Author: Charles Adams

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz’s (D) proposed 2026-2027 biennial budget has sparked sharp criticism from long-term care operators, who describe it as a “short-sighted slap in the face” that could severely impact access to senior care services across the state. The proposal, unveiled Thursday, includes a $200 million cut to nursing home funding, leaving operators bracing for financial challenges that could lead to reduced services and facility closures. Ben Hansen, director of communications at LeadingAge Minnesota, warned that the cuts would create a minimum 2% gap between providers’ expenses and state reimbursements. “The governor’s proposal to cut $200 million from the…

In a blow to opponents of the federal nursing home staffing mandate, a federal judge has denied a request for a preliminary injunction that would have temporarily halted its implementation. The decision, issued by US District Judge Leonard T. Strand of the US District Court for Northern Iowa, sets the stage for a continued legal battle over the controversial rule. The lawsuit, brought by 20 states and 18 LeadingAge state affiliates, argued that the mandate would impose significant financial burdens on nursing homes and exacerbate existing staffing shortages. However, Judge Strand found that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate the “irreparable…

A devastating fire ripped through a nursing home in Barajevo, a municipality on the outskirts of Belgrade, Serbia, early Monday morning, leaving eight residents dead and seven injured. The blaze, which authorities suspect was deliberately set, has sent shockwaves through the Serbian elder care community and raised urgent questions about safety and security in such facilities. The fire erupted around 3:30 a.m. local time, while most residents were asleep. “This is a huge tragedy, but it could have been even worse,” Luka Causevic, head of the government’s department for emergency situations, told RTS, Serbia’s state TV. He noted that 30…

A recent lawsuit against several hospitality staffing agencies is sending ripples through the gig economy, with potential implications for the nursing home industry, which also relies heavily on temporary staffing. The lawsuit, filed in California by The Party Staff, a traditional hospitality staffing agency, accuses competitors Qwick, Instawork, Tend, and Nowsta of misclassifying workers as independent contractors to avoid legal obligations like minimum wage, overtime pay, and workers’ compensation insurance. This practice, often called the “gig” model, allows platforms to significantly reduce labor costs, undercutting traditional agencies that comply with employment laws. “When companies misclassify workers, they make it very…

As the devastating wildfires continue to rage across Los Angeles, the question arises: why haven’t the combined resources of the federal government, California, and Los Angeles been able to contain the blazes after a week of intense firefighting? The answer, experts say, lies in a complex interplay of factors, primarily driven by the ferocious Santa Ana winds. These winds, known for their dry and gusty nature, have created a perfect storm for fire propagation. “Fires under these conditions — they’re not moving on the ground as a normal fire would,” says Hugh Safford, a fire ecologist at the University of…

In the final stretch of the 2020 presidential election, senior officials within Donald Trump’s Department of Justice (DOJ) deliberately leaked confidential information about ongoing investigations into COVID-19 nursing home deaths in New York and New Jersey. Their goal? To politically damage Democratic governors Andrew Cuomo and Phil Murphy. According to a damning report from DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz, these actions violated long-standing DOJ policies designed to prevent the misuse of law enforcement powers for political gain. The findings provide stark evidence that Trump’s DOJ engaged in precisely the kind of political weaponization the former president now claims to be…

A recent ruling in the US District Court for the District of Columbia has sent a clear message: the District must do more to help disabled nursing home residents transition to community-based care. The court found the District in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for failing to adequately support residents who could thrive outside of nursing homes. This decision follows a protracted legal battle and echoes similar cases nationwide. It highlights a growing movement advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities to live in the least restrictive environment possible. “This ruling is a victory for those…

The recent Eaton Fire in Pasadena, California forced the emergency evacuation of over 1,400 residents from dozens of nursing homes and assisted living facilities, shining a light on critical gaps in emergency preparedness and response for this vulnerable population. As flames approached, chaotic scenes unfolded with residents rushed to safety in parking lots and public shelters. Medical staff at the Pasadena Civic Center reported severe shortages of essential supplies, including cots, gloves, and incontinence products. “We didn’t have any PPE, so there were people with catheters, you know, diapers that need changing,” said Dr. Laura Mosqueda, a professor at USC’s…

A newly released report from the Justice Department’s inspector general has sent shockwaves through the nursing home industry, raising serious concerns about political interference in oversight, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report, obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request, reveals how senior Trump administration officials selectively leaked information about an investigation into nursing home deaths in New York and New Jersey just before the 2020 election. This revelation has sparked outrage and calls for greater transparency and accountability in nursing home regulation. Key Findings of the Report The inspector general’s review found that three senior Justice Department officials…

Providers met the federal regulators’ plans to offer nursing students up to $50,000 to work in nursing homes or for state survey agencies with a mix of hope, uncertainty, and skepticism. While the initiative aims to address the critical nursing shortage in long-term care, concerns linger about the program’s funding adequacy and implementation strategy. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced the $20 million program as part of its broader Nursing Home Staffing Campaign. Eligible applicants for the grants are nonprofit nursing and educational organizations, tasked with evaluating nurse applicants and distributing the funds. “CMS forming a partnership…