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February 5, 2019

OMB to Review Final Nursing Home Arbitration Rule

On January 30, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) announced that it had received the draft final nursing home arbitration rule for review.  In October 2016, CMS released revised nursing home regulations that included a ban on pre-dispute forced arbitration agreements in nursing homes. Eight months later, in June 2017, the agency issued a proposed rule that removes the ban and also deletes a provision prohibiting facilities from requiring these agreements as a condition of admission.  Consumer Voice, joined by many other advocacy organizations, met with OMB staff to express opposition to the proposed rule and submitted a comment letter with over 850 signatures from individuals and over 150 signatures from national and state organizations.  CMS reviewed all the comments on its proposed rule, made any revisions it felt were appropriate, and then sent the latest version of the rule to OMB.

OMB, which has up to 90 days for its review (the time can be extended), can approve the rule as is or send it back to CMS for further revision. If approved without revision, CMS can publish the rule as final.

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New Medicare "What's Covered" App from CMS

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched a new app that lets users quickly see whether Medicare covers a specific medical item or service.  The "What's Covered" app can help people with original Medicare, caregivers, providers and others easily get accurate, consistent original Medicare coverage information from anywhere. The app is free and available through the Google Play and Apple App Stores.  For more information, read the press release from CMS.

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Consumer Voice Executive Director Speaks About Nursing Home Care on Connecticut Public Radio

Last Thursday, Consumer Voice Executive Director Lori Smetanka spoke on Connecticut Public Radio's Where We Live about selecting a nursing home and getting quality care.  Lori emphasized being very vigilant when looking for a nursing home and doing your research before you pick a location.  The segment featured other experts who discussed nursing home regulations, delivering care and staffing.  Listen to the segment here.

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February Issue of NORC Notes Highlights Advocating for Residents with Mental Health Needs

NORC has published the February issue of its monthly NORC Notes, which provides a reminder about available resources to long-term care ombudsman programs.  This issue highlights resources for advocating for residents with mental health needs. In recent years Long-Term Care Ombudsman Programs are serving increasing numbers of individuals with mental illness who are living in long-term care facilities. The issues that Ombudsman programs address are often complex, and advocacy to ensure residents with mental health needs receive the care and support they need may be especially challenging. The February issue of NORC Notes provides resources and information about supporting residents with mental health needs for Ombudsman program advocacy and consumer education.

Long-term care ombudsmen care subscribe to NORC Notes by emailing ombudcenter@theconsumervoice.org.

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Reminder: Mark Your Calendar for the Consumer Voice Conference & the Session Proposal Deadline

Save the date for the 2019 Consumer Voice Conference - November 3-6 in Arlington, Virginia. We are seeking engaging, informative proposals for conference sessions.  Proposals are due March 15th.  Find more information here.


Spotlight on Resources

Consumer Voice and the National Ombudsman Resource Center have a multitude of resources available online covering a wide range of long-term care topics. Visit the Consumer Voice and NORC websites to explore all the available resources.  Check out this week's highlighted resource:

A Consumer Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home

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In this Issue

OMB to Review Final Nursing Home Arbitration Rule

New Medicare "What's Covered" App from CMS

Consumer Voice Executive Director Speaks About Nursing Home Care on Connecticut Public Radio

February Issue of NORC Notes Highlights Advocating for Residents with Mental Health Needs


Spotlight on Resources


Calendar of Events

Tuesday, March 12: Traumatic Brain Injury Stakeholder Day, Hosted by ACL in Washington, DC, RSVP to NCAPPS@acl.hhs.gov

November 3-6, 2019: Consumer Voice Annual Conference, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, Virginia


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Thursday, January 31:
Catch Consumer Voice Executive Director and other experts on CT Public Radio's "Where We Live" talking about selecting a nursing home and getting quality care.

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Tuesday, January 29:

Medicaid Extenders Act was signed into law - will provide $112 million in funding for Money Follows the Person for 3 months.


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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 © 2019.

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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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