Articles and Blogs

McKight’s points to a recent study that suggests nursing uniforms laundered at home have not been adequately sanitized.  The study from the University College in London found residential washing machines only heated water to 104 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving substantial amounts of bacteria behind. Investigators found that thorough ironing after washing was successful in removing remaining Acinetobacter... READ MORE

Effective October 1, new PPS rules for fiscal year 2012 require nursing homes to diligently review claims prior to submission.  As previously discussed, significant cuts in SNF reimbursement are aimed mostly at therapy services.   SNFs submitting claims under the previous rules can expect high rates of denials and rejections.  Even facilities billing under the new... READ MORE

CMS has published a proposed regulation that would limit the ability of institutional pharmacies to offer pharmacist consultation services to facilities.  CMS believes that relationships between nursing homes and pharmacy suppliers could result in “recommendations that conflict with the best interests of nursing home residents.” The proposed regulation would require facilities to hire independent pharmacists to... READ MORE

CMS will host their monthly Skilled Nursing/LTC Open Door Forum on Thursday, October 20, from 2-3pm EST.  This call was originally scheduled on October 13.  The information to participate in the call is available here. The recent changes to MDS 3.0 and PPS are likely to be heavily discussed topics.    Should you have any questions, please contact: Todd Selby... READ MORE

Yesterday, CMS sent a new transmittal to the state survey agencies on the use of feeding tubes in nursing homes. In short, F321 has been combined into F322 and according the CMS the changes were made to provide nursing home surveyors with guidance to determine compliance with use of feeding tubes by nursing homes. ... READ MORE

CMS released a Survey & Certification letter today providing guidance for nursing homes that desire to utilize on-site gardens to provide fresh produce for residents. After numerous inquiries from facilities, CMS confirmed that residents can benefit from home-grown foods as long as food-borne illness dangers are mitigated to the greatest extent possible.  READ MORE

In a 3-1 decision released yesterday, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) decided the Specialty Healthcare case favoring the ability of small units of employees to unionize.  Overruling the established Park Manor standard, the NLRB ruled that just the 53 CNAs at a nursing facility could organize as one collective bargaining unit.   READ MORE

A case currently pending before the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB), as mentioned here, is expected to be decided and released within the next few months.  This case, Specialty Healthcare and Rehabilitation of Mobile, has been pending before the Board since December of 2010, and, if decided as expected by those following the case,... READ MORE

As Mr. Lyman pointed out last week, the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) now requires private employers to post a Notice of Employee Rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).  A recent New York Times article on this new requirement discusses an upcoming decision by the NLRB that is expected to address unionization... READ MORE

CMS recently published a Survey & Certification Memorandum (S&C:11-35-NH) detailing progress in the implementation of Section 6121 of the Affordable Care Act (ACA).  Section 6121 of the ACA mandates enhanced nurse aide training in nursing homes.  The enhanced training focuses on two areas: 1) how to care for residents with dementia, and 2) how... READ MORE