A chilling case has emerged from Michigan, casting a stark light on the critical issue of patient safety and professional accountability within the nursing home industry. Antonio Serraon, a 55-year-old nurse, faces felony charges following the death of a resident at Mission Point, a nursing home and rehabilitation center in Madison Heights, Michigan. The incident, which occurred on December 13, 2023, has led to charges of placing misleading or inaccurate information in medical records and unauthorized practice of a health profession. According to the Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s Health Care Fraud Division, Serraon allegedly administered a controlled sedative to…
Author: Lauren S
As former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo eyes a run for New York City mayor, his administration’s handling of nursing home policies during the COVID-19 pandemic has once again become a focal point of political debate. Critics allege that his policies contributed to a surge in nursing home deaths, a claim his supporters vehemently deny. The crux of the controversy revolves around a March 25, 2020, Department of Health advisory stating, “No resident shall be denied re-admission or admission to the nursing home solely based on a confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19.” This directive, intended to alleviate hospital overcrowding,…
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…
Florida’s nursing home industry is bracing for potential devastation as federal Medicaid cuts loom, threatening the delicate balance of care for the state’s vulnerable elderly population. With Medicaid serving as the lifeline for two-thirds of Florida’s nursing home residents, the proposed cuts could trigger a domino effect, impacting everything from facility operations to the very fabric of senior care. “Any significant cuts could devastate the care we provide,” warns Shawn Corley, president of Solaris HealthCare Properties, which operates 20 long-term care facilities in Florida. “You could see financial instability for providers like us, and that can lead to closures of…
In a move that has sent ripples through the nursing home sector, the Department of Labor (DOL) has unexpectedly appealed a Texas court ruling that blocked the implementation of the Biden-era overtime rule. This appeal, filed with the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals, reignites a contentious debate over worker compensation and operational costs within the industry. The crux of the matter lies in the DOL’s attempt to raise the annual salary threshold for overtime pay eligibility under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA). The proposed rule, set to take effect on January 1, 2025, would have increased this threshold from…
The long-term care sector, encompassing everything from assisted living to skilled nursing, is showing robust signs of recovery, fueling “cautious optimism” among investors and lenders for 2025, according to a recent report by Newmark. This resurgence is driven by increasing occupancy rates and rising rental rates, signaling a significant turnaround from pandemic-era challenges. Newmark’s 2025 Valuation & Advisory (V&A) North American Market Survey, a detailed analysis of the industry, highlights that many communities have successfully returned to pre-pandemic occupancy levels in 2024. This recovery is particularly notable as “the long-term care market now has more units occupied than at any…
A significant evacuation effort unfolded at Genesis St. Joseph’s Center in Trumbull, Connecticut, as nearly 200 residents were relocated due to a water issue deemed a threat to their health and well-being. The Connecticut Department of Public Health (CTDPH) is currently investigating the situation, which triggered a large-scale response from multiple agencies. The evacuation, initiated late Wednesday night, saw 187 patients moved to 23 different nursing facilities across the state. The decision to evacuate was made jointly by the town of Trumbull and the CTDPH, emphasizing the priority of resident safety. “Officials assure the public that all residents…
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is poised to enter a new era of leadership with greater independence and decision-making power, according to former agency heads who spoke at the recent National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) conference. As the dust settles from the latest election, industry experts predict that CMS will have an unusually strong degree of autonomy in shaping healthcare policy—a development that could significantly impact long-term care providers. A Skilled Team Leading CMS Former CMS Acting Administrator Andy Slavitt and former Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Commissioner Scott Gottlieb, MD, expressed confidence…
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 significant shift has occurred at Life Care Centers of America, one of the nation’s largest nursing home chains. A Tennessee judge has granted permanent control of the company and its vast financial holdings to Aubrey Preston, son of the company’s founder, Forrest Preston. This move comes amidst concerns about Forrest Preston’s declining health and allegations of financial mismanagement. Life Care Centers of America, with its 200+ facilities across 27 states and over 30,000 employees, now enters a new chapter under Aubrey Preston’s stewardship. The decision follows a period of legal uncertainty, marked by concerns about Forrest Preston’s mental capacity…
