Biden as ‘Union President’: Organized Labor’s Interests Are Baked Into Proposed Minimum Staffing Rule For Nursing Homes

A component of the minimum staffing proposal that has received little notice thus far is that labor unions may have some weight in determining the staffing levels needed for a particular building. This feature was the source of discussion among attendees at the annual conference for the American Health Care Association and National Center for […]

Nursing Home Leaders Relieved Pending Legislative Issues Won’t Stall as Government Shutdown Is Averted

A government shutdown has been temporarily averted – for 45 days at least – after Congress passed a stopgap bill Saturday evening. And while skilled nursing and other long-term care operators and their reimbursements would not have been immediately impacted, the industry could have seen indirect ramifications. So for now, the sector – whose members […]

‘A Significant Cut’: CMS’ Latest Payment Proposal Is ‘Problematic’ for Nursing Homes

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is proposing to reduce payment for physician services under the fee schedule compared to last year, the federal agency announced late Thursday. The reductions would affect the provision of therapy in nursing homes. Indeed, the proposal represents a “significant cut” that will put nursing home “providers in […]

Executive Outlook 2023: A New Playbook for Skilled Nursing

Over the last two years, skilled nursing providers have faced a pandemic and a labor crisis. As 2023 dawns, leaders across the industry are taking stock of their changed organizations and a reshaped business environment, and are preparing to execute strategies formulated in the COVID crucible. As Signature HealthCARE CEO Joe Steier puts it: “Every […]

Worrying 4.4% Cut Leaves Nursing Home Therapy Providers in Limbo 

As therapy providers in the nursing home setting, among other health care workers, are expected to absorb a finalized 4.4% cut to the 2023 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), those impacted aren’t so sure Congress will help offset the decrease like they’ve done in years past. The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) finalized the […]

How Therapy Providers Can Drive SNF Upside and Optimize Reimbursement

Therapy providers in the nursing home space believe their role in increasing mobility will contribute to upside in the sector – especially within the context of the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM), pandemic recovery and staffing challenges. It’s a draw for prospective residents and their families, both on the short-term and long-term side, as clinical improvements […]

Nursing Home Workforce, Medicare Advantage, Therapy Pay in Focus on Capitol Hill

While the spotlight on skilled nursing continues to shine bright, an election year has advocacy groups certain that legislative efforts will be pared down to just a couple key pieces Congress aims to tackle this fall. Policy dedicated to boosting a floundering workforce, expanding telehealth beyond public health emergency (PHE) waivers, and streamlining authorization processes […]

Long-Term Care Trade Association NASL Changes Name to Advion

The National Association for the Support of Long Term Care (NASL) kicked off its 33rd annual meeting in Nashville this week by announcing it would be operating under a new name: Advion. Complete with the tagline: “the next generation of NASL,” the new name recognizes the trade association’s position as both an advocate for patients, […]