Former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s surprise bid for New York City mayor has reignited scrutiny over his administration’s handling of nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. Current NYC Mayor Eric Adams, addressing reporters on Monday, stated that Cuomo must “answer” for his decisions regarding nursing home deaths, but stopped short of saying it should disqualify him from the race. “I’ve met with some of the nursing home family members and advocates. There’s some things that we want to do with them. But he has to answer that question on the trail,” Adams said when asked about the undercounting of…
Author: Lauren S
California’s nursing homes are grappling with a significant financial strain that could jeopardize hospice care access for vulnerable patients. A complex web of Medicaid reimbursement delays and managed care confusion is leaving hospice providers on the hook for millions, raising concerns about sustainability and regulatory compliance. The core issue revolves around “dually eligible” patients, those covered by both Medicare and Medicaid, who reside in nursing homes. Hospices traditionally cover room and board costs, expecting reimbursement from Medicaid. However, California’s transition to managed care for its Medi-Cal program has created a bottleneck. “Managed health care plans are saying they’re denying…
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…
The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) is stirring a complex mix of emotions within the nursing home industry, mirroring a broader trend across the U.S. While some see AI as a boon, others are bracing for potential job displacement. According to a recent ADP Research study, a significant portion of healthcare and social assistance workers are caught in this dichotomy, experiencing both optimism and anxiety. The “People at Work 2025” series, based on a global survey of nearly 38,000 adults, reveals that 15% of U.S. workers believe AI will positively impact their jobs, while 13% fear it will replace them.…
Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and James Lankford (R-OK) have reintroduced a bill aimed at overturning the federal nursing home staffing mandate, just as Congress intensifies its efforts to address sweeping cuts to government spending. The timing is significant, as it coincides with the looming financial negotiations, with some lawmakers seeking to fast-track fiscal reductions via budget reconciliation. The bill, Protecting Rural Seniors’ Access to Care Act, was reintroduced in the Senate on Wednesday, following a companion measure introduced in the House last week by Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN). Senate leaders are targeting Fischer’s legislation for inclusion in the ongoing budget…
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…
In a strategic move aimed at enhancing service integration and cutting costs, Trinity Senior Services (TSS) has brought its therapy services in-house at Milwaukee Catholic Home, marking a significant shift after 20 years of outsourcing. This decision, according to TSS Rehabilitation Services Director Jackie Grossoehme, has not only streamlined operations but also injected a new wave of energy into the workforce. “This shift has not only streamlined communication and care coordination but has also had a positive impact on staff morale, reenergizing the team by fostering a stronger sense of community and collaboration,” Grossoehme told McKnight’s Business Daily. This sentiment…
North Charleston, SC – A caregiver at Ashley Gardens nursing home in Charleston County has been arrested and charged with multiple counts of exploitation of a vulnerable adult, financial identity fraud, and obtaining property under false pretense. The arrest, announced by South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson on December 12th, follows an investigation by the Vulnerable Adults and Medicaid Provider Fraud (VAMPF) unit. Elisa R. Niles, 42, is accused of stealing from residents of the nursing home where she worked. According to a press release from the Attorney General’s office, Niles allegedly obtained bank account information belonging to the residents…
Emergency preparedness is a critical concern for nursing homes, and collaborations between these facilities and public health organizations are proving essential in bolstering their ability to handle crises. A recent report by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) highlighted the challenges many nursing homes face, revealing that 77% of nursing homes in high-risk areas experienced at least one challenge during an emergency event. This underscores the need for robust preparedness plans and effective implementation. “The goal is to educate and prepare nursing homes [to then] share that experience with other nursing homes and public health agencies in their regions,”…
A recent listeria outbreak linked to frozen supplemental shakes has resulted in a nationwide recall and tragically, multiple deaths and hospitalizations, primarily affecting residents of long-term care facilities. The FDA announced the recall of all Lyons ReadyCare and Sysco Imperial Frozen Supplemental shakes after discovering the contamination. “This outbreak underscores the critical importance of food safety protocols in healthcare settings, especially within nursing homes where residents are often more vulnerable to foodborne illnesses,” stated an FDA spokesperson. The outbreak, which the CDC reports dates back to 2018, has resulted in 38 reported illnesses, 37 hospitalizations, and 11 deaths. A significant…
