Articles and Blogs

Beginning October 1, 2013, a skilled nursing facility (“SNF”), a nursing facility (“NF”) or a dually-certified SNF/NF will be permitted to request an independent informal dispute resolution (“IIDR”) for all federal deficiencies cited on its standard or complaint survey (CMS-2567) that are subject to the imposition, collection and escrow of civil money penalties (“CMPs”)... READ MORE

On March 19, 2013, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (“CMS”) Final Rule regarding notification and relocation requirements for closing a long-term care (“LTC”) facility was published in the Federal Register. Under the new requirements, 60 days prior to the closure of an LTC facility, the administrator must provide written notice to the... READ MORE

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) just released the 2012 Nursing Home Action Plan; a guide for CMS’ efforts to continue to improve nursing home safety and quality.  The plan features 5 actionable strategies, including: enhance consumer engagement; strengthen survey processes, standards, and enforcement; promote quality improvement; create strategic approaches through partnerships; and... READ MORE

The Elder Justice Act (EJA) was enacted as part of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) in March, 2010, and creates a duty for long-term care providers to swiftly report any reasonable suspicion of a crime committed against any individual who is a recipient of care from the facility, or face significant... READ MORE

Pursuant to Section 6111 of the Affordable Care Act enacted on March 23, 2010, and the final rule published on March 18, 2011 in the Federal Register, a nursing facility must be offered the opportunity to request an Independent Informal Dispute Resolution (IIDR) if the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) imposes a... READ MORE