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Kindred executive urges Senate to test payment reforms, put off Medicare cuts

McKnight's Staff May 24, 2012

A top nursing home industry executive made a case against Medicare cuts and in favor of payment and delivery reforms in long-term and post-acute care in a Senate hearing Wednesday.

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TN providers team up with insurers for bundled payment program for joint replacements

McKnight's Staff May 24, 2012

In anticipation of payment reforms centering on coordinated care, health systems and a major Tennessee insurer are establishing a bundled payment system for joint replacements.

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Obama pushes for Tavenner confirmation hearing

The Obama Administration is pushing the Senate Democrats to hold a confirmation hearing for Marilyn Tavenner, acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, according to news reports.

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Proposed legislation would regulate use of antipsychotics in nursing home residents

McKnight's Staff May 23, 2012

A proposed bill would require nursing home staff to obtain informed consent from a resident or their legally designated representative acknowledging the potential risks and side effects associated with the antipsychotic medications.

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Hospital readmission penalties could transform relationships with SNFs, experts say

McKnight's Staff May 23, 2012

Healthcare reform efforts targeted at reducing hospital readmissions are here to stay, experts told participants in a McKnight's webcast Tuesday.

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GAO: Small business tax credit for healthcare is underused

McKnight's Staff May 23, 2012

A tax credit designed to make it easier for small businesses to offer health insurance is underused, a government report finds.

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Catholic institutions challenge contraception mandate in court

McKnight's Staff May 22, 2012

More than 40 U.S. Catholic institutions have filed 12 lawsuits challenging the Affordable Care Act's requirement that employers cover contraceptive services in their health plans.

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Nursing home quality scores are on the rise, federal data shows

McKnight's Staff May 22, 2012

The quality of care in U.S. nursing homes is improving, according to newly released federal health data. In evaluating the scores of 15,000 skilled nursing facilities across the country, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services found that the proportion of 4- and 5-Star centers has increased 4% and 4.1%, respectively.

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Some individuals pre-disposed to recurrent c. diff infections

McKnight's Staff May 22, 2012

Some individuals are predisposed — either genetically or due to an underlying inflammatory condition — to recurrent Clostridium difficile infections, new research finds.

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Conservatives cast doubt on cost effectiveness of healthcare reform

McKnight's Staff May 21, 2012

Conservative healthcare analysts warned a House committee that several provisions of the Affordable Care Act could cause further industry consolidation and weaken Medicare.

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Vaccination rates are low among at-risk adults in the U.S., research shows

McKnight's Staff May 21, 2012

Despite strong federal and regulatory support for mandatory vaccinations among healthcare workers, the U.S. adult vaccination rate is on the low side, according to a new research brief.

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Common antibiotic linked to risk of sudden death, study finds

McKnight's Staff May 21, 2012

An antibiotic frequently used to treat pneumonia and bronchitis is linked to a higher risk of sudden death in adults, particularly those with heart conditions, a new study reveals.

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Experts are concerned about misdiagnosis rate for Alzheimer's disease

McKnight's Staff May 18, 2012

Alzheimer's experts say it's hard to quantify how often it happens, but findings from an ongoing study has found that one-third of Alzheimer's disease diagnoses were incorrect.

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Heart failure readmission rates tied to regional socioeconomic factors, research shows

McKnight's Staff May 18, 2012

Socioeconomic differences and factors such as the availability of physicians have a bigger impact on readmission rates for heart failure than a provider's performance, a new study asserts.

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More than 8.3 million seniors are food insecure, analysis says

McKnight's Staff May 18, 2012

Almost 15% of American seniors live with the threat of hunger, new research finds. The consequences could have huge implications for the providers who take care of them, experts say.

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Antacids linked to higher risk of c. diff, study finds

McKnight's Staff May 17, 2012

Use of proton pump inhibitors, which have medications used to suppress stomach acid, can increase the risk of Clostridium difficile infections, especially when combined with antibiotics, a new study finds.

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Panel sees line blurring between skilled care and assisted living services

John O'Connor May 17, 2012

The line separating assisted living and skilled care services continues to blur, according to panelists who spoke Wednesday at the Assisted Living Federation of America's 2012 conference and expo near Dallas.

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Coding improvements to blame for uptick in fatal falls in the elderly, study finds

McKnight's Staff May 17, 2012

More accurate coding and reporting could be the reason behind a recent spike of fall-related deaths in the elderly, new research finds.

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Lawmakers should weigh costs associated with dementia when coordinating care for Medicare beneficiaries, analysis suggests

McKnight's Staff May 17, 2012

As policymakers seek to integrate care for dual eligibles, they need to consider the cost of treating beneficiaries with dementia, new data suggests.

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Federal judge invalidates NLRB 'microwave' elections rule

McKnight's Staff May 16, 2012

A federal district judge has invalidated a union elections rule this week on the grounds that the National Labor Relations Board did not have a quorum when the so-called "microwave rule" was voted on.

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Feeding tubes worsen pressure ulcers in elderly dementia patients, study suggests

McKnight's Staff May 16, 2012

New research suggests that feeding tubes can cause or worsen pressure ulcers in elderly dementia patients — a finding that contradicts the commonly held belief that feeding tubes promote healing.

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Alzheimer's research, resources for caregivers get federal funding

McKnight's Staff May 16, 2012

Federal officials revealed more specifics on the Obama administration's Alzheimer's initiative, including details of two new clinical trials.

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Fix Medicare funding woes 'forever' by eliminating subsidy for wealthy, conservative says

McKnight's Staff May 15, 2012

Wealthy seniors should pay more in Medicare premiums, according to a brief from the conservative Heritage Foundation.

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Letter: Physicians defend use of antipsychotics in nursing homes

McKnight's Staff May 15, 2012

Geriatric psychiatrists are defending the use of antipsychotics given to nursing home residents with dementia following a series of Boston Globe articles about the over-prescribing of such medications.

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Acupuncture is helpful in treatment of COPD, study finds

McKnight's Staff May 15, 2012

Acupuncture appears to help the labored breathing that accompanies chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a new study suggests.

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Omnicare will pay $50 million over controlled substances charges

May 14, 2012

Long-term care pharmacy provider Omnicare has agreed to pay the government $50 million to settle charges that it illegally dispensed controlled medications to long-term care residents.

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Statins could lower atrial fibrillation risk in seniors with hypertension, research suggests

McKnight's Staff May 14, 2012

Cholesterol lowering medications known as statins might help prevent new-onset atrial fibrillation in elderly adults with hypertension, a new study reports.

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People with dementia more likely to die at home than a facility

McKnight's Staff May 14, 2012

Most people with dementia don't die in nursing homes after all. In fact, they are more likely to spend their final days at home, a new study finds.

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House passes spending cut bill containing Medicare spending cuts

McKnight's Staff May 11, 2012

The House on Thursday passed spending cut legislation that included a 2% cut in Medicare spending.

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Final rule reduces regulatory burden for long-term care facilities

McKnight's Staff May 11, 2012

A new rule eases the regulatory burden on providers serving Medicare and Medicaid beneficiaries and has the potential to save the healthcare system $100 million in the first year.

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Direct caregivers will make up nation's largest workforce by 2020, analysis predicts

McKnight's Staff May 11, 2012

Direct care workers, a group that includes nursing assistants, home health aides and personal care aides, are expected to comprise the United States' largest workforce by 2020, according to a new analysis.

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Regulators clash with suppliers over effectiveness of competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment

McKnight's Staff May 10, 2012

Federal officials maintain that its competitive bidding program for durable medical equipment is operating successfully, but some industry suppliers disagree.

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SNFs prepare to absorb nearly $800 million in Medicare cuts

McKnight's Staff May 10, 2012

Medicare cuts scheduled to hit in January will cost skilled nursing facilities close to $800 million in fiscal year 2014, a new analysis estimates.

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Affluent seniors underestimate healthcare costs in retirement, survey finds

McKnight's Staff May 10, 2012

Even affluent older Americans are worried about the high costs of healthcare as they approach retirement age, a new study reveals.

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Some Medicaid doctors to receive reimbursement rates that equal Medicare's

McKnight's Staff May 09, 2012

Physicians providing primary care services to Medicaid beneficiaries will see a federal payment increase to bring Medicaid payments in line with those of Medicare payments, government officials announced Wednesday.

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HHS names coordinated care innovation winners

McKnight's Staff May 09, 2012

The Department of Health and Human Services has announced its newest round of grant recipients under its Health Care Innovation Awards.

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Exercise can counteract muscle wasting in heart failure patients, new study shows

McKnight's Staff May 09, 2012

Exercise can help combat muscle wasting and other complications associated with aging and heart failure, a new study reveals.

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Federal investigation sought to determine source of prescription pain medication shortages

McKnight's Staff May 08, 2012

Top U.S. lawmakers are concerned that overregulation of prescription pain medications is causing an inadvertent shortage of the controlled — and often necessary — controlled substances.

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Take advantage of the changing long-term care marketplace, top execs urge

Elizabeth Newman May 08, 2012

Long-term care providers should hone in on the changing needs of their market by embracing what customers want and will pay for, and by working to change the profession's image problem, LTC executives said Monday.

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Be thorough on evaluating ADLs, expert advises

Elizabeth Newman May 08, 2012

The functional status and behavior sections of the MDS 3.0 often lead to risk and liability dangers for providers, a long-term care coding expert said Sunday.

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Abbott Labs wrongly pushed Depakote for dementia care, will pay $1.5 billion

McKnight's Staff May 07, 2012

Abbott Laboratories has pleaded guilty and agreed to pay $1.5 billion over allegations that it promoted the anti-seizure drug Depakote for uses that were not approved by the Food and Drug Administration.

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Long-term care looks for leaders as healthcare industry adds jobs

McKnight's Staff May 07, 2012

A new rise in healthcare jobs is good news for executives in senior care, an expert said Friday.

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State unloads tens of thousands of respirators on long-term care providers

McKnight's Staff May 07, 2012

Skilled nursing facilities in California will receive tens of thousands of N95 respirators, officials said Friday.

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Number of physicians rising, but geriatrics continues to struggle

McKnight's Staff May 04, 2012

Although the number of medical students is skyrocketing, healthcare officials say they are concerned whether enough future physicians will choose geriatrics or primary care.

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Nursing home residents targeted as part of massive Medicare scheme

McKnight's Staff May 04, 2012

Beneficiaries from nursing homes were a target of a group filing false claims in what authorities call the largest Community Mental Health Center services fraud case.

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Gun-toting clown robs nursing home

McKnight's Staff May 04, 2012

Two West Virginia nursing home nurses are safe after being held up at gunpoint by a man dressed as a clown.

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Funding rarity: Alabama governor demands more for Medicaid

McKnight's Staff May 03, 2012

Amid the flurry of bad news for long-term care providers, regarding Medicaid cuts, a spot of sunshine appeared in Alabama on Wednesday, when the governor said he would veto the state's budget if an additional $200 million were not added to the program.

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Senators: Recovery audit contractors might be doubling up tasks; campaign against fraud gears up

McKnight's Staff May 03, 2012

Members of the Senate Finance Committee say they are concerned that the functions completed by independent contractors — known as recovery audit contractors (RACs) and Zone Program Integrity Contractors (PICs) — often overlap.

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Oops! Owner sues contractor over missing showers in assisted living facility

McKnight's Staff May 03, 2012

The owner of a Southern Illinois assisted living facility is suing its architect and civil engineers for allegedly violating several construction codes when building the community.

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Advocates for dual eligibles are concerned about the fast pace of demonstration project timeline

McKnight's Staff May 02, 2012

Medicare advocates are concerned about the speed with which the federal government is implementing care coordination plans for dual eligibles, according to reports.

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CMS to start covering heart procedure that significantly extends life expectancy

McKnight's Staff May 02, 2012

Medicare beneficiaries with heart valve damage will be able to have a valve replacement covered under certain conditions, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced Tuesday.

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Healthcare waste accounts for a third of all spending, government official says

McKnight's Staff May 02, 2012

With healthcare waste taking up to a third of all healthcare costs, reducing waste and fraud remain primary goals of the Office of the Inspector General, the head of the agency said Monday.

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What's the best way to prevent Immediate Jeopardy citations?

Patricia Boyer May 01, 2012

We've been assisting facilities in several states with Immediate Jeopardy (IJ) resolutions. One of the big changes we are seeing is that when an IJ situation is cited, multiple tags are affected and so multiple IJs are identified.

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McKnight's earns Gold again, wins Nos. 42, 43 and 44 national ASHPE Awards

McKnight's Staff May 01, 2012

McKnight's Long-Term Care News earned its 12th Gold Award on Tuesday in the 2012 ASHPE Awards. McKnight's was named the Gold Award winner for Best News Coverage in the annual journalism competition. The top honor raises its industry-leading total of national ASHPE awards to 44 in recent years.

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Judge denies challenge to union 'microwave rule'

McKnight's Staff May 01, 2012

A federal district judge has dismissed legal challenges to a National Labor Relations Board final rule shortening the length of time between union elections.

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State initiative cuts nursing home infection rates: report

McKnight's Staff May 01, 2012

Infection rates have improved in Pennsylvania nursing homes, the result of a program targeted at healthcare-acquired infections, a new report reveals.

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Antipsychotic drug use correlated to staffing levels

McKnight's Staff May 01, 2012

While antipsychotic drug use overuse has decreased since 2005, nearly a quarter of U.S. nursing homes are still giving many residents the medications against recommendations, a Boston Globe analysis reveals.

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Supreme Court ruling expected by late June

John O'Connor May 01, 2012

In a much-awaited decision, the Supreme Court is expected to rule in late June on whether the nation's new healthcare law is legal.

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Cuts will force belt tightening

James M. Berklan May 01, 2012

Many skilled nursing operators taking part in a new survey said they planned to lay off employees, slash benefits and delay building plans due to looming or recent Medicare and Medicaid cuts.

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New tools aid HCBS choices

Elizabeth Newman May 01, 2012

State Medicaid programs will have greater ability in providing home- and community-based services to elderly and disabled individuals, according to new regulations.

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Post-stroke screens needed

Mary Gustafson May 01, 2012

Providers who treat stroke sufferers need to do a better job of screening them for depression, a new study suggests.

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Infections can breed clot risk

Mary Gustafson May 01, 2012

Seniors suffering from any type of infection are more likely to be hospitalized for dangerous blood clots in their deep veins or lungs, a new study finds.

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Nursing applications balloon

Elizabeth Newman May 01, 2012

Many qualified nursing school applicants continue to be turned away due to lack of faculty and teaching space, according to a nursing association analysis.

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CMS changes course on new hiring rules

James M. Berklan May 01, 2012

Federal regulators have reversed course and will not require nursing homes to hire consultant pharmacists to review residents' medication regimens.

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60 Seconds with Cynthia Morton

May 01, 2012

Executive vice president for the National Association for the Support of Long term Care

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New LTC business models needed: expert

John O'Connor May 01, 2012

As if providers don't already have enough on their minds, a leading analyst recently offered his prescription for future success: change dramatically.

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Supreme Court ruling might affect LTC in numerous ways

John O'Connor May 01, 2012

It remains unclear whether the Supreme Court will invalidate President Obama's healthcare law. But it's becoming increasingly obvious if a repeal were to happen, long-term care operators would feel its effect in direct and indirect ways.

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How are SNFs handling residents who use e-cigarettes?

Sherrie Dornberger May 01, 2012

In speaking with a dozen or more facilities, the e-cigarette seems to be handled in an individual facility- or corporate-wide policy. Many facilities are not allowing it at all; others allow it after the resident is deemed by the doctor or advanced practice nurse to be safe at handling the device.

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Hospitalization harms memory, cognition

Mary Gustafson May 01, 2012

Seniors who have been hospitalized have a higher risk for experiencing a cognitive decline, a new study finds.

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Residents prefer caregivers who will sit down on the job

Mary Gustafson May 01, 2012

The subtle difference between standing and sitting next to a patient or resident can make a huge difference in that person's perception of their care, a new study reveals.

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What's the best way to prevent skin tears?

Susan Wickard May 01, 2012

A skin tear is a traumatic wound resulting from separation of the epidermis (top layer) from the dermis (underlying layer). The aging process causes older adults to be at high risk for skin tears.

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Women's estrogen levels may slow healing

John O'Connor May 01, 2012

University of California investigators recently documented one reason why wounds tend to heal more slowly in women: estrogen levels.

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Documentation is critical in wound care lawsuits: expert

John O'Connor May 01, 2012

Provider documentation is the key to avoiding costly wound care mishaps in a nursing facility, an expert attorney explained at a McKnight's Online Expo session.

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Can you suggest some stress management tips?

Anne Marie Barnett May 01, 2012

Help defining stress, emotional and physical; clarify some of the myths related to stress; review some of the signs and symptoms, again, emotionally and physically.

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Study: More RN-LPN coordination needed

Mary Gustafson May 01, 2012

Registered nurses and licensed practical nurses often have interchangeable responsibilities in nursing homes, which can lead to more medication errors, according to newly announced results of a study.

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Uniform colors seen as way to discern wristbands' intent

Mary Gustafson May 01, 2012

Healthcare systems should adopt more uniform color-coding of patient wristbands or implement barcode systems to reduce potential for errors across inpatient settings, nursing experts say.

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'Bad debt' funds mourned

James M. Berklan May 01, 2012

Skilled nursing facilities will experience $3 billion less in Medicare funding over the next 10 years due to recently passed legislation. A handful of states will absorb the worst of the cuts, according to a new analysis.

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Overpayment rule is based on bad assumptions, expert says

James M. Berklan May 01, 2012

Regulators have severely underestimated added costs that would result under a proposed rule requiring the prompt return of self-detected reimbursement overpayments, according to at least one expert.

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Kindred sheds more facilities

Elizabeth Newman May 01, 2012

Kindred Healthcare announced it will not be renewing another lease agreement with Ventas for six nursing and rehabilitation centers and two long-term care facilities.

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Improving economy will help senior living field, expert says

Elizabeth Newman May 01, 2012

Senior living operators should be cautiously optimistic due to the rebounding economy and increased consumer confidence, a lead economist said in March.

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I couldn't live without...Ergolet Luna overhead lift

May 01, 2012

Mike Harmer, the director of environmental services at the Ohio Eastern Star Nursing Home in Mt.

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Taking heart: Technology is playing larger role in care

John O'Connor May 01, 2012

More than six million American adults — including many nursing home residents — suffer from heart failure. But, while the prevalence of this disease has increased over time, there are signs that technology-driven devices and products are beginning to make a positive difference.

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Elder abuse bill pushed

McKnight's Staff May 01, 2012

Lawmakers in Colorado are trying to change the fact that their state is one of only four that do not have mandatory reporting laws governing elder abuse. State Sen. Evie Hudak (D) introduced legislation that would form a task force to study mandatory reporting. It would offer recommendations by Dec. 1, the Denver Post reported.

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Nursing home workers sue over insurance

Elizabeth Newman May 01, 2012

Two former nursing home employees may be headed to trial over what they say is their previous employer's failure to pay into a group health plan.

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Surveyors not ruled biased for seeking $42,600 in fines

Elizabeth Newman May 01, 2012

A Jewish nursing home in Pennsylvania has been turned back in its attempt to have a penalty reviewed that it said resulted from a biased survey process.

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Dementia drug dosage comes under fire

Deborah Weinstein May 01, 2012

The Food and Drug Administration "breached its own regulatory standard" when it permitted a new dosage for a best-selling Alzheimer's drug, according to two professors at Dartmouth's Institute for Health Policy and Clinical Practice.

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The merger of two e-learning firms seen as a good sign

Elizabeth Newman May 01, 2012

Two online training companies for post-acute healthcare workers have announced a merger.

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How to do it... Finance

May 01, 2012

Obtaining capital to keep one's long-term care operation running smoothly and improving is always a challenge. But there are times when an operator should consider going in the other direction — exiting the market. This special article offers expert insight on how to gauge when it's time to sell or consider selling.

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You must see the future

William C. Fisher May 01, 2012

Nonprofit community "Type A" contracts require the organization to offer extensive life care services. This may include a refundable portion of the entrance fee to the resident's estate in exchange for guaranteed lifetime occupancy.

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Knowing when it's time

John O'Connor May 01, 2012

I bought my wife an iPad about a week before it was announced a new model would soon be released. I had a similar experience with my last cell phone. Admittedly, I may not be the world's most qualified person for predicting technology shifts.

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When nursing homes throw money around

James M. Berklan May 01, 2012

Even in generosity, it seems, nursing home leaders can't catch a break. The headlines, from the Washington Post to the Huffington Post, implied as much. There they were in bold, tall type, touting the fact that a "nursing home group" had donated $175,000 toward Sen. Orrin Hatch's (R-UT) re-election effort.

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Don't be shy: step out

Gary Tetz May 01, 2012

Shy people hate crosswalks. I know, because I'm a shy person — and I hate crosswalks.

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Embracing higher ed

Charlotte Eliopoulos May 01, 2012

Baccalaureate and higher degrees are under-represented among LTC nurses. More than half of the directors of nursing, who represent the highest position in the nursing department, hold an associate degree or diploma in nursing; less than one-third hold a BSN.

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Drawing a safe bath

John Andrews May 01, 2012

One of the most frequent caregiving tasks also can be one of the most dangerous, with providers needing to stay current on what can keep residents free from harm.

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LEEDing the way

Julie Williamson May 01, 2012

Operators who chose to pursue certification touting their devotion to environmentally friendly construction practices can reap big rewards.

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Operation Hire a Veteran

Mary Gustafson May 01, 2012

Hiring veterans to work in long-term care facilities is a no-brainer for nursing home administrator Steve Pazulski — a Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom veteran himself.

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Better policies her policy

Elizabeth Newman May 01, 2012

From an early age onward, Judy Feder learned how to stick up for herself. The third of four girls raised by an English immigrant salesman and a bookkeeper mother, Feder says she was told by her father to "stand up for what I believe in, speak out and always look people straight in the eye."

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Anxiety is under-diagnosed in individuals with arthritis, report says

McKnight's Staff April 30, 2012

Older adults suffering from arthritis should be screened for anxiety, a new study recommends.

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Measuring performance, coordinating care both crucial to lowering costs among the chronically ill, report says

McKnight's Staff April 30, 2012

The federal government should take advantage of Affordable Care Act funds to improve the coordination and quality of care for the chronically ill, a new report recommends.

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