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Bruce Yarwood

Providers cheer as Kohl lifts block on DEA nominee

December 23, 2010

Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI) has released the hold on the nomination of Michelle Leonhart to head the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency. That occurred after the U.S. Department of Justice assured him that the DEA would address and improve the delivery of pain medications in nursing homes and assisted living facilities.

MedPAC considers 0% market-basket update for SNFs in fiscal year 2012

December 06, 2010

Despite pleas from the long-term care community, the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) is tentatively recommending a 0% market-basket update to skilled nursing facilities for fiscal year 2012.

Nursing home operators vow to fight for Medicaid relief during lame-duck session

November 09, 2010

With Republicans looking to rein in government spending during the upcoming lame-duck session of Congress, American Health Care Association President and CEO Bruce Yarwood is concerned that the House will vote to cut the enhanced Medicaid funding provided by last year's Recovery Act. Returning to the pre-Recovery Act rate would be difficult for nursing homes and assisted living facilities, Yarwood said at a press briefing Monday at his group's headquarters in Washington.

A new fight over healthcare reform

Liza Berger November 04, 2010

One of the highlights of the American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging conference came near the end—during a panel discussion about the impact of midterm elections on healthcare reform.

McKnight's Newsmaker Videos: Post-acute care to create new environment for providers, Yarwood says

October 15, 2010

Bruce Yarwood, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association, predicts that new concepts such as payment bundling will change long-term care. Yarwood, who also expressed concern about the future of the Medicaid program for providers, finishes his tenure at AHCA in January.

AHCA's changing of the guard

Liza Berger October 12, 2010

It was an emotional general session at the American Health Care Association conference in Long Beach, CA, Monday. Bruce Yarwood, the mighty and well-loved president and CEO handed the reins of the group to Gov. Mark Parkinson, a clear-eyed, well-skilled politician.

Soon-to-be AHCA President Parkinson tells members they will control their own future

October 12, 2010

Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson, the incoming CEO and president of the American Health Care Association, introduced himself to members Monday as a fellow long-term care owner and operator. He stressed the importance of lobbying aggressively, delivering great care and bridging differences as providers.

Stories of possible theft and a new high-profile figurehead headline this week's news

Liza Berger September 17, 2010

What a week in long-term care, eh? A chapter leader accused of corruption and a governor tapped to be the head of a nursing home organization? Can't ask for more interesting news than that.

Kansas governor to take reins of AHCA in January

September 14, 2010

The American Health Care Association has selected Kansas Gov. Mark Parkinson (D) to be its next president and CEO, the association said Monday.

President signs bill providing more Medicaid funding to states

August 11, 2010

President Obama Tuesday signed a bill sending $26.1 billion in aid, including $16.1 billion in Medicaid relief, to states.

Long-term care community cheers passage of Medicaid extension legislation

August 06, 2010

Long-term care leaders on Thursday praised the Senate for approving an extension of enhanced Medicaid assistance to cash-strapped states.

New bill would update nursing home survey process

August 03, 2010

The American Health Care Association Monday applauded a new bill that would seek to modernize the survey and certification system that assesses and monitors long-term care and post-acute care systems.

AHCA to keep on truckin' for Medicaid assistance

June 28, 2010

The Senate's failure to pass Medicaid relief just has further revved up the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living for their "Driving for Quality Care" RV tour. It starts on Tuesday.

Road trip for Medicaid relief

Liza Berger June 25, 2010

The American Health Care Association is hitting the road on Tuesday. That's when the association is kicking off its 40-state Driving for Quality RV Tour.

Providers press for extension of Medicaid increase

Liza Berger June 08, 2010

FMAP. FMAP. FMAP. That was the theme of today's congressional briefing session at the American Health Care Association's annual conference in Washington, D.C.

House, Senate set to vote this week on bill that would repeal RUG-IV delay, extend Medicaid funding increase

May 24, 2010

Congress is expected to vote this week on a bill that would restore the original implementation date for version four of the Resource Utilization Groups (RUGs) payment system.

Nursing home advocates join call for extended Medicaid funding for states

May 19, 2010

Two long-term care leaders, along with nearly all U.S. governors, have joined a majority of members of the House of Representatives in urging congressional leaders to extend a temporary increase in the federal medical assistance percentage (FMAP).

Long-term care leaders criticize Washington Post article on reimbursements

March 31, 2010

A recent Washington Post analysis of the use of "ultra-high" reimbursement categories for nursing homes "paints a negative, incomplete picture of the growing role and tangible benefits associated with skilled nursing facility (SNF) patient care," two leading long-term care advocates said.

Fourth annual McKnight's Online Expo: Six days to go

March 18, 2010

Long-term care advocates Wednesday applauded Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius for acknowledging "inherent flaws" in the Five-Star Quality Rating System. The fourth annual McKnight's Online Expo will kick off March 24 with a webcast discussing issues related to nursing home quality.

Yarwood to Obama: Long-term care can play key role in job growth, economic recovery

January 27, 2010

A robust jobs proposal and strengthening the nation's long-term care sector must be cornerstones of the 2010 legislative agenda, said Bruce Yarwood, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association. He released a statement on the eve of President Obama's first State of the Union speech.

Leader of nation's largest nursing home association 'back in the game' after suffering aneurysm

January 12, 2010

Although he's not near operating at full-capacity yet, Bruce Yarwood says he'll take that over the alternative. A ruptured brain aneurysm nearly claimed the life of the American Health Care Association president and CEO on Halloween morning.

New alliance seeks to improve long-term services across spectrum

January 06, 2010

The Long-Term Quality Alliance, which was formally introduced Tuesday, is dedicated to improving the quality of long-term services and supports.

Nursing homes facing major challenges to Medicaid, Medicare, Yarwood says

October 06, 2009

Bruce Yarwood, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association, Monday likened the problems facing long-term care to a "tsunami."

Senate Finance Committee bill 'a step in the right direction,' AHCA says

September 18, 2009

The American Health Care Association and the Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care on Thursday gave their support to the recently released healthcare reform bill from the Senate Finance Committee. They noted that a final bill should avoid significant cuts to Medicare in nursing homes.

State attorneys general urge suspension and revision of Five-Star rating system

August 28, 2009

A total of 31 state attorneys general sent a letter to Kathleen Sebelius, secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. In the letter, they called for the suspension and revision of the Five-Star Quality Rating System.

Long-term care associations to battle Medicare cuts during congressional recess

August 04, 2009

Congress may take a recess this month, but the long-term care community isn't planning on it. Instead, the associations will be working to urge lawmakers not to cut millions in Medicare payments from nursing homes as part of healthcare reform.