This week on Home Health Care News, readers learned more about the implications of the Department of Labor’s rule to extend minimum wage and overtime protections to home care workers. They also took note of some tips to clear quality improvement hurdles in the home health space, and read up on a bill that would grant nurse practitioners more authority in creating home health care plans. Here in the newsroom, we’re cheering on the Chicago Cubs as they compete in the National League Championship Series, but we’re not quite as die-hard as 100-year-old Cubs fan Loretta Dolan, who recently attended her first playoff game at Wrigley Field.
Most Read
Home Care Providers Scramble, Plead in Wake of DOL Rule—Federal minimum wage and overtime protections for home care workers officially took effect this week, causing some pushback from those in the industry concerned about costs. The Department of Labor’s rule prompted a provider association in New York to send a letter to the governor pleasing for more funding to address a “tidal wave” of costs home care providers in the state are facing.
Bill Giving NPs More Home Health Power Gains Momentum—A bill that would allow nurse practitioners to certify Medicare home health services and to sign off on home health care plans is gaining momentum, with an increasing number of lawmakers penning their support for the legislation.
3 Tips for Clearing Quality Improvement Hurdles in Home Health—At the National Aging Services Management Conference in Chicago last week, providers explored different ways to handle the implementation of the Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement program. Advice ranged from starting small with program rollouts and using complaints as a launching pad to solve any issues.
Weekend Reads
To Die At Home—A recent study looking at the deaths of more than 350 cancer patients in London uncovered four factors that help make death at home a reality. Specifically, it found that a wide base of support is needed to realize a patient’s wish, and in some cases, this has to do with whether a someone can take time off work to be with their loved one during their final days.
For Your Viewing Pleasure
100-Year-Old Cubs Fan Soaks in Postseason Victory—Everyone at HHCN is ecstatic about the Chicago Cubs clinching the National League Division Series—well, except for one member of the team, who, unfortunately, is a Chicago White Sox fan. But our excitement hardly compares to that of 100-year-old Loretta Dolan, who waited her entire life to witness a postseason win at Wrigley Field. Here’s to hoping there are many more victories ahead for the Cubbies!
Written by Kourtney Liepelt