State Watch: Long-Term Care News from Around the Nation

As assisted living regulations evolve and tighten, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements fluctuate, and healthcare reform begins to take effect, many states are facing their own challenges as they continue to develop, operate, and implement new rules. Here is a collection of long-term care related stories from across the nation.

From Asbury Park Press: Monmouth County Won’t Sell the Montgomery Nursing Home in Freehold Township

“After months of discussion about whether to close and sell one of its two nursing homes, the Monmouth County Board of Freeholders has decided to keep it open,” reports Asbury Park Press. “Officials cited several reasons for continuing to run the John L. Montgomery Care Center in Freehold Township: concern over its residents and staff, the weak real estate market, givebacks from staff, and the county itself making a go of the money-losing nursing home.” Read more

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From NBC: Serious Problems at Assisted Living Facilities

“Of the 125 nursing homes NBC-17 investigated within a 100-mile radius of the City of Raleigh, more than 30 had “much below average” inspection ratings,” NBC reports. Watch the video here.

From the Washington Post: D.C. Class-Action Nursing Home Lawsuit to Go Forward

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“The District has lost an effort to have a federal judge throw out a class-action suit brought on behalf of nearly 3,000 nursing home residents,” reports the Washington Post. “Judge Ellen Huvelle on Tuesday rejected the city’s contention that it has complied with the American with Disabilities Act by providing services to nursing home residents to provide services to people with disabilities in the most integrated setting possible.” Read more

Press Release: Aging Services of California to Sponsor Legislation Broadening Community-Based Care

“Aging Services of California announced today that it will sponsor AB 1698 (Portantino, D-Pasadena), a bill that will allow continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) to provide services in a private residence without that residence having to become licensed as a care facility. Under current law, providing services from a CCRC may require a senior’s home to be licensed as a residential care facility for the elderly (RCFE),” according to an Aging Services press release. “This interpretation has prevented nonprofit providers from offering “Continuing Care at Home” programs in California; a model of providing services in a one-stop shopping approach that brings the continuum of care and services provided at a retirement community to a senior’s private residence.” Read more

**Update** From Westport News: Westport Nursing Home Could Shut Down in Showdown with Workers

“The management of five area nursing homes—including one in Westport—has informed the union representing employees it is considering filing applications with state officials to close the facilities,” reports Westport News. “Employees at West River have been locked out since last Dec. 13, while about 200 patients are cared for by replacement workers. Workers at the other four facilities continue to work under the expired contract.” Read more