Center for Medicare Advocacy

Advancing Access to Medicare and Healthcare

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Elder Justice Newsletter – Vol 3, Issue 4 Now Available

Elder Justice: What “No Harm” Really Means for Residents is a newsletter published by the Center for Medicare Advocacy and the Long Term Care Community Coalition. The purpose of the newsletter is to provide residents, families, friends, and advocates … [Read more...] about Elder Justice Newsletter – Vol 3, Issue 4 Now Available

Infection Control Surveys In Nursing Facilities: As Deaths Soar, CMS Reports Few Deficiencies, Primarily “No Harm”

In March 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suspended the regular survey process and announced that it would conduct limited surveys that focused on infection prevention and control issues.[1]  Since June, CMS has made … [Read more...] about Infection Control Surveys In Nursing Facilities: As Deaths Soar, CMS Reports Few Deficiencies, Primarily “No Harm”

GAO on Infection Control Deficiencies in Nursing Facilities Before Covid-19 Pandemic: “Widespread,” “Persistent,” “Ignored”

In “Infection Control Deficiencies Were Widespread and Persistent in Nursing Homes Prior to COVID-19 Pandemic,”[1] the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports that 82% of nursing facilities nationwide were cited with infection control … [Read more...] about GAO on Infection Control Deficiencies in Nursing Facilities Before Covid-19 Pandemic: “Widespread,” “Persistent,” “Ignored”

State Attorneys General Open Criminal Investigations of Nursing Facilities in Light of the Pandemic; For Regulatory Agencies, Business As Usual

Even as many states grant immunity from civil liability to nursing facilities for harm and death resulting from the coronavirus pandemic,[1] at least two state Attorneys General have announced that their offices have opened criminal investigations … [Read more...] about State Attorneys General Open Criminal Investigations of Nursing Facilities in Light of the Pandemic; For Regulatory Agencies, Business As Usual

CMA Special Report – Infection Control Surveys at Nursing Facilities: It Looks Like Business as Usual

 When the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) suspended the regular survey system for nursing facilities during the COVID-19 crisis, it reported that, for a three-week prioritization period (beginning March 20) and since … [Read more...] about CMA Special Report – Infection Control Surveys at Nursing Facilities: It Looks Like Business as Usual

CDC’s Report on Coronavirus in a Seattle Nursing Facility: What it Tells Us About Staffing Problems Nationwide; What We Must Do to Address Lessons Learned

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report for March 18, 2020 describes, as of March 9, coronavirus and the Life Care Center at Kirkland (Washington State): “Introduction of COVID-19 into a long-term … [Read more...] about CDC’s Report on Coronavirus in a Seattle Nursing Facility: What it Tells Us About Staffing Problems Nationwide; What We Must Do to Address Lessons Learned

New Guidance On Nursing Home Health Inspections Severely Limits Oversight and Enforcement for a Three-Week Period

On March 20, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new guidance directing state survey agencies to conduct health inspections only if they relate to complaints and facility-reported incidents (FRIs) triaged at the … [Read more...] about New Guidance On Nursing Home Health Inspections Severely Limits Oversight and Enforcement for a Three-Week Period

Annual Surveys at Nursing Facilities Are Essential To Protect Residents

For decades, the nursing home industry has proposed relaxing the requirement for annual surveys at nursing facilities.[1]  Industry representatives argue that surveyors should excuse “good” facilities from annual surveys and focus their attention on … [Read more...] about Annual Surveys at Nursing Facilities Are Essential To Protect Residents

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