Literature Review
Nursing home system faces foreclosure amid $51M in unpaid debt
02/12/24 at 03:15 AMNursing home system faces foreclosure amid $51M in unpaid debtBecker's Hospital Review, by Mariah Taylor; 2/6/24A Peoria, IL based nursing home and assisted living company has entered foreclosure proceedings after lenders alleged it owes $51 million in unpaid debts, the Peoria Journal Star reported Feb. 5. Petersen Health Care, which owns 17 facilities, entered the foreclosure agreement with X-Caliber Funding and Capital Funding in two separate federal cases in January. Petersen alleges it was the victim of a ransomware attack in fall 2023 that took down its billing system at several facilities and "crippled" its finances.
Petersen Health Care in battle for $50 million share of massive nursing home portfolio
02/12/24 at 03:15 AMPetersen Health Care in battle for $50 million share of massive nursing home portfolioMcKnight's Long-Term Care News, by Josh Henreckson; 2/6/24An operator of nearly 100 Midwest care facilities is now embroiled in a two-front legal battle over more than $50 million in loans. Two lenders say that Petersen Health Care has failed to make payments due at 17 nursing homes across Illinois, Iowa and Missouri and are seeking foreclosure. The Peoria, IL, company is among the largest care providers in the region, employing several thousand care workers at its facilities in suburban and rural Illinois.
Healthcare data breaches set record in 2023
02/12/24 at 03:15 AMHealthcare data breaches set record in 2023Becker's Health IT, by Giles Bruce; 2/7/24Healthcare data breaches hit an all-time high in 2023 as cybersecurity concerns continue to plague the industry, HIPAA Journal reported. More than 133 million patient records were breached last year, more than double the number in 2022 (51.9 million), according to the publication's analysis of HHS data.
Exploring the relationship between hospice care and end-of-life doulas
02/12/24 at 03:15 AMExploring the relationship between hospice care and end-of-life doulasPhaneuf Funeral Homes & Crematorium; 2/7/24Highlighting the collaborative nature of this relationship, [Lee] Webster pointed out, “Doulas are not out to steal [healthcare professionals’] jobs, but are another set of tools in the tool chest.” The supportive role of doulas can enhance the comprehensive care provided by hospice teams. “People everywhere involved with the doula movement are struggling with this [integration],” Webster added.
Big Bend Hospice Inpatient Unit opens at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, increases access to quality end-of-life care
02/12/24 at 03:10 AMBig Bend Hospice Inpatient Unit opens at Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, increases access to quality end-of-life careBusiness Wire; 2/8/24Big Bend Hospice, in partnership with Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH), proudly announces the opening of the First Commerce Center for Compassionate Care (FCCCC), a new inpatient hospice unit on the third floor of Tallahassee Memorial Hospital.
Molina joins chorus reporting Medicare Advantage challenges
02/12/24 at 03:10 AMMolina joins chorus reporting Medicare Advantage challengesModern Healthcare, by Nona Tepper; 2/8/24
4 recent advancements in Alzheimer's disease care
02/12/24 at 03:10 AM4 recent advancements in Alzheimer's disease careBecker's Hospital Review, by Ashleigh Hollowell; 2/6/24Alzheimer's disease research in the last year has expanded, promising clinicians in the field and patients experiencing the condition more accurate detection tests, new treatment possibilities and research to fuel further advancements in care. ... For four of the most recent updates in care and detention, [click on the title's link, above].
VNHS leveraging tech to optimize hospice patient experience: A game-changer in end-of-life care
02/12/24 at 03:05 AMVNHS leveraging tech to optimize hospice patient experience: A game-changer in end-of-life careCompsMag, by Tech Desk; 2/8/24... Georgia-based hospice provider Visiting Nurse Health System (VNHS) ... has been a pioneer in implementing various technologies that are becoming increasingly common in the post-acute space. For example, VNHS implemented its remote patient monitoring program in 2007 and more recently delved into predictive analytics. According to VNHS CEO Dorothy Davis, they have invested for five years in a platform that has become the repository for claims data coming in.
CMS proposes to increase accrediting organization oversight
02/12/24 at 03:05 AMCMS proposes to increase accrediting organization oversightModern Healthcare, by Mari Devereaux; 2/9/24The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services proposed Thursday to crack down on accrediting organizations following concerns of biased, inconsistent survey results and conflicts of interest. The proposed rule would strengthen CMS’ oversight of accrediting bodies and mandate the organizations reduce conflicts of interest with healthcare facilities, including by limiting fee-based consulting services. The proposal also would standardize accrediting organizations' survey processes.
Where things stand: a summary of pending federal cannabis legislation
02/12/24 at 03:05 AMWhere things stand: a summary of pending federal cannabis legislationReuters, Jean E. Smith-Gonnell and Cole White; 2/8/247Federal legislation pertaining to cannabis reform, once a political oddity, now commands significant resources and attention in Congress. With numerous bills under consideration, the landscape is both dynamic and complex. ... In this overview, we aim to provide clarity amidst the legislative maze and get to the root of the most significant cannabis legislation introduced in 2023.
California Hospice Network: State falls short in curbing potential malfeasance
02/12/24 at 03:00 AMThe Nature of Suffering: BJ Miller and Naomi Saks
02/12/24 at 03:00 AMThe Nature of Suffering: BJ Miller and Naomi SaksGeriPal Podcast, with Alex Smith, Eric Widera, BJ Miller, Naomi Saks; 2/8/24Today we talk about suffering in the many forms we encounter in palliative care.
Humana to close its Louisville headquarters
02/12/24 at 03:00 AMHumana to close its Louisville headquartersBecker's Payer Issues, by Rylee Wilson; 2/5/24Humana will consolidate its Louisville, Ky., headquarters, exiting the 27-story tower that bears its name. The company decided to leave the building as the company evolved to offer more flexible workstyles, the company said in a statement shared with Becker's. Humana will exit the downtown Louisville location over the next 18 to 24 months...
Quality, culture are watchwords for hospices in 2024
02/12/24 at 03:00 AMQuality, culture are watchwords for hospices in 2024Hospice News, by Jim Parker; 2/9/24Amid intensified regulatory scrutiny, staffing headwinds and shifts towards value-based care, hospices need to ensure that they’ve made a strong commitment to quality and to foster a positive workplace culture, according to hospice leaders.Notable mentions: Adnrew Molosky, Chapters Health; Craig Dresang, Yolo Care's.
Rutgers, Samaritan forge critical partnership in palliative care education
02/12/24 at 03:00 AMRutgers, Samaritan forge critical partnership in palliative care educationPalliative Care News, by Robert Holly; 2/9/24The [Rutgers University-Camden and Samaritan] partnership is reflective of similar palliative care-awareness efforts happening across the U.S. The Rutgers-Samaritan collaboration, in particular, is focused on bolstering clinical rotations and hands-on training opportunities for Rutgers-Camden students in nursing, social work and psychology.Notable mentions: Antonio D. Tillis, Rutgers University-Camden; Phillip W. Heath, Samaritan (NJ).
California Hospice Network: State falls short in curbing potential malfeasance
02/12/24 at 03:00 AMCalifornia Hospice Network: State falls short in curbing potential malfeasanceHospice News, by Jim Parker; 2/8/24The continued licensing of new hospices in California despite a moratorium is “deeply disturbing and frustrating,” the California Hospice Network (CHN) indicated in a statement. The practice is undermining efforts to combat hospice fraud, which has been rampant in California according to media and state government investigations. In 2021, the state enacted two hospice reform laws — Senate Bill 664 and Assembly Bill 1280 — designed to strengthen oversight, including a moratorium on new licenses and an extensive audit of California’s licensing and oversight processes.
5 MAID articles
02/12/24 at 03:00 AM5 recent MAID articles
Over 70% of New Yorkers favor Medical Aid in Dying bill, new poll finds City & State New York, by Rebecca C. Lewis; 2/8/24 A new poll commissioned by the groups Death With Dignity and the Completed Life Initiative found that a majority of New Yorkers – over 70% – favor legislation that would permit doctors to prescribe terminally ill patients medication to end their own lives. Patient protections are major concern at emotional hearing on medical aid-in-dying bill Maryland Matters, by Danielle J. Brown; 2/9/24 There have been prior attempts to pass aid-in-dying bills in Maryland, while 10 other states and Washington, D.C. have passed similar legislation. Publisher's note: Discussion of Maryland's SB 443 and HB 403. Both bills are titled the “End-of-Life Option Act (The Honorable Elijah E. Cummings and the Honorable Shane E. Pendergrass Act).” End of Life Act again proposed in Maryland, lawmakers believe it could pass this year WBALTV-11, by David Collins; 2/8/24 More than 100 people signed up Thursday to testify for and against Maryland's End of Life Option Act, which would legalize medical aid in dying. Lawmakers have tried for years to pass the legislation, but supporters believe the political climate has changed and this is the year it will pass. Should Illinois become 11th state to adopt 'right to die' legislation? Chicago Sun-Times, by Tina Sfondeles; 2/9/24 Illinois Senate Democrats are moving forward on legislation that would give mentally capable patients who are terminally ill an option of ending their own lives. Should treatment for severe mental illness include medical assistance in dying? The Hill, by Anand Kumar, Sally Weinstein; 2/9/24 Canada is on the threshold of enacting a law that would make medical assistance in dying (MAiD) accessible to people whose only medical condition is mental illness. If this were to pass, Canada would be one of only a handful of countries to extend that process for patients with serious mental illness.
Race, ethnicity, and cancer type influence which patients access hospice care
02/12/24 at 03:00 AMRace, ethnicity, and cancer type influence which patients access hospice careOncology Nurse Advisor, by Jennifer Larson; 2/5/24The analysis also showed disparities in hospice use by race and ethnicity. For example, patients who were Asian, Black, or Hispanic were less likely than White patients to use hospice services, as were patients from those minority groups who spoke English as a second language. Members of minority groups were also more likely to unenroll from hospice care.
Top news stories of the month January 2024
02/12/24 at 03:00 AMTop news stories of the month January 2024TCN Talks Podcast, with Chris Comeaux, Mark Cohen; 2/6/24Publisher's note: A summary of Hospice & Palliative Care Today's top news stories in January.
As PACE grows, here’s what providers need to know about getting involved in the model
02/12/24 at 02:45 AMAs PACE grows, here’s what providers need to know about getting involved in the model Home Health Care News, by Patrick Filbin; 2/6/24 During the pandemic, some senior care models succeeded, and some didn’t. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) was one that did. In 2023, PACE enrollment exceeded 70,000 participants and has seen an over 40% growth in enrollment since 2019. ... But, in order for providers to become PACE partners or participants, they have to be as prepared as possible prior to the enrollment process.
Hospice Nurse Shares The unexplained experience with a patient that changed her view on death and dying
02/11/24 at 03:40 AMHospice Nurse Shares The unexplained experience with a patient that changed her view on death and dyingYour Tango, by Nia Tipton; 1/29/24Death is the most mysterious part of the cycle of life for many individuals. What happens when we die? Is it peaceful? Is it scary? The unknown of what becomes of our souls once our physical presence leaves this Earth can be a daunting thought, but a hospice nurse named Julie offered some insight that she was a firsthand witness to after an elderly patient she'd been looking after passed away.
Evaluation of the Medicare Care Choices Model: Annual / Final report
02/11/24 at 03:35 AMEvaluation of the Medicare Care Choices Model: Annual / Final reportCMMI Evaluation Digest, 1/25/24The six-year Medicare Care Choices Model (MCCM) tested whether offering eligible fee-for-service Medicare beneficiaries the option to receive supportive and palliative care services through hospice providers without forgoing payment for the treatment of their terminal conditions (which is required to enroll in the Medicare hospice benefit) improved beneficiaries’ quality of life and care, increased their satisfaction, and reduced Medicare expenditures.
A guide to paying for hospice care at home
02/11/24 at 03:30 AMA guide to paying for hospice care at homeMediaFeed.org, by Claire Samuels; 1/23/24 According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, which sets benchmarks for hospice care costs based on the payments they make to providers, here’s what two types of in-home hospice care will cost in 2024’s fiscal year ... [Additional descriptions include insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, VA health care, private health insurance.]
A study of how Americans die may improve their end of life
02/11/24 at 03:25 AMA study of how Americans die may improve their end of lifeMedical Xpress, by Rutgers University; 1/24/24A Rutgers Health analysis of millions of Medicare records has laid the groundwork for improving end-of-life care by demonstrating that nearly all older Americans follow one of nine trajectories in their last three years of life.