Doctor and senior woman wearing facemasks during coronavirus and flu outbreak. Virus protection. COVID-2019..

For the second week in a row, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has postponed an eagerly awaited SNF Open Door Forum conference call that will focus on accommodations from the Jimmo case and other hot topics. It will now take place at 2 p.m. Eastern on Thursday, Dec. 19, according to various reports. Regulators have said when the call takes place, they also will be making a “Medicare” announcement, and will address MDS training and the National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes during the call.

Anyone hoping to listen in is advised to call (800) 837-1935 at least 15 minutes early. The session password is 14947458. For more information, check the SNF Open Door website for possible changes. It had not reflected the new date late Wednesday in its notice section.

The Jimmo v. Sebelius case was settled by CMS early this year in a Vermont court. Providers are eagerly awaiting details on how it is to be put into play. It could mean much greater access to therapy and care for certain patients.