CMS issues FFY 2019 skilled nursing facility PPS final rule
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released on July 31 the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2019 final payment rule for the skilled...
CMS issues hospice final rule for 2019
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule that will become effective Oct.1 updating Medicare’s hospice payment rates, wage index...
Senior living trends reflect “Silver Tsunami”
A Silver Tsunami is about to hit the United states as the leading edge of the Baby Boomer generation starts to turn 72 in...
Death and dying presentation scheduled in Brookings
The Brookings Health System is hosting a special hospice presentation entitled “Final Gifts: Understanding the Special Awareness, Needs and Communication of the Dying” on...
Guidance provided on protecting older adults from scams
Senior citizens should be aware of fraud schemes from people who sell products or services or offer free prizes over the phone. Con artists...
Home health and hospice FISS DDE user ID recertification due July 31
Each year, Medicare providers are required to recertify their Fiscal Intermediary Standard System (FISS) Direct Data Entry (DDE) user access. The recertification deadline for...
EMPOWER Act passes the House
On July 23 the House passed H.R. 3728, the Educating Medical Professionals and Optimizing Workforce Efficiency and Readiness (EMPOWER) Act of 2018. The legislation...
Hospice reconsideration requests webpage now available
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available a Reconsideration Requests webpage, which provides information and updates related to the annual...
Biannual nursing facility regulation report now available
The July 2018 nursing facility report from the South Dakota Department of Health (DOH), Office of Licensure and Certification, is now available and is...
Caregivers groups ask for immediate implementation of Family Caregivers Act
The American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living, LeadingAge and 72 other national organizations in a June 28 letter urged Health...
