Bill of Health

MARCH 16, 2022

Recall that the first COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S. spread between nursing homes. These facilities, like most nursing homes, are for-profit businesses that pad their margins by cutting labor costs. As in nursing homes, homecare understaffing pre-dated , but was intensified by , the pandemic.

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Provider Trust

AUGUST 9, 2023

This post will delve into the key highlights, focus areas, and accomplishments presented in the semiannual report, shedding light on the OIG’s crucial role in safeguarding the integrity of federal healthcare programs and addressing emerging challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Nursing Homes COVID-19 Fraud Medicaid 52

Hall Render

MAY 11, 2023

As skilled nursing facilities work and provide health care services after the May 11, 2023, end of the Public Health Emergency, questions and concerns about visitation at these facilities will likely continue to arise. and follow accepted national standards, such as CDC recommendations.

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Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

SEPTEMBER 15, 2021

Telehealth providers saw a rapid rise in the need for remote services with the initial spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020. Healthcare providers needed to find an immediate solution to care for their patients while keeping them home and maintaining the safety of the community.

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Provider Trust

JANUARY 25, 2024

Ensuring the Financial Integrity of HHS Programs In fiscal year (FY) 2022, improper payments within healthcare programs like Medicare, Medicaid, and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) were estimated at a staggering $131.6 With Medicaid, the challenges are equally formidable.

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Bill of Health

SEPTEMBER 9, 2022

COVID-19 is not the first pandemic within prisons. Like these earlier carceral pandemics, the over 620,000 COVID-19 infections and 3,100 related deaths among incarcerated individuals to date simply expose how U.S. health law and policy fails to protect people in custody. By Andrea C.

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COVID-19 COVID-19 Vaccine Medicaid Medicaid 349

Hall Render

APRIL 22, 2022

GAO investigating private equity ownership of nursing homes. HHS Secretary Outlines FY 2023 Mental Health Investments at Senate Hearing. Patient generated data can be a key factor in reducing health inequity. Supreme Court tosses Medicaid work requirement cases. Banner Health to build new hospital in Buckeye.

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COVID-19 Nursing Homes US Department of Health and Human Services Nurses 40

Hall Render

JUNE 10, 2022

As skilled nursing ‘teeters,’ leaders look to DC for help on pay rule and more. CMS updates Medicaid eligibility standards. COVID-19 rising in Alabama, experts believe cases are higher than reported. How drones are innovating Alabama’s health care industry. 2 nurses, physician stabbed at California hospital.

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Hall Render

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

ALABAMA American Family Care opens new health care center in Northeast Birmingham doctors secure $13.9M ALABAMA American Family Care opens new health care center in Northeast Birmingham doctors secure $13.9M

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MedTrainer

OCTOBER 27, 2020

Keys to managing point-of-care testing complianceIn an effort to combat the spread of the virus and to help nursing homes protect the health and safety of their residents, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is distributing SARS-CoV-2 antigen diagnostic tests to more than 14,000 facilities.

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MedTrainer

OCTOBER 27, 2020

In an effort to combat the spread of the virus and to help nursing homes protect the health and safety of their residents, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services is distributing SARS-CoV-2 antigen diagnostic tests to more than 14,000 facilities. HHS argued antigen testing is the best option available.

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Hall Render

JANUARY 31, 2022

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) has armed surveyors with detailed instructions on how to survey skilled nursing facilities for compliance with the CMS staff vaccine requirements. Policies and procedures related to the skilled nursing facility’s COVID-19 staff vaccination policies and procedures.

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Hall Render

FEBRUARY 27, 2023

Health Care Fraud Actions Medicaid. The Medicaid program was a target in 2022. DOJ recovered $260 million from a pharmaceutical company for its underpayment of rebates to the Medicaid program by improperly designating one product as a new drug. COVID-10 Related Fraud. It also recovered $70.7 Standard of Care.

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Nursing Homes Fraud Medicaid Medicaid 40

Hall Render

MAY 20, 2022

AHA asks HHS to continue the public health emergency until conditions stabilize. Considerations for Social Determinants of Health Screening Design. COVID-19 public health emergency set to be extended. Covid-19 remains a public health emergency in US, administration says.

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Hall Render

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

CT’s Medicaid reimbursement rates lower than peer states: report Better safety training, reporting, escorts for CT home health care workers focus of new legislation D.C. Mary’s unveils new name, but mission remains unchanged UCHealth sues thousands of patients every year. What they say sets them apart.

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Nursing Homes Nurses Hospitals Medicaid 40

Hall Render

MAY 13, 2022

FDA limits J&J COVID-19 vaccine due to rare blood clot risk. Nurses make exit plans after RaDonda Vaught’s conviction. Travel nurses raced to help during Covid. US faces deficit of 450,000 nurses by 2025. Alabama hospital rationing medical supplies due to COVID disruptions in China.

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Hall Render

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

CMS gives nursing homes a longer leash on staff COVID-19 vaccination requirements. Feds approve program for rural Arkansas health care but it will cost local taxpayers more. Governor Hutchinson Announces Expansion To Rural Health Services With ARHOME Medicaid Program. CMS bumps ASC payments to 3.8

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US Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Nurses Nursing Homes 40

Hall Render

SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

4 Health Systems Join Provider-Created Data Collective to Improve Care. Full 4th Circuit to tackle Medicaid fraud standard under False Claims Act. On Average, Two Nurses Are Assaulted Every Hour, New Press Ganey Analysis Finds. These 10 states still have COVID emergency orders in place. Covid cases remain low in Alaska.

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US Department of Health and Human Services COVID-19 Nurses Nursing Homes 40

HIT Consultant

OCTOBER 6, 2021

It doesn’t take you to a health plan website. It doesn’t even take you to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) website. – About 23 percent of caregivers say caregiving has made their own health worse , up from 17 percent in 2015. Try Googling the word “caregiving.” In addition, President Biden’s $1.9

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Healthcare IT News - Telehealth

DECEMBER 16, 2020

The insights also can help healthcare organizations navigate vaccine distribution, as well as the ebbs and flows of patient volumes due to COVID-19 in the year ahead, according to the new report. “Regulators, for their part, have tried to smooth the way for a pivot to virtual during the public health emergency.

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Bill of Health

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Some have suggested that the COVID-19 pandemic could be a moment of what critical race theorist Derrick Bell called “ interest convergence ,” where majority interests align with those of a minority group to create a critical moment for social change. Why Haven’t Interests Converged During the COVID-19 Pandemic?

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Hall Render

JULY 28, 2023

million for rural hospital expansion Hospices in Arizona & other states receive scrutiny over concerns of fraud, waste & abuse Phoenix Children’s Building New 44,000-Square Foot Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Firefighters oppose Banner’s planned $400M hospital There’s a growing nurse shortage in Arizona.

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US Department of Health and Human Services Nurses Nursing Homes Hospitals 40

Hall Render

MARCH 28, 2023

On January 30, 2023, the Biden Administration announced the COVID public health emergency (“PHE”) will expire and end on May 11, 2023. CMS has allowed states and nursing homes to suspend these assessments for new residents for thirty days. COVID Testing Requirements. COVID Vaccine Education.

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Hall Render

FEBRUARY 18, 2022

CMS may now enforce its COVID-19 vaccination policy for healthcare workers in all 50 states. Health care worker shortage will only get worse if lawmakers don’t act, Senate panel warned. HHS seeks $30B to combat COVID-19. Lawmakers call on Biden to end public health emergency. Million in Covid Relief.

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Hall Render

MARCH 3, 2023

NATIONAL 14 rural senators push CMS to extend low-wage hospitals’ payment bump in FY2024 American Hospital Association voices support for telehealth expansion bill Behavioral health market to hit $262B by 2029 Biden administration moves to establish ‘guardrails’ for telehealth prescriptions CMS Officials Confirm End of PHE Nursing (..)

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Nursing Homes COVID-19 Nurses Hospitals 40

Hall Render

AUGUST 19, 2022

Amazon to offer behavioral health services through Ginger partnership. CDC ends social distancing, COVID-19 quarantines. CDC, amid criticism for COVID-19 response, plans reorganization as public health threats grow. Joint Commission’s New Accreditation Standards Tackle Health Disparities.

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COVID-19 Nursing Homes US Department of Health and Human Services Nurses 40

Hall Render

FEBRUARY 25, 2022

40% of Nursing Home Residents Haven’t Received COVID-19 Boosters, Analysis Finds. Biden extends COVID-19 national emergency. How 5 health systems are spending their innovation investment dollars. No COVID-19 boosters for 70% of nursing home staffs, AARP says.

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Hall Render

JULY 22, 2022

Amazon to buy primary health-care provider One Medical for roughly $3.9 Covid-19 public health emergency extended in the US. Legal confusion post-Roe is threatening maternal health, physicians say. Health systems eye perks of M&A post-COVID shock. CMS proposes 2.7% HHS orders additional 2.5

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Hall Render

JANUARY 5, 2024

Wade; expected to remain big issue in 2024 races Most nursing home residents in Arizona still haven’t gotten their COVID-19 booster COVID-19 hospitalizations are up in Arizona and around the U.S.

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Hall Render

APRIL 15, 2022

CMS: End to pandemic waivers helps nursing homes ‘redirect efforts’ to meet residents’ needs. CMS pushes for mandatory flu vax monitoring among nursing home staff. CMS Releases Skilled Nursing Facility PPS Proposed Rule for FY23. CMS revises COVID-19 nursing home protocols.

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Hall Render

MARCH 31, 2023

in 2022, survey finds Senate votes to end COVID-19 national emergency Why are 600+ rural hospitals at risk of closing? in 2022, survey finds Senate votes to end COVID-19 national emergency Why are 600+ rural hospitals at risk of closing? buys industrial property in Rancho Cordova for $5.12

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US Department of Health and Human Services Nursing Homes Nurses COVID-19 40

Hall Render

JANUARY 6, 2022

Nursing homes face possible citations, civil monetary penalties, denial of payments and—as a final measure—termination of participation from the Medicare and Medicaid programs by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (“CMS”) as they embark on complying with the new CMS COVID-19 vaccine requirements for their staff.

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Hall Render

DECEMBER 1, 2023

with more than 5 Magnet designations Four more years: Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Wellstar re-up contract Hospital fails to dodge $10M malpractice verdict after attempting to pin payment on radiologist New survey reveals insight into Georgia’s maternal health crisis New chief medical officer hired for St.

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Hall Render

MARCH 25, 2022

Here are the top health systems by patient reviews. Hospital stays for nursing home residents down nearly 9%, federal data shows. OSHA accepting new comments on healthcare worker COVID-19 protection rule. OSHA will hold hearing on permanent COVID-19 standard for healthcare workers. What’s next?

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COVID-19 US Department of Health and Human Services Nursing Homes Nurses 40

Hall Render

JUNE 9, 2023

million from Miracle Day Arkansas Hospice Takes Over LifeTouch Hospice Arkansas hospitals say they are struggling; report questions those claims Arkansas law allows physician assistants to be rendering providers for Medicaid Arkansas rural hospitals work to keep their doors open Panda Express Pledges $1.2M

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Hall Render

MAY 19, 2023

to Partners The federal COVID-19 emergency is ending. Supplemental Grant for Rural Health Programs UAMS to Study Affordable Care Act’s Impact on Breast Cancer Treatment Arkansas Children’s Hospital Auxiliary Donates $1.4 These groups are trying to change that.

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Nurses COVID-19 Hospitals Nursing Homes 40

Hall Render

APRIL 1, 2022

Hospital, long-term care groups again petition Becerra to extend COVID-19 public health emergency. Nursing Home Operating Expenses Could Balloon by $500K With Staffing Minimums in Place. Parkinson warns of new ‘enormous’ business problem for nursing homes; highlights staffing-minimum alternative.

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