Author: Harper Valentina

The United States continues to lead the way in telemedicine investments, boasting over 2,472 deals between 2015 and 2024, according to a recent report by Drake Star. This dominance underscores the increasing maturity and consolidation of the telemedicine market, with the UK trailing as the second most active region. While the number of new players entering the telemedicine space has declined, mergers and acquisitions are on the rise. This trend suggests a strategic move towards strengthening existing platforms and expanding service offerings. Notably, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a significant driver behind these acquisitions. “The integration…

A federal jury has delivered a stinging blow to long-term care pharmacy giant Omnicare, finding the CVS Health subsidiary liable for a staggering $136 million in damages for fraudulently dispensing drugs without valid prescriptions. This amount is expected to balloon to over $406 million after statutory penalties are applied, marking it as “one of the largest damages verdicts rendered by a jury in a False Claims Act case,” according to the Department of Justice. The unanimous verdict, reached in a case involving more than 3,000 senior living communities, alleges that Omnicare billed Medicare, Medicaid, and TRICARE for over three million…

Missouri lawmakers are considering a series of bills that could significantly reshape the state’s long-term care landscape, with a particular focus on staffing mandates and enhanced regulatory oversight. The proposed legislation comes amid rising concerns about resident care quality and facility compliance. One of the most closely watched bills mirrors the federal staffing mandate issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). This state-level initiative aims to establish specific staffing requirements for nursing homes, a move that has sparked both support and opposition within the industry. “Missouri consistently has the lowest hours of care per resident per day…

Connecticut lawmakers are pushing for a groundbreaking bill that could reshape the state’s nursing home landscape by banning new investments from private equity firms and real estate investment trusts (REITs). Senate Bill 1332 (SB 1332) aims to prevent these entities from acquiring or increasing ownership in nursing homes, a move that has sparked both concern and debate within the industry. This proposed legislation comes amidst growing national scrutiny of private equity’s role in healthcare, particularly in the long-term care sector. While other states have focused on increasing oversight, Connecticut’s bill stands out for its outright prohibition of new investments. “We…

A former certified nursing assistant (CNA) at Independence Village of Midland is facing charges after being accused of stealing money from 13 residents in 2023. Katoria Crawford, 32, of Midland, was arrested and arraigned on February 11th, charged with larceny in a building. Her probable cause hearing is scheduled for February 25th in Midland County District Court. According to Midland Police Department’s Brennon Warren, the investigation began on May 16, 2023, after an 88-year-old resident reported approximately $100 missing from her wallet. The resident stated that Crawford had been in her room the previous day, claiming to be replacing a…