The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (“PPACA”) regulations that were signed into law this past March will be implemented in stages over the next five years. The government’s overall objectives are to expand insurance coverage for an additional 31 million citizens, and have 95% coverage of the population by 2014. Several of the Act’s rules have recently been implemented during June and July. (more…)
BECKY CARROLL, Principal, Director of Clinical Operations
As of October 1, 2010, skilled nursing facilities and swing bed programs will be undergoing the most extensive change since the advent of PPS. The MDS which has stayed as a constant assessment tool for approximately 10 years will be revamped as the MDS 3.0. CMS has stated that this version will provide a much more valid and reliable assessment of the patient/resident while decreasing the amount of time it takes for the staff to complete the form(s). While there are many changes to the completion of the assessment, the payment structure is of priority to all concerned. (more…)
