Health officials are raising alarms about a dangerous fungal infection spreading through American healthcare facilities, with nursing homes emerging as particularly vulnerable hotspots. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified more than 3,400 clinical cases of Candida auris across 27 states this year, marking one of the most significant infectious disease threats facing long-term care operators. The fungus poses a unique challenge for nursing homes. Unlike many hospital-acquired infections that primarily threaten immunocompromised patients, C. auris can colonize skin and surfaces for extended periods, making it especially difficult to control in communal living environments. Industry reports indicate the…
Author: Ahuva S
Des Moines, Iowa — Iowa nursing homes are finally getting inspected on schedule after years of falling behind federal requirements, according to a new state audit that shows dramatic improvement in oversight timelines. The report, released August 3 by State Auditor Rob Sand, found that Iowa facilities are now being inspected on average every 12 months — down from 17.1 months in 2024. That brings the state into compliance with Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requirements for the first time in years. The Numbers Behind the Turnaround Federal rules require states to conduct nursing home surveys on a…
Tallahassee, Florida — The state’s nursing home industry is staring down a potential staffing catastrophe after a federal judge confirmed that Temporary Protected Status for Haitian workers has officially ended. The decision affects roughly 35,000 Haitian nationals working in Florida’s long-term care sector, many of whom have spent years caring for the state’s elderly residents. The TPS program, which has allowed immigrants from countries experiencing armed conflict or natural disasters to live and work legally in the United States, was terminated for Haitians following a Supreme Court decision in June. The ruling cleared the way for the Trump administration to…
San Juan Capistrano, California — The Ensign Group isn’t slowing down. The skilled nursing giant posted second-quarter revenue of $1.44 billion on Monday, a 17.3% jump from the same period last year, while lifting its full-year guidance for the second time this year. The California-based operator, which runs facilities across 15 states, reported GAAP diluted earnings per share of $1.68, up 16.7% year-over-year. Adjusted earnings came in at $1.92 per share, a 20.8% increase that beat analyst expectations. CEO Barry Port pointed to a simple formula: “Exceptional outcomes ultimately create their own form of accountability.” The company’s same-facility occupancy hit…
Analysis finds over 25% of nursing homes cited for serious deficiencies in recent inspection cycle, with infection control and medication errors among most common violations.
CMS finalizes 2.4% payment increase for skilled nursing facilities in fiscal year 2027, providing modest relief amid ongoing cost pressures.
Skilled nursing facility margins showed notable improvement in 2025 according to new data from CLA, though analysts warn that financial challenges lie ahead for the sector. The 2025 report, based on approximately 11,700 cost reports for fiscal years ended 2024, reveals a rebound in profitability after years of pandemic-related stress. The analysis from CLA shows that skilled nursing facilities have begun to recover from the severe financial pressures of the COVID-19 era. Occupancy rates have stabilized and many operators have implemented cost-control measures that are now bearing fruit. However, the report cautions that a ‘shock’ may be coming. Industry experts…
Baltimore, Maryland — Nursing homes across the country woke up this week to an unwelcome surprise: their quality ratings dropped, even though nothing about their care actually changed. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services quietly raised the threshold requirements for its Quality Measure star ratings, effective immediately. Facilities now need significantly more points to earn the same star ratings they held just days ago — a move experts say will push many providers down a full star. According to the new CMS standards released this week, nursing homes need 38 additional points to achieve a 5-star QM rating, 33…
Dallas, Texas — Nurse practitioners are taking on a bigger role inside nursing homes as operators face tougher surveys, sicker residents and growing pressure to prevent avoidable hospital trips. Industry leaders say the shift is no longer theoretical. In many buildings, NPs now serve as the clinician families see most often, while also helping facilities manage quality programs, survey readiness and day-to-day care decisions. At Texas-based Cantex Continuing Care Network, the company employs 24 nurse practitioners and registered nurses across its skilled nursing, hospice, home health and pharmacy operations. CEO Robin Underhill said the role has expanded well beyond traditional…
Washington, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has deferred more than $1 billion in federal Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota, a move that nursing home operators fear could ripple through the sector and tighten already strained budgets. Approximately $867.5 million in payments to California and $199 million to Minnesota are now on hold, according to an HHS statement issued Tuesday. The agency said focused financial reviews found claims in both states that require additional documentation before federal matching funds are released. Nursing homes in both states stand to feel the impact. California directed $981.4 million…
