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August 1, 2017

Reminder: Oppose Pre-Dispute Arbitration in Nursing Homes; Deadline is August 4

As you’ve heard, CMS has issued a proposed rule to roll back its ban on nursing home pre-dispute arbitration agreements and to allow nursing homes to require residents to sign them in order to be admitted.  This rule is unfair to residents and their families and would harm residents’ rights, safety, and quality of care.

CMS needs to hear from all of us that this proposed regulation is not acceptable!  Below are some very simple and fast actions you can take to tell CMS to withdraw the rule and restore the ban:

  1. Sign on to a comment letter that Consumer Voice, along with many other organizations, has prepared. To sign on, click here if you represent a group/organization/program.  Click here if you are an individual.  Please sign on by August 4.
  2. Send in your own comment letter.  We are providing sample comments for organizations to submit or use to create their own comments. These sample group comments can be easily adapted for use by individuals.
    • Click here to access a short version of a comment letter.
    • Click here to access a longer version.
    • Comments are due by 5:00 PM ET on August 7, 2017.
      The best way to submit comments is electronically.  Go to www.regulations.gov.  Within the search bar, enter the Regulation Identifier Number associated with this regulation - 0938–AT18 - and then click on the "Comment Now" box.
  3.   Do BOTH – sign on and send in comments.

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New Consumer Voice Member Benefit

Consumer Voice is excited to unveil a new member benefit!  Consumer Voice members can now participate in quarterly calls, open exclusively to members.  During these hour-long calls, we will:

  • provide a policy update with the latest information on important legislative issues;
  • cover a hot topic - what's happening NOW in long-term care; and
  • open the floor to members to discuss current activities and issues in your region or state - an opportunity to network, make connections and share best practices!

Join or renew your membership today to get your invite to the first member call in August!

Plus, take advantage of other valuable member benefits:

  • Significantly discounted registration rates for the annual conference (groups can register your staff at the member rate);
  • Discount of 10% off of all Consumer Voice publications - including the popular new Resident's Rights poster!; and
  • Subscription to our Action Network to receive timely policy updates and opportunities for advocacy action.

These benefits and the new quarterly member calls are available exclusively to active Consumer Voice members, so be sure you have an active membership.  Not sure if your membership is current? Email Membership Coordinator Tina Steier at csteier@theconsumervoice.org to find out.

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Webinar on Dementia Caregiving Statistics

The National Alliance for Caregiving and the Alzheimer's Association are holding a free webinar on the latest dementia caregiving statistics.  The webinar will discuss demography, challenges, and opportunities faced by dementia caregivers.  It will also discuss gaps in research and recommendations for further study.

"Dementia Caregiving in the US" will be held tomorrow - Wednesday, August 2nd at 3:00pm ET. Register here.

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Spotlight on Resources

The Consumer Voice and the National Ombudsman Resource Center (NORC) have a multitude of resources available online covering a wide range of long-term care topics.  Visit the Consumer Voice website and the NORC website to explore all the available resources.  Take a look at this week's highlighted resource:

Forced Arbitration Agreements in Long-Term Care Facility Admission Contracts - This Consumer Voice page contains information on forced pre-dispute arbitration agreements and the dangers they pose to long-term care consumers.

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In this Issue

Reminder: Oppose Pre-Dispute Arbitration in Nursing Homes; Deadline is August 4

New Consumer Voice Member Benefit

Webinar on Dementia Caregiving Statistics


Spotlight on Resources


Combined Federal Campaign

#10552

Thank you for your support!


Calendar of Events

Wednesday, August 2: Dementia Caregiving in the US, 3:00pm ET, Webinar from the National Alliance for Caregiving and the Alzheimer's Association

November 5-8, 2017: Consumer Voice 41st Annual Conference, Arlington, VA


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Last Week's Most Popular Post:

Tuesday, July 25:
CMS has issued a proposed rule to roll back its ban on nursing home pre-dispute arbitration agreements.

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Tuesday, July 25:

1 in 5 Americans relies on Medicaid to stay healthy & independent. Don't cut and cap Medicaid.


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About The Voice

The Voice is a weekly e-newsletter, published by the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care. If you do not wish to continue receiving this publication, please unsubscribe below. Your contributions and comments are welcome and should be sent to info@theconsumervoice.org. Copyright © 2017.

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Consumer Voice is the leading national voice representing consumers in issues related to long-term care, helping to ensure that consumers are empowered to advocate for themselves. We are a primary source of information and tools for consumers, families, caregivers, advocates and ombudsmen to help ensure quality care for the individual. Consumer Voice's mission is to represent consumers at the national level for quality long-term care, services and supports.


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