Author: Sierra Kincaid

The aftershocks of the COVID-19 pandemic spurred a vital push to integrate nursing homes into robust public health networks. States responded, launching critical infection prevention and outbreak monitoring initiatives. However, a recent move by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to claw back $11.4 billion in federal grants threatens to derail these efforts, leaving the long-term care sector facing significant challenges. “This funding cut will set back critical upgrades to our public health labs, technology used to track infectious diseases like H5N1 avian flu and measles, vaccination efforts, and our ongoing work to better prepare for the next…

A recent study challenges the assumption that increased hospital rehabilitation directly translates to quicker returns home for patients. Research published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine reveals that patients receiving more extensive therapy during their hospital stay are, in fact, more likely to transition to skilled nursing facilities or inpatient rehabilitation centers. The study, led by Dr. Anil Makam of UC San Francisco and Dr. Danh Nguyen of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, examined the impact of varying levels of hospital rehabilitation. Their findings indicate that for the vast majority of patients, more than 14 hours of…

Coalition Urges Trump Administration to Take Action on Nursing Home Care The Moving Forward Nursing Home Quality Coalition is calling on the Trump administration to clarify its plans for improving long-term care (LTC) quality over the next four years, urging a more effective and humane system. In a statement released Tuesday, the coalition emphasized the need for federal leadership in addressing systemic challenges that have long plagued the industry. A Call for Clarity Amid Federal Uncertainty The coalition’s statement comes in response to funding freezes, communication slowdowns, and federal workforce reductions that have raised concerns among providers. These disruptions threaten…

A proposed bill in Maryland could shift the responsibility of nursing home surveys to local county officials, sparking both support and scrutiny within the long-term care industry. Proponents argue this change would bolster oversight and ensure resident safety, while others express concerns about potential duplication of efforts and the long-term implications. The Maryland Association of Counties (MACo) is a strong advocate for the bill, with Associate Policy Director Karrington Anderson testifying before the Senate Finance Committee. “The provisions of this bill reflect a strong state-local partnership,” Anderson stated in a MACo memo. “Allowing local governments to assist with inspections ensures…