Senators late last week introduced a bill that offers reform in the areas of nursing home technology, employment and reimbursement.

The Long Term Care Quality and Modernization Act of 2007 would promote investment in capital improvements and health information technology, encourage collaboration between nursing home providers and surveyors, and assist in the creation of a stable and well-trained workforce, supporters claim. Sens. Gordon Smith (R-OR), Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the legislation.

The American Health Care Association praised the bill for its proposal to modernize Medicare payment practices. Ideas include annually updating consolidated billing rules and offering feasible Medicare coverage for diabetes management.