Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editors welcome controversial new nursing home ratings system
The new ratings systems for nursing homes recently instituted by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is drawing criticism from both the nursing home industry and other medical professional groups. But while the system does have its problems, say the editors of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, it is a giant step in the right direction.
It seems nursing homes in only one PA county ranked well with the new rating system
The Daily American reports that most of the nursing homes in Somerset County received average or better ratings from the federal government.
New federal ranking system for nursing homes creating a frenzy
As HealthPoint reported last week, the federal government recently implemented a rating system that ranks nursing homes across the country on a scale of 1-5, with 1 being “much below average” and 5 being “much above average.” However, the system is drawing a backlash from those who say that it is unfair and misleading.
Feds Unveil Rating System for Nursing Homes
Nearly half the nursing homes in the Harrisburg area are deemed below average under a rating system unveiled by the federal government Thursday, reports the Patriot News.
Eighteen of the 40 homes serving Dauphin, Cumberland, Perry and Lebanon counties received one or two stars on the five-star scale, with five being the highest rating.
York County may outsource nursing home services
Some York County commissioners believe that up to $1 million can be generated by outsourcing the county nursing home’s rehabilitative treatment services, reports the York Daily Record.
Seniors may be eligible for state waiver program for alternatives to nursing home care
The state Department of Aging Waiver Program uses funds originally earmarked to fund non-medical in-home health care through Medical Assistance as an alternative to nursing home placement.
State shortchanges nursing homes $5,000 per year per Medicaid resident
A press release issued by the Pennsylvania Health Care Association states that the gap between the cost of caring for Pennsylvania’s frail and elderly in nursing homes and what the commonwealth reimburses for that care under the Medicaid program jumped from $11.91 in 2007 to $13.92 in 2008 – a nearly 17 percent hike.
Retirement community exec among those against proposed assisted living regs
“America’s assisted living system is designed to empower older consumers, allowing them to remain as independent as possible and encouraging them to make choices and pick what is best for their way of life as well as their wallet,” says David Leader. “Pennsylvania’s proposed system will create a new level of care that most seniors can neither access nor afford.”
Assisted living regulations are delayed
After proposed regulations for assisted living facilities were met with dissatisfaction from several senior citizen advocacy groups, the state has decided to delay implementing the new rules, and might even revise them.
State heard testimony against nursing home chain
Allegations against the largest chain of nursing homes in the state, HRC ManorCare, Inc.; was the subject of a hearing by the House Aging & Older Adult Service Committee.