Latest News

Revision of Federal Overtime Rules

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a final rule that affects overtime pay for executive, administrative, professional, outside sales and computer employees (the "white collar" exemption). It's currently on hold due to a preliminary injunction.

Payroll Based Journal Reporting

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

Effective July 1, 2016, care centers must electronically submit to CMS complete and accurate direct care staffing information, including information for agency and contract staff, based on payroll and other auditable data according to specifications established by CMS. This new system is called Payroll-Based Journal (PBJ).

2012 Edition of NFPA 101 Life Safety Code

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

CMS has adopted the National Fire Protection Association’s (NFPA) 2012 edition of the Life Safety Code (LSC) as well as provisions of the NFPA’s 2012 edition of the Health Care Facilities Code. The 2012 LSC includes important changes from the 2000 edition of the LSC.

IMPACT Act Home Health Quality Reporting Requirements

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

The IMPACT Act mandates a quality reporting program for Medicare Home Health Agencies utilizing OASIS data. Quality measure domains are Skin Integrity, Medication Reconciliation, Resource Use, Functional Status/Cognitive Function, Incidence of Major Falls and Patient Health Information and Preference.

HCBS Settings Rule

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

In January 2014, CMS issued a rule listing criteria that must be met by Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) settings in which Medicaid/Medical Assistance (MA) waiver services are provided. The purpose enhance quality, add consumer protections and ensure services are being provided in the most integrated settings.

Medicare SNF Value Based Purchasing (VBP)

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

This program will begin with the rate year starting on Oct. 1, 2018. In the first year, the only quality measure used will be 30-day all cause readmission rates (both the overall rate and improvement by each facility). The first measurement period will be calendar year 2017.

Medicare Overpayments Rule

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

CMS has implemented a rule governing the ACA requirement to identify and return Medicare overpayments to CMS within 60 days. Under the rule, providers, including Skilled Nursing Facilities, are required to use “reasonable diligence” to identify overpayments and to see that they are returned within the time frame to avoid penalties.

Medicare and Medicaid Conditions of Participation for Home Health Agencies

Federal News February 23, 2017

This proposed federal rule revises the conditions of participation that home health agencies must meet to participate in Medicare and Medicaid. It updates many existing regulatory requirements and creates new requirements.

Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste Disposal

Long Term Care News February 23, 2017

The EPA has proposed a rule that would increase regulations regarding disposal of pharmaceuticals classified as hazardous waste. Facilities would be prohibited from disposing of hazardous waste pharmaceuticals by flushing them down the toilet or into a drain.

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