Senate tinkers with AHCA amendments prior to the CBO score
Next week, the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) will release its score for the American Health Care Act (AHCA, H.R. 1628), which was passed by the House on May 4. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky) has created a 13-person Republican working group on health care, which is drafting a Senate version of the health care bill.
International cyberattack hits health care organizations
The global cyberattack that locked providers out of patient records and forced affected hospitals to divert urgent care patients provides an important reminder for facilities to check up on their cyber security systems.
Anderson to open Rural Health Leaders Conference
Modern Healthcare Up & Comer Benjamin Anderson will open the Rural Health Leaders Conference in June. Anderson, an engaging storyteller featured as one of Modern Healthcare's Up & Comers in 2014, brings a passion for helping the underserved.
CMS releases rule for Medicare IRF Prospective Payment System
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on May 3 released the federal fiscal year (FFY) 2018 proposed payment rule for the Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility (IRF) Prospective Payment System (PPS). The proposed rule reflects the annual update to the Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) IRF payment rates and policies.
Happy National Nursing Home Week
This week marks National Nursing Home Week, a designation that has been incorporated into the celebration of Older Americans Month since 1967. The week spotlights nursing home residents and staff who create supportive and caring environments in which to live and work.
Nominees sought for Circle of Life Awards
Nominees are being sought for the Circle of Life Awards, which celebrates innovation in palliative and end-of-life care. The awards will give top honors in 2018 to up to three programs or organizations.
Open Payments 2016 review and dispute period ends May 15
The American Hospital Association (AHA) says physicians and teaching hospitals may review and dispute 2016 payments reported to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Open Payments program through May 15.
State seeks input on State Plan of Aging for 2017-2021
In preparation for the next version of the State Plan on Aging, the Department of Human Services' Division of Long Term Services and Supports is seeking comments to the drafted State Plan on Aging for 2017-2021. The public comment period will be open until May 25 and a public hearing will be held on May 23.
Celebrate national health care weeks
Each year in May, the nation celebrates National Hospital Week (May 8-12), National Nurses Week (May 6-12) and National Nursing Home Week (May 14-20). This is a time when we pause to recognize the organizations and individuals who care for us when we are in our most fragile condition.
Happy National Nurses Week
National Nurses Week begins each year on May 6 and ends on May 12, Florence Nightingale's birthday. The nursing profession has been supported and promoted by the American Nurses Association (ANA) since 1896.