The Supreme Court decision in Burwell, Secretary of Health and Human Services, et al. v. Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc., et al. (5-4 decision), 573 U.S. ___ (2014) is ominous. Not only is the decision, and its interpretation of the Religious Freedom … [Read more...] about Corporations Don’t Bleed: The Disturbing Hobby Lobby Decision
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Nurse Staffing: Requirements of Federal Law
Federal law sets out few specific requirements for nurse staffing. These requirements have not been revised since they were established by the 1987 Nursing Home Reform Law[1] and became effective on October 1, 1990. Nursing Home Reform … [Read more...] about Nurse Staffing: Requirements of Federal Law
Deficiencies for “Sufficient” Staffing
The federal Nursing Home Reform law requires nursing facilities to have "sufficient" staff to meet their residents' needs.[1] Sufficient nursing staff is universally recognized as a key requirement for making high quality of care … [Read more...] about Deficiencies for “Sufficient” Staffing
The DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Process: Is It Working?
June 26, 2014Medicare's Durable Medical Equipment, Prosthetics, Orthotics, and Supplies (DMEPOS) Competitive Bidding Program was enacted by Congress as a cost and fraud protection measure. From its inception, there have been questions … [Read more...] about The DMEPOS Competitive Bidding Process: Is It Working?
Observation Status – Notice and Appeal
Connecticut Passes Observation Notice LawOn June 12, 2014, Connecticut Governor Dannel P. Malloy signed into law a requirement that, starting October 1, 2014, Connecticut hospitals give oral and written notice to patients placed on observation … [Read more...] about Observation Status – Notice and Appeal
The Center Joins 26 Other Organizations in Calling for Suspension of Hospice and Part D Guidance
Research suggests that medications that should be covered by the Medicare Hospice Benefit are sometimes paid for by Medicare Part D plans. In March, to prevent this from happening, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a … [Read more...] about The Center Joins 26 Other Organizations in Calling for Suspension of Hospice and Part D Guidance
Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) In Nursing Homes: Diverting CMS Attention from Enforcement
June 12, 2014Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) In Nursing Homes: Diverting CMS Attention from EnforcementIn the past few years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has focused considerable attention on … [Read more...] about Quality Assessment and Performance Improvement (QAPI) In Nursing Homes: Diverting CMS Attention from Enforcement
Medicare’s Reluctance to Embrace Technology: Effects on the Coverage of Speech Generating Devices
Technology can help the most vulnerable among us live with more capabilities than we would have considered possible, even a few short years ago. Rather than encourage technological advances that promote independence and safety, however, the … [Read more...] about Medicare’s Reluctance to Embrace Technology: Effects on the Coverage of Speech Generating Devices
CMA Community News – May 2014
A Word from the Executive DirectorAs you will see in this issue, Center staffers have been busy this month testifying before Congress and meeting with lawmakers and policy leaders to educate them about issues affecting access to health care for … [Read more...] about CMA Community News – May 2014
Further Federal Protections for Same-Sex Married Couples
In May 2014, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), an agency within the Department of Health and Human Services, issued guidance applicable to all ACL grantees concerning the federal government's policy on same-sex marriages … [Read more...] about Further Federal Protections for Same-Sex Married Couples