Author: Aaron Dorman

The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is stirring a complex mix of emotions within the nursing home industry, mirroring a broader trend across the U.S. While some see AI as a boon, others are bracing for potential job displacement. According to a recent ADP Research study, a significant portion of healthcare and social assistance workers are caught in this dichotomy, experiencing both optimism and anxiety. The “People at Work 2025” series, based on a global survey of nearly 38,000 adults, reveals that 15% of U.S. workers believe AI will positively impact their jobs, while 13% fear it will replace them.…

A recent shift in Medicare coverage for key medications used in dialysis treatment has created significant challenges for nursing home residents and the facilities that care for them. This change, impacting access to oral phosphate binders, has disrupted established supply chains and raised concerns about patient well-being and regulatory compliance. Starting January 1st, Medicare bundled payments for seven oral phosphate binders into its End Stage Renal Disease Prospective Payment System (ESRD PPS). These medications are crucial for dialysis patients, helping to manage excess phosphate levels that can lead to serious health complications like vascular damage and bone loss. Previously, long-term…

A legal and political battle is brewing over the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) and its access to Medicare and Medicaid data housed within the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This controversy raises concerns about data security, funding stability for nursing homes, and the overall functioning of crucial healthcare programs.   The conflict centers around DOGE’s authority to access sensitive healthcare information. A recent temporary block by a U.S. District Court judge, following a lawsuit brought by 19 state attorneys general, highlights the tension. These officials, like New York Attorney General Letitia James, argue that DOGE,…

The recent freeze on federal health communications, initially intended to last until February 1st, continues to disrupt operations for nursing homes across the country. This unexpected extension leaves providers uncertain about access to crucial information, raising concerns about resident safety and business stability. “A lasting ban on health-related federal communications would adversely impact our entire industry,” Karie Kesterson-Gibson, director of clinical excellence at WesleyLife, Iowa’s largest nonprofit provider of health and well-being services for seniors, told McKnight’s. This quote highlights the industry’s reliance on federal agencies like the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and the Centers for Disease…