The CMS has issued a final rule to allow pre-dispute arbitration agreements under the condition that the residents' receipt of care is not conditioned on signing them. Providers must inform residents or their representatives that they do not have to sign the agreement. The purpose of the rule is to: The CMS proposal supports patients and their caregivers by removing the ban on binding arbitration agreements while requiring nursing homes to ensure residents have the ability to choose … [Read more...] about CMS Allows Arbitration Agreements in Nursing Homes, Delays Phase 3 ROP’s
Healthcare concerns looms as Nursing provider shortage facing country intensifies
News reports have indicated that the Texas's large population of older residents, healthcare systems and assisted living facilities (ALF) could be impacted due to a nursing provider (NP) shortage facing the entire country. Central Texas and the Texas Panhandle are largely affected by the shortage of nurses. According to a Nursing Shortage Factsheet : The U.S. is projected to experience a shortage of Registered Nurses (RNs) that is expected to intensify as Baby Boomers age and the need for … [Read more...] about Healthcare concerns looms as Nursing provider shortage facing country intensifies
Elderly patients at risk at Nursing homes that overmedicate
National reports by Human rights advocates say that nursing homes are overprescribing antipsychotics to patients. According to the latest data from the federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, known as CMS, the percentage of long-term nursing home residents being given antipsychotic drugs dropped from about 24 percent in late 2011 to under 16 percent last year. Yet advocacy groups reveal that misuse of drugs remains a major problem in nursing facilities. The findings outlined in a … [Read more...] about Elderly patients at risk at Nursing homes that overmedicate
Government’s two-year spending plan includes $1.9 billion Nursing home cuts
According to reports, nursing home cuts will freeze skilled nursing facilities' share of the “market basket” at a 2.4% increase in October. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) had previously projected a 2.7% hike, though the final rate won't be set until CMS announces its proposed rules for 2019. The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) President and CEO Mark Parkinson issued the following statement regarding the Senate budget proposal: “We are … [Read more...] about Government’s two-year spending plan includes $1.9 billion Nursing home cuts
Enforcement of Obama-era nursing home standards and enforcement remedies halted by CMS
CMS halts enforcement of some standards required by nursing homes that would enhance safety procedures for patients. In this notice: Temporary Enforcement Delays for Certain Phase 2 F-Tags and Changes to Nursing Home Compare posted late last month, the CMS announced an 18-month moratorium on enforcement remedies in some nursing home regulation that was finalized last year.Memorandum Summary from CMS Inlcuded:Temporary moratorium on imposing certain enforcement remedies for specific Phase 2 … [Read more...] about Enforcement of Obama-era nursing home standards and enforcement remedies halted by CMS
Abuse & poor quality care rate in Texas nursing homes is nearly four times the national average
Many nursing homes have hired Certified Nurse Aides with criminal histories legally. Using data from the federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, it has been discovered that the patient abuse rate in Texas nursing homes is nearly four times the national average. 25% of the state's 1,200 long-term care centers have been cited for serious standard deficiencies- According to reports by the AARPIn Texas, there are many nurse aides in nursing facilities that have criminal … [Read more...] about Abuse & poor quality care rate in Texas nursing homes is nearly four times the national average
Texas lawmakers approve major nursing home quality reforms
According to reports, the 2017 Texas regular legislative session made vast changes affecting older Texans. Lawmakers approved several top priorities for AARP Texas including bills that, among other things, will protect seniors’ financial future, improve access to health care, and help unpaid family caregivers and their families.Also included was major nursing home quality reforms that seek to hold operators of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities more accountable when they have been … [Read more...] about Texas lawmakers approve major nursing home quality reforms
Challenges Continue for LTC Regarding Change of Therapy Documentation
Nursing facilities continue to battle Medicare denials because of documentation issues:Untimely certifications, missed or incorrectly billed Change of Therapy documentation, and lack of documentation supporting a signed physician order for skilled therapy are among the top reasons facilities are battling Medicare claims denials, an expert said in late April.Check your systems for communication between your MDS people and the therapy providers. … [Read more...] about Challenges Continue for LTC Regarding Change of Therapy Documentation
Ban on nursing home arbitration agreement officially lifted by CMS.
Ban on nursing home arbitration agreement officially lifted by CMS.Upheld by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services under the Trump Administration, according to reports, the ban on nursing home arbitration clauses has been lifted. CMS Issued the 'Proposed Revision Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities’ Arbitration Agreements on its website. Obama-era regulation previously stopped nursing homes from forcing patients and their families to sign binding arbitration agreements, … [Read more...] about Ban on nursing home arbitration agreement officially lifted by CMS.
DADS Recruiting New PIAC Members
DADS is currently accepting applications to become a member of the Promoting Independence Advisory Committee (PIAC). The deadline is May 1. DADS and HHSC are accepting applications for PIAC members from: - Advocates for individuals with disabilities, - Advocates for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD) or their family members - Home health care providers - IDD service providers - Nursing home providers For more information visit http://www.dads.state.tx.us … [Read more...] about DADS Recruiting New PIAC Members
