DOGE Gains Access to CMS Systems and Tech as Nursing Home Associations Monitor Impact Closely

Just days ago officials with the newly formed Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) were granted access to agency systems and technology at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), but it’s unclear how the department plans to use such findings, or what sort of impact it would have on nursing homes. Nursing home associations […]

‘A Jolt’: Inside the Operational Disruption at Nursing Homes from CMS’ Communication Freeze

The Trump administration’s communications freeze, which has indefinitely blocked a majority of external communications by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), continues to cause turmoil for nursing home operators. This freeze, imposed last week, has disrupted the flow of key health care data, and extends to several federal agencies, including the Centers for […]

Vaccines, Antivirals More Effective Than Preventative Measures in Nursing Homes, but Underused

Medicines, such as antivirals and vaccines, which had more solid evidence showing they were effective compared to other types of safety measures, were underutilized during the COVID-19 pandemic. These findings are based on a JAMA study released Friday. Overall, pharmacologic measures including vaccination and antiviral treatment had a more robust efficacy than nonpharmacologic interventions like […]

‘A Bit Disarming’: CMS, Health Agencies Pause Communication Per Trump Orders, Raising Concerns at Nursing Homes

The newly installed Trump administration late Tuesday prompted federal health agencies, including the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), to pause external communications through Feb. 1. That includes regular scientific reports, updates to websites and health advisories – communication that those in the nursing home industry regularly rely upon. Nursing home associations including the […]

‘Whole Different Ballgame’: Trump’s Executive Orders, Vision for First 100 Days Deemed Positive for Nursing Homes

Among the myriad executive orders signed by President Donald Trump on Inauguration Day Monday was one that freezes new regulations. A welcome relief for nursing home providers, the executive order reflects the new Republican administration’s overall preference for less regulation. However, it is worth noting that this executive order will not derail the staffing mandate […]

[UPDATED] Judge Rejects Bid to Halt Nursing Home Staffing Rule

A federal judge has rejected a request to temporarily stop the implementation of the federal nursing home staffing mandate in a much-awaited ruling issued Thursday. Judge Leonard T. Strand of the U.S. District Court for Northern Iowa found that the preliminary injunction – sought by 20 states, 17 LeadingAge affiliates and two Kansas nursing home facilities […]

CMS’ Latest Guidance Plagued by Lack of Clarity on Infection Prevention and Staffing, Leading to Concerns of Unfair Survey Citations

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) compiled an ambitious checklist of changes for the nursing home industry as part of its 2025 mission and priorities document released this week, but a lack of details on staffing-related issues and infection protocols is raising concerns about a fair survey process. Surveyor guidance was a major […]

‘Situation Remains Dynamic’: Wildfires Burn Down 2 Nursing Homes as 35 Facilities Evacuated

As Southern California braces for strong Santa Ana winds through Wednesday evening, nursing home associations say that wildfires have already significantly impacted long-term care facilities, with at least three being destroyed and evacuation efforts becoming complicated by ever-expanding evacuation zones. Two skilled nursing facilities, The Pasadena Park Healthcare & Wellness Center and Two Palms Care […]

As CMS Proposes 4.33% Medicare Advantage Pay Increase, Experts See Better Negotiation Outlook for Nursing Homes

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) proposed a 4.33% increase in payments to Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, which could have an overall positive trickle-down effect on nursing homes. Expected to be finalized under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, this slight payment boost comes after MA providers faced a modest rate reduction for 2025. […]

‘A Band Aid on a Gaping Wound’: CMS’ $20M Incentive for RNs in Nursing Homes Leaves Much to be Desired

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to offer up to $20 million to boost the registered nurse (RN) workforce in nursing homes, but this, along with the agency’s Nursing Home Staffing Campaign, misses the mark on many levels, according to operators. This funding grants nursing students seeking to become RNs up to […]

Executive Outlook 2025: While MA ‘Tightens the Screws’ on Nursing Homes, Sector Focuses on Reform, Workforce Solutions, I-SNPs

While 2025 remains a bit uncertain due to the federal staffing mandate and a new White House administration, leaders in the nursing home industry plan to continue working toward improving quality of care, addressing workforce challenges and advocating for fair regulation and reimbursements. Clif Porter, president and CEO of the American Health Care Association/National Center […]

Top Skilled Nursing Trends for 2025

Despite the sector continuing to grapple with staffing shortages, rising operational costs, and regulatory uncertainty, emerging trends have skilled nursing leaders gearing up for a positive 2025, with fewer challenges and more opportunities on the horizon. As we look ahead, several key trends are expected to shape the sector from regulatory shifts to financial turbulence, […]

CMS: Nursing Home Surveys To Incorporate Reporting of a Wider Set of Respiratory Illnesses

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a memo to surveyors on Tuesday stating that the expanded reporting requirements for acute respiratory illnesses, which the agency discussed at length during early December’s open door forum, should be incorporated into the survey process. The new requirements related to acute respiratory illnesses for nursing homes […]

92 Nursing Homes Sue NY Department of Health Over Cost-Cutting Move

Ninety-two nursing homes have filed a federal lawsuit against the New York State Department of Health (DOH), as the agency approved no reimbursement for older facilities needing capital improvements in 2025. This is an addendum to the state’s 10% reduction for the industry approved in April. The cost-cutting amendment adopted by the state DOH and […]

Former American Senior Communities CEO, Guilty of Fraud, Granted Clemency By Biden

Nursing home operator American Senior Communities’ former CEO James Burkhart was among nearly 1,500 people whose sentences were commuted as part of the largest single-day act of clemency in modern history by President Joe Biden, who also issued 39 pardons on the same day. Burkhart led a $19.4 million fraud scheme involving nursing homes owned […]

[UPDATED] CMS Rolls Out Nursing Home Staffing Campaign, Promises ‘Free’ CNA Training, RN Incentives

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued details on a national staffing campaign for the nursing home sector, aimed at increasing the number of nurses working in nursing homes and at state agencies that inspect nursing homes for compliance. The campaign continues the initiatives outlined in April, which ties $75 million funded […]

‘Republican Trifecta,’ Federal Budget Negotiations Could Have a Positive Impact on the Nursing Home Sector 

Nursing home leaders are anticipating big changes to the sector with President Donald Trump’s inauguration drawing closer. The federal staffing mandate is likely to be on the chopping block, as Republicans eye $22 billion in savings if it is delayed or stopped. However, operators must balance this win, among potential others, with the incoming administration’s […]

CMS Breaks Down New Acute Respiratory Illnesses Reporting Requirements for Nursing Homes

New reporting requirements related to acute respiratory illnesses for nursing homes will take effect on Jan. 1, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Nursing homes must report data related to, but not limited to, the flu, Covid-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).  The rule essentially replaces existing reporting requirements. Questions pertaining […]

OIG Finds Most Nonprofit and Government Nursing Homes Complied with Infection Prevention Requirements

A vast majority of nonprofit and government-owned nursing homes across the U.S. complied with federal infection prevention training requirements, according to the results of an audit conducted by the Office of Inspector General (OIG), released Tuesday. Those that failed to comply cited staffing challenges. The OIG’s audit, conducted between April 2024 through October 2024, examined […]