology for Nursing Facilities
#MeToo and Health Care –Part 1
With the Gary Nassar investigation and trial, #MeToo drew attention to sexual harassment and abuse in the healthcare profession. This is the first in a series of posts discussing that issue and how to deal effectively with it. Such misconduct can be directed at other employees, patients, consumers or visitors. This first post will define what sexual harassment is in the employment context. Sexual harassment includes but is not limited to: Conduct of a sexual nature that … [Read more...] about #MeToo and Health Care –Part 1
Court Rules for Insurer
A federal court in Washington State has ruled that an insurer's exclusion of coverage for hearing loss is not discrimination in violation of Section 1557 of the Affordable Care Act because it applies to all insureds whether disabled or not. Coverage of the opinion is not yet available in linkable news. … [Read more...] about Court Rules for Insurer
CMS Moves to Make Approval of Medical Devices More Efficient
In response to a requirement in the 21st Century Cures Act, CMS is moving to make the local coverage determination more transparent. The contractors from now on must also ensure that there are medical providers and beneficiary representatives that participate on advisory committees which weigh in on local coverage decisions and that those meetings are open to the public. … [Read more...] about CMS Moves to Make Approval of Medical Devices More Efficient
HHSC Clarifies Expedited Life Safety Code Inspection Time Frames
On October 2, 2018, HHSC issued a Long-Term Care Regulatory letter to clarify previous letters regarding time frames for expedited Life Safety Code Inspections. The letter is located here. Here are pertinent quotes from the letter: A NF or ALF license applicant may submit a written request for an ELSC and fee at any time during the application process. When the licensing specialist has a complete application and fee, and a written request for ESLC inspection and fee a request is made to … [Read more...] about HHSC Clarifies Expedited Life Safety Code Inspection Time Frames
New Civil Money Penalties are the Subject of Proposed New CMS Rules
Last Friday, CMS, issued a notice regarding proposed new rules. Anticipated 1150B Delegation of Authority: We are looking to publish a proposed rule to fully enforce Section 1150B requirements for reporting crimes to nursing home residents, we are proposing a regulation that will allow Civil Money Penalties (CMPs) to be imposed of up to $200,000 against covered individuals (staff, volunteers, etc.) who fail to report reasonable suspicion of crimes. This proposed regulation would also … [Read more...] about New Civil Money Penalties are the Subject of Proposed New CMS Rules
Epidiolex – New CBD Oil Drug Will Be Legal Under Federal Law, Classified As Schedule V for Certain FDA-Approved Drugs Containing Cannabidiol
Epidiolex is now the only legal CBD oil recognized under federal law. CBD is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant that many people use for its supposed therapeutic properties to treat several ailments and chronic illnesses. According to reports the 2018 U.S. Farm Bill is set to remove hemp from the Drug Enforcement Administration list of controlled substances. New sources have revealed that Epidiolex was approved this summer by the FDA and the U.S. Drug Enforcement … [Read more...] about Epidiolex – New CBD Oil Drug Will Be Legal Under Federal Law, Classified As Schedule V for Certain FDA-Approved Drugs Containing Cannabidiol
Trump Administration Sued Over Short-Term Health Plans Offering Limited Benefits
A lawsuit accuses President Donald Trump's Treasury, Labor and HHS secretaries of weakening Americans' access to life-saving medical care by letting the rule regarding short-term plans bypass the ACA's essential health benefit and pre-existing condition requirements, according to reports. According to the Trump Administration: This final rule amends the definition of short-term, limited-duration insurance for purposes of its exclusion from the definition of individual health insurance … [Read more...] about Trump Administration Sued Over Short-Term Health Plans Offering Limited Benefits
Digital Startups in Healthcare: Google’s Nest To Expand Into Healthcare Market
Google's entry into the healthcare market was cemented with its acquirement of health monitoring Seattle startup Senosis Health for $3.2 billion in the summer of 2017 with an eye toward building its digital health capabilities. According to reports, Senosis makes products for monitoring hemoglobin counts, lung function, newborn jaundice and osteoporosis. Its applications — SpiroSmart, SpiroCall, HemaApp and OsteoApp — were under FDA review when it was sold. Those products are subject to … [Read more...] about Digital Startups in Healthcare: Google’s Nest To Expand Into Healthcare Market