Nursing home owners who have HUD loans should take note of this: A judge has approved a nearly $1 million penalty for the former leader of a nursing home chain after the company defaulted on $146 million in loans — the biggest default in the HUD federal mortgage insurance program’s history. Note the fact that and an individual was the target. … [Read more...] about Almost 1 Million Dollar Penalty for Nursing Home Leader in HUD Loan Default
Proposals for Marijuans Banking and CBD Bills Floated
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is advocating future model state policies to resolve issues regarding banking issues for marijuana and for legalization of hemp and CBD: "Tasks forces of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), a nonprofit that brings together conservative lawmakers and private sector stakeholders to draft and distribute model policies for consideration by state legislatures, discussed banking issues in the marijuana industry … [Read more...] about Proposals for Marijuans Banking and CBD Bills Floated
New Hospice Provider Letter Warns Recoupment at Higher Routine Home Care Rate
On Augst 1, 2019, HHS posted a new provider letter entitled: Information Letter No. 19-14 Routine Home Care First 60 Days Recoupment of Overbilling on Routine Home Care First 60 Days. The purpose is as follows: The purpose of this letter is to inform Medicaid hospice providers that HHSC intends to review billing for routine home care (RHC) and recoup overbilling at the higher RHC rate. On January 1, 2016, HHSC implemented the changes the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services … [Read more...] about New Hospice Provider Letter Warns Recoupment at Higher Routine Home Care Rate
CMS Opioid Guidelines: A Catch 22?
Can you be fined and have action taken against your license for following CMS Opioid guidelines? According to Modern Medicine Network, you can: "In a recent case, the New Hampshire Board of Medicine investigated a physician who is board certified in pain management and anesthesiology after cutting back a chronic pain patient’s prescription opioid painkillers. The patient had been on a dosage of 80 mg of OxyContin twice daily and 30 mg of oxycodone four times a day for many years. … [Read more...] about CMS Opioid Guidelines: A Catch 22?
Updates for Patient-Driven Model for Skilled Nursing Providers and the Plight of Rural Nursing Homes
CMS has announced updates regarding the new Patient-Driven Payment Model for Skilled Nursing Providers. “Skilled nursing providers will split an $851 million pay increase in FY 2020, following a final rule published by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued late Tuesday.” This may help rural facilities which are struggling according to a different story: “The sole nursing home in a rural pocket of New Mexico has closed weeks after state efforts to … [Read more...] about Updates for Patient-Driven Model for Skilled Nursing Providers and the Plight of Rural Nursing Homes
Hurricanes, Nursing Home Administrators & the Cajun Navy
Hurricane season is upon us with all the attendant risks to nursing homes and their residents. Nursing Home Administrators should watch this new documentary about the Cajun Navy for some important lessons about what not to do...including slavishly following the dictates of the corporate office. Your license could be at jeopardy and you could be discussed in the next documentary, like an administrator is in this one. Make sure that your emergency preparedness plan is up-to-date and your staff … [Read more...] about Hurricanes, Nursing Home Administrators & the Cajun Navy
Proposed Rule would Expand 35% Reduction Process
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, in a proposed rule posted Tuesday, said it wants to create a “constructive” waiver process that streamlines how facilities qualify for a 35% reduction in survey-linked civil monetary penalties. Mcknight's … [Read more...] about Proposed Rule would Expand 35% Reduction Process
Happy Independence Day!!!
Senate Bill 1264 Signed into Law & Surprise Billing Scrutinized by Congress
I discussed SB 1264 passed by the Texas Legislature regarding balance billing(surprise billing) in the first Grand Rounds Legal podcast by Garlo Ward. The bill was signed by the governor on June 16, 2019 and will be effective on September 1, 2019. Congress is also addressing the issue in a bipartisan bill filed by Frank Pallone (D-NJ) and Greg Walden (R-OR). Go here to read the details in this blog post by Obsurvus Solutions. … [Read more...] about Senate Bill 1264 Signed into Law & Surprise Billing Scrutinized by Congress
US Post Office Clarification Regarding Mailing of Hemp and CBD Products
After instances of hemp and CBD companies encountering problems with local post offices regarding the legality of mailing hemp and CBD products, the US Postal Service has clarified and promulgated a new policy with the relevant provision below: 453.37 Hemp-based Products For purposes of this section, “hemp” shall have the meaning provided under federal law, including Section 10113 of the Agricultural Improvement Act of 2018, Pub. L.115-334 (7 U.S.C. § 1639o), or any … [Read more...] about US Post Office Clarification Regarding Mailing of Hemp and CBD Products
