Articles and Blogs

skilled nursing facility

CMS Revises Nurse Aide Training Requirements

[08/28/11]

Posted on August 28, 2011 in Long-Term Care, Home Health & Hospice

Written by: Bufford, David W.

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

What Risk Categories Mean to Providers and Suppliers

[08/13/11]

Posted on August 13, 2011 in Long-Term Care, Home Health & Hospice

Written by: Bufford, David W.

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Medicare to Cut $3.87 Billion in Skilled-Nursing Facility Pay

[07/29/11]

Posted on July 29, 2011 in Long-Term Care, Home Health & Hospice

Written by: Bufford, David W.

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

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,