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All posts tagged with “Public Policy News | Legislation.”
Closing the gap in end-of life care coverage: The role of nonprofits in policy advocacy
04/15/25 at 03:00 AMClosing the gap in end-of life care coverage: The role of nonprofits in policy advocacy Forbes; by James Dismond; 4/14/25... As the demand for end-of-life care grows, so will the gap between the care that patients need and what they receive. ... Workforce shortages, restrictive regulations, outdated reimbursement models and misconceptions around hospice services are keeping millions of Americans from accessing quality hospice and palliative care services. ... These barriers disproportionately affect low-income families, rural communities and communities of color. ... Unlike for-profit entities, we can prioritize community needs over shareholders. We can prioritize patient well-being over profits—or, to say it more directly, we put people over profits. And I’ve seen firsthand how advocacy can drive progress. Nonprofits must engage in:
[NY] Legislature passes bill banning new for-profit hospices
04/14/25 at 03:00 AM[NY] Legislature passes bill banning new for-profit hospicesThe New York State Senate; by Sen. Liz Krueger; 4/9/25Today, the State Senate passed S.3437, carried by Senator Liz Krueger, a bill that would be ban new for-profit hospices in New York State. The bill, carried in the Assembly by Assembly Member Amy Paulin, passed that house on March 26th... I urge Governor Hochul to sign this bill."... S. 3437, which was previously vetoed by Governor Hochul in 2022, would prohibit the approval of new applications for the establishment, construction or increased capacity of for-profit hospice entities. New York is uniquely situated to prevent the deterioration of end-of-life care described above, as currently only two of 41 hospices in New York are for-profit, compared to a national average of two-thirds as of 2017.
Why cameras are popping up in eldercare facilities
04/11/25 at 03:00 AMWhy cameras are popping up in eldercare facilities The New York Times; by Paula Span; 4/7/25 Roughly 20 states now have laws permitting families to place cameras in the rooms of loved ones. Facility operators are often opposed. ... The assisted-living facility in Edina, Minn., where Jean H. Peters and her siblings moved their mother in 2011, looked lovely. “But then you start uncovering things,” Ms. Peters said. Her mother, Jackie Hourigan, widowed and developing memory problems at 82, too often was still in bed when her children came to see her in mid-morning. So Ms. Peters bought an inexpensive camera at Best Buy. She and her sisters installed it atop the refrigerator in her mother’s apartment, ... Monitoring from an app on their phones, the family saw Ms. Hourigan going hours without being changed. They saw and heard an aide loudly berating her and handling her roughly as she helped her dress. ... Though they remain a contentious subject, cameras in care facilities are gaining ground. By 2020, eight states had joined Minnesota in enacting laws allowing them, according to the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care: Illinois, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas and Washington. [Continue reading ...]
Statement by the American Nurses Association on organizational restructuring within the US Department of Health and Human Services
04/10/25 at 03:00 AMStatement by the American Nurses Association on organizational restructuring within the US Department of Health and Human Services American Nurses Association (ANA); Press Release; 4/8/25 The American Nurses Association is aware of the recent personnel changes and organizational restructuring within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). These developments have sparked concerns among nurses nationwide regarding the potential impact on essential programs and services delivered by HHS in collaboration with nurses, patient advocates, and other healthcare providers. ... The association will monitor that re-structured capacity and promptly report any gaps we identify to the Administration and Congress to ensure the needs of nurses, and the public are met by our federal partners. It is imperative that Secretary Kennedy and Administration leaders ensure the uninterrupted continuation of the vital work of these agencies. Federal agencies must have the necessary staff to carry out the public health, research, quality, and operational work that the American people rely on for their health and well-being. [Continue reading ...]
Medicare and Medicaid officials finalize rule to clarify that medical marijuana isn’t covered by federal health programs
04/10/25 at 03:00 AMMedicare and Medicaid officials finalize rule to clarify that medical marijuana isn’t covered by federal health programsMarijuana Moment; by Kyle Jaeger; 4/8/25 The federal Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has finalized a rule to clarify that marijuana products are not eligible for coverage under certain health plans for chronically ill patients because “they are illegal substances under Federal law.” In a notice set to be published in the Federal Register next week, CMS said that a series of policy and technical changes for its Medicare Advantage (MA) program and other services, including rulemaking related to cannabis products, will now take effect on June 3.[Continue reading ...]
What role do immigrants play in the direct long-term care workforce?
04/10/25 at 02:00 AMWhat role do immigrants play in the direct long-term care workforce? KFF; by Priya Chidambaram and Drishti Pillai; 4/2/25 President Trump has made a slew of immigration policy changes focused on restricting entry at the border and increasing interior enforcement efforts to support mass deportation. While these actions are focused on undocumented immigrants, they likely will have ripple effects across immigrants of all statuses and millions more people living in immigrant families. Mass deportations could negatively impact the U.S. economy and workforce, given the role immigrants play, particularly in certain industries. ...
Trump administration continues to defend nursing home staffing mandate in court
04/08/25 at 03:00 AMTrump administration continues to defend nursing home staffing mandate in court McKnights Long-Term Care News; by Kimberly Marselas; 4/7/25 The federal government continues to defend a national nursing home staffing mandate in court, despite several members of the new presidential administration having expressed major concerns about the rule finalized in 2024. Department of Justice attorneys on Thursday again outlined their justification for the rule, telling the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services did not exceed its legal authority in dictating 24-hour registered nurse coverage and 3.48 hours a day of direct patient care from every US skilled nursing facility.
Executive orders and policy updates
04/07/25 at 03:00 AMExecutive orders and policy updates JD Supra; by Jones Day; 4/3/25 Since President Trump's inauguration, the Trump administration has issued a number of executive orders and policy actions ... Notable actions include rescinding Biden-era initiatives on health care access and equity, withdrawing from the World Health Organization, reducing indirect costs for NIH grants, and suspending foreign aid. While many of these actions may be subject to ongoing litigation, which is not addressed here, summaries of certain of these executive orders and policy actions are included below. ...
Terri Schiavo's death 20 years ago sparked lingering debate about death and politics
04/07/25 at 03:00 AMTerri Schiavo's death 20 years ago sparked lingering debate about death and politics USA Today; by Marc Ramirez; 3/31/25 Monday [March 31st marked] 20 years since the death of Terri Schiavo, whose landmark case became the symbol of the "right to die" movement, generated political controversy and sparked public outcry as her husband and family members took their fight over her fate to the courts. Schiavo died on March 31, 2005, after a dragged-out legal and political battle ... The case thrust discussions about end-of-life care into the public consciousness, a topic that continues to provoke heightened emotions among Americans. “It became the most reviewed, debated end-of-life case in history,” said Arthur Caplan, who heads the division of medical ethics at New York University’s Grossman School of Medicine. [Continue reading ...]
AGG talks: Home health & hospice podcast - Episode 10: Anti-Kickback Compliance for hospice and skilled nursing providers
04/07/25 at 03:00 AMAGG talks: Home health & hospice podcast - Episode 10: Anti-Kickback Compliance for hospice and skilled nursing providers JD Supra; by Arnall Golden Gregory, LLP; 4/3/25 In this episode, AGG Healthcare attorneys Bill Dombi and Jason Bring discuss recent OIG guidance on hospice and skilled nursing facility relationships, focusing on anti-kickback risks and fraud concerns. They cover key issues such as the importance of documenting fair market value for any services or space provided, being cautious of payments exceeding Medicaid room and board rates, and avoiding arrangements that appear to be made solely to secure referrals. Bill and Jason also touch on increased oversight and enforcement in the healthcare sector under a new presidential administration.
New administration’s appointees confirmed to lead key health agencies
04/07/25 at 03:00 AMNew administration’s appointees confirmed to lead key health agencies Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO); Press Release; 4/3/25 Several presidential appointees have been confirmed to lead key health agencies that the Association for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) will work with during the new administration. These include:
Trump administration to shut down CMS, HHS minority health offices amid restructuring
04/04/25 at 03:00 AMTrump administration to shut down CMS, HHS minority health offices amid restructuring Healthcare Dive; by Rebecca Pifer; 3/31/25 The CMS and HHS offices that coordinate efforts to eliminate health disparities are being shut down completely as part of the Trump administration’s overhaul of the federal healthcare department, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter. Closing the offices will impact efforts to improve the health of underserved patients in the U.S. — and is probably illegal, according to experts. ... Shutting the offices, which were authorized by the Affordable Care Act more than a decade ago, may also be illegal, according to legal experts. [Continue reading ...]
Senate confirms Oz as head of agency that runs Medicare, Medicaid
04/04/25 at 03:00 AMDr. Oz nomination to lead CMS advances in Senate vote Modern Healthcare; by Michael McAuliff; 4/3/25 The Senate on Thursday advanced the confirmation of former television host Dr. Mehmet Oz to lead the nation's largest healthcare agencies by serving as administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Lawmakers voted 50 to 45 to advance the nomination to a final vote, which is expected Thursday afternoon. ... He will assume control of an agency in flux that impacts some 160 million Americans and with a budget of around $1.7 trillion. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is attempting to cut some 20,000 employees across the the Health and Human Services Department while Congress is weighing budget proposals that are likely to require deep cuts in Medicaid. [Continue reading ...]
Fired health workers were told to contact an employee. She’s dead.
04/04/25 at 03:00 AMFired health workers were told to contact an employee. She’s dead. The Washington Post; by Lauren Weber; 4/3/25 Some government health employees who were laid off Tuesday were told to contact Anita Pinder with discrimination complaints. But Pinder, who was the director at the Office of Equal Opportunity and Civil Rights at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, died last year. [Continue reading ...]Editor's note: Perhaps, is this its own example of fraud (incorrect contact for such an important initiative) and abuse (of the fired employees' rights, and of Anita Pinder's memory, family, and colleagues)?
Federal legislation would mandate hospice education upon hospital discharge
04/03/25 at 03:00 AMFederal legislation would mandate hospice education upon hospital discharge McKnights Home Care; by Adam Healy; 4/2/25 A bill under consideration in Congress would require hospitals to educate patients about hospice care options upon discharge. HR 2437, introduced Thursday by Rep. Erin Houchin (R-IN), would amend Medicare policy to mandate that hospitals “provide information on available hospice programs to certain individuals upon discharge,” according to the bill. Although hospitals are not necessarily required to provide patients with information on available hospice programs upon discharge, they are encouraged to do so. [Continue reading ...]
Health system CFOs fight for Medicaid on Capitol Hill
04/02/25 at 03:00 AMHealth system CFOs fight for Medicaid on Capitol Hill Becker's Hospital Reivew; by Alan Condon; 3/31/25 Multiple health system CFOs recently traveled to Washington, D.C., to meet with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, advocating against proposed Medicaid cuts that could threaten access to care and lead to the closure of essential hospital services. Health system executives participating in these discussions included:
Iowa introduces "Mason's Law" to become 1st state to have a pediatric palliative care center license
04/02/25 at 03:00 AMIowa introduces "Mason's Law" to become 1st state to have a pediatric palliative care center license Cision PRWeb, Des Moines, IA; by Children's Respite Homes of America; 3/31/25 In a historic move, the Iowa State Legislature has taken a groundbreaking step to support families with medically fragile children by introducing House File HF 933 (formerly HSB 267). This legislation, known as "Mason's Law," would make Iowa the first state in the nation to establish a dedicated "Pediatric Palliative Care Center" license, laying the foundation for a new model of care for children with chronic, complex, and life- threatening illnesses.
White House cuts $12B in health funds: 5 updates
04/01/25 at 02:00 AMWhite House cuts $12B in health funds: 5 updates Becker's Hospital Review; by Madeline Ashley and Kristin Kuchno; 3/26/25 HHS has abruptly canceled more than $12 billion in grants to state health departments that supported efforts to track infectious diseases, expand mental health services and modernize outdated systems, according to The New York Times. Late March 25, state health departments started receiving notices that $11.4 billion in grants from the CDC and roughly $1 billion in funds from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration were being canceled immediately. “No additional activities can be conducted, and no additional costs may be incurred, as it relates to these funds,” the notices said, according to the Times. [Continue reading ...]
How Illinois plans to fine tune end-of-life, palliative care
03/31/25 at 03:00 AMHow Illinois plans to fine tune end-of-life, palliative care Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 3/27/25 The State of Illinois legislature is advancing bills that would provide additional support for patients nearing the end of life. The Illinois General Assembly’s House of Representatives has advanced four bills related to hospice and palliative care that were recently cleared by a legislative committee. They pertain to issues like medication delivery, advance care planning and end-of-life care for incarcerated individuals, among others. Rep. Nicolle Grasse, a Democrat, sponsored each of the bills, which have garnered bipartisan support. [Continue reading ...]
Dana Trabulsy bill aims to help families get death certificates faster
03/31/25 at 03:00 AMDana Trabulsy bill aims to help families get death certificates faster Florida Politics; by Gabrielle Russon; 3/27/25 'This will solve a problem and be able to help these families move on sooner with the things that they need to do to start healing.'Families whose loved ones die in hospice are often stuck waiting for death certificates because of a backlog. One lawmaker wants to speed up the process to help them get the documents they need. Fort Pierce Republican Rep. Dana Trabulsy is pushing a bill that would allow advanced practice registered nurses providing hospice care to sign death certificates with a physician’s protocol. HB 647 passed its first committee stop Thursday with a 17-0 vote in front of the Health Professions and Programs Subcommittee.
Kennedy slashing 10,000 jobs in health department overhaul
03/28/25 at 03:00 AMKennedy slashing 10,000 jobs in health department overhaul USA Today, Washington, DC; by Joey Garrison; 3/27/25 Health and Human Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said Thursday he will cut about 10,000 full-time jobs from the Cabinet department in a dramatic reduction that includes closing half its regional offices as part of a wider Trump administration overhaul of the federal government. Combined with HHS employees who previously accepted buyouts and others who were already fired, the agency's workforce will be sliced by one-quarter from 82,000 full-time employees to 62,000 since President Donald Trump returned to the White House. The Department of Health and Human Services ‒ which oversees the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services ‒ will consolidate the agency's 28 divisions into 15 new divisions in Kennedy's shakeup. ... Among the cuts in key divisions:
The Healing of America with T.R. Reid
03/28/25 at 02:00 AMThe Healing of America with T.R. Reid TCNtalks Podcast; podcast by Chris Comeaux with T.R. Reid; 3/26/25 In this episode of TCN Talks, host Chris Comeaux interviews NY Times bestselling author T. R. Reid. They discuss T. R. Reid’s experiences and insights from researching healthcare systems around the world, particularly focusing on the need for universal coverage and the various models of healthcare delivery. ... This is a great listen as the U.S. spends more on healthcare, yet we are not even in the top 10 in the world. It’s hard to make one aspect of healthcare successful, like Hospice and Palliative Care, if the broader ecosystem it resides in is flawed and unsustainable. Join us; this is very timely.
Harmonizing federal and Florida laws on prescribing controlled substances through telehealth
03/26/25 at 03:00 AMHarmonizing federal and Florida laws on prescribing controlled substances through telehealth JD Supra; by Jeremy Burnette, Martin Dix, and John Hood; 3/24/25 Practitioners who want to prescribe controlled substances via telehealth to patients in Florida must meet the requirements of both federal and state law. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Florida legislature have recently amended the applicable federal regulations and state laws, respectively, to allow the prescribing of controlled substances via telehealth[*] without conducting an in-person evaluation under certain circumstances. There are key differences between federal and state law, so practitioners prescribing controlled substances via telehealth to patients in Florida should be aware of the particular requirements of each. [Continue reading ...]
Utah funeral home is first in state to offer "human composting" as a green alternative to traditional burials
03/24/25 at 03:00 AMUtah funeral home is first in state to offer "human composting" as a green alternative to traditional burials Salt Lake City Weekly, Salt Lake City, UT; by Aimee L. Cook; 3/19/25 ... Jason and Shayneh Starks, who opened [Starks Funeral Parlor in Millcreek] in 2005, offer their clients an innovative and environmentally conscious option—natural organic reduction (NOR), often called human composting. This process transforms the deceased into nutrient-rich soil over a period of 8 to 12 weeks. While the concept may sound unconventional to some, it's gaining traction with families in Utah and beyond, ... "We're seeing a lot of interest from environmentally conscious individuals who want a natural, meaningful way to return to the earth," observed Shayneh Starks, who has worked in funeral services since 1995. Natural organic reduction has already been legalized in states like Washington, Oregon and California, but Utah has yet to officially approve this process. Currently, Starks Funeral Parlor assists families who wish to choose this option by transferring remains out of state to Seattle, ensuring that those who value NOR have access to it.
Trump’s first 60 days: The impact on the home health industry
03/24/25 at 03:00 AMTrump’s first 60 days: The impact on the home health industry Home Health News; by Audrie Martin; 3/20/25 Tax, immigration and diversity, equity and inclusion policies are some of the top-of-mind regulatory concerns for home health agencies in 2025. The first 60 days of the Trump Administration and their impact on the home health care industry were highlighted during a webinar hosted by the Polsinelli Law Firm on Thursday. National Alliance for Care at Home CEO Steve Landers and Home Care Association of America (HCAOA) CEO Jason Lee joined representatives from Polsinelli to discuss potential Medicaid cuts, the importance of extending telehealth services, and the need for workforce expansion. The webinar also explored how executive orders and administrative actions are affecting home care and hospice services. [Click on the title's link to continue reading.]