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
Rural Health Care in the News
Two interesting articles have been recently published. One deals with the closing of the hospital in rural Milam County, Texas. This has caused residents to travel further for care and has disincentivized some to seek needed care. Days after the two hospitals in Milam County abruptly shuttered in December, Renee Mueck started feeling stomach pain so sharp she couldn’t drive herself to the nearest hospital about 40 minutes away. Mueck, 60, said her husband drove her to a hospital … [Read more...] about Rural Health Care in the News
Changes in RoP for Nursing Homes
November 2019 was supposed to see the implementation of Phase 3 of the changes to Nursing Home Rules of Participation. That has been rolled back to 2019. Moreover, CMS has proposed a new rule that will cause significant changes in some areas. In the proposed rule, posted to the Federal Register Tuesday evening, CMS recommends having surveyors look at QAPI plans at the end of an inspection. That could limit the possibility that areas identified for improvement would be used as … [Read more...] about Changes in RoP for Nursing Homes
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
CMS Allows Arbitration Agreements in Nursing Homes, Delays Phase 3 ROP’s
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
Rural Patients Turning to Telehealth
NPR just did a program about how rural patients are turning to telehealth because of a dearth of health care resources in rural areas. Showcased was one woman's use of telehealth for therapy services to assist her with depression. "Hill says knew she needed therapy to deal with her deepening depression. But the main health center in her rural town had just two therapists. Hill was told she'd only be able to see a therapist once a month." NPR also did a poll on the … [Read more...] about Rural Patients Turning to Telehealth
Happy Independence Day!!!
Three Interesting Stories on the Texas Legalization of Hemp
On June 10, Governor Greg Abbott signed a bill legalizing hemp production. "Texas House Republican Charles Perry was the author of House Bill 1325 and has been a huge advocate for the hemp industry in Texas. The bill passed with flying colors. "The hemp industry is rapidly growing and we need to ensure our farmers are able to participate. We hope this agricultural commodity will help boost rural communities now that there is a new viable crop option for our farmers," Perry … [Read more...] about Three Interesting Stories on the Texas Legalization of Hemp
Nursing Home Staffing Levels Lower than Reported?
Modern Healthcare magazine is reporting that the results of a study published in Health Affairs are indicating that staffing levels are "often lower than reported" and "below what CMS expects." One area of special concern is staffing of RN's: "The numbers were most stark for RNs, where 91% of the organizations met expectations less than 60% of the time. Almost all facilities are required to have at least one RN on site for at least eight hours every day. But nearly 4% of … [Read more...] about Nursing Home Staffing Levels Lower than Reported?
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
