CMS releases FY 2019 proposed rule, includes RCS-1 replacement

CMS has posted a proposed rule for FY 2019. The proposal not only changes payment rates, but also proposes a new case mix grouping called the Patient-Driven Payment Model, or PDPM. This model replaces the RCS-1 that was proposed in May of last year. According to CMS, this new system has 80% fewer groupings and uses some metrics already collected for quality reporting. CMS says the intention is to lessen administrative burden, streamline the process, and provide payment equal to care needs of the patient rather than volume of patients. PDPM would be effective October 1, 2019.

Proposed 2019 hospice rule increases payments by $340 million

Hospices are expected to receive a 1.8% payment increase in 2019 — an improvement from the prior year, according to the 2019 proposed hospice payment rule posted April 27 on the Federal Register.

Home health: HHS to hold call about expanded settlement option

HHS will hold an open door call this month to discuss its expanded Settlement Conference Facilitation program. The call will be held May 22.

‘Capture the Moment’ revealed as theme for National Assisted Living Week 2018

The National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) today revealed “Capture the Moment” as this year’s theme for National Assisted Living Week®.

Tip for the DON: Identify the best leadership style for the situation

There is no best way to influence others. The right choice of leadership style depends on your ability to determine whether your staff have all the skills and experience they need to do the job they are assigned and your sense of whether they want to or believe they can do it.