Recognizing the Crucial Role of Direct Care Workers in Home Health Care: The Impact of the Direct Support Professionals Act

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Direct support professionals (DSPs) are the backbone of home care, providing essential assistance to the clients and patients served by home care, home health, and hospice providers around the country. Senators Maggie Hassan (D-NH) and Susan Collins (R-ME) introduced the Direct Support Professionals Act to address the critical shortage of these workers and improve the […]

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HHS releases HCBS CAHPs data

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The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) released the 2024 home and community-based services (HCBS) Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (CAHPS) chartbook. This chartbook includes data that was collected in the summer of 2023. The HCBS CAHPS was developed by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as a way to […]

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Hospices: Report All Managing Employees

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The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently clarified that hospice medical directors and administrators are always considered managing employees for Medicare provider enrollment purposes. You must report all current managing employees. If you haven’t reported a medical director or administrator, report them now. See the Medicare Program Integrity Manual: CY 2024 Home Health Prospective Payment System […]

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Ensuring the Safety and Well-being of Home Care Providers: A Call to Action for Comprehensive Solutions

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In the wake of the tragic death of home care nurse Joyce Grayson, the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) stands firm in its commitment to advocating for legislative and regulatory measures aimed at safeguarding home care providers. Grayson’s untimely death serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for enhanced protections […]

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Update on the Status of Non-Competes and What to Expect in 2024

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By Scott Gilbert, Eric Packel, Emma Schuering and Jason Weber at Polsinelli.com On January 9, 2024, shareholders in our Restrictive Covenant and Trade Secret Practice Group conducted a webinar covering “What Employers Need to Know About Non-Competes in 2024.” A recording of that webinar is available here. Below, the team addresses some of the additional […]

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ANCOR Survey Demonstrates Ongoing Workforce Challenges

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In December 2023, ANCOR, the trade association that represents providers of service to individuals with intellectuals and developmental disabilities, released a report providing information on the state of the ID/DD workforce. The ANCOR publication further demonstrates the prolific and systemic challenges with recruiting and retaining sufficient staff to deliver home care services. Some of their […]

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Department of Labor Unveils Independent Contractor Test

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The anticipated details of the Department of Labor’s updated Independent Contractor test were unveiled on January 9, 2024 and published in the Federal Register on January 10, 2024, significantly impacting how companies can classify workers. This issue has been contentious ever since the Trump administration’s prior proposal was rejected by the current DOL. The new […]

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CMS Issues Guidance on Direct Care Worker Registries

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On December 12, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an informational bulletin on the development of Direct Care Worker Registries. Although CMS’ guidance does not include any new policy, it reminds states of the ability to develop these registries and use them as tools to support workforce retention, recruitment, and credentialing. […]

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CMS Issues Guidance on Direct Care Worker Registries

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On December 12, 2023, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released an informational bulletin on the development of Direct Care Worker Registries. Although CMS’ guidance does not include any new policy, it reminds states of the ability to develop these registries and use them as tools to support workforce retention, recruitment, and credentialing. […]

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Safety Matters: Protecting Home Care Workers from Violence

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Although not a new problem, violence against home care workers has seen an increase in recent years. Join us for an informative panel discussion on the crucial topic of safeguarding home care workers from violence within the homes they serve. This timely webinar brings together three expert speakers who will share their knowledge, experiences, and […]

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