Technical School Fastracks, AI, Community Relationships Top 2024 Workforce Initiatives

Nursing home operators, states and federal agencies continue to shift their strategy to meet the demands of the future work environment, as nursing shortages persist and nursing homes face possible upcoming staffing regulations. Some of these efforts have centered on easing education, training and credentialing. To that end, operators have bolstered relationships with local universities […]

Building an Edge: SNF Operators Innovate Through Establishing Specialty Services, Public-Private Partnerships

Against the backdrop of economic and staffing challenges still facing the nursing home sector, operators are seeking business innovations that are community-centered and that expand their health care offerings through unique public-private partnerships and financial arrangements. The innovations include transition into a nonprofit model, creative ways to use state and federal dollars, and addition of […]

‘Worst Possible Time’: SNF Operators Hope for Acuity Adjustments, Waivers Ahead of Staffing Mandate

As the skilled nursing sector awaits the proposed federal staffing mandate, leading industry operators renewed calls for funding the initiative, and said the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) should carry it out in phases while also adjusting staffing ratios based on the acuity of the resident populations being served. Speaking at Skilled Nursing […]

COOs at Touchstone, Trilogy, iCare Pursue New Initiatives in SNFs to Surmount Some ‘Big Worries’ 

Skilled nursing COOs face a slew of challenges, but are also focused on seizing new opportunities to drive clinical quality, expand revenue streams and differentiate their companies in the marketplace. All this, while keeping a close eye on regulatory and reimbursement headwinds. “The opportunities that are out there as we come out of this public […]

Top Skilled Nursing Trends for 2023

Economic uncertainty, staffing shortages, looming federal regulations, a new COVID variant and major changes to the Minimum Data Set (MDS) are just a few of the challenges facing the skilled nursing sector at the dawn of 2023. But a new year is also a time for optimism. Favorable Medicaid policies, the growth of strong regional […]

What Nursing Homes Should Consider As CMS’s Requirements of Participation Deadline Nears

As nursing homes make final preparations for Phase 3 updates to the requirements of participation set to take effect in the coming days, providers and legal experts expect infection prevention and behavioral health to be where surveyors focus first. Readiness for the “low hanging fruit” is a good place for providers to start given the sheer amount […]

Connecticut SNF Provides Behavioral Health Blueprint as CMS Places Emphasis on Service Line

As more nursing homes seek to add behavioral health services to their continuum of care, providers that have been specializing in these areas for decades can be used as a blueprint to achieving similar results. Covid-induced isolation, coupled with initiatives outlined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), make existing programs – like […]

New CNA, LPN Contracts Raise Nursing Home Wages Across United States

Nursing home operators across multiple states have raised wages for certified nursing assistants and licensed practical nurses, thanks to a combination of union actions, post-pandemic market dynamics and public policy shifts. But with operators still facing acute financial pressures, raising wages is not a simple matter. Larger structural changes are needed to support higher wages […]

$6M Long-Term Care Facility for Inmates Goes Vacant Amid Budget Standoff

A skilled nursing and assisted living facility at the Central Prison in Raleigh, N.C., is sitting vacant amid a budget standoff — despite high levels of state spending on health care for inmates over age 50, according to a report from North Carolina Health News this week. The 46-bed, five-floor facility was converted from mental […]

iCare Sees Potential in Skilled Nursing Facility Bought Out of Receivership

A skilled nursing facility in Hartford, Conn., is getting a second life after receivership, with iCare Health Network assuming operations this past Friday. The 150-bed SNF, which used to be known as Park Place Health Center, will operate under the name Parkville Care Center. The facility was part of Spectrum Healthcare, which underwent bankruptcy twice, […]