|
October 8, 2019
In this Issue:
CMS Will Alert Consumers About Nursing Home Abuse - Organizations: Sign onto a Letter to Extend the Money Follows the Person Program - Consumer Voice Executive Director Publishes Column in Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Consumer Voice Conference Hotel Block Ending
|
|
CMS Will Alert Consumers About Nursing Home Abuse
Yesterday, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will use a special icon to identify nursing homes that have been cited for abuse and neglect. According to CMS, adding the icon to Nursing Home Compare, the federal government website, is designed to improve the transparency of consumer information as part of its five-point plan to improve nursing home quality and safety. CMS’s action follows two hearings on nursing home abuse and neglect held earlier this year by the US Senate Finance Committee. Consumer Voice commends CMS for this action which is a step forward in providing critical information to consumers, their families and the public, and creating an incentive for nursing homes to prevent abuse and neglect. Read our Policy Break for more information »
|
 Organizations: Sign onto Letter to Extend the Money Follows the Person Program
Organizations (including state organizations) are encouraged to sign onto a letter urging Congress to pass a long-term extension of the Money Follows the Person (MFP) program and the Spousal Impoverishment Protections for Medicaid home and community-based services. MFP helps individuals with disabilities and seniors who want to move out of nursing homes or other institutions and back into their communities, where they can live independently and experience an improved quality of life. At the same time, it helps states improve access to home and community-based long-term services and supports and save money. Sign onto the letter »
|
|
Consumer Voice Executive Director Publishes Column in Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Consumer Voice Executive Director Lori Smetanka wrote an opinion column regarding the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's investigative series, "Unprotected" which highlights all-too-common problems experienced by those needing long-term care and services. Lori's column offers steps to help ensure consumers receive quality care in assisted living facilities. Read the column »
|
 Consumer Voice Conference Hotel Block Ending
A block of rooms have been reserved for the Consumer Voice Conference, November 3-6 in Arlington, Virginia. The special room rate will be available only until 6:00 pm ET on Saturday, October 12th. Book your room ASAP! Reservations can be made online here or by calling 1-877-212-5752 and referring to group name "Consumer Voice Conference."
Session titles, descriptions and speaker information are now available.
The conference is one month away, but there is still time to register. Find more conference details »
|
|
The Resident's Voice
 If there is concern
You will sure hear about it
I will use my voice
- Haiku by residents Maxine, Lee and Edie in Colorado
As a part of Residents' Rights Month, the Consumer Voice held the annual Resident's Voice Challenge where residents from across the country submitted stories, artwork, poems, photos, and videos representing this year's theme - "Stand for Quality." We received many thoughtful responses like those from Linda (pictured above left) and the residents from Columbine Commons Assisted Living in Windsor, Colorado (haiku above). See more Resident's Voice entries »
|
|
