Daily Editors’ Notes

As goes Texas?

By

Kimberly Marselas

Feb 07, 2023

What happens to Texas Medicaid rates between now and the end of May could either save or sink skilled nursing providers. But what happens in Texas surely won’t stay in Texas.

Note to Biden: Remember immigration reform?

By

John O'Connor

Feb 06, 2023

It’s time for the State of the union. It would be nice if Biden revisits a promise that helped get him elected: immigration reform.

How to deal with the end of an era in skilled nursing

By

James M. Berklan

Feb 02, 2023

The end of an era, it appears, is truly upon us. For an industry buckled by historic labor shortages and operating costs, this is no occasion to cheer.

A loud and clear message on staffing mandates

By

Kimberly Marselas

Jan 31, 2023

LeadingAge President and CEO Katie Smith Sloan delivered a gift of sorts to CMS on Monday in the form of a six-point “common sense” plan for implementation of any staffing minimum.  

A good reason to give nursing homes a reprieve

By

James M. Berklan

Jan 26, 2023

Reintroducing a bill in Congress is often the political equivalent of introducing your shy cousin “who has a good personality” to yet another of the most popular girls or guys in your circle. 

Will you be prepared when the shooting stops?

By

Kimberly Marselas

Jan 24, 2023

There was an air of relief to Tuesday afternoon’s coverage of a mass shooting in Half Moon Bay, CA, particularly as it emerged that this brutal attack was likely an incident of workplace violence.

No ride in the fire truck for you

By

John O'Connor

Jan 22, 2023

The brains at McKinsey issued a promising report about the future of healthcare profits. Apparently everybody’s in for big ones, except you know who.

The way to be (or see) what long-term care needs most right now

By

James M. Berklan

Jan 19, 2023

Many employees in the near future will be new or inexperienced. It is already abundantly clear that good leadership will be imperative.

When the wolf actually shows up

By

John O'Connor

Jan 13, 2023

There are times when actual survival is at stake. As it happens, one of those times happens to be right now

Another year on top makes nurses a target for some

By

Kimberly Marselas

Jan 10, 2023

It’s too bad some prosecutors are doing their best to muddy the reputations of America’s most trusted workers,

Happy New Year. Now pay up.

By

John O'Connor

Jan 08, 2023

Minimum pay hikes took place in 27 states Jan. 1 , so look out, long-term care providers.

Time to ask the tough question: Are you ready for the big O?

By

James M. Berklan

Jan 05, 2023

“Folks are usually about as happy as they make their minds up to be,” Lincoln is quoted as saying. As long-term care heads into 2023, it’s more apropos than ever.

Dedication doesn’t falter amid fresh destruction

By

Kimberly Marselas

Jan 03, 2023

It’s been a calamitous couple of weeks for storm-battered skilled nursing operators and many of the dedicated people who work in them.

Ending the year with some long-term care gifts and resolutions

By

James M. Berklan

Dec 20, 2022

When many are exchanging gifts and making New Year’s resolutions, I’ve come up with my wish list for key long-term care players and stakeholders.

Sound advice for the year ahead – and beyond

By

John O'Connor

Dec 18, 2022

I’d like to share some undeniably sound advice for the year ahead, courtesy of others.

An embarrassment of long-term care’s good role models

By

James M. Berklan

Dec 15, 2022

Doing well in long-term care is not easy. Regulators, families, financial challenges and simply the nature of the frail, vulnerable clientele will always make it so. That’s why when you find somebody…

It’s time to let crime pay

By

Kimberly Marselas

Dec 13, 2022

If gung-ho prosecutors get a little more screen time around here while some of our usual sources close up shop for a couple weeks, don’t rush past. There are plenty of lessons to be learned.

To mask or not to mask? That is the question

By

John O'Connor

Dec 11, 2022

Three highly contagious viruses have joined forces to create new health hazards. Is it time to mask all the time again?

CMS can do better with this good idea

By

James M. Berklan

Dec 08, 2022

CMS has a golden idea with its Open Door Forums, but it’s time for some polish.

Long-term care’s big days in court

By

Kimberly Marselas

Dec 06, 2022

If you’ve been around skilled nursing even just a little while, you’ve seen how these False Claims cases end up, especially since the individuals suing can win triple damages for reporting alleged…