Trump implemented a policy to limit financial penalties for nursing home violations for the last four years. These violations include abuse and neglect that caused repeated harms and injuries. The policy restricted monetary fines for violations to a maximum one-time amount of $22,320 — even if the violation had continued for months. This is not
I often write about sad and depressing news stories but lately there has been some good news. Maybe a change is coming. Economy In July, employers added almost a million jobs! Unemployment fell to 5.4%. Average hourly wages increased–4% higher than they were a year ago. The recovery is on its way. But we need
The Department of Justice published a press release confirming another False Claims Act settlement. This one involved Lopez Scott who operated Turning Points Residential Care facility. The Court sentenced Scott to two years in prison for defrauding the Virginia Medicaid program. He submitted over $188,000 in false claims. Raj Parekh is the Acting U.S. Attorney
National Center for Seniors Housing & Care released a new analysis showing CMS collects more money for penalties. The per-incident penalties increased more than eight-fold from 2016 to 2020, prior to the pandemic. CMS increased collection of per-incident penalties after updating the federal safety guidelines in 2017. The agency collected less than $5 million in total per-incident
Attorney General Maura Healey announced a $90,000 settlement with Milton HC Operating, LLC to resolve neglect allegations, resulting in death. Milton must pay $90,000 to the Long-Term Care Facility Quality Improvement Fund. The Department of Public Health uses the Fund to improve the safety and quality of care provided in long-term care facilities. The settlement
Waivers The federal government granted several waivers designed to free up hospital beds and provide uninterrupted care to seniors during the pandemic. CMS suspended improper payment-related activities between March and August 2020. It’s unclear yet how much audit activity and improper payment findings were curtailed over the last calendar year. The agency also adjusted how
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