State staffing policies could hamper MedPAC’s recommendations on federal mandate
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Oct 11, 2022
A federal minimum staffing mandate is on the horizon for nursing homes at the beginning of 2023. Providers and experts wonder just how the proposed mandate might address historic staffing shortages without...
State allocates $1B+ for assistance to Medicaid, other program beneficiaries
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Aug 17, 2022
Georgia Gov. Brian P. Kemp (R) has set aside more than $1 billion for the state Department of Human Services to provide cash assistance of up to $350 per active enrollee in Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition...
Skilled nursing demand increasing, but staffing remains issue
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Nov 07, 2022
killed nursing occupancy increased by 48 basis points from July to August to end the month at 78.8%, according to the National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care’s most recent skilled nursing...
End of pandemic-era payments to family caregivers could complicate workforce shortages
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Sep 20, 2023
During the pandemic, most states allowed some form of payment to family caregivers whose loved ones were receiving Medicaid home- and community-based services. As those payments dry up, workforce shortages...
Members of Congress call on CMS to collaborate in addressing nursing home workforce challenges
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Sep 14, 2022
A bipartisan group of members of the House of Representatives is looking to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to work with them to resolve workforce shortages experienced by nursing homes across...
Business briefs, March 27
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Mar 27, 2023
Bill closes ‘loophole’ in provider background checks … USCIS lifts COVID-related flexibilities … Biden’s budget would strengthen Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, HCBS, senator says … ORA...
6 SNFs, ALFs placed in receivership in Iowa
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Feb 01, 2023
In what appears to be a growing trend in long-term care closures in Iowa, four nursing facilities and two assisted living facilities have been placed in receivership with the state Department of Inspections...
Nursing home sector’s economic recovery ‘in limbo,’ AHCA says
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Feb 07, 2023
Economic recovery remains “in limbo” for the nursing home sector, especially as the public health emergency — and the funds that go along with it — is set to end this spring. That’s according...
Communication key to solving issues facing providers, legislators say
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Sep 18, 2023
Communication is “the best way to make a difference” and address issues facing the assisted living industry, a state legislator told those attending a recent forum convened by the Florida Assisted...
Providers need ‘meaningful aid,’ groups say as president unveils executive order
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Apr 19, 2023
Building a pipeline of professional caregivers and then retaining them in long-term care are some of the goals of an executive order signed Tuesday by President Biden. Provider groups responded by calling...