Iowa ombudsman’s office to stop AL, SNF visits due to budget cuts
By
Lois A. Bowers
Aug 28, 2017
The Iowa Long-Term Care Ombudsman Office has cut almost all staff visits to assisted living communities and nursing homes because of budget cuts, and some advocates say that decision is problematic.
California governor announces Alzheimer’s task force, calls for ‘master plan on aging’
By
Lois A. Bowers
Feb 13, 2019
The governor of the country’s most populous state called for a new “master plan on aging” and announced a new Alzheimer’s task force, to be headed by a celebrity, Tuesday during his first State...
Act prioritizes fight against Alzheimer’s disease with state plan
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Sep 12, 2023
South Carolina’s adoption of a state Alzheimer’s plan is a “step forward,” according to senior living advocates.
South Dakota NPs now have full practice authority
By
Lois A. Bowers
Mar 19, 2017
South Dakota has become the 22nd state to authorize nurse practitioners to provide a full scope of services — diagnosing, treating, managing care and prescribing medicines and therapies — independently....
New law means some assisted living programs now subject to immediate prosecution over licensure
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Apr 18, 2023
Proponents of a new law targeting unlicensed assisted living programs in Maryland say it will close a “dangerous loophole” that left residents vulnerable to abuse and neglect.
Massachusetts officials reject groups’ call to keep mask mandate after PHE expires
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Apr 10, 2023
Plans to drop a mask mandate in healthcare settings — including residential care facilities — next month are moving forward in Massachusetts, despite outcries from some health professionals and organizations...
Constitutional amendment could complicate response during emergencies in assisted living: expert
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Nov 03, 2021
A proposed constitutional amendment on Tuesday’s ballot in Texas would allow assisted living and other long-term care residents the ability to designate an “essential caregiver” for in-person visitation,...
States overlooking untapped potential of dual-eligible special needs plans: report
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Oct 28, 2021
The American Rescue Plan Act is expected to infuse $11 billion in federal dollars to states to bolster home- and community-based services in Medicaid. But few states are connecting the dots on how integrated...
Education, mandates, incentives drive high long-term care staff COVID-19 vaccination rates
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
May 27, 2021
Hawaii’s assisted living and other long-term care facilities are beating the odds — and national averages — by achieving an average 84% staff COVID-19 vaccination rate. Elsewhere, some providers...
NY latest to adopt LGBTQ+ Bill of Rights for long-term care residents
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Dec 04, 2023
New York has become the latest state to adopt legislation establishing a bill of rights for LGBTQ+ residents of long-term care facilities.