Articles and Blogs

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

The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) just issued a final rule that will require most private employers, including those that are long-term care providers, to post a Notice of Employee Rights under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA).  The notices must be posted by November 14, 2011.  The text of the notice is available in... READ MORE

The US Office of Management and Budget has approved the revised Medicare Provider-Supplier Enrollment Applications, the CMS-855 forms.  These updates to the 2008 versions include multiple changes to comply with enhanced disclosure requirements. Such changes include:   READ MORE

On July 29, 2011, CMS issued the following guidance for the use of video cameras in ICFs/MR: To ensure that clients’ rights are protected, the use of video cameras in the ICF/MR must be reviewed, approved and monitored by the Specially Constituted Committee (SCC) of the facility as constituted per 42 CFR 483.440(f)(3)(i-iii).  If... READ MORE

Earlier this week, we highlighted the implementation by Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of enrollment revalidations and screening categories, and which categories CMS places certain long-term care providers. It is important for providers and suppliers to understand what each screening category (limited, moderate, or high) entails and be aware of any events... READ MORE

As an update to the previous post on the revalidation enrollment procedures it is important for hospices, home health agencies, and DMEPOS to know what level of screening they will receive from the Medicare Administrative Contractor (“MAC”).  In some instances these providers and suppliers will be screened at either a “high” or “moderate” level... READ MORE

As of March 2011, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) implemented new screening criteria in the Medicare provider/supplier enrollment process.  Newly enrolling and revalidating providers and suppliers are placed in one of three categories – limited, moderate, or high – each representing the level of risk to the Medicare program for that... READ MORE

While Congress was able to present the President with a compromised solution to cut Federal spending and raise the Government’s debt ceiling earlier this month, all long-term care providers should anticipate future reimbursement changes.  Under the current law, the Budget Control Act of 2011t , Medicare and Medicaid are unchanged. However, the Act requires for... READ MORE

Effective fiscal year (FY) 2012, The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) final rule on Prospective Payment System and Consolidated Billing for Skilled Nursing Facilities for FY 2012, released July 29, reduces Medicare skilled nursing facility (SNF) Prospective Payment System (PPS) payments by 11.1%. CMS states this action was taken to “better align... READ MORE

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) increased fiscal year (FY) 2012 Medicare payments by 2.5% for hospice providers in a final regulation released July 29.  Also included in the final regulation are requirements for hospice providers to start collecting quality of care data and changes to the way CMS counts hospice patients... READ MORE