Author: Avery Sterling

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is set to roll out a policy that will significantly reduce public participation in its rule-making processes, a move that has sent shockwaves through the nursing home industry. The new policy, slated for publication in the Federal Register on Monday, leverages a “good cause” exception in the Administrative Procedure Act (APA) to bypass traditional notice and comment periods. HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defended the decision, stating in an online statement, “The extra-statutory obligations of the Richardson Waiver impose costs on the Department and the public, are contrary to the efficient…

In a move that could have significant implications for the nursing home industry, the Senate confirmed Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as the new Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) in a 52-48 vote Thursday morning. While his nomination faced criticism—particularly regarding his knowledge of Medicare and Medicaid—his stance on nursing home staffing regulations has garnered attention from long-term care providers. Medicaid Cuts on the Horizon? Kennedy takes the helm of HHS as House Republicans push for major budget reductions, with potential cuts of $1.5 to $2 trillion that could significantly impact Medicaid. Given that Medicaid funds…

A disturbing case of privacy violation and alleged sexual offense has rocked a North Carolina nursing home, leaving residents and their families reeling. Cindy Gale Rice, a 41-year-old employee, and Ronnie McCoy, 40, have been arrested following the discovery of illicit photos and text messages involving vulnerable female patients. According to the Davie County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began after authorities seized Rice’s phone. A search of the device revealed numerous images of female patients, some fully nude while showering, and others partially nude using the restroom. The Sheriff’s Office reported that “numerous images of female patients were found on…

Livonia, MI- Fountain Bleu Health and Rehabilitation Center scored a legal victory as the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit ruled that the facility did not breach federal law when it unilaterally hiked wages and hired non-union staff during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. The ruling overturns a prior decision by the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), which had previously ruled against the nursing home. Crisis Management or Labor Violation? The Livonia-based nursing home, grappling with a massive staff shortage in March 2020, took swift action when 75% of its unionized workforce—comprising licensed practical nurses and certified…