January 28, 2020

In this Issue:

1. Policy Break and Webinar Materials Available on the Patient Driven Payment Model
   
2. Article on Nursing Home Evictions from Consumer Voice Provides Tips to Attorneys
   
3. New Report from PHI on State of Direct Care Workers
   
4. New Materials Available for Older Americans Month 2020
   
5. National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes Posts Updated Reports
   

Policy Break and Webinar Materials Available on the Patient Driven Payment Model

In October 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services implemented a new federal nursing home payment system, the Patient Driven Payment Model (PDPM).  PDPM changed the reimbursement rules and financial incentives for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).  As a result, advocates are already seeing changes in SNF admission practices, and in the provision of therapy services to residents.

View the recording and slides from our recent webinar on the issue. Plus, Consumer Voice created a Policy Break providing information on PDPM, its impact, potential issues and what advocates should look for.

Article on Nursing Home Evictions from Consumer Voice Provides Tips to Attorneys

Consumer Voice Executive Director Lori Smetanka and Public Policy and Advocacy Director Robyn Grant authored an article on nursing home evictions published in Bifocal, A Journal of the ABA (American Bar Association) Commission on Law and Aging.  The article highlights the disturbing trend of evictions of nursing home residents from their facilities, often without notice, preparation, or a safe and appropriate place to go.  It reviews several stories in which residents were inappropriately discharged from their nursing homes and outlines federal laws and regulations and CMS rules regarding the transfer or discharge of a resident.  The article concludes with tips to encourage and assist legal services attorneys in handling these cases. Read the article »

The threat of transfer or discharge from a nursing home can be both frightening and stressful for residents and their families.  Consumer Voice has a variety of resources and materials about your rights and what to do next if you've been given a discharge notice.

New Report from PHI on State of Direct Care Workers

PHI has published a new report on the state of direct care workers.  It’s Time to Care: A Detailed Profile of America’s Direct Care Workforce is the first installment in a yearlong series of reports that will examine the importance and impact of the direct care workforce. This report provides an overview of the direct care workforce, including how this role has evolved in response to industry trends. Read the report »

New Materials Available for Older Americans Month 2020

Materials are available from Older Americans Month (OAM) 2020.  Older Americans Month is held every May. This year's theme is Make Your Mark, which was selected to encourage and celebrate countless contributions that older adults make to their communities.  Available materials include the OAM 2020 logo and Make Your Mark posters. Visit the OAM website »

• Antipsychotic Medication Use Data Report
• Antipsychotic Use by State 2018Q3-2019Q2
• Late Adopter Data Report
• Late Adopter Antipsychotic Use by State 2019Q2