[Updated] CMS Releases New MDS RAI Manual Version with ‘Substantial Revisions’ 

The latest version of the MDS Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) manual released early Monday contains “substantial revisions,” according to a statement issued by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In keeping with the Improving Medicare Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (IMPACT Act), the new draft includes standardized assessment items that need to […]

The Quotes That Defined Skilled Nursing in 2022 — and Hint at What’s Ahead

The top quotes of 2022 memorably captured some of the biggest skilled nursing issues of the year, from “shocking” payment policies to “colossal” regulatory issues to “transformative” changes. The quotes below not only serve as reminders about what transpired over the last 12 months, but touch on many issues that are still pressing as 2023 […]

Staffing Shortages Lead Nursing Homes to Rethink MDS Coordinator Role

Persistent staffing shortages combined with regulatory headwinds have put even more pressure on nursing home MDS coordinators, a specialty position that itself has not been immune to the job turnover felt across the sector. And their role to ensure that facilities get the reimbursement they earn and the right care is provided may be more […]

Leaving Money on the Table: SNFs Must Better Manage PDPM Reimbursement with Medicare Cuts Looming

It will be three years this October since the Patient-Driven Payment Model (PDPM) was first implemented, and some nursing homes are still struggling to adjust. While a global pandemic and unprecedented staffing shortages are partly to blame for problems in PDPM-related processes, so too is widespread staff agency use. And now, with a potential $320 […]

North Shore Healthcare Taps Darren Gee as New CEO

North Shore Healthcare has tapped Darren Gee as its next CEO. Gee joined the North Shore team in January as its COO and has spent the last 30 years in the long-term care industry. North Shore operates 69 skilled nursing and assisted living facilities across three states. Gee’s vision, passion, focus, communication and leadership skills […]