leadingage-nebraska-151553

Assisted Living News 2026Apr02

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:07:18 GMT

DHHS Press Release on Aged and Disabled Waiver Service Coordination

According to the press release, beginning April 1 ^st , all service coordination duties held by League of Human Dignity will be transitioned over to DHHS. All service coordination questions regarding this transition can be directed to Deputy Director of the Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) within DHHS, Jennifer Clark at Jennifer.J.Clark@nebraska.gov . While it does not specifically say, we have been informed that the AAA programs will continue to provide case management services.

Life Plan Community Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly LPC Weekly Recap .

Nursing Home News 2026Apr02

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:05:52 GMT

CMS Phases Out the Fax Machine

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a final rule on March 24 widely dubbed as “phasing out the fax machine.” The Administrative Simplification; Adoption for Standards for Health Care Claims Attachments Transactions and Electronic Signatures rule seeks to improve health interoperability by setting standards for secure exchange of healthcare information claims-related processes. The rule eliminates manual processes such as faxing and mailing and requires implementation of requires implementation by May 26, 2028. Read the CMS Fact Sheet here . LeadingAge will provide further analysis of the rule in the coming days.

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a Quality and Safety Special Alert memo (QSSAM) on March 30 reminding hospitals of their obligations related to patient food and nutrition services. Specifically, CMS expects incorporation of the new Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2025 – 2030 , released in January 2026 as part of the Administration’s Make America Healthy Again initiative. While this QSSAM was directed at hospitals, nursing homes should be aware of this directive. CMS has not issued a nursing home memo but recall that requirements at 42 CFR 483.60(c) call for menus to be developed according to “established national guidelines.” In the memo, CMS outlines eight “Key Elements” of the new guidelines to be considered in meeting requirements. This includes recommendations such as limiting ultra-processed food options, eliminating refined grains in favor of 100% whole grains, and ensuring meals contain less than 10 grams of added sugar. CMS includes examples of food and beverage options such as replacing processed deli meats with freshly prepared lean protein options and avoiding offering sugar-sweetened beverages or juice. LeadingAge will be watching for any nursing home-specific information but know that state and federal surveyors would not need a specific memo or directive to survey on these guidelines as “established national guidelines.”

CMS Expects Incorporation of New Food Guidelines

New SNF Reports Now Available in LeadingAge Report Portal

New Five Star Reports are now available for nursing home members in the LeadingAge Report Portal. These reports are based on the March 25 update to Nursing Home Care Compare data. Being a monthly update, only the Health Inspection domain data was updated. A small number of providers may notice a change in their Health Inspection domain ratings or overall Five Star ratings based on these updates but for most providers, no changes will be noted. The next quarterly refresh updating all three domains and the overall Five Star rating will take place in April.

Representatives Introduce Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards Bill

Representatives Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Jan Schakowski (D-IL) introduced the Safe Staffing Saves Lives Act on March 26 to establish minimum staffing standards in nursing homes. The House bill comes weeks behind a bill introduced in the Senate and contains significantly more provisions. In addition to a requirement for 24 hours per day, 7 days per week of registered nurse (RN) staffing, the bill would require nursing homes to provide 4.1 hours per resident, per day (HPRD) of total nurse staffing. This 4.1 HPRD would include at least 1.3 HPRD of “direct licensed nursing care” divided between 0.75 HPRD of RN staffing and 0.55 HPRD of licensed practical nurse (LPN) staffing, and 2.8 HPRD of certified nursing assistant (CNA) hours. These requirements are higher than both the Senate bill introduced in February 2026 and the regulatory requirements repealed in December 2025. The bill further establishes penalties for failure to meet staffing standards including increased surveys and exclusion from the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program and state directed payment programs, among other more traditional penalties like denials of payment. The bill includes provisions for a waiver and requirements for notifications of noncompliance similar to the parameters outlined in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) minimum staffing standards rule. If passed, the standards in this bill would be required to be implemented January 2029. LeadingAge does not support this bill. Workforce shortages and inadequate Medicaid reimbursement remain critical challenges for our members as they work tirelessly to provide quality care to nursing home residents. LeadingAge will be working with Hill staff to address these issues as we monitor the progress of this bill.

Infection Prevention News 2026Apr02

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:02:50 GMT

COVID “Up to Date” Definition Will Not Change

LeadingAge has learned from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) that the definition of “up to date” for COVID vaccination will remain the same for Quarter 2 reporting to the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN), which begins on Monday, March 30. The current definition , which expires on March 29, states that individuals aged 65 years and older are “up to date” with two doses of the 2025/2026 vaccine (or at least one dose in the past six months) and individuals under the age of 65 are “up to date” with one dose of the 2025/2026 vaccine. CDC intends to update the “key terms” document by early April. Recall that although respiratory illness season generally ends on March 31, nursing home providers are required to continue weekly reporting of respiratory illness data and monthly reporting of COVID vaccination status of healthcare personnel through NHSN.

With the general end of respiratory illness season approaching on March 31, nursing home providers are reminded of requirements to report flu vaccination status of healthcare personnel. Nursing homes must submit one report through the Healthcare Personnel Safety Component of the National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) by May 15 that reports the flu vaccination status of all healthcare personnel working in the nursing home at least one day during respiratory illness season (October 1 – March 31). This requirement is part of the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Quality Reporting Program (QRP) and nursing homes that fail to submit data will see impact on the Annual Payment Update (APU).

Flu Vaccination Status Reporting Due May 15

Workforce News 2026Apr02

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 20:00:52 GMT

Small Business Administration, Office of Advocacy Roundtable on DOL Independent Contractor Rule

The Small Business Administration’s Office of Advocacy will be holding a Roundtable on April 9, relating to the Department of Labor (DOL)’s proposed rule on employee or independent contractor status under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and certain related federal laws. The rule proposes to revise how employers determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor and would rescind the agency’s 2024 final rule and replace it with a framework similar to the standard adopted in 2021 during the first Trump administration.

Under the proposed rule, the test for determining worker classification would place greater emphasis on two core factors: the nature and degree of control exercised over the work, and the worker’s opportunity for profit or loss based on initiative or investment. If both core factors point to the same classification, that outcome is likely to prevail. Additional considerations—the level of skill required, the permanence of the working relationship, and whether the work is part of an integrated unit of production—may still be considered but would carry less weight than the core factors. The proposal is a shift away from the 2024 rule’s “totality of the circumstances” approach, which treated a non-exhaustive list of factors equally in determining worker classification. The agency believes the new rule will offer greater flexibility and clearer guidance for organizations that use independent contractors, while potentially reducing misclassification risk and related litigation.

The Roundtable will include a briefing by DOL of the proposed rule, as well as an opportunity to provide feedback on the rule. The Office of Advocacy is responsible for monitoring compliance with the Regulatory Flexibility Act, which seeks to minimize the regulatory burden on small entities. Small entities consist of small businesses, small governmental jurisdictions, and small organizations—the latter of which are generally defined as any not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated and is not dominant in its field. The Roundtable affords small entities potentially impacted by the proposed rule the opportunity to share their opinion on the rule with the Office of Advocacy virtually.

Please note that presentations made during this roundtable will not substitute for written comments to DOL and therefore, members wishing to comment on the rule should submit written comments to the rulemaking docket . The comment period for the proposed rule closes on April 28.

Here is your Workforce Weekly Recap from National

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) has issued a proposed rule that would significantly raise the prevailing wage levels employers must pay when sponsoring foreign workers through several visa programs, including the EB‑3 program that many LeadingAge members use to recruit internationally. The proposal would revise how DOL calculates its four prevailing wage tiers by shifting them to higher percentiles of federal wage data, with the stated goal of better aligning required wages for foreign workers with those paid to similarly situated U.S. workers. The changes would apply across both temporary programs (such as H‑1B) and permanent pathways. If finalized, the rule would increase required wage offers for many EB‑3 positions, potentially raising the overall cost of sponsorship and affecting workforce planning for employers that rely on this pathway. The rule is not yet in effect; DOL is accepting public comments through May 26, 2026. LeadingAge is reviewing the proposal and its potential implications for nonprofit aging services providers that depend on EB‑3 to support their workforce needs.

Department of Labor Proposes Higher Prevailing Wages for EB‑3 and Other Employment‑Based Immigration Programs

HCBS News 2026Apr02

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:58:28 GMT

DHHS Press Release on Aged and Disabled Waiver Service Coordination

On March 26, Lutheran Services of American (LSA) released a toolkit geared for community-based organizations (CBOs) and social services organizations (SSOs) entitled Partnering for Impact. The framework provides actionable steps for organizations to adopt to assist in their organizations value demonstration and proposition to potentially partnering organizations. The resource is predicated on anticipated Medicaid and budgetary pressures on CBOs and SSOs as changes from HR1 take effect. The brief is built on four strategies:

Prove your value with data and return on investment
Master partnership mechanics
Adapt to new payment models and delivery structures.
Forge strategic alliances for scale.

Each strategy includes elaboration to guide CBOs and SSOs into thinking strategically about their services and the role they play in local communities. Building on that basis, organizations can build out business acumen and collaborative agreements to increase mission impact and stabilize organizational viability over time. We are proud of this work from our friends at LSA; review the toolkit here .

LSA: Strategies for Value Demonstration and Partnerships

Hospice & Home Health News 2026Apr02

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:55:38 GMT

LeadingAge, Collaborators Send CMS HOPE Recommendations for 2026

On March 30, LeadingAge joined the National Alliance for Care at Home, and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation in a letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) requesting critical updates to the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool and guidance documents. First and foremost, the letter reiterated previous requests that CMS waive the compliance threshold for the first quarter of HOPE reporting. With the implementation of the tool coinciding with the October 2025 government shutdown, we have credible concerns that many hospices might not have met this threshold because CMS supports were affected by the government shutdown. CMS has not explicitly conveyed they are open to waiving the threshold, so we continued to advocate on this. Second, the letter asked CMS to clearly define assessment throughout the manual specifically because many states do not allow LPNs or LVNs to complete assessments in their scope of practices, making it difficult to complete the symptom follow up visits as intended by CMS. Finally, the letter presses CMS for clear directions on the symptom follow up visit and what is allowed in the reasons a visit might be missed, including inclement weather as well as situations where a patient may be traveling outside their home hospice's service area.

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

On March 30, the U.S. Department of Treasury Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) submitted a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to fully implement a whistleblower program by establishing a framework for offering incentives and protections to encourage individuals to report tips on fraud-related violations of the Bank Secrecy Act, U.S. sanctions programs administered by Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, and several other laws critical to safeguarding the U.S. financial system and national security. The NPRM proposes:

procedures for whistleblowers to share information about potential violations in a timely and secure manner, including for submitting an award application;
eligibility criteria for making awards and the process for adjudicating award applications;
awards of 10 – 30% of collected monetary penalties for individuals whose tip leads to a successful enforcement action by Treasury or the Department of Justice; and

· protections for whistleblowers who provide information to FinCEN’s whistleblower program.

The Treasury Department also released a press release that in addition to the announcement about the rule specifically discussed an advisory they issued urging financial institutions to be vigilant about fraud schemes targeting government health care benefit programs like Medicare and Medicaid. LeadingAge will evaluate whether to comment on the rule in the coming days.

Treasury Department Issues Proposed Rule on Fraud Reporting and Advisory on Health Care Fraud

Affordable Senior Housing News 2026Apr02

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:51:33 GMT

HUD Acknowledges TAC disruption, announces access fix

In an email blast to housing stakeholders on March 26, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) acknowledged that the Technical Assistance Center (TAC) for the agency’s property inspection program has been inaccessible in recent weeks. The TAC is used by housing providers for assistance with various HUD platforms, including access issues for results and reports related to inspections through the Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC). In its stakeholder message, HUD described the fixes to system access and recommended that impacted housing provider request extensions to the upcoming deadline for filing annual financial statements: HUD Multifamily recognizes that the Real Estate Assessment Center Technical Assistance Center (REAC-TAC) has experienced limited accessibility in recent weeks. To support owners and auditors working to reset passwords and file Annual Financial Statements due March 31 through HUD’s Financial Assessment Sub System (FASS), the following information is provided. All previously inactive accounts have reactivated and passwords reset. Owners and auditors should now be able to follow the standard process to reset passwords themselves and access the FASS system. Users who reset their passwords recently may need to complete the process again. Password reset instructions are available at www.hud.gov/reac or click here to go directly to the password reset screen in Secure Systems. To reset your password, you will need the User ID, Last 4 of SSN, mother's maiden name, and the user’s first and last name. We understand that the REAC-TAC system issues may affect some users’ ability to file Annual Financials before the March 31 deadline. Please make every reasonable effort to file accurate financials when they are due. If that is not possible, you may request an extension by contacting your assigned Account Executive after March 31.

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

On March 18, LeadingAge sent a letter to House and Senate appropriators outlining our fiscal year 2027 (FY27) appropriations priorities to address the crisis of housing unaffordability among older adults with low incomes. Housing assistance programs administered by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) have a proven track record of successfully housing older adults and reducing homelessness. However, demand continues to outpace supply. LeadingAge calls on Congress to address this crisis by providing robust, full-year funding for housing and homeless assistance programs, such as Section 8 Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA) contracts, Section 202 Project Rental Assistance Contracts (PRACs), service coordinators, Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs, and the HOME Investment Partnerships program. Read our full letter here. Aging services stakeholders are encouraged to share these FY27 priorities with their own senators and representatives using this action alert.

Register Today for LeadingAge Webinar: "Fair Housing in Focus: From Policy to Practice" on April 30 & May 14

Advocacy News 2026Apr02

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 19:48:47 GMT

Advocacy Update

We are on day 55 of the 60 day session… the HOME STRETCH! There have been some late nights and a number of contested issues. This week we heard a lot about AI data centers and the potential impacts on Nebraska along with a host of other issues.

Although the budget has been passed and presented to the Governor, we still have appropriations bills in various stages. There are still a number of priority bills that are yet to be debated. We have made some progress on the bills that are important to LeadingAge Nebraska members. We have had to play both offense and defense this session. You can find the current status of bills that are important to us here .

We are already working on preparations for the next session with a variety of collaborators. We have been gathering information on areas of concern throughout the session and will continue to review this information in the interim.

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

Nebraska Legislature - home page
2026 Legislative Session Calendar
Nebraska Unicameral Live streaming provided by Nebraska Public Media
LeadingAge Nebraska Bill Tracker - provided by Jensen Rogert Associates

LeadingAge Action Alerts : You will find all the current national action alerts for topics that concern aging services, older adults, workforce and families across the country. Remember to check back often for the latest updates.

Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

FRIENDS OF LEADINGAGE NEBRASKA PAC - We need your support!

LeadingAge replies to CRUSH RFI

On March 30, LeadingAge submitted its response to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services request for information (RFI) on the Comprehensive Regulations to Uncover Suspicious Healthcare (CRUSH) initiative. LeadingAge answered a wide range of questions related to fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare, Medicaid, and Medicare Advantage from the perspective of our members across the continuum. We emphasized transparency, state-federal partnerships, technology, and involving providers and other stakeholders from impacted areas in solutions. Our full response can be found here .

We appreciate your ongoing involvement in the legislative process.

Advocacy News 2026Mar26

Fri, 27 Mar 2026 15:40:54 GMT

Advocacy Update

This week I had the opportunity to participate in a press conference with Nebraska Rare and the Common Coalition to express concern over the proposed changes to the AD Medicaid Waiver. This was a great opportunity to collaborate with statewide partners in the disability community to provide a better understanding about the devastating impacts that these changes would cause.

Most of the attention in the legislature this week was focused on passing LB1071, the main budget bill for the state. This is a hotly contested bill that has failed multiple times. It once again failed on Wednesday in a 27-15 outcome. March 25 ^th (50 ^th day of the session) was the official deadline to pass the budget bill for the session. It made a third appearance yesterday and passed on a 34-7 vote. The divide was over a $3.5M appropriation for one year of private school vouchers, plus child care subsidies funding; both of which were removed yesterday.

Some movement on other bills of importance has been happening over the last two weeks, however we are disappointed that nursing home funding did not make it into the final appropriations bill. Assisted living funding did make it in at the current rate with rural and urban providers being paid equally as it currently stands.

Additional updates will be provided next week as the session comes closer to adjournment.

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

Nebraska Legislature - home page
2026 Legislative Session Calendar
Nebraska Unicameral Live streaming provided by Nebraska Public Media
LeadingAge Nebraska Bill Tracker - provided by Jensen Rogert Associates

Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

FRIENDS OF LEADINGAGE NEBRASKA PAC - We need your support!

Priority Bills Impacting LeadingAge Nebraska Members

LB958 (M. Cavanaugh)

Provide a requirement for the Department of Health and Human Services relating to 1915(c) waivers and define nursing facility level of care under the Medical Assistance Act
Priority: Senator M. Cavanaugh
Stance: Support

LB1143 (Hardin)

Eliminates the designation of appropriation of nursing facility funding by the legislature and allows the state to move appropriated funds to establish a Money Follows the Person program under the Medical Assistance Act.
Priority: Senator Hardin
Stance: Oppose

LB1165 (von Gillern)

Change provisions relating to the Key Employer and Jobs Retention Act, the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, and the Site and Building Development Act and create a grant program to help employers retain or attract employees.
Priority: Senator von Gillern
Stance: Support

LB838 (Jacobson)

Change provisions relating to the financial exploitation of vulnerable or senior adults
Priority: Banking, Commerce & Insurance Committee
Stance: Support

LB912 (Hardin)

Adopt the Community Health Worker Training Endorsement Act.
Priority: HHS Committee
Stance: Support
Amendments: AM2224 adds provisions of LB887; AM2464 adds provisions of LB1211

LB867 (Health and Human Services Committee)

This bill changes and eliminates programs involving special need trusts, spousal impoverishment, child support customer service, child care grants, AABD (aged, blind and disabled), the state Commodity Supplemental Food program, and others. It specifically eliminates the designation of assets for or use of income by an individual in accordance with section 68-922 to be considered just cause for failure to use such assets or income to provide medical support of such individual’s spouse and eliminates the ability to establish a pooled special needs trust. In addition, this bill changes provisions relating to fingerprints in compacts, and tribal age of majority provisions in the Bridge to Independence Program, and eliminates obsolete provisions relating to the Nursing Compact.
Priority: Health and Human Services Committee
Stance: Oppose

LB929 (Fredrickson)

Prohibits from requiring cost sharing not required by federal law and new cost sharing to be lowest amount possible.
Priority: Fredrickson
Stance: Support

LB1091 (Bostar)

Ensures LTC clients with special needs receive services in a manner that reflects the complexity and intensity of their medical conditions. LOC may exceed that is typically provided in standard nursing facilities, and should not be subject to the utilization-management practices commonly used in managed Medicaid.
Priority: Bostar
Stance: Support

LB1067 (Hallstrom)

Increase Nebraska Documentary Stamp Tax and allocate the increased funds in equal amounts to the Rural Workforce Housing Investment fund and the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund.
Priority: Hallstrom
Stance: Support

LB838 (Jacobson)

Strengthen protections for senior and vulnerable adults against financial exploitation. Immunity for those acting in good faith.
Priority: Jacobson
Stance: Support

LB985 (DeBoer)

Limit the number of individuals for which a guardian or conservator may accept appointment.
Priority: Speaker
Stance: Support

LB1057 (Ballard)

Redefine adult day services under the Health Care Facility Licensure Act.
Priority: Speaker
Stance: Support

We appreciate your ongoing involvement in the legislative process.

Bills of Interest to LeadingAge Nebraska

Affordable Senior Housing News 2026Mar26

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:07:25 GMT

Executive Order Seeks to Streamline Affordable Housing

On March 13, the Trump administration issued an executive order (EO) aimed at reducing regulatory barriers that delay housing construction and increase housing costs. In the EO, President Donald Trump directed the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Environmental Protection Agency, the Department of Agriculture, and the Federal Housing Finance Agency, among others, to remove barriers to affordable residential construction. These agencies, according to the EO, “shall, within their respective authorities, take appropriate action to reform and, where appropriate, eliminate unduly burdensome or costly energy-efficiency, water-use, or alternative-energy requirements regarding housing….” The President also directed the Chairman of the Council on Environmental Quality to issue guidance maximizing the use of categorical exclusions under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) for housing construction and related activities. The EO also requires the HUD Secretary to, within 60 days, develop a set of regulatory best practices for state and local governments to promote housing construction and affordability. LeadingAge has advocated for a long list of regulatory reform recommendations to streamline environmental and programmatic review processes that delay the development and preservation of affordable senior housing to the Trump administration and looks forward to working with HUD as it meets the directives of this EO. Read the EO here ; read a White House fact sheet on the EO here

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

LeadingAge Urges Congress to Invest in Housing Stability for Older Adults in FY27

Hospice & Home Health News 2026Mar26

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 19:03:28 GMT

CMS Releases Report on Hospice Wage Index TEP

In September 2025, a Technical Expert Panel (TEP) meeting was convened by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), to discuss potential changes to the Medicare Hospice Wage Index. LeadingAge's Katy Barnett, Director, Home Care and Hospice Operations and Policy served on the panel along with several LeadingAge members. The purpose of the TEP meeting was to seek feedback from panelists on a proposed alternative to the current hospice wage index, which would utilize new data sources including claims data and data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This TEP meeting represented the first step in acquiring stakeholder and expert input to inform these refinements as CMS analyzes and supports potential changes to the hospice payment system. CMS made available the TEP summary report , which summarizes the discussion and recommendations of the Technical Expert Panel, as well as the TEP technical report , which provides a detailed examination of the discussed alternative approaches.

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

The Committee on Oversight and Government Reform sent a letter to Governor Gavin Newsom on March 23 detailing their concerns regarding the growth of fraudulent hospice agencies in California. This House Committee is the principal oversight committee of the U.S. House of Representatives and has broad authority to investigate "any matter" at "any time" under House Rule X. The letter cites that the Committee's investigate into Minnesota's federally funded social services programs uncovered similar "failures by state agencies to conduct oversight". The Committee asked for information covering the time period of January 1, 2019 to present with the deadline of April 6, 2026. The following information was requested:

All documents and communications among or between the Governor’s office and the Department of Health Care Services covering California’s Medicare Part A hospice programs and Medi-Cal hospice programs, including but not limited to enrollment and verification, licensure and certification, complaints against licensed hospice agencies, investigations, reimbursement requests, audit documentation, audit reports, payment reviews, and regulations that establish the process for verifying the identity and qualifications of hospice agency management personnel;
All documents and communications among or between the Governor’s office and the Department of Public Health covering California’s Medicare Part A hospice programs and Medi-Cal hospice programs, including but not limited to enrollment and verification, licensure and certification, complaints against licensed hospice agencies, investigations, reimbursement requests, audit documentation, audit reports, payment reviews, and regulations that establish the process for verifying the identity and qualifications of hospice agency management personnel;
All documents and communications among or between the Governor’s office and the Department of Social Services covering California’s Medicare Part A hospice programs and Medi-Cal hospice programs, including but not limited to enrollment and verification, licensure and certification, complaints against licensed hospice agencies, investigations, reimbursement requests, audit documentation, audit reports, payment reviews, and regulations that establish the process for verifying the identity and qualifications of hospice agency management personnel;
All documents and communications between the Governor’s office and the California Department of Justice’s Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA) covering California’s Medicare Part A and Medi-Cal hospice programs including but not limited to the number of complaints received about hospice agencies, the number of investigations opened into hospice agencies for provider fraud, as well as abuse or neglect of patients in facilities receiving federal funds, reports about those investigations, the number of prosecutions against hospice providers and audits showing improper billing or fraud.

LeadingAge has been following the issues regarding growing fraud in the hospice program since 2022. Over the past several years LeadingAge has engaged with letters to policymakers on program integrity, developing legislation to address fraud, and as recently as December 2025 sent further recommendations on how to change enrollment, enforcement, and oversight for home health and hospice providers.

House Launches Investigation into Hospice Fraud in Southern California

Workforce News 2026Mar26

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:54:37 GMT

New on the Learning Hub: Immigration Compliance for Aging Services Employers

On Thursday, June 4, from 2:00–3:15 p.m. ET, LeadingAge will host a webinar to provide practical, employer‑focused guidance on key immigration compliance issues facing aging services providers. The webinar will cover employment verification requirements, including Form I‑9, as well as how employers can prepare for and respond to immigration enforcement actions while supporting workforce stability. It is intended for aging services providers seeking clear, up‑to‑date information on their responsibilities as employers amid a changing immigration policy environment.

Here is your Workforce Weekly Recap from National

Nursing Home News 2026Mar26

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 18:53:31 GMT

Life Safety Code Update

State fire marshal provided an update regarding fire extinguishing system checks for kitchen exhaust hoods. This is a requirement for ALL facilities that must comply with Life Safety Code. Nebraska was made aware during an FMS survey that not all Nebraska surveyors may be monitoring for this. Each facility must look at their system and document on each of these items on a monthly basis. You can review the checklist here .

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

The Nursing Home Network will meet next Tuesday, March 31 at 2 p.m. ET. We will review nursing home policy updates from the past month and discuss various questions posed by network members. The Nursing Home Network is open to all LeadingAge members and you can register for these calls here .

Nursing Home Network, March 31

OIG Releases Reports on Antipsychotics in Nursing Homes

The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Office of the Inspector General (OIG) released a two-part series of reports on March 19 investigating antipsychotic usage in nursing homes. The first report focused on antipsychotic prescribing and the second report focused on providers’ assignment of schizophrenia diagnoses to justify the use of antipsychotic medications. The reports evaluated 40 nursing home inspections and resulted in recommendations from OIG that CMS increase oversight on nursing home practices involving antipsychotics, such as ensuring greater involvement from medical directors and pharmacists, and take steps to further reduce inappropriate prescribing and diagnosing practices. These recommendations are consistent with actions taken by CMS such as schizophrenia audits and increased scrutiny on the role and responsibilities of the medical director related to antipsychotic usage. LeadingAge members can refer back to this tip sheet for a refresher on antipsychotics-related compliance.

Advocacy News 2026Mar13

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:43:51 GMT

Advocacy Update

Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services Public Notice

DHHS is seeking approval of a five-year waiver to limit retroactive Medicaid eligibility for the full Medicaid population. This initiative, the Sustainable Coverage Demonstration, seeks to align coverage more closely with the time of application to support timely enrollment, promote continuity of coverage, and strengthen the state's ability to focus resources on the most vulnerable Nebraskans who rely on Medicaid for essential care. DHHS and the Nebraska Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) administer the Nebraska Medicaid program and are responsible for the implementation of this Medicaid Demonstration project. To view the full public notice, please visit the following link: Nebraska Medicaid Section 1115 Sustainable Coverage Demonstration

Overall, the proposal does not address processing delays and does not reflect long term care spend down realities. We ask that you provide comment on this rule change prior to the deadline of March 26, 2026.

See the link above for submitting by mail, or email your comments to DHHS.Demonstrationwaivers@nebraska.gov .

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

Nebraska Legislature - home page
2026 Legislative Session Calendar
Nebraska Unicameral Live streaming provided by Nebraska Public Media
LeadingAge Nebraska Bill Tracker - provided by Jensen Rogert Associates

Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

FRIENDS OF LEADINGAGE NEBRASKA PAC - We need your support!

Priority Bills Impacting LeadingAge Nebraska Members

LB958 (M. Cavanaugh)

Provide a requirement for the Department of Health and Human Services relating to 1915(c) waivers and define nursing facility level of care under the Medical Assistance Act
Priority: Senator M. Cavanaugh
Stance: Support

LB1143 (Hardin)

Eliminates the designation of appropriation of nursing facility funding by the legislature and allows the state to move appropriated funds to establish a Money Follows the Person program under the Medical Assistance Act.
Priority: Senator Hardin
Stance: Oppose

LB1165 (von Gillern)

Change provisions relating to the Key Employer and Jobs Retention Act, the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, and the Site and Building Development Act and create a grant program to help employers retain or attract employees.
Priority: Senator von Gillern
Stance: Support

LB838 (Jacobson)

Change provisions relating to the financial exploitation of vulnerable or senior adults
Priority: Banking, Commerce & Insurance Committee
Stance: Support

LB912 (Hardin)

Adopt the Community Health Worker Training Endorsement Act.
Priority: HHS Committee
Stance: Support
Amendments: AM2224 adds provisions of LB887; AM2464 adds provisions of LB1211

LB867 (Health and Human Services Committee)

This bill changes and eliminates programs involving special need trusts, spousal impoverishment, child support customer service, child care grants, AABD (aged, blind and disabled), the state Commodity Supplemental Food program, and others. It specifically eliminates the designation of assets for or use of income by an individual in accordance with section 68-922 to be considered just cause for failure to use such assets or income to provide medical support of such individual’s spouse and eliminates the ability to establish a pooled special needs trust. In addition, this bill changes provisions relating to fingerprints in compacts, and tribal age of majority provisions in the Bridge to Independence Program, and eliminates obsolete provisions relating to the Nursing Compact.
Priority: Health and Human Services Committee
Stance: Oppose

LB929 (Fredrickson)

Prohibits from requiring cost sharing not required by federal law and new cost sharing to be lowest amount possible.
Priority: Fredrickson
Stance: Support

LB1091 (Bostar)

Ensures LTC clients with special needs receive services in a manner that reflects the complexity and intensity of their medical conditions. LOC may exceed that is typically provided in standard nursing facilities, and should not be subject to the utilization-management practices commonly used in managed Medicaid.
Priority: Bostar
Stance: Support

LB1067 (Hallstrom)

Increase Nebraska Documentary Stamp Tax and allocate the increased funds in equal amounts to the Rural Workforce Housing Investment fund and the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund.
Priority: Hallstrom
Stance: Support

LB838 (Jacobson)

Strengthen protections for senior and vulnerable adults against financial exploitation. Immunity for those acting in good faith.
Priority: Jacobson
Stance: Support

LB985 (DeBoer)

Limit the number of individuals for which a guardian or conservator may accept appointment.
Priority: Speaker
Stance: Support

LB1057 (Ballard)

Redefine adult day services under the Health Care Facility Licensure Act.
Priority: Speaker
Stance: Support

We appreciate your ongoing involvement in the legislative process.

Bills of Interest of LeadingAge Nebraska

Nursing Home News 2026Mar13

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 16:27:47 GMT

Joint Surveyor/Provider Call with Associations

On March 11 ^th , LeadingAge Nebraska members had the opportunity to participate in the joint call with DHHS survey department. During the call the state Fire Marshall provided information regarding Fire Drills for Assisted Living , which is required under life safety code. This may also apply to Independent living (apartments). If your facility has more in depth assisted living residents, or if you have a nursing home, you are required to follow the Fire Drills for Healthcare Settings requirements instead of those as assisted living. We also heard from Larisa Mulroney on Assisted Living compliance inspections. For nursing homes, she also covered key points for F551- Rights Exercised by Representatives. This may also be good information for Assisted Living providers as well to avoid complaints and citations. Slides for this presentation are available here . A recording will be uploaded when it is available.

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

The CMS Center for Innovation announced the creation on a new, voluntary 10-year chronic care model called Advancing Chronic Care with Effective, Scalable Solutions (ACCESS) model in December 2025 and is now accepting applications to participate. The goal of the model is to help beneficiaries improve or better control one or more covered chronic conditions from four clinical tracks by employing technology-enabled care and chronic care management. Providers are paid what CMS refers to as, "outcome-aligned payments," which are a combination of a monthly payment per covered Medicare FFS beneficiary and an annual performance-based payment tied to clinical outcomes. These payments vary by clinical track — early cardio-Kidney-metabolic, cardio-kidney-metabolic, musculoskeletal and behavioral health. CMS is now accepting applications to participate from Medicare Part B providers and some suppliers. The first cohort of the model is scheduled to begin on July 5, 2026, and applications for this cohort must be submitted no later than April 1, 2026. Providers should be willing to participate for at least a 3-year term. Providers who miss this initial deadline need not worry, CMS also indicated applications will be accepted on a rolling basis for future cohorts. A second cohort will begin January 1, 2027, and subsequent cohorts will follow on a quarterly basis. For more information on the ACCESS model, check out the application and the FAQs .

Application Process Open for ACCESS Model

The Washington Post reported on antipsychotic usage in nursing homes on March 6 with the headline “Should the practice of sedating the elderly in nursing homes be loosened?” The article highlighted multiple examples of potentially inappropriate prescribing, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’s) practices to identify and reduce antipsychotic usage in nursing homes, and various stakeholder responses. Many of the “industry” responses were actually the work of Project PAUSE, an ad hoc coalition in which LeadingAge participates. Project PAUSE has successfully advocated for report language to be included in Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations to direct the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) to re-evaluate “black box warnings” and to direct the Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) / CMS to revise antipsychotics quality measures to better distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate prescribing. Project PAUSE has also advocated directly to CMS for these changes. Read more about Project PAUSE and keep up to date with coalition activities here .

CMS Reportedly Re-examining Antipsychotics Position

NEW On the LeadingAge Learning Hub: Are You Truly Storm Ready?

As we head into spring, LeadingAge has partnered with Pathway Health to provide members with a new resource for emergency planning. Now live on the LeadingAge Learning Hub, “Are You Truly Storm Ready?” walks participants through how to move beyond written emergency plans to ensure operational readiness before severe weather hits. This 17-minute QuickCast is free for LeadingAge members and best suited for nursing home and assisted living settings. Check it out here .

Affordable Senior Housing News 2026Mar13

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:33:17 GMT

New Information: HUD proposes time limits and work requirements in affordable housing; time limits may impact some HUD-assisted older adults

On March 2, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) issued a proposed rule to allow Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and Multifamily Housing providers to implement work requirements and time limits for specific housing assistance programs. In the proposal, the agency describes new authority for PHAs and owners to require “work-eligible” older adults (ages 18-61, excluding people with disabilities and certain caretakers), to engage in work activities for up to 40 hours per week as a condition of continued eligibility for housing assistance. Work activities include employment, job training, education, community service, childcare, and more. Under the proposal, work requirements could not be a condition for admission into housing programs, and housing providers would need to provide supportive services in conjunction with the new requirements. **New information: The proposed rule will also allow PHAs and Owners to set time limits of as little as two years, excluding non-elderly families (households with a head of household who is elderly, but not excluding households with an older adult who is not the head of household ).** Time limits would apply prospectively, meaning they only start after the policy is implemented, and households would be able to reapply for assistance after their time limit ends but must go through the regular waiting list process. The proposed rule states that PHAs and Owners can terminate assistance for non-compliance with work requirements or time limits, but cannot use the requirements as a reason to deny initial occupancy. LeadingAge is deeply concerned with work requirements and time limits impacting residents of HUD-assisted housing, including older adults and members of the aging services workforce who rely on access to stable, affordable housing. We will work with our members to submit comments to HUD within the agency’s 60-day comment period. Read LeadingAge's earlier analysis here , and stay tuned for more information.

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

Hospice & Home Health News 2026Mar13

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:30:01 GMT

CMS Forum: HOPE Tool Updates

Earlier in February and prior to this February 26 forum–the first hosted by the agency in over a year–LeadingAge had shared specific concerns with CMS and their contractor on the HOPE tool implementation process and needed guidance changes. Read more here.

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

On March 4, LeadingAge participated in a small roundtable on the Hospice Care, Accountability, Reform, and Enforcement (CARE) Act previously introduced in the 118th Congress by Representative Earl Blumenauer. The roundtable was with a Member of Congress and Congressional staff from both chambers who plan to reintroduce the bill. LeadingAge expressed support for a number of provisions in the bill, particularly those we led on developing around expanded respite care. The bill contains other strong provisions including the potential for some payments for services like dialysis, radiation, and blood transfusions to ensure access to palliation via these services while receiving hospice care. LeadingAge also highlighted that there are components of the bill that we believe still need improvement, revision, or removal which the staff and Member were open to. LeadingAge will continue to work to provide feedback on this legislation going forward. Hospice members should attend the LeadingAge Hospice Network on March 10 to provide more feedback on the bill.

LeadingAge participates in roundtable on hospice

LeadingAge Meets with CMS on Hospice Program Integrity

On March 3, LeadingAge staff joined staff from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and other associations to discuss the implementation of the provisional period of enhanced oversight (PPEO) for new hospices which expanded in December 2025 to include Georgia and Ohio along with the original four states of California, Nevada, Texas, and Arizona. As part of the recent appropriations package which passed in February, guardrails were added to the use of telehealth to conduct the hospice face-to-face. These included disallowing hospices undergoing PPEO from utilizing telehealth to conduct face-to-face. LeadingAge and others requested clear communication from CMS to both providers and Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) that these provisions will not be enforced until additional operational information is available. Participants noted concerns about when these guardrails would be operationalized and how providers would be notified if they were disallowed from telehealth due to an "active" PPEO. We also shared concerns that some information currently on the PECOS enrollment sites states that nurse practitioners, who can conduct face-to-face visits, are not required to enroll in PECOS. We also shared concerns with the how different MACs are operationalizing the PPEO particularly with transparency and communications to providers and the public on the process. Additionally, we shared our concerns that provider affiliations may be triggering additional billing revocations without hospices going through the PPEO process. CMS did clarify that during if a hospice is sent to CMS for further review by a MAC, the Center for Program Integrity has staff clinicians conduct record review before any actions are taken regarding revocation. LeadingAge will continue to communicate to CMS our concerns regarding the PPEO and make recommendations on how to implement the guardrails for face-to-face telehealth flexibilities.

Workforce News 2026Mar13

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:24:05 GMT

New York Times Reporter Seeks Input on Immigration Policy Impact

Madeleine Ngo, who covers economics for the New York Times, reached out with a request. She’s interested in writing an update to her July 18, 2025, look at the issue ( Trump’s Immigration Crackdown Hits Senior Care Work Force ) featuring LeadingAge president and CEO Katie Smith Sloan, and two members: Rachel Blumberg, president and CEO of Toby and Leon Cooperman Sinai Residences and Colin O’Leary, executive director of the Laurel Ridge Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center in Boston, part of the Ascentria Care Alliance. Here is a link: Has Your Business Been Affected by Immigration Policies? We Want to Hear From You . She promises: I’ll read every response and reach out with any questions. I won’t publish your submission without speaking with you first. I also won’t share your contact information outside the newsroom or use it for any reason other than to follow up with you.

Here is your Workforce Weekly Recap from National

Infection Prevention News 2026Mar13

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 15:20:39 GMT

ICAP confers with CDC regarding new guidelines for outbreak testing

CDC has provided information to ICAP and adjustments have been made for COVID-19 Outbreak Testing. This new guidance provides an optional approach to outbreak testing when resources are limited in order to focus efforts on symptom monitoring and mask use among exposed individuals, and test those who develop symptoms. In situations where the outbreak is not under control with this optional approach (e.g., large number of resident cases or ongoing transmission) facilities should switch to broad-based testing. DHHS Survey department has confirmed that in compliance with F880, providers “may” choose to follow official CDC guidance but may also follow other recognized guidance for testing during outbreak. Although CDC has not officially published the new optional approach, ICAP has provided guidance on the latest long term care call on 3/12/26. Slides from this presentation are available here . As a reminder, assisted living providers are not officially required to follow official guidelines, however they should have a plan in place for identifying and protecting residents from infectious diseases and are encouraged to follow this guidance.

Nursing Home News 2026Mar5

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:45:16 GMT

Nursing Home Salary and Benefits Study

Participation is now open for the salary and benefits study conducted by Hospital & Healthcare Compensation Service (HCS) in cooperation with LeadingAge. The national study provides essential data on compensation and benefits in long-term care facilities. The Nursing Home Salary & Benefits study questionnaire must be completed by May 11 ^th . There is no cost to participate and participation allows you to purchase the study when published at a lower rate.

For any questions or deadline extension requests, please contact Rich Cioffe at rjcioffe@hhcsinc.com , (201) 405-0075, ext. 10.

Study Overview:

Deadline for data submission: May 11 ^th
Report published July 2026
LeadingAge member participant discount--pre-paid rate $190; billed rate $210
To participate, download the questionnaire at www.hhcsinc.com .

A separate CCRC Salary & Benefits study is also underway, deadline April 20 ^th , with publication in June.

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

As previously reported, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released updates to the State Operations Manual at the end of January. These updates, made to Chapter 5 Complaint Procedures and Chapter 7 Survey and Enforcement Process for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Nursing Facilities, do not include any new policies but rather reflect existing policies that previously were not included in the State Operations Manual. LeadingAge provides an overview of some key updates here based on questions or concerns frequently identified by our members.

Analysis: Updates to Chapters 5 and 7 of State Operations Manual

New Five Star Reports are now available for nursing home members in the LeadingAge Report Portal. These reports are based on the February 25 update to Nursing Home Care Compare data. Being a monthly update, only the Health Inspection domain data was updated. A small number of providers may notice a change in their Health Inspection domain ratings or overall Five Star ratings based on these updates but for most providers, no changes will be noted. The next quarterly refresh updating all three domains and the overall Five Star rating will take place in April.

New SNF Reports Now Available in LeadingAge Report Portal

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) has released the Sepsis Prevention Assessment Tool for Nursing Homes (SPAT). This tool was developed with feedback from LeadingAge member nursing homes and helps identify gaps in sepsis policies, training, and practices. It can be used to improve infection prevention, sepsis recognition, and health outcomes among nursing home residents and as part of an effective Infection Prevention and Control Program. The SPAT is free and includes several supplemental tools such a deployment packet to assist with implementation, an implementation guide, a gap prioritization worksheet, and a Deep Dive to further assess viewpoints and practices related to sepsis prevention. Access the suite of tools here .

New Sepsis Tool from CDC

Workforce News 2026Mar5

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:40:59 GMT

Department of Labor Proposes New Worker Classification Rule

The Department of Education has published a rule that will impact access to federal student loans for individuals pursuing higher degrees in a number of fields relevant to the aging services sector. The comment deadline is Monday, March 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. ET. LeadingAge will be submit comments and we encourage members to comment as well. The information in this tip sheet is intended to guide provider members who wish to comment through the process.

Here is your Workforce Weekly Recap from National

HCBS News 2026Mar5

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:38:41 GMT

Nationwide moratorium on Medicare enrollment of durable medical equipment (DME) providers

On February 17, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) posted the Final Audit Protocol for PACE Organizations. CMS urges PACE organizations to review the updates and prepare for upcoming audits by understanding data and documentation requests. Following the protocols does not exempt providers from compliance with applicable statutes or regulations. If factors outside of those covered in the audit protocol are identified as areas of concern or non-compliance, additional review is likely regardless of whether the policy is included in the updated Audit Protocol. Providers can view all related documents on the PACE Audits webpage . The PACE Audit overview stratifies the process into phases and timelines and allows providers a window into the CMS process and expectations in a more standardized process.

Hospice & Home Health News 2026Mar5

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:37:38 GMT

CMS Ends iQIES Manual Data Entry Access for Home Health Agencies

As part of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' (CMS) ongoing efforts to modernize and streamline data submission and assessment management, CMS is officially discontinuing the front-end user interface for iQIES. This is used by home health agencies for manually creating assessments. This will be effective April 1, 2026. Home health agencies will not be able to use this software to directly input assessment data for OASIS assessments with target dates on or after 4/1/2026. Prior assessments (dated 1/1/2025 – 3/31/2026) will be accepted until 12/31/2026. Future data will need to be uploaded in the correct format. For additional information and questions, visit the H ome Health Data Specifications page .

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

On February 26, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) submitted the FY 2027 Hospice Wage Index, Payment Rate Update, and Quality Reporting Requirements (CMS-1851) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for their review. This is the final step before a proposed rule is released.

Hospice FY2027 Proposed Rule Received by OMB

Affordable Senior Housing News 2026Mar5

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 18:35:08 GMT

HUD Proposes to allow work requirements, time limits for residents in affordable housing programs

On March 2, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will issue a proposed rule to allow Public Housing Agencies (PHAs) and Multifamily Housing providers to implement work requirements and time limits for specific housing assistance programs. In a preview of the proposed rule published on February 27, the agency describes new authority for PHAs and owners to require “work-eligible” older adults (ages 18-61, excluding people with disabilities and certain caretakers), to engage in work activities for up to 40 hours per week as a condition of continued eligibility for housing assistance. Work activities include employment, job training, education, community service, childcare, and more. Under the proposal, work requirements could not be a condition for admission into housing programs, and housing providers would need to provide supportive services in conjunction with the new requirements. The proposed rule will also allow PHAs and Owners to set time limits of at least two years for non-elderly, non-disabled families receiving housing assistance. Time limits apply prospectively, meaning they only start after the policy is implemented, and households would be able to reapply for assistance after their time limit ends but must go through the regular waiting list process. The proposed rule states that PHAs and Owners can terminate assistance for non-compliance with work requirements or time limits. LeadingAge is deeply concerned with work requirements and time limits impacting residents of HUD-assisted housing, including members of the aging services workforce who rely on access to stable, affordable housing. We will work with our members to submit comments to HUD within the agency’s 60-day comment period. Read LeadingAge's earlier analysis here , and stay tuned for more information.

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

LeadingAge GRRP Resources: Navigating HUD’s New Guidance for the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program

LeadingAge and our partners have analyzed the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) new guidance for the GRRP, formerly known as the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program. Members enjoy free access to LeadingAge GRRP resources , including a timeline and a Q&A with HUD experts. GRRP awardees should also complete HUD’s contact information survey to get renewed access to Greenlight, HUD’s GRRP system.

Affordable Senior Housing News 2026Feb26

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:32:26 GMT

HUD Confirms LeadingAge-Requested GRRP Timeline Update

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), in response to a request by LeadingAge, has clarified the timeline for GRRP awardees to spend down their project funding. Comprehensive awards made through the GRRP, formerly known as the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program, were stalled for more than nine months while HUD redesigned the program to align with new Presidential priorities. The recently reissued guidance from the agency described a tight spenddown deadline for projects that have been on hold for most of 2025, but the agency has now clarified that projects will have until 2033 to complete construction and drawn down the final funds through the program. LeadingAge applauds HUD for their clarification on this point and will work with members to ensure continued program access. The GRRP funds major rehabilitation at projects located in climate-vulnerable areas, a strong priority for LeadingAge. More information about the new guidance is forthcoming from LeadingAge; keep up with our updates here .

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

Technical Assistance for Rural Service Coordinators

The Housing Assistance Council (HAC) has once again opened applications for the second cohort of its Service Coordination Technical Assistance Program, supporting affordable housing in rural America. The program assists US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Section 515 property owners and managers address critical needs, housing in which 30% of residents are above the age of 62. In 2024, LeadingAge was instrumental in working with USDA's Rural Housing Service for the program's establishment. All interested Section 515 owners and managers are invited to apply by March 15, 2026. For questions about the program, contact HAC's Seth Leonard .

In a January 13, 2026, memo to the Multifamily Housing staff, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) describes a LeadingAge-supported streamlining approach to budget approvals for Section 202 Project Rental Assistance Contract (PRAC) properties requesting a less than 5% increase. The memo describes more than 20 workflow alignment measures that will help the Multifamily Housing regional offices adjust to reduced capacity following significant reductions in 2025. On average, the Multifamily Housing offices lost roughly 30% of their staff through reductions and early retirements actions. The PRAC budget streamlining directive is listed as #12 in the document and applies to overall increases of less than 5%, as opposed to individual line items. In the case of streamlined approvals, the Account Executive is directed to automatically approve the request without review. More information is here .

HUD Streamlines Budget Approvals for Section 202 PRACs

On February 3, President Trump signed into the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2026 into law, funding the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through fiscal year (FY) 2026 after months of funding uncertainty for critical senior housing programs. The FY26 bill, which funds HUD through September 30, 2026, is the first funding package under the second Trump administration that doesn’t simply continue previous the previous year’s funding levels. Lawmakers faced significant pressure from the administration to drastically cut HUD’s budget. Yet, in a bipartisan agreement, they recognized the essential role of these programs in providing stable, affordable housing for older adults and protected key accounts from harmful cuts. LeadingAge strongly supports the enacted funding levels and policy language for Section 202 housing programs, HUD’s flagship senior housing program, which included $4 million is set aside specifically to support property preservation transactions under the Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD), a major LeadingAge priority for FY26. In addition to fully funding contract renewals, the bill also increases the Service Coordination program funding by $10 million to $122 million for FY26, and the Department is now authorized to enter into 2-year agreements with service coordinators, streamlining the current annual renewal process. This language and funding are the direct result of LeadingAge’s advocacy with HUD and Congress on the inclusion of this language, alongside the American Association of Service Coordinators (AASC). Overall, LeadingAge is pleased with the result of our advocacy to prevent steep cuts to HUD programs and to protect critical affordable housing programs for older adults. Read our analysis of the FY26 bill here .

HUD FY26 Analysis

Hospice & Home Health News 2026Feb26

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:30:37 GMT

LeadingAge Report Portal Now Updated

The LeadingAge Report Portal has been updated according to the latest data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Hospice members can access their Trend Reports based on the Care Compare quarterly refresh that includes updates to Hospice Item Set quality measures, Hospice CAHPS measures and the bi-annual update of the Hospice Star Ratings. LeadingAge members can access their updated reports on the Report Portal using their LeadingAge login.

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

The Research Institute for Home Care published their 2025 Hospice Chartbook on February 19. This annual publication provides a broad overview of hospice patients and providers, organizational trends, and Medicare spending on hospice services. In addition to national trends the Chartbook includes state-level hospice data. LeadingAge President and CEO, Katie Smith Sloan, serves on the board of the Institute and advises on grants and indicatives. LeadingAge members can access their updated reports on the Report Portal using their LeadingAge login.

2025 Hospice Chartbook Released

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) posted two new resources on the quality reporting program. First, is a fact sheet outlining the timeliness compliance threshold for hospices, including Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) submissions, details the algorithm for calculation, and explains the associated iQIES report titled "Hospice Timeliness Compliance Threshold Report". The second resource is a quick reference guide to the data which will impact FY2028 payment updates and all subsequent years. Hospices who do not comply with these reporting requirements risk a negative 4% annual payment adjustment.

New CMS Hospice Quality Compliance Resources

The February 2026 quarterly refresh for the Hospice Quality Reporting Program is now available on the Compare tool on Medicare.gov . In this refresh, Hospice assessment measure scores are based on data submitted by hospices from Quarter 2, 2024 through Quarter 1, 2025. CAHPS measure scores are based on CAHPS data submitted from Quarter 2, 2023 through Quarter 1, 2025. CAHPS Star Ratings are calculated based on data from Quarter 2, 2023 through Quarter 1, 2025. The claims-based measures reflects updates from November 2025. Reminder: one CAHPS measure—Training family to care for patient—will be removed from public reporting beginning with the May 2026 refresh due to changes in how the question was revised in 2025. Reporting of this measure is expected to resume with the February 2028 refresh.

February Hospice Care Compare Refresh Now Live

Workforce News 2026Feb26

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:27:17 GMT

Tips for Submitting Comments on Department of Education Rule

Here is your Workforce Weekly Recap from National

DHS Proposes Rule to Change Asylum-Related Work Authorization.

On February 23, the Department of Homeland Security published a notice of proposed rulemaking that would make changes to employment authorization documents (EADs), or work permits, for individuals with pending asylum claims. The proposal would generally make it harder to obtain and keep an EAD by instituting systemwide pauses in processing, tightening eligibility rules, and accelerating termination of work authorization in certain circumstances. These EADs, which carry the category code (c)(8), are among the most common forms of work authorization in the U.S., accounting for roughly one-third or more of all EADs issued every year and representing well over a million workers nationwide. The administration has framed the proposal as a response to concerns about fraud and the longstanding asylum backlog, arguing that some individuals file weak asylum claims primarily to gain access to work authorization during lengthy adjudication periods. While the motivation centers on reducing backlogs and discouraging non-meritorious claims, the practical effects of the rule would apply to all asylum seekers. Key provisions include an automatic, systemwide pause on accepting new initial EAD applications whenever average asylum processing times exceed 180 days—a threshold that has been surpassed for years—effectively creating an indefinite halt on new applications if the rule takes effect as written. The proposal would also double the waiting period to apply for an initial EAD from 180 to 365 days, require biometrics for all initial and renewal applications, expand adjudicator discretion to deny applications, and immediately terminate EADs upon denial of an asylum claim. The rule is not yet final and is subject to a 60-day public comment period that runs through April 24. We will continue to analyze the proposal for its implications for LeadingAge members. In the meantime, members are encouraged to assess whether their workforce includes employees working under category (c)(8) EADs and ensure that internal I‑9 and reverification practices are up to date.

Nursing Home News 2026Feb26

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:23:14 GMT

Analysis of Nursing Home Staffing Bill

As reported on February 11, Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) was joined by six Democrat co-sponsors in introducing a bill that would establish minimum staffing standards in nursing homes (S. 3886). The bill includes 3.48 hours per resident, per day of total nurse staffing, 24/7 registered nurse (RN) staffing, and regular studies with accompanying reports to Congress that would pave the way for future increases to staffing requirements. The bill also includes instructions to states to use civil money penalty (CMP) funds to support workforce development, an increase in survey and certification funding, and codification of the Medicaid payment transparency requirements upheld from the original nursing home staffing standards rule. Read more on this bill here .

LeadingAge Nebraska has reviewed information associated with this bill based on Q3 for 2025 data. Nebraska nursing homes average 37.76 days that would not meet RN minimum staffing and 30.43 days that would not meet the total staffing required in this bill. The state average cost to meet the total nurse minimum and RN minimum would add $137,853 per nursing home. While this is lower than the national average, Nebraska also has a higher number of contractors than some states, demonstrating our workforce shortage continuing in Nebraska.

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

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Advocacy News 2026Feb26

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:21:00 GMT

Advocacy Update

Over the last week, we have been pushing back on LB1143, a bill which would prevent the segregation of funds appropriated for nursing homes and allow DHHS to reallocate funds to the Money Follows the Person Program. This advocacy is working with Senator Dorn filing MO419 and MO420 to recommit the bill to the Appropriations Committee. We invite you to continue to contact members of Appropriations as well as your senator to express concern regarding this bill. There is concern regarding transparency of appropriated funds for nursing homes and protecting them from being used for other purposes.

Priority Bills Update: There are a total of 12 bills that have been designated as priority that are being monitored by LeadingAge Nebraska. There are other bills on the priority list that we feel may be of interest to LeadingAge Nebraska members. For reference, we are including the Bills of Interest of LeadingAge Nebraska as well as the Priority Bills Impacting LAN Members for your review. These were updated on 2/25/26.

We appreciate your ongoing involvement in the legislative process.

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

Nebraska Legislature - home page
2026 Legislative Session Calendar
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LeadingAge Nebraska Bill Tracker - provided by Jensen Rogert Associates

Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

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Priority Bills Impacting LeadingAge Nebraska Members

LB958 (M. Cavanaugh)

Provide a requirement for the Department of Health and Human Services relating to 1915(c) waivers and define nursing facility level of care under the Medical Assistance Act
Priority: Senator M. Cavanaugh
Stance: Support

LB1143 (Hardin)

Eliminates the designation of appropriation of nursing facility funding by the legislature and allows the state to move appropriated funds to establish a Money Follows the Person program under the Medical Assistance Act.
Priority: Senator Hardin
Stance: Oppose

LB1165 (von Gillern)

Change provisions relating to the Key Employer and Jobs Retention Act, the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, and the Site and Building Development Act and create a grant program to help employers retain or attract employees.
Priority: Senator von Gillern
Stance: Support

LB838 (Jacobson)

Change provisions relating to the financial exploitation of vulnerable or senior adults
Priority: Banking, Commerce & Insurance Committee
Stance: Support

LB912 (Hardin)

Adopt the Community Health Worker Training Endorsement Act.
Priority: HHS Committee
Stance: Support

LB867 (Health and Human Services Committee)

This bill changes and eliminates programs involving special need trusts, spousal impoverishment, child support customer service, child care grants, AABD (aged, blind and disabled), the state Commodity Supplemental Food program, and others. It specifically eliminates the designation of assets for or use of income by an individual in accordance with section 68-922 to be considered just cause for failure to use such assets or income to provide medical support of such individual’s spouse and eliminates the ability to establish a pooled special needs trust. In addition, this bill changes provisions relating to fingerprints in compacts, and tribal age of majority provisions in the Bridge to Independence Program, and eliminates obsolete provisions relating to the Nursing Compact.
Priority: Health and Human Services Committee
Stance: Oppose

LB929 (Fredrickson)

Prohibits from requiring cost sharing not required by federal law and new cost sharing to be lowest amount possible.
Priority: Fredrickson
Stance: Support

LB1091 (Bostar)

Ensures LTC clients with special needs receive services in a manner that reflects the complexity and intensity of their medical conditions. LOC may exceed that is typically provided in standard nursing facilities, and should not be subject to the utilization-management practices commonly used in managed Medicaid.
Priority: Bostar
Stance: Support

LB1067 (Hallstrom)

Increase Nebraska Documentary Stamp Tax and allocate the increased funds in equal amounts to the Rural Workforce Housing Investment fund and the Middle Income Workforce Housing Investment Fund.
Priority: Hallstrom
Stance: Support

LB838 (Jacobson)

Strengthen protections for senior and vulnerable adults against financial exploitation. Immunity for those acting in good faith.
Priority: Jacobson
Stance: Support

LB985 (DeBoer)

Limit the number of individuals for which a guardian or conservator may accept appointment.
Priority: Speaker
Stance: Support

LB1057 (Ballard)

Redefine adult day services under the Health Care Facility Licensure Act.
Priority: Speaker
Stance: Support

Advocacy News 2026Feb18

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 22:00:58 GMT

Advocacy Update

We are quickly approaching the end of public hearings and the beginning of full day debate at the legislature. This means that senators and committees are in the process of designating priority bills. Priority bills are the Legislature’s way of prioritizing where to spend their debate time—think of it as a fast pass for bills. Getting your bill to the front of the line requires you to pick a specific issue that you would like to see moved forward. February 19th is the last day for Senators and Committees to designate their priorities. Each of the 49 senators is able to pick one bill as their individual priority, and each committee can select up to two bills. In addition to this, the Speaker of the Legislature is also able to choose up to 25 bills as his priority. From there, it is up to the Speaker of the Legislature to schedule bills for debate, so using your “fast pass” does not necessarily mean that your bill will make it through the congestion that is involved in a short session.

Non-priority bills might be heard earlier if they are deemed urgent or if the introducer and Speaker agree to a specific arrangement; although, this is rare, as non-priority bills often do not get debated at all. General appropriations bills (budget bills) are given precedence over all other bills.

To that end, below you will find a list of the priority bills that could impact our provider members. This form will be updated as priority selections are made.

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

Nebraska Legislature - home page
2026 Legislative Session Calendar
Nebraska Unicameral Live streaming provided by Nebraska Public Media
LeadingAge Nebraska Bill Tracker - provided by Jensen Rogert Associates

Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

FRIENDS OF LEADINGAGE NEBRASKA PAC - We need your support!

Priority Bills Impacting LeadingAge Nebraska Members

LB958 (M. Cavanaugh)

Provide a requirement for the Department of Health and Human Services relating to 1915(c) waivers and define nursing facility level of care under the Medical Assistance Act
Priority: Senator M. Cavanaugh
Stance: Support

LB1143 (Hardin)

Eliminates the designation of appropriation of nursing facility funding by the legislature and allows the state to move appropriated funds to establish a Money Follows the Person program under the Medical Assistance Act.
Priority: Senator Hardin
Stance: Oppose

LB1165 (von Gillern)

Change provisions relating to the Key Employer and Jobs Retention Act, the ImagiNE Nebraska Act, and the Site and Building Development Act and create a grant program to help employers retain or attract employees.
Priority: Senator von Gillern
Stance: Support

LB838 (Jacobson)

Change provisions relating to the financial exploitation of vulnerable or senior adults
Priority: Banking, Commerce & Insurance Committee
Stance: Support

LB912 (Hardin)

Adopt the Community Health Worker Training Endorsement Act.
Priority: HHS Committee
Stance: Support

LB867 (Health and Human Services Committee)

This bill changes and eliminates programs involving special need trusts, spousal impoverishment, child support customer service, child care grants, AABD (aged, blind and disabled), the state Commodity Supplemental Food program, and others. It specifically eliminates the designation of assets for or use of income by an individual in accordance with section 68-922 to be considered just cause for failure to use such assets or income to provide medical support of such individual’s spouse and eliminates the ability to establish a pooled special needs trust. In addition, this bill changes provisions relating to fingerprints in compacts, and tribal age of majority provisions in the Bridge to Independence Program, and eliminates obsolete provisions relating to the Nursing Compact.
Priority: Health and Human Services Committee
Stance: Oppose

Nursing Home News 2026Feb18

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:32:30 GMT

Fire Drills are Top Life Safety Citation

Fire drills remain the TOP life safety citation in Nebraska. Fire Marshal Doug Hohbein has provided us with an overview of Fire Drill Requirements in health care facilities. This applies to nursing homes and assisted living facilities classified as limited care facilities. During survey, you will be asked for documentation of Fire drill and fire alarm logs for the prior 15 months. You should consult this document, life safety code requirements, and your organization policies when determining Fire Drill protocol and documentation.

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

DHHS Joint Association/Surveyor Training

Beginning with our February monthly meeting, DHHS began conducting joint member and surveyor training. This training will review aspects of state and federal requirements on a monthly basis. Handouts and a recording of these presentations is available on the members only page of the website.

The Office of Inspector General (OIG) for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) updated its workplan on February 17 and included a new task on nursing homes. The new task includes an audit of state agencies’ assurance of nursing homes’ compliance with requirements for safe storage of drugs and biologicals, specifically relating to preventing opioid misuse, overdose, and diversion. The project completion date is estimated to be Fiscal Year 2028. Review the work plan task here .

OIG Workplan Update Includes a New Nursing Home Task

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced on February 9 that they have re-opened the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Financial Incentive Administrators for the Nursing Home Staffing Campaign. Financial Incentive Administrators (FIAs) are public, private, and state institutions of higher education and non-profit organizations such as associations for nurses, nursing schools, and nursing students. Nursing homes and nursing home associations are ineligible to apply for this NOFO. This NOFO is part of CMS’s Nursing Home Staffing Campaign and will fund FIAs to recruit registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and licensed vocational nurses (LVNs) to work in nursing homes and state survey agencies. Read the NOFO here . The NOFO closes March 27, 2026. CMS intends to select FIAs in summer 2026. The FIAs will have time to set up infrastructure before beginning to recruit and place nurses and disburse funds. More information is forthcoming on eligibility criteria and procedures for nursing homes to be matched with incentivized nurses.

CMS Re-releases Nurse Incentive NOFO

The Quality, Certification and Oversight Reports portal within CMS, known as QCOR , has been updated with up-to-date information. Providers can now search 2025 and some 2026 data on nursing home surveys and metrics with this reporting tool. A quick look at the top 5 current citations shows what providers are currently experiencing on surveys. This remains consistent with the message provided by the Nebraska DHHS survey department. This information is for FY26:

QCOR Update

HCBS News 2026Feb18

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:21:12 GMT

PACE Audit Protocol Finalized and Posted

Hospice & Home Health News 2026Feb18

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 21:20:22 GMT

Hospice Preview Reports Released for May 2026 Refresh

Hospices can now access the latest Provider Preview Reports via CASPER. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on the compare tool on Medicare.gov and the Provider Data Catalog (PDC) during the May 2026 refresh. For the May 2026 preview reports, assessment-based measure scores are based on HIS data submitted by hospices from Quarter 3, 2024 through Quarter 2, 2025. CAHPS measure scores are based on CAHPS data submitted from Quarter 3, 2023 through Quarter 2, 2025. CAHPS Star Ratings which are reported in February and August and claims-based measures which are reported every November will not reflect any updates. Notably, one CAHPS measure—Training family to care for patient—will be removed from public reporting beginning with the May 2026 refresh. Reporting of this measure is expected to resume with the February 2028 refresh. The reports will only be available for a total of 60 days and hospices are encouraged to download their reports during that time. Learn more about the Provider Preview Report (Assessment and Claims-based measures) here and about the CAHPS Preview Report here . Hospice QRP Key Dates for Providers can be found here .

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

Affordable Senior Housing News 2026Feb12

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:43:54 GMT

HUD Releases Utility Allowance Factors

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has released the Utility Allowance Factors (UAFs) for properties participating in the agency's Multifamily Housing programs and receiving HUD assistance for tenant utilities, including properties serving older adults. Similar to the Operating Cost Adjustment Factors (OCAFs) released by HUD earlier in February, the UAFs were delayed due to a combination of staff capacity reductions and the government shutdown in the fall, causing some interruption in housing providers processing budget renewals and adjustments. Despite the delay, these factors are still applicable to Utility Allowance adjustments effective February 11, 2026, and later. HUD's data tables can be found here .

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

House Passed Major Housing Bill

On February 9, with a vote of 390-9, the U.S. House of Representatives overwhelmingly passed HR 6644 , the Housing for the 21 ^st Century Act. This comprehensive, bipartisan legislation is the House response to the Senate's ROAD to Housing Act , which was incorporated into Division I of Senate version of the National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year (FY) 2026. LeadingAge has been monitoring both bills very closely and was encouraged by the inclusion of a requirement for the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to study barriers to scaling the affordable housing supply for older adults through the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly program in the House-passed legislation. Expanding the supply of affordable housing for older adults continues to be a top priority for LeadingAge as rates of housing insecurity in the aging population increase. "The passage of the Housing for the 21st Century Act includes real, bipartisan solutions to expanding supply, lowering costs, and providing families with more options," House Committee on Financial Services Chairman French Hill (R-AR) stated after the vote. Ranking Member Maxine Waters (D-CA), also agreed, stating, "The passage of H.R. 6644, the Housing for the 21st Century Act, is a historic first step toward confronting a housing crisis that is squeezing families and communities nationwide. While more must be done, including real federal investments to meet the scale of this housing crisis, HR 6644 provides a strong foundation to build on." The House and Senate will now work to merge their two bi-partisan housing bills. LeadingAge looks forward to working with Congress on these important issues for our members.

HUD Streamlines Budget Approvals for Section 202 PRACs

In response to feedback from some of our affordable senior housing providers, we have updated the resource on immigration enforcement preparedness to include additional guidance for housing providers on potential enforcement actions targeting residents. You can access the new version here .

Immigration Enforcement Preparedness Guide Updated

HCBS News 2026Feb12

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:35:12 GMT

League of Human Dignity Service Coordination Will End

The Division has decided to resume providing Service Coordination for some Aged & Disabled Waiver participants. Notice was provided to their staff today that the state will assume Service Coordination for all clients currently served by a League of Human Dignity provider. This does not affect the AAAs.

Transition will continue until 3/31/26, as the end date for the League's Service Coordination responsibility will be 4/1/26. They hope to hire many of the LHD staff who are performing well and want to move to the state, so that families are not disrupted unless they choose a new coordinator. Our ultimate goal is to maintain consistent care for everyone with minimal to no disruptions. If you are a provider whose resource development is through the League of Human Dignity, the state will contact you soon to determine whether the AAA will take over or DHHS will.

LeadingAge Nebraska received this notice late on Monday which was also sent to providers and families. There is no clear indication of why this is occurring. While we do not anticipate that this will impact many of our members, we have significant concerns about the state taking over the role of service coordination for this population, and if it will eventually impact AAA services. We will continue to meet with the department regarding this matter.

Workforce News 2026Feb12

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:33:59 GMT

Department of Education Publishes Proposed Rule on “Professional Degrees”

On January 30, as expected , the Department of Education published a proposed rule intended to implement several higher‑education provisions from H.R.1, including new parameters for federal student loan programs. Of particular interest to LeadingAge members is the proposal to revise the definition of “professional degree,” which now plays a significant role in determining federal loan limits for advanced degree programs. H.R.1 established two tiers of loan caps: students enrolled in graduate programs may borrow up to $20,500 annually with a $100,000 lifetime limit, while students in programs classified as awarding a “professional degree” may access up to $50,000 annually and $200,000 total. Because this rule defines what constitutes a “professional degree,” it will directly affect which students qualify for the higher borrowing limits. LeadingAge is concerned that the proposed definition excludes several critical fields that underpin the aging‑services workforce, including nursing, physical and occupational therapy, physicians’ assistants, and social work. Members have also noted that rural communities are likely to feel the impact most acutely, as advanced practice clinicians often serve in roles typically filled by physicians in those settings. In addition, limiting borrowing capacity for graduate‑level degrees could impact the number of nurse educators, having a downstream effect on training programs and the broader pipeline. The proposed rule is open for public comment for 30 days, with comments due by March 2. LeadingAge will submit comments on behalf of the association, and we encourage state partners and members to continue to share any perspectives, examples, or concerns they would like us to incorporate into our response.

Here is your Workforce Weekly Recap from National

Rep. Don Beyer (D-VA) introduced the National Urgent Recruitment for Skilled Employees (NURSE) Visa Act, legislation aimed at easing nationwide nursing shortages by expanding access to work visas for internationally trained nurses. Beyer noted that ongoing staffing challenges across the health care system driven by retirements, lingering effects of the pandemic, and sustained demand for nursing professionals contribute to shortages that are fueling burnout and threatening access to timely, high-quality care. His bill would amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to make available 20,000 nonimmigrant visas per fiscal year for nurses employed in areas designated by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) as experiencing a nursing workforce shortage. Eligibility would be tied not only to the shortage designation but also to facility-level requirements, including having a provider-to-patient staffing ratio policy in place. Rep. Beyer previously introduced the legislation in 2024. For LeadingAge members, the Nurse Visa Act is notable as a legislative proposal focused on expanding legal immigration pathways specifically to address nursing shortages. LeadingAge supports the bill and will work with Rep. Beyer to seek bipartisan backing for this legislation.

NURSE Visa Act Introduced to Address Severe Nursing Workforce Shortages

Update on Haiti TPS: Government Appeals Court Ruling

Infection Prevention News 2026Feb12

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:27:29 GMT

Preventing and Responding to Respiratory Infections and Outbreaks in Long-Term Care: Recording Now Available

Project Firstline from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) hosted a webinar on January 27 on respiratory illnesses in long-term care. This webinar provided information on respiratory illness recognition, considerations for testing, treatment, and vaccination, and infection control measures. The webinar also reviewed resources available for healthcare professionals, residents, and their families. View the recording of this webinar here .

Currently there are 5 facilities with an influenza outbreak impacting 18 residents and 15 facilities experiencing a COVID-19 outbreak impacting 95 residents. The respiratory risk has remained steady for the past several weeks and will likely continue.

Nebraska Respiratory Outlook

Advocacy News 2026Feb12

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 18:25:35 GMT

Top 5

Here are the top 5 legislative bills for the coming week.

LB737 - introduced by Sen. Rountree would require a joint public hearing to evaluate the process of the Olmstead plan for individuals with disabilities. Currently the Olmstead plan is created by the department and overseen by an appointed committee, which has minimal impact on what goes into the official plan. This bill would require an annual public hearing between the HHS and Urban Affairs committees of the legislature to assess the progress of the Olmstead plan during the previous calendar year in the areas of housing, employment, education, community supports, and transportation, and potential legislative solutions. This hearing is set for February 18 ^th with the Health and Human Services Committee.

LB1091 - introduced by Sen. Bostar would provide requirements for the Department of Health and Human Services for long-term care clients with special needs under the medical assistance program. It creates a carve out that ensures long-term care clients with special needs under Nebraska's medical assistance program receive services in a manner that reflects the complexity and intensity of their medical conditions. The legislation recognizes that these individuals require a level of care that exceeds what is typically provided in standard nursing facilities, and therefore should not be subject to the utilization-management practices commonly used in capitated Medicaid managed care programs. Furthermore, LB1091 aims to preserve continuity, stability, and individualized oversight in the delivery of essential long-term care services by maintaining-fee-for-service reimbursement. This hearing is set for February 18 ^th .

LB1057 - introduced by Sen. Ballard would redefine adult day service in Nebraska. This would exclude community based waiver services provided by an entity certified as a specialized program under the DD Service Act or a PACE center. This will not make any changes to other community based adult day programs, but would create a separation from those providers under the DD waiver and our PACE providers. This hearing is set for February 18th.

LB1239 - introduced by Sen. DeKay would state that a long-term care facility using an automated medication system shall not require a resident of the facility to obtain medication through the automated medication system and shall not restrict or impair the ability of a resident of the facility to obtain a medication from the pharmacy of the resident’s choice. While the ability to choose the pharmacy of their choice already exists, this bill would tighten these requirements to provide autonomy and choice to residents of long-term care. If passed, this may require a review of provider contracts with pharmacies as well as organizational policies surrounding pharmacy of choice. This could add to administrative cost of facilities, but would also support locally owned community pharmacies that residents may have used for years while larger corporate chains take over many rural Nebraska nursing homes. This hearing is set for February 25th.

LB958 - introduced by M. Cavanaugh this bill would require the Department of Health and Human Services to obtain legislative approval for any changes to an existing 1915(c) Medicaid waiver, or new application, that proposed to cut or cap hours and services for persons with disabilities. It also defines nursing facility level of care as the inability to perform two or more activities of daily living without assistance. This would protect the changes to these waivers, such as those being proposed right now by the Department on the A&D and TBI waivers. This hearing is set for February 26 ^th .

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

Nebraska Legislature - home page
2026 Legislative Session Calendar
Nebraska Unicameral Live streaming provided by Nebraska Public Media
LeadingAge Nebraska Bill Tracker - provided by Jensen Rogert Associates

Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

FRIENDS OF LEADINGAGE NEBRASKA PAC - We need your support!

Affordable Senior Housing News 2026Feb06

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 19:04:27 GMT

HUD Announces Delayed FY 2026 Income Limits

In a February 4 statement, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) announced that the fiscal year 2026 income limits will be released May 1 – one month later than the standard April 1 target date for release. The income limits are used to determine eligibility for many of HUD’s affordable housing programs, as well as for properties funded through the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC). The statement reads: “Since FY 2011, HUD has based its median family income estimates on data from the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey (ACS). HUD obtains special tabulations of the ACS and uses the most recent data in its annual calculation of new median family income estimates and income limits. On November 26, 2025, the Census Bureau announced a delay in its release of 2024 ACS 5-year data from December 11, 2025 to January 29, 2026.1 As a result of this decision by the Census Bureau, it will be necessary for HUD to delay the release of FY 2026 median family incomes and income limits by one month, from April 1, 2026 to May 1, 2026.” The ACS survey delay was due to the government shutdown in the Fall. More information on the income limits is available here .

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

HUD Posts 2026 Operating Cost Adjustment Factors

On February 3, months later than usual, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) posted the factors used by affordable housing providers to adjust property budgets for 2026. The factors, called Operating Cost Adjustment Factors (OCAFs), are used by certain HUD-assisted housing communities, including those participating in the agency’s project-based Section 8 and Section 202/8 programs. The factors are based on nine market factors analyzed by HUD and are used to offset cost increases for property operations while keeping the rents affordable for residents with low incomes. Usually posted in October, HUD told LeadingAge that both the government shutdown from the Fall and the shifts in staff capacity impacted the agency’s ability to release the OCAFs on time; in January, LeadingAge sent a letter alongside other housing groups urging HUD to immediately release the factors . The OCAFs are effective February 11, 2026, and stipulate a 5.1% increase to budgets on average across the country, up slightly from last year’s national average of 4.8%. View the OCAFs by state here . HUD’s Utility Allowance Factors are still delayed.

HCBS News 2026Feb06

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:59:21 GMT

Second Public Comment Period - AD and TBI Waivers

Pursuant to 42 C.F.R. §441.304(f), the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is required to give public notice related to the state's plan to renew the 1915(c) Medicaid Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) Aged and Adult and Children with Disabilities (NE.0187) waiver and amend the Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver (NE.40199).

The 30-day public comment period is from February 2 through March 4, 2026. Upon approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), these waiver amendments would go into effect July 1, 2026.

An informational presentation of the proposed changes will be given online via Zoom. The slides from the presentation will be posted following the conclusion of the presentation.

February 5, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Central Time
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83946926386?pwd=vpo9xMVaFsZZz1ucBAvGxWsSVxAa29.1

More information can be found at on this page https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/DD-Public-Comment.aspx

Therap Update

An informational presentation of the proposed changes will be given online via Zoom. The slides from the presentation will be posted following the conclusion of the presentation.

February 5, 2026, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM, Central Time
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83946926386?pwd=vpo9xMVaFsZZz1ucBAvGxWsSVxAa29.1

More information can be found at on this page https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/DD-Public-Comment.aspx

Workforce News 2026Feb06

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:57:58 GMT

Federal Court Blocks Attempt to End Haitian Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

On January 14, the U.S. State Department announced an indefinite pause on immigrant‑visa processing for applicants from 75 countries as it reassesses screening and “public charge” standards. This move will affect some applicants for employment‑based green cards, a pathway used by some LeadingAge members to recruit nurses from abroad. The impact will vary significantly by individual visa applicant: those from countries on the list will see their cases placed on hold with no clear timeline for resumption, while applicants from unaffected countries could experience faster progress in their green card cases. Because employment‑based visa backlogs are driven largely by the limited number of available green cards—and the long queues of applicants waiting for them—removing paused applicants from the line may allow others to advance more quickly. For providers with RN hires in the queue, the impact is entirely dependent on the country of origin of those individuals. To be clear, this pause impacts immigrant visas, not nonimmigrant visas, such as tourist or temporary work visas, which allow individuals to enter the U.S. for short‑term, specific purposes. A full list of the impacted countries is included in this reporting .

Here is your Workforce Weekly Recap from National

Nursing Home News 2026Feb06

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:56:55 GMT

CMS Releases Improper Payment Data Pointing to SNF and Hospice Errors

On January 24, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released a yearly report on Medicare Fee-for-Service Supplemental Improper Payment Data . The data found that both skilled nursing facilities and hospice providers were flagged as improper payment drivers. SNF had an overall improper payment of 15% with about $4.5 billion in improper payments, typically due to insufficient documentation. For hospices, roughly 6% of payments were improper totaling about $2 billion in improper payments with unsupported medical necessity driving the root cause analysis. Home health agencies totaled slightly less improper billing coming in with $1.1 billions in improper payments mostly due to insufficient documentation. Unsurprisingly, for home health and hospice improper payments, California had the highest improper payment rate at 12%. With the administration's heightened scrutiny on fraud, waste, and abuse providers should ensure they are following doubling down on documentation expectations.

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

LeadingAge submitted comments on January 31 on the interim final rule Repeal of Minimum Staffing Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities . The interim final rule was released in December and is the final chapter in the Minimum Staffing Standards initially proposed in 2023. The rule was finalized in 2024, struck down by federal courts in spring and summer 2025, and placed on a moratorium in the Fiscal Year 2025 federal budget. LeadingAge supported the repeal of this rule and provided suggestions for actions the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) could take to improve staffing by investing in the long-term care workforce. Suggestions addressed nurse aide training programs, CMS’s Nursing Home Staffing Campaign, and Medicaid reimbursement rates. Read more here .

LeadingAge Submits Comments on Staffing Standard Repeal

Advocacy News 2026Feb06

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 18:53:52 GMT

A CTION ALERT!

Monday, February 9, 2026, the Appropriations committee will hold hearings regarding several bills regarding Medicaid funding for aging services. Providers are encouraged to submit comments online regarding these important bills. Online testimony may be submitted by clicking on the bill number listed below and selecting “submit comments online”.

Online testimony must be submitted by 8:00 am CST on February 9th.

The document linked below are thoughts and considerations for submitting your online testimony, as well as quick templates that can be copied and pasted into your online testimony if you choose.

Talking Points & Sample Testimony

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

Nebraska Legislature - home page
2026 Legislative Session Calendar
Nebraska Unicameral Live streaming provided by Nebraska Public Media
LeadingAge Nebraska Bill Tracker - provided by Jensen Rogert Associates

Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

FRIENDS OF LEADINGAGE NEBRASKA PAC - We need your support!

Advocacy News 2026Jan29

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:40:19 GMT

Advocacy WIN!

Governor Pillen has released a statement for DHHS to make changes to the proposed A&D waiver changes. This is thanks to the outstanding advocacy of the disability community, providers and supporters of those utilizing this waiver. For the full press release and the details on the new public comment period, please see the HCBS Blog.

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

Nebraska Legislature - home page
2026 Legislative Session Calendar
Nebraska Unicameral Live streaming provided by Nebraska Public Media
LeadingAge Nebraska Bill Tracker - provided by Jensen Rogert Associates

Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

FRIENDS OF LEADINGAGE NEBRASKA PAC - We need your support!

Updates on previous bills:

LB832 , addressing long-term care services being added into the Medicaid managed care program. There was a hearing on January 23rd. LeadingAge Nebraska submitted comment supporting the amendment AM1724 which would extend the moratorium until 2028. There were also a number of in-person and online testifiers in support of the amendment. This was based on an agreement that we had reached with the Medicaid managed care organizations. At the eleventh hour, the managed care organizations came in opposition to this agreement. This has not been moved forward out of committee at this time.

LB437 , would repeal the Certificate of Need for nursing homes and other providers. This was introduced in the first part of the session and made it out of the HHS committee to the floor. It was placed on general file with amendments on March 12, 2025. The key committee amendment adopted was AM659, which strikes the original sections and inserts revised statutory language related to the Certificate of Need provisions, including specific definitions and thresholds for requiring certificate approval for long-term care. On January 26, 2026, LB437 was advanced to E&R Initial, and two amendments were adopted—AM659 and AM1732. AM659 revises how CON requirements apply, clarifying thresholds for increases in long-term care or rehabilitation beds that trigger a certificate of need, and reorganizing the statute language and redefining certain provisions previously in the CON. With the amendments included, the CON would remain in place with revisions. LeadingAge Nebraska would be in favor of this with the amendments. This bill should be moving forward to Engrossment and Final Reading if it continues to advance this session.

LB845 , would combine the Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council and the Divion of Medicaid and Long-Term Care Advisory Committee on Aging. The total number of members proposed for the combined committee would be 15 members. This bill had a hearing on January 23rd and LeadingAge Nebraska provided testimony in support with an amendment to expand the committee to 17. This came following discussions and agreement with DHHS to expand the committee membership. There has not been an amendment proposed at this time.

Upcoming Hearings: The Appropriations Committee has finished its preliminary Budget discussions and has scheduled hearings on the Budget Bills, all Agency Operations, and relative bills to those agencies. DHHS will be addressing their budget requests along with a handful of bills dealing with Medicaid. Two of those impact LAN members.

LB946 , states intent for Medicaid funding for assisted living facilities. This would appropriate $7,046,697 for FY2026-27 ($3,104,775 General Funds and $3,941,922 Federal Funds). The daily rate proposed for FY2026-27 would be $78.45 for all waiver providers. This bill is set for hearing on February 9 ^th . We encourage all interested members to submit their comments online through the comment link by February 8 ^th .

LB1122 , will also be heard on February 9 ^th regarding appropriations of DHHS to nursing facility rates. It proposes $462,480,546 for FY2026-27 to used for rate enhancement and any other purpose related to Medicaid nursing facility services. We encourage all interested members to submit their comments online through the comment link by February 8 ^th .

This Week’s Top 5

Each week of the legislative session, we will break down 5 bills that are important to aging services providers. This is a deeper dive into the issues that are important to our membership and what we are doing about it.

Nursing Home News 2026Jan29

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:32:49 GMT

Introducing the New QIN-QIO

The Midwest Quality Innovation Network-Quality Improvement Organization (QIN-QIO) is now the QIO for the state of Nebraska. The Midwest QIN-QIO will be providing no-cost quality improvement support to long-term care facilities. The QIO can support your facility with quality improvement efforts related to fall prevention, hospital readmissions, antipsychotic reduction, infection prevention, and more.

Some additional benefits of working with your QIO are:

• Strengthening quality improvement skills

• Working 1-on-1 with a dedicated state-based Quality Improvement Advisor

• Exchanging ideas, best practices, and solutions with a large network of peers

• Access to subject matter experts

• Assistance with data tracking, analyzing, and visualization

• Support with evidence-based interventions

• Sharing resources and tools

To learn more, you can read their flyer !

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

The quarterly refresh of Nursing Home Care Compare was scheduled to occur on January 28, updating the overall Five Star Rating and each of the domain ratings – health inspections, staffing, and quality measures. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) notified LeadingAge on January 27 that an issue was observed with the data and the refresh has been postponed to February 5. Unfortunately, an impending potential lapse in appropriations could cause further delays to these anticipated updates. LeadingAge will continue to monitor this situation and share updates as they become available.

Rep. Ron Estes (R-KS) and Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA) reintroduced the Ensuring Seniors’ Access to Quality Care Act (H.R. 7096) on January 21. This bill would allow nursing homes to continue operating in-house certified nurse aide (CNA) training programs even if they incur fines above a certain amount, provided fines were not issued for reasons related to direct resident care. LeadingAge has supported this bill in the past and will continue working with policymakers to ensure access to quality training programs that boost the long-term care workforce.

Nursing Home Care Compare Refresh POSTPONED

CNA Lock-out Bill Reintroduced

Assisted Living News 2026Jan29

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:29:25 GMT

Therap Changes

Therap has implemented an update to their system and the layout has changed on the home landing page. The new design is to help improve the experience and navigation within Therap. Here are some resources you can use to help navigate the new landing page. As a reminder you must log into Therap to view their help articles.

HomePage and Favorites Overview – a detailed explanation of navigating the page, and how to set up favorites to make navigation quicker.

There are also subsequent guides or articles available from this page. The first one on the list is very helpful if you want to compare the old layout to the new layout of the landing page.

Other exciting news!

DDD has recently added the ability for providers to be able to view the Individual Service Plan (ISP) in Therap, this is often called the Person-Centered Plan (PCP).

For the Agency accounts used by Agency Providers and Assisted Living Facilities, the administrator for your Therap Account will need to set up this privilege for users in the Therap system.

Administrator for your Therap Account instructions:

To update existing Super Role sets and add Individual Plan roles, please note Steps 4 through 6 of the following guide to “View or Edit existing Super Roles” https://help.therapservices.net/s/article/858#SuperRole-ViewEdit .

The screen shots in the instructions may have a slightly different order or phrasing, but when you get into the system, The designated administrator for the Therap account should look at the Admin Tab, scrolling down to the User section at the bottom of the screen, selecting Manage within the Super Role, finding the header in blue that says ISP Plan, and the select “ISP Plan View” under each Super Role that is appropriate to view the Person Centered Plans. Be sure to press save!

How to view the Person Centered Plan:

Here is a guide to show how to view from the Individual Tab, by looking at Individual Plans and doing a Unified Search https://help.therapservices.net/s/article/402#IndividualPlan-UnifiedSearch .

If you have questions please send an email to DHHS Therap ADTBI Team dhhs.therapadtbi@nebraska.gov or Therap Team at nesupport@therapservices.net

Life Plan Community Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly LPC Weekly Recap .

HCBS News 2026Jan29

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:23:21 GMT

Governor Pillen Directs DHHS to make Critical Changes to AD Waiver

Governor Pillen issued a press release on January 27 ^th indicating that DHHS should make changes to the proposed AD waiver. As stated in the press release, Governor Pillen stated, “Based on my conversations with dedicated family members and AD Waiver recipients, I directed DHHS to take a second look at the proposal and make necessary changes to ensure Nebraska families continue receiving the support they need." The key revisions include removal of the previously proposed personal care and companion hour limits. They are currently proposing an institutional cost limit to remain in place at 150% modified cap when services are provided by out-of-home caregivers. This will trigger an additional comment period which will open on February 2 ^nd and will run through March 4 ^th . Public comment information can be found here .

For those impacted, the department is also currently accepting public comment on the CDD and DDAD waivers. The department is accepting public comment from January 26 ^th to February 25 ^th for changes to these waivers. They are also hosting presentations regarding these changes. Information is available here .

Infection Prevention News 2026Jan29

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:21:43 GMT

CDC Provides New “Up to Date” Definition for COVID Vaccination

Following a December bulletin regarding the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS’) reinforcement of COVID guidelines, LeadingAge has received many questions from providers and state partners about how to navigate COVID outbreaks when discrepancies exist between state requirements and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) recommendations. While some states may be advising nursing homes to follow state requirements and guidelines for resident isolation, testing, and healthcare personnel return-to-work, CMS maintains that nursing homes must continue to follow requirements at 42 CFR 483.80 that require an infection prevention and control program that is based on “accepted national standards.” LeadingAge has previously advocated to CDC and Health & Human Services Secretary Kennedy for updated guidelines. We have also requested CMS to issue policy revisions to allow nursing homes to follow state-level guidance until CDC guidance is updated, but no policy changes have been issued. LeadingAge has notified CMS that states continue to provide advice that conflicts with CMS requirements. At this time, we recommend nursing homes continue to follow CDC guidelines while encouraging your state survey agency to reach out to CMS for clarification.

Hospice & Home Health News 2026Jan29

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 22:19:26 GMT

New Quarterly Hospice Quality Reporting Reminders and Updates

Swingtech sends informational messages to hospices related to the Quality Reporting Program (QRP) on a quarterly basis. Over the last year the outreach has been inconsistent, with the last quarterly update going out in March 2025. The new outreach communication can be found on the HQRP Requirements and Best Practices webpage in the downloads section . The outreach includes information on the full annual payment update training, Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) tool information, and iQIES information. Most of the information was released prior to January 2026 but is compiled here for quick reference. If you want to receive Swingtech’s quarterly emails, then add or update the email addresses to which these messages are sent by sending an email to QRPHelp@swingtech.com . Be sure to include the name of your facility and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Certification Number (CCN) along with any requested updates.

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

Potential Hospice Face-to-Face Telehealth Flexibility Lapse and Potential New Guardrails

With deadline for reaching agreement on a spending package approaching on January 30, 2026, hospice providers should be prepared for the potential expiration of the telehealth face-to-face visits. LeadingAge encourages members to review upcoming face-to-face visits in the next 30 days and prioritize their completion either through in person or telehealth visits. If Congress does come to an agreement on the current spending package proposal , the hospice face-to-face recertification via telehealth would be extended until December 31, 2027. The language includes guardrails first negotiated in late 2024 as part of a funding package which was never passed. The policies include first, a requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create, and providers to use, claims code modifiers when a visit is done via telehealth - this is something LeadingAge has advocated for across multiple comment periods. Second, the language outlines three specific of oversight specific guardrails for hospice use of virtual face-to-face visits; 1. The language would disallow hospices which serve individuals in an area subject to a moratorium on enrollment of hospice programs. As a reminder, there are currently no moratoriums on hospice enrollment anywhere in the US . However, it has been mentioned by Administration officials as a potential step to tamp down on fraudulent providers. 2. If the individual is receiving care, form a hospice under a Provisional Period of Enhanced Oversight (PPEO). Currently this would only effect new hospices, or hospices with 100% ownership change, in six states, AZ, CA, NV, TX, OH and GA. 3. If physician OR nurse practitioner (NPs) performing the face-to-face is not enrolled in Medicare or properly opted out, virtual telehealth could not be used. Last year, as part of CMS updated policy, all physicians certifying hospice enrollment had to be formally enrolled or opt-ed out of Medicare for the hospice to bill. Adding NPs to this requirement would be new. Additionally, since the face-to-face is not a billable visit, if this language moves forward, CMS will need to update the requirements of the face-to-face to confirmation if the NP conducting the face-to-face is properly enrolled or outed out of Medicare. Given the recent scrutiny on hospice, LeadingAge is evaluating the potential impacts of these guardrails and talking to members of Congress and the Administration about the language.

On January 14, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released performance data on the Expanded Home Health Value Based Purchasing model for performance year 2024. This data includes national averages of call measure used to calculate performance scores as well as data on each individual participating home health organization, including their annual payment percentage adjustments for CY2026 payments. LeadingAge will be working to analyze this data for members to determine the effectiveness of the program as well as its impact on non-profit providers.

LeadingAge Offers Wide-ranging Comments on CY27 MA Proposed Rule and Related RFIs

Affordable Senior Housing News 2026Jan29

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 21:50:08 GMT

HUD to Issue Additional Instructions on Immigration Eligibility Verification Directive

Following a press release posted by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) on January 23 stipulating immigration verification by HUD-assisted housing providers, the agency has shared additional information with LeadingAge about required actions. The HUD directive originally said that housing providers would need to verify resident eligibility based on immigration status within 30 days of the press release; the Office of Multifamily Housing Programs has clarified that additional instructions will soon be released that will help impacted housing communities take the required actions. Specifically, HUD will send letters to individual properties with further instructions. According to HUD, "These letters will be directed to owners/agents with residents who have a status in SAVE of “Need additional verification.” A new report will be developed in EIV for this purpose. Multifamily expects to send letters in February when the EIV report is ready for use, but no action is needed until an owner/agent receives a letter." HUD went on to state that Section 202/811 PRAC properties are not subject to the applicable statute and should not expect to receive letters in any case. LeadingAge will continue to keep members updated on eligibility verification requirements; we will discuss HUD's directive during our rescheduled Housing Operations Workgroup Call on January 29 at 1pm ET. Contact Juliana Bilowich, LeadingAge's Vice President of Housing Policy, to join the call or for more information.

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

HUD Updates Green Program Guidance, Moves Forward with Funding

On January 26, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published updated guidance for the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), as advocated by LeadingAge. The GRRP funds critical preservation projects for affordable housing communities located in climate-vulnerable areas, but parts of the program have been on hold since 2025 due to a change in administration priorities. Recently, following LeadingAge's call for urgent action on the GRRP, a federal judge ordered HUD to commit to a timeline for advancing the funding. The agency's new guidance allows the program to move forward for the largest GRRP awards, called Comprehensive awards, by creating a work-around to procedure previously halted by HUD; however, the new guidance also makes additional changes to the GRRP that LeadingAge is assessing. Follow our GRRP updates here .

Affordable Senior Housing News 2026Jan22

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:51:24 GMT

Congress Releases Key FY26 Spending Bill Ahead of Fiscal Cliff

In the early hours of January 20, 2026, Congressional appropriators released the text of a four-bill funding measure that includes the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If enacted, the package would keep the agencies funded past the current January 30 fiscal deadline and reject major funding cuts proposed in the President’s budget for Fiscal Year 2026.

LeadingAge supports the bipartisan bills, which includes positive funding levels for HUD Section 202, the agency’s flagship senior housing program, and for key healthcare priorities for older adults. House leaders plan to set up a vote to pass the spending bills later this week.

Congress Proposes Funding Increase for HUD Programs; Spending Bill Rejects Harmful Housing Access Barriers. In the bipartisan bill text, congressional appropriators signaled support for key HUD programs serving older adults, including for Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly, despite significant pressure from the administration to cut housing subsidy programs and impose time limits and work requirements on certain rental subsidies. The negotiated text does not include those subsidy limitations and secures adequate funding for HUD’s Section 8 and Section 202 programs. It also increases funding levels for Service Coordinator grants, authorizes two-year grant terms, and provides funding to preserve older Section 202 properties through the Rental Assistance Demonstration. The bill also includes certain protections for homelessness interventions funded through HUD’s Continuum of Care (CoC) grants, which the agency had recently proposed to interrupt. Overall, LeadingAge supports the funding bill and will provide additional analysis of the broader HUD appropriations bill in the coming days.

Health Extenders Contain 2-Year Extension for Telehealth; Hospice Provisions Contain Program Integrity Guardrails. The bipartisan, bicameral appropriations bill was contains health care policies in need of extension (“health extenders”) and bipartisan, bicameral health policies around topics like pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that were negotiated in December of 2024 but never passed. Medicare telehealth flexibilities were last extended when the government reopened in November 2025 and currently are set to expire on January 30th. This bill would extend most telehealth policies for two years (until December of 2027) and are written as straight extensions — for example, the ability to bill telehealth from any site in any geography. The hospice face-to-face recertification via telehealth is extended until December 31, 2027 with the following guardrails and policies included:

Requiring the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to create, and providers to use, claims code modifiers when a visit is done via telehealth and;
Disallowing hospices who are under enhanced oversight from utilizing telehealth for the face-to-face or not allowing the encounter to occur via telehealth if the physician or nurse practitioner performing it is not enrolled Medicare.

Given the recent scrutiny on hospice, LeadingAge is evaluating the potential impacts of these guardrails and talking to members of Congress and the Administration about the language. We will have an article in the coming days more fully exploring considerations for hospice members around these additions to the virtual face to face policy. The bill also contains an extension of additional hospice survey funding authorized by the HOSPICE Act. LeadingAge will also provide additional analysis of the broader HHS appropriations bill and the other provisions of the health extenders package in the coming days.

LeadingAge supports the bipartisan bills, including key healthcare and housing priorities for older adults. House leaders plan to set up a vote to pass the spending bills later this week.

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

Reminder: LeadingAge Housing Calls Resume for 2026

LeadingAge's affordable housing policy team is continuing our network and discussion groups in the new year. Reach out to Juliana Bilowich to register for our calls or visit this webpage (which will be updated soon). Our upcoming housing call schedule:

No Housing Network Call on January 19: In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, LeadingAge's office will be closed on January 19.
Housing Policy & Advocacy Call on January 21 at 1:30pm ET: Join our bi-weekly call on LeadingAge’s housing advocacy at the federal level, currently focusing on advancing HUD appropriations, protecting Green and Resilient Retrofit Program funding, and improving the Rental Assistance Demonstration. *This week will be a short, 30-minute call due to HUD’s RAD for PRAC office hours beginning at 2pm*
Housing Operations Workgroup on January 29 at 1pm ET: Our monthly workgroup call on housing operations will continue on the fourth Thursday of the month at 1pm ET. *Date change for January: This month, the housing operations workgroup will meet on the last Thursday of the month, January 29*
Housing Policy & Advocacy Call on February 4 at 1:30pm ET: Join our bi-weekly call on LeadingAge’s housing advocacy at the federal level.
 Housing & Services Workgroup on February 12 at 1pm ET: Our monthly workgroup call on housing & services will resume in February on the second Thursday of the month at 1pm ET.

Hospice & Home Health News 2026Jan22

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:40:05 GMT

CMS Hosting LEAD Model Webinar January 29

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will host a webinar on Thursday, January 29 at 2:00 PM ET about the Long-term Enhancing ACO Design Model. This webinar will cover the model goals, participation options, eligibility and payment methodology as well as more information on the application process, timeline, and resources. This new 10-year, voluntary model builds upon existing and previous models while testing some first-time features related to provider payments, integration, and beneficiary enhancements. Like ACO REACH, it also includes a focus on high-risk populations but creates new incentives through new beneficiary enhancements and payment mechanisms. It is scheduled to begin on January 1, 2027, as the ACO REACH comes to an end on December 31, 2026. Register here to attend .

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

Home Health January 2026 Care Compare Refresh Now Live

The January 2026 refresh of the Home Health Quality Reporting Program is now available on the Compare Tool on Medicare.gov and Provider Data Catalog (PDC). The data are based on quality assessment data submitted by Home Health Agencies (HHAs) to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) from Quarter 2, 2024 through Quarter 1, 2025. The data for the claims-based measures will display data from Quarter 1, 2023 through Quarter 4, 2024 for the Discharge to Community and Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary measures, Quarter 1, 2022 through Quarter 4, 2024 for the Potentially Preventable 30-Day Post-Discharge Readmission measure, and Quarter 1, 2024 through Quarter 4, 2024 for the Home Health Within-Stay Potentially Preventable Hospitalization measure. Additionally, the data for the HHCAHPS measures will display data from Quarter 3, 2024 through Quarter 2, 2025. The January 2026 refresh includes one new OASIS-based measure, COVID-19 Vaccine: Percent of Patients Who Are Up to Date. This is the first and only quarter the OASIS-based COVID measure data will be shared.

CMS Releases CY2024 HHVBP Performance Data

Infection Prevention News 2026Jan22

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:37:29 GMT

COVID and Respiratory Infection Requirements

Assisted Living News 2026Jan22

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:36:41 GMT

Veteran’s Affairs Increases Cap on Non-institutional Care Spending

In alignment with statutory language included in the Elizabeth Dole 21 ^st Century Veteran’s Healthcare and Benefits Improvement ( PL 118-210 ), for which LeadingAge advocated, the Department of Veteran’s Affairs posted a notification of subregulatory guidance in the Federal Register to update the maximum service plan costs for a veteran receiving non-institutional care and services from 65% of the nursing home rate to 100% of the nursing home rate. The notice provides information on the possibility of waiving the 100% cap for veterans that reach that threshold and meet certain other clinical targets. The guidance requires no further rule making and is effective retroactively to September 11, 2025. The guidance is available here .

Life Plan Community Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly LPC Weekly Recap .

Advocacy News 2026Jan22

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:33:29 GMT

This Week’s Top 5

1. LB 437 , introduced by Senator Riepe, would repeal Nebraska’s Certificate of Need (CON) law and is now advancing to the legislative floor for debate. The Health and Human Services Committee advanced the bill with AM659, a committee amendment that preserves the CON framework while making targeted updates to modernize and clarify the process, including limited flexibility for bed relocation and defined thresholds—an approach we view as reform rather than repeal. Additional amendments include AM782, which would strike the committee amendment and significantly weaken CON oversight, and AM1732, which would retain CON but adjust the validity and renewal timeline for certificates. LeadingAge Nebraska supports maintaining a strong CON system to ensure thoughtful planning and stability for aging services, and we remain open to amendments that responsibly improve the process without eliminating this important safeguard.

2. LB721 , introduced by Senator Dan Quick, would amend the Intergenerational Care Facility Incentive Grant Program to revise eligibility provisions for grants that support nursing homes and assisted-living facilities in establishing or expanding child care services on site, with priority for rural communities and funds available for startup costs such as modifying structures or purchasing equipment. The bill hearing is scheduled for January 22 ^nd . LAN has submitted online testimony in support of LB721, underscoring our position that enhancing eligibility for these grants will help expand integrated care models that benefit both older adults and families by promoting intergenerational engagement and workforce support in long-term care settings.

3. LB733 , introduced by Senator Merv Riepe, renames the Division of Developmental Disabilities within the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services to the Division of Disability and Aging and makes related statutory updates. The bill modifies multiple sections of Nebraska Revised Statutes so that the division’s title now reflects its expanded focus on both disability and aging services within DHHS. This change is intended to better align the division’s name with its responsibilities related to aging and disability programs, reduce public confusion about which state entity handles aging issues, and clarify statutory language regarding division duties and oversight. LAN supports LB733 because updating the division’s name helps address the needs of Nebraska’s aging population, ensures clearer public understanding of service responsibilities, and strengthens administrative alignment for disability and aging services statewide.

4. LB832 , introduced by Senator Ben Hansen, seeks to extend the current prohibition on adding long-term care services and supports into Nebraska’s Medicaid managed care program, maintaining that long-term care (including nursing facility, home- and community-based services, and related supports) should remain outside managed care delivery and payment structures. The bill continues this prohibition for an extended period (via proposed amendment FA472) through 2028 (or beyond, per amendment language) to maintain fee-for-service delivery for these critical services rather than shifting them into managed care. We oppose the inclusion of long-term care in the managed care program because transitioning these services into managed care risks disrupting beneficiary access, complicating provider reimbursement, and destabilizing long-term care provider operations; instead, we support the amendment to extend the prohibition period to 2028 to ensure that long-term care services and supports remain outside managed care while more thoughtful, evidence-based reforms are developed and implemented. LAN has submitted testimony in support of this bill and the amendment.

5. LB845 would eliminate, rename, and otherwise revise provisions relating to committees and councils administered by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services, including updates to standing advisory bodies and formal groups that provide guidance on health and human services policy. The bill was advanced with an amendment (FA485) that adjusts specific committee structures and statutory language as part of broader DHHS committee oversight reforms. We participate in the Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Dementia Advisory Council and have met with DHHS on an amendment to LB845 that would increase the membership of this important council to 17 members (rather than the current proposal of 12), to ensure broader representation. It is critical to have all voices participating on the council and sufficient representation to complete the work of addressing the needs of Nebraskans living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias and supporting caregivers as the state implements the State Alzheimer’s Plan and related initiatives.

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

Nebraska Legislature - home page
2026 Legislative Session Calendar
Nebraska Unicameral Live streaming provided by Nebraska Public Media
LeadingAge Nebraska Bill Tracker - provided by Jensen Rogert Associates

Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

FRIENDS OF LEADINGAGE NEBRASKA PAC - We need your support!

Nursing Home News 2026Jan22

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 21:26:34 GMT

CMS Releases Surveyor Standards for FY 2026

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released its annual State Performance Standards System (SPSS) Guidance for Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 on January 13. The SPSS is the metric by which state survey agency performance is measured across CMS-certified settings and contains 10 measures for FY 2026. State survey agencies are scored as having “Met” or “Not Met” measures and must submit corrective action plans for any “Not Met” measures. Notably returning for FY 2026 is the “Nursing Home Recertification Survey Composite” measure, introduced in FY 2025 and comprised of six sub-measures:

· Number of Deficiencies per 1,000 Beds

· Percentage of Deficiency-Free Surveys

· Percentage of Surveys Identifying G, H, or I Scope and Severity

· Percentage of Surveys Identifying J, K, or L Scope and Severity

· Percentage of Surveys where 1 or more Mandatory Tasks Not Investigated

· Percentage of Surveys where 1 or more Triggered Tasks Not Investigated

While CMS explicitly states that this measure “is not an attempt to establish deficiency or investigation quotas,” it seems unlikely that the measure does not illicit such perceptions among state surveyors, particularly when the state survey agencies will be required to review data and “explore with CMS potential underlying reasons for a lower composite score and, if necessary, strategies to improve its performance on these measures in the future.”

At this time, no data is available to determine the impact of this measure on survey behaviors in FY 2025, as the FY 2025 SPSS results will not be publicly released until spring / summer 2026 and the Quality, Certification, and Oversight Reports (QCOR) website has still not been updated since the July 2025 transition of the long-term care survey process from QIES to iQIES. LeadingAge will be evaluating this data once it becomes available and determining next steps.

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

Advocacy News 2026Jan20

Tue, 20 Jan 2026 18:26:53 GMT

Your Bill Tracker gets a new look!

Bill Tracker Legend:

Recently Tracked: A list of bills & resolutions introduced this week and added to your Tracker.
Active: "All Tracked" bills & resolutions that had new activity this week.
Hearings: Upcoming hearings that include bills/resolutions on your Tracker.
All Tracked: Includes carryover legislation from the 2025 Session and 2026 introduced legislation. New legislation begins with bill# LB716 or LR282.
You can sort bills by using any of the column heading toggles.

LeadingAgeNE Bill Tracker - prepared by Jensen Rogert Associates

Anyone with the link can view the document.

The full text of all bills and other information is available by clicking on the bill number on the chart or online at www.nebraskalegislature.gov

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

FRIENDS OF LEADINGAGE NEBRASKA PAC - We need your support!

Hospice & Home Health News 2026Jan16

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:07:03 GMT

CMS Releases 2025 Hospice Information Gathering Report

In a new report released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on January 14, Abt Global reviews peer-reviewed and grey literature published over the last 12 months on topics relating to hospice services. The report focuses on three key areas, hospice use covering enrollment and duration of length of stay, hospice care delivery and how care was provided to patients during their hospice stay, and caregiver supports or the types of support caregivers would like, are being offered, and overall experience of care. Key take aways from the 30 articles reviewed by the report include approaches to care for specific populations like those experiencing homelessness, looking at training approaches that incorporate goal-concordant care, and a look at negative associations with hospice care when it is delivered in a facility rather than the home.

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

Workforce News 2026Jan16

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:04:16 GMT

State Department Pauses Immigrant Visa Processing for 75 Countries

Here is your Workforce Weekly Recap from National

Infection Prevention News 2026Jan16

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:03:15 GMT

CDC Webinar and Resources on Respiratory Infection Outbreaks

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) will be hosting a webinar on January 27, Preventing and Responding to Respiratory Infections and Outbreaks in Long-Term Care . Presented by CDC’s Project FirstLine, this session will “provide the latest information on how to prevent and respond to respiratory infections and outbreaks in LTC facilities, including how to recognize a sick resident, considerations for testing, treatment, and vaccination, and infection prevention and control measures.” CDC also continues to update resources on respiratory infections, including the Viral Respiratory Pathogens Toolkit for Nursing Homes , that will be helpful for nursing homes and other providers in addressing flu, COVID, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) outbreaks this winter.

Assisted Living News 2026Jan16

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 17:02:16 GMT

State Call with Nebraska Licensure

LAN held our joint associations call with DHHS licensure on Wednesday this week. For assisted living providers, reminders were provided regarding reporting of abuse and neglect. Surveys among assisted living providers are continuing. There have been reports that surveyors are holding providers accountable to higher regulations. If you feel this is occurring, you are welcome to reach out to Larissa. She did mention that all survey summaries are reviewed by a supervisor prior to being sent out.

Life Plan Community Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly LPC Weekly Recap .

The next call of the LeadingAge Assisted Living Member Network is on Wednesday, January 21, 2 – 3pm ET. This network meets the third Wednesday of each month. On our January 21 call, we’ll talk about trends in assisted living and the latest news from the Quality Assisted Living Collaborative. Sign up for the AL Network here .

Next Assisted Living Member Network Call

Nursing Home News 2026Jan16

Fri, 16 Jan 2026 16:59:14 GMT

CMS to remove complaint allegations from NH Care Compare

CMS will remove reporting of unsubstantiated complaints in Care Compare next month. CMS released a Special Alert Memo regarding this change. In the memo they stated that there are data discrepancies that may be reflected on NH Care Compare and they are actively working on correcting this information to remove data that may be inaccurate. As discussed in a recent McKnights article on this topic, LeadingAge had brought the concerns of members to the attention of CMS leadership. The memo also lists an email address for provider concerns regarding this matter, which is BetterCare@cms.hhs.gov .

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

LAN held our joint associations call with DHHS licensure on Wednesday this week. For nursing homes, we covered the current issue with iQues postings or notifications not being received. Those notifications are only sent to the original HARP account that was set up for the EPOC. We also covered trends in citations as follows:

F605 Chemical restraints. Problem areas include not implementing the 14 day stop, not having a rationale for use and not using non-pharmacological interventions in place.
F880 Infection Control. This will likely always be high due to the number of issues that are accredited to this area. Recent problem areas include EBP during high contact, following precautions, not changing gloves, not completing hand hygiene especially between gloves, not cleaning and disinfecting equipment- especially lifts, therapy equipment, cuffs, staff holding soiled linens too close to clothing, not testing when symptoms are present.
F812 Food Safety- Problem areas include not labeling or dating food, dishwasher temperatures, not discarding food when needed, temperatures of food and proper hair restraints.
F610 Investigate Allegations- Problem areas include not reporting major injuries or abuse, not putting interventions in place and not completing written 5 day reports.

State Call with Nebraska Licensure

CMS Begins SNF Data Validation Process

T he Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has officially begun the Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) Data Validation Process finalized in the Fiscal Year 2024 and 2025 SNF Prospective Payment System (PPS) rules. These audits are meant to validate Minimum Data Set (MDS) data used in the SNF Quality Reporting Program (QRP) and Value-Based Purchasing (VBP) program measures. CMS will randomly select up to 1,500 SNFs per year for audit. Selected SNFs will be notified through iQIES and will be required to provide medical records to support coding on up to 10 selected MDS assessments. SNFs that fail to comply with the validation process could see impacts to their Annual Payment Update. More information, including an overview presentation and a Frequently Asked Questions document , are available here . A training video from CMS is available here .

Affordable Senior Housing News 2026Jan08

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:59:28 GMT

ADVOCACY WIN! HUD Commits to Moving Forward with Green Funding by Mid-February

In a court proceeding on January 5, the Department of Housing and Urban Development for the first time committed to a timeline for moving forward with the largest Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP) awards, called Comprehensive awards, since initially canceling the already-awarded funding early in 2025. After HUD initially halted the funds, a court ordered HUD to revive the program, including by developing new guidance for processing the Comprehensive awards. LeadingAge has urged HUD to restart the program , and we applaud HUD for moving forward to process the critical funding for affordable housing communities in climate-vulnerable areas.

Reminder: LeadingAge Housing Calls Resume Week of January 5.

LeadingAge's affordable housing policy team will restart our network and discussion groups in early January. Reach out to Juliana Bilowich ( jbilowich@leadingage.org ) to register for our calls. Our upcoming call schedule:

Housing Policy/Advocacy Call on January 7, 1:30pm ET: We will discuss major developments on the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program (GRRP), as well as movement in Congress to advance a HUD funding bill and action by HUD to allow certain properties to pay for internet access using HUD supportive services funds. This call will continue on a bi-weekly basis through March.
Weekly Housing Network Call on January 12, 12:30pm ET: Our first Housing Network call of the year! We'll regroup on HOTMA delays, Supportive Services funds, and other housing updates.
No Housing Network Call on January 19: In observance of MLK Jr. Day, LeadingAge's office will be closed on January 19.
Housing Operations Workgroup on January 22 at 1pm ET: Our monthly workgroup call on housing operations will continue on the fourth Thursday of the month at 1pm ET.
 Housing & Services Workgroup on February 12 at 1pm ET: Our monthly workgroup call on housing & services will resume in February on the second Thursday of the month at 1pm ET.

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

Hospice & Home Health News 2026Jan08

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:57:19 GMT

POLICY WIN! - DEA Extends E-Prescribing Waiver

In a major win for hospices and other aging services providers who rely on e-prescribing flexibilities to quickly establish virtual relationships with patients who have emergent needs for scheduled substances like opioids, the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) on December 30, 2025, released the fourth temporary extension of these flexibilities. This new temporary extension ends on December 31, 2026. According to the agencies impact statement, “…unpublished data reviewed by Epic, Johns Hopkins, and Stanford: of an estimated 44.6 million prescriptions for controlled substances prescribed across 258 organizations in 2024, more than 7 million, approximately 16 percent, were issued without a prior in-person medical evaluation.” Based on the information released in the temporary extension, we anticipate DEA will publish a new proposed rule in 2026 to update the requirements of telemedicine prescribing of controlled substances. LeadingAge has advocated for the continuation of this policy on multiple occasions and we are excited to see the DEA move in a positive direction.

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

HCBS News 2026Jan09

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:56:14 GMT

Nebraska Medicaid Provider Manual

The Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) published the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Manual on January 6, 2026. The manual outlines Nebraska Medicaid's coverage policy as well as the requirements and procedures for health care providers participating in Nebraska Medicaid. The Manual can be found here . Here are the highlights from this updated manual:

Provider enrollment requirements have been updated.
All providers must have an NPI number with distinction being made between individuals and agencies.
Those owning 5% of more of a company must comply with criminal background checks including fingerprinting.
Provider agreements (MC-19) must be revalidated every 5 years. HCBS providers much update their MC-190 every year.
Provider screening is based on their assigned risk level- Limited, Moderate, or High. The document does not clarify which provider types belong to which category. We are seeking clarification on this.
All providers are required to complete database checks including SAM, OIG, and Nebraska Exclusions list. Providers enrolled with the Nebraska Medicaid program are responsible for screening their staff based on the services they provide and the assigned risk level. These checks are required at least monthly and providers should have documentation they have checked all staff.
Driver’s License checks who provide transportation to beneficiaries must follow the minimum driver's standards. This includes being at least nineteen years of age, operator’s permit, knowledge of rules of the road and no more than three (3) points assigned against their driver’s license , among other rules.
Renewals and annual screenings are required for HCBS providers.
The Program Integrity unit will investigate cased of fraud, waste, and abuse.
Records for Medicaid provided services must be maintained for a minimum of six (6) years. Providers are required to report lost or damaged records.

Proposed Changes to A&D and TBI Waivers:

LeadingAge Nebraska has submitted comment regarding the proposed changes to the A&D and TBI waivers to DHHS. According to the DDD Public Comment site comments received prior to January 5, 2026, will be considered. You can view the comments made by LeadingAge Nebraska here . The proposed changes are intended to be implemented in July 2026. It is our sincere hope that DHHS will reconsider detrimental aspects being proposed. If substantial changes are made to the proposal, it will again be sent out for public comment.

Infection Prevention News 2026Jan08

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:47:37 GMT

LeadingAge to HHS: Revise COVID Guidelines for Healthcare Settings

LeadingAge sent a letter to Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. on December 23 urging the Secretary to take immediate action to empower the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) to update COVID guidelines for healthcare settings, including guidelines for patient/resident isolation and return-to-work guidelines for healthcare personnel. This letter is the latest in many previous actions taken by LeadingAge to highlight this issue, including both written advocacy and discussions with both CDC and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). LeadingAge pointed out that healthcare setting recommendations have not been updated since the end of the public health emergency and remain inconsistent with current general public health guidance. This discrepancy places unnecessary restrictions on older adults in nursing homes, solely because of their living situation. LeadingAge will continue to press for updates to these recommendations, which are enforced by CMS as accepted national standards.

Assisted Living News 2026Jan08

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:45:40 GMT

Nebraska Medicaid Provider Manual

Life Plan Community Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly LPC Weekly Recap .

Nursing Home News 2026Jan09

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 20:44:30 GMT

Seeking Member Input on Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System

LeadingAge asked the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) in a December 19 letter for a meeting to discuss the alternative approaches to calculating the Nursing Home Five Star Quality Rating System by changing how the various domains - staffing, health inspections, and quality measures — are weighted. We will be meeting with the MedPAC staff in early February to discuss our concerns with the current approaches they are considering, which include an option in which all domains are weighted equally, and a second option in which staffing is weighted more heavily than health inspections and quality measures. Learn more and read our letter to MedPAC here . LeadingAge is seeking member input on what changes, if any, should be made to Five Star. Please share your input with Jodi Eyigor .

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

Nebraska Medicaid Provider Manual: The Division of Medicaid and Long-Term Care (MLTC) published the Nebraska Medicaid Provider Manual on January 6, 2026. The manual outlines Nebraska Medicaid's coverage policy as well as the requirements and procedures for health care providers participating in Nebraska Medicaid. The Manual can be found here . For a breakdown of requirements see the HCBS Blog Post.

Infection Prevention News 2025Dec31

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 23:38:58 GMT

Measles Prevention

Nebraska has a confirmed case of measles. This case was in a child in the Columbus area. The risk to aging services recipients is low due to immunity, however, staff members may still be at risk. Please see the CDC Infection Control Preparedness and Response in Healthcare Settings information page for information on how to prevent or respond to outbreaks.

Respiratory Illness on the Rise: Respiratory diseases in Nebraska are increasing this week including in healthcare settings. Providers are reminded to remind visitors of signs and symptoms that should prevent a visit from happening, using all infection control procedures and encourage vaccinations.

Nursing Home News 2025Dec31

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 23:26:27 GMT

Current Nursing Home Citation Trends

There are a few areas that are being frequently cited in Nebraska nursing homes.

F609 : Reporting Allegations—Providers are being cited for failure to report, investigate and provide follow up following allegations. Providers are reminded to ensure that all staff members know and understand agency policies on what needs to be reported, specifically regarding allegations. Once an allegation has been made, the provider must respond immediately to protect the resident and remove alleged perpetrators from contact and begin the investigation. All allegations, no matter what, must be investigated following agency policy. Self reports of these incidents and allegations must be made to the department and the five day follow up report should be completed in a timely manner.

F684 : Quality of Care—While there are no specific trends in this area, it continues to be a frequent citation in recent months. Providers should ensure assessments and care plans are complete and accurate and that the plan is being implemented as scheduled. Documentation of these actions is key to ensuring that there is proof that the care plan is being implemented. Providers must also respond to changes in condition immediately and put plans in place following any change in condition. Follow up actions should be taken to prevent avoidable injuries and decline in residents. As always, follow up with QAPI to identify and correct any gaps in your care continuum.

F880 : Infection Prevention and Control—This area continues to be the MOST common citation among Nebraska nursing homes. Much of the problem in this area continues to center around hand hygiene. While you feel that you talk about this all the time, it is the one place where staff may cut corners when providing care. Providers are encouraged to hard-wire hand hygiene at the point of care by making alcohol-based hand rub readily available inside and outside every point of care, ensuring sinks are stocked with supplies and staff are well trained in expectations. Providers are encouraged to conduct competency checks with staff frequently and monitor for hand hygiene compliance in real time. With respiratory illnesses on the rise, another area of concern is proper use of PPE and staff knowledge of

what is required for different residents, such as EBP. Overall cleaning and knowledge of procedures is also an area for continued monitoring.

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

Be on the lookout! Provider renewals for nursing homes will begin distribution in January. License renewals for long term care are due on March 31 ^st

Nursing Home News 2025Dec18

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:42:33 GMT

Audit Documentation

PLEASE NOTE: MLTC reports that Myers & Stauffer is having some difficulty in acquiring the General Ledger reports as requested for supporting documentation of reported costs. This is a requirement that DHHS implemented in response to recent audit findings.

It is the expectation of the DHHS that any documentation of expenses/variances will be supported as requested. Please refer to regulation 471 NAC 45-010 Audits (below). Failure to provide proper documentation will lead to removal of the unsupported costs.

45.010. AUDITS. The Department will perform at least one initial desk audit and may perform subsequent desk audits or a periodic field audit of each cost report. Selection of subsequent desk audits and field audits will be made as determined necessary by the Department to maintain the integrity of the Nebraska Medical Assistance Program. The Department may retain an outside independent public accounting firm, licensed to do business in Nebraska or the state where the financial records are maintained, to perform the audits. Audit reports must be completed on all field audits and desk audits. All audit reports will be retained by the Department for at least three years following the completion and finalization of the audit. An initial desk audit will be completed on all cost reports. Care classification maximums and average base rate components are computed using audited data following the end of the Cost Report Period. Subsequent desk and field audits will not result in a revision of care classification maximums or average base rate components. All cost reports, including those previously desk audited but excluding those previously field audited, are subject to subsequent desk audits. The primary period or periods and subject or subjects to be desk-audited are indicated in a notification letter sent to the provider to initiate a subsequent desk audit. The provider must deliver copies of schedules, summaries, or other records requested by the Department as part of any desk audit. All cost reports, including those previously desk-audited but excluding those previously field-audited, are subject to field audit by the Department. The primary period or periods to be field-audited are indicated in a confirmation letter, which is mailed to the facility before the start of the field work. A field audit may be expanded to include any period otherwise open for field audit. The scope of each field audit will be determined by the Department. The provider must deliver to the site of the field audit, or an alternative site agreed to by the provider and the Department, any records requested by the Department as part of a field audit.

CMS Shifts Service-Level MA Data Collection to a Voluntary Pilot . On December 16, a CMS memorandum answered our question of when a new Medicare Advantage data collection initiative would be implemented by outlining its decision to roll out this required data collection first as a voluntary pilot in 2026 and then to all plans sometime in the future. In September, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) finalized with approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) a requirement for Medicare Advantage (MA)plans to report service-level data regarding their initial determinations and appeals related to both coverage and claims payment decisions. At the time that it was finalized, the implementation year was left blank. Although CMS suggests that this approach is to basically work out any kinks before a full-scale implementation, LeadingAge and other provider organizations question whether this is another step in CMS rolling back MA requirements that support MA plan compliance with and accountability for following Medicare regulations and as such, may never be implemented fully. LeadingAge felt this was an important policy victory when this data collection was finalized as CMS adopted many of our recommendations on what data elements should be collected. This data if collected on all MA plans could provide a comprehensive picture across plans of their prior authorization and payment denial patterns and evidence to point to where future reforms to MA plan practices should focus.

5 Star Reports: After a slight delay in reporting by CMS, SNF data has become available to update the latest 5 Star Reports. Your 5 Star Analysis Report will soon be available in the LeadingAge Report Portal . For those with multiple providers, reports will be sent to you by the end of the week. With the new SNF data, the MDS QMs and staffing data are from 2025Q2, the claims QMs are using 2025Q1, while the QRP QMs vary in the measure period depending on the QM.

SMK Medical 2026 QAPI Self-Audit flipbook . The QAPI Self-Audit Calendar provides a structured, month-by-month approach to self-auditing your facility’s compliance with the most frequently cited F-tags. Dr. Demetrius Kirk and the SMK Medical team are providing this complimentary resource for LeadingAge Nebraska members. Access here .

Seeking Feedback on Long-Stay Antipsychotics Measure . LeadingAge is seeking feedback on the impact of the long-stay antipsychotics quality measure on Nursing Home Care Compare. This measure provides information on rates of antipsychotic usage in nursing homes and is utilized in the Five Star Quality Rating System. LeadingAge is a member of Project PAUSE , a coalition advocating for changes to the quality measure due to the relative failure of the measure to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate antipsychotic usage and we would like your feedback. What has been the impact of this quality measure in your nursing home? Have your star ratings suffered, and what has been the impact of that? Is your nursing home more reluctant to admit potential residents who are already prescribed antipsychotics? Have you felt pressured to deprescribe for residents who were appropriately prescribed antipsychotics? Please share your input by emailing Jodi Eyigor jeyigor@leadingage.org . Note that we will not share any identifying information – we are simply looking for concrete examples of the impact of this measure.

Measures Under Consideration (MUC) List 2025 is Out . The Measures Under Consideration (MUC) List for 2025 was released on December 15. This list, released annually by December 1 and delayed this year by the federal government shutdown, details quality measures currently under consideration for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) various quality programs. Among the 24 measures under consideration in 2025, there is one measure under consideration for the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (QRP), Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) QRP, and SNF Value-Based Purchasing (VBP). This measure, Advance Care Planning, is under consideration for many of the quality programs and varies only slightly by setting. There are currently no measures under consideration for the Hospice QRP. Public listening sessions and public comments will take place in early January 2026. To view the measures and learn more, check out the CMS Measure Management Systems (MMS) Hub .

Supporting Documentation for POI: Providers are reminded to submit supporting documentation for your plan of improvement to the dhhs.healthcarefacilities@nebraska.gov email address. Recently several providers have attached these documents in the iQIES system, which is incorrect. The state does not receive notification that these attachments are present and is unable to access them.

Be on the lookout! Provider renewals for nursing homes will begin distribution in January. License renewals for long term care are due on March 31 ^st

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

Assisted Living News 2025Dec18

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:36:37 GMT

Be on the lookout!

Provider renewals for assisted living providers will begin distribution in January and February. License renewals for assisted living providers are due on April 30 ^th .

Life Plan Community Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly LPC Weekly Recap .

Complaints are on the rise!

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:34:40 GMT

Nationally and here in Nebraska, the number of complaints is on the rise.

We are all aware that complaints tend to rise at the holiday season when family members may increase visits, and/or family members that may not have seen a loved one for some time stop by for a visit.

Complaints are also coming from staff members that may be overwhelmed or overworked. While this is common, it can also be extremely time consuming for staff members. Staying ahead of complaints and addressing the concern of family members is of the utmost importance. Here are a few tips for heading off potential complaints in advance:

Avoid significant staff shortages: The most impactful factor in preventing complaints is the number of staff present. More people can not only ensure that the work is getting done, but workers, residents and family members are happier when there are a sufficient number of staff available. If you need to use temporary workers, ensure there are a sufficient number of familiar staff available to provide care and answer questions.
Decrease Staff Stress and Overworked: The holidays are hard for everyone! Permanent staff who do work during the holidays often face heavier workloads on top of the typical holiday stress. This can lead to fatigue, burnout, reduced patience, and cutting corners on essential care duties. Be sure to check in with staff, avoid excessive amounts of overtime, and look for ways to ease the burden on your direct care team.
Reduce Disrupted Routines and Chaotic Environments: Everyone wants to have fun at the holidays, but too much of a good thing may be bad for those that prefer to have a calm, routine environment. This can lead to additional stress for those with dementia, cognitive impairments and behavioral changes in residents. Ensure each person has the right environment to meet their needs and a place to go when they have had enough of the party.
Check in with Family Members: No doubt there will be an increased number of visitors to your building. This is a great opportunity to check in with family members with positive news, proactive updates and encouraging information. Prepare family members that may be walking in to a different condition before they arrive. Be sure you are talking to families when they are in the building and following up quickly to address any concerns they may have. Being proactive with addressing complaints may prevent a call to the state or the ombudsman.

Workforce News 2025Dec18

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:30:26 GMT

From DC: Housing Package Unveiled in House; DHS’ Latest Policy Actions Impacting Foreign-Born Staff; Congressional Advocacy on Professional Degrees

The House Committee on Financial Services on December 11 rolled out the bipartisan Housing in the 21st Century Act that would update programs to advance housing development and affordability .
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) on December 12 terminated Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Ethiopia effective February 13, 2026, and is ending categorical Family Reunification Parole (FRP) programs for nationals of Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Haiti, and Honduras effective January 14, 2026; more details are here .
Following the Department of Education’s recent interpretation of “professional degree” to exclude nursing programs, more than 140 members of Congress urged the Department to reverse course in a December 12 bipartisan letter .

Here is your weekly Workforce Weekly Recap from National

Nebraska announces they will be the first state to implement new community engagement requirements. HR 1 requires states that expanded Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act to implement community engagement requirements for that expansion population. The implementation deadline for states to add community engagement requirements to their program is December 31, 2026. However, states can choose to implement the requirements early. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen, in a press conference with CMS Administrator Dr Mehmet Oz, announced on December 17 ^th that Nebraska will require the expansion population to meet the community engagement requirements starting on May 1, 2026. LeadingAge learned on a call with the Center for Medicaid and CHIP services (CMCS) that Nebraska will begin sending notifications to beneficiaries that will be subject to community engagement requirements in January 2026. Most Medicaid beneficiaries that LeadingAge members serve are not subject to community engagement requirements, though there will be some staff and residents/clients who are. LeadingAge is engaging with CMS to ensure the clearest possible guidance to states on compliance and exemptions and welcome feedback from state partners and members as community engagement and other components of HR 1 are rolled out.

Hospice & Home Health News 2025Dec18

Thu, 18 Dec 2025 20:28:29 GMT

Measures Under Consideration (MUC) List 2025 is Out

The Measures Under Consideration (MUC) List for 2025 was released on December 15. This list, released annually by December 1 and delayed this year by the federal government shutdown, details quality measures currently under consideration for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) various quality programs. Among the 24 measures under consideration in 2025, there is one measure under consideration for the Home Health Quality Reporting Program (QRP), Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) QRP, and SNF Value-Based Purchasing (VBP). This measure, Advance Care Planning, is under consideration for many of the quality programs and varies only slightly by setting. There are currently no measures under consideration for the Hospice QRP. Public listening sessions and public comments will take place in early January 2026. To view the measures and learn more, check out the CMS Measure Management Systems (MMS) Hub .

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

Nursing Home News 2025Dec12

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 23:01:17 GMT

SNF Off-Cycle Revalidations Suspended Indefinitely

LeadingAge confirmed with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on December 8 that the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Off-Cycle Revalidation, required by January 1, 2026, has been indefinitely suspended. It is important to note that only the January 1 (“off-cycle”) compliance date has been suspended. CMS emphasized in communication via the SNF Disclosures HelpDesk that the “initiative” itself has not been suspended and in fact, as LeadingAge notes, is statutorily required. This may mean that providers will continue to be required to submit information on additional disclosable parties during routine revalidations. LeadingAge is seeking more information. In the meantime, providers should look for this announcement in CMS’s upcoming MLN Connects Newsletter.

Peer-to-Peer Support for Off-Cycle Revalidation

Although CMS has been indefinitely suspended, LeadingAge has received an increased volume of questions regarding submission of the Skilled Nursing Facilities (SNF) Off-Cycle Revalidation (Form CMS-855A). LeadingAge will continue with the special meeting for the Nursing Home Network to discuss and support members. We are hearing frustration from members at the perceived lack of support from CMS and the Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) at addressing these questions, so let’s try to help each other. The LeadingAge Nursing Home Network will host a special meeting on December 18 at 2pm ET for members to ask each other questions and share insights about what has worked and what has not worked in submitting these off-cycle revalidations. Please note, this call is not meant to be interpreted as expert advice or guidance. The purpose of this peer-to-peer forum is simply to connect members and help us leverage our LeadingAge network. Nursing Home Network members will receive call details via email. Not yet a member of the Nursing Home Network? Register here . Email Jodi Eyigor jeyigor@leadingage.org with questions.

Winter/Holiday Life Safety Code Reminders

It is also the time of year when we need to provide reminders to residents and families on what decorations are safe to display at the facility. Guidance on these requirements can be found here .

QAA Payment Deadlines: MLTC will begin strongly implementing the 45 days of the quarter ending deadline for payments to be received. DHHS will automatically suspend Medicaid payments until QAA and any associated late penalties are received. Because the Medicaid rates already include the QAA component they will no longer continue to make payments if assessed dues are unpaid. This is Standard Operating Procedures and facilities may receive penalties as allowed by Nebraska Revised Statute 68-1925. The Medicaid suspension will be lifted immediately upon receipt of the QAA form and any amounts due. However, it typically takes 5-10 business days for any claims that were in process to be manually worked before new claims can be processed. Date payments are received shall be the postmark date on or before the 30 ^th to be considered on time. This must be for the USPS postmark, not the postage meter. After the due date, they will send notices to any facilities that have not submitted the form and payment. Please be sure the envelope is addressed exactly to ensure proper delivery.

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

Advocacy News 2025Dec12

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 22:54:22 GMT

LeadingAge Meets with Center for Medicaid and CHIP Services (CMCS) Staff

On December 5, LeadingAge along with partners met with staff from CMCS. Topics discussed at the meeting included the Medicaid Access Rule’s 80/20 requirement and HR 1's community engagement requirement (aka work requirement). With regards to the Access Rule, LeadingAge continued to underscore the need to eliminate the 80/20 rule and associated reporting requirements. CMS said they will be able to discuss more about their intentions around the future of this requirement soon. With regards to community engagement, CMS had a number of questions around the operationalization of the community engagement requirement exemptions and welcomed additional feedback in the coming weeks. LeadingAge will continue engagement with CMS on both Medicaid deregulatory priorities and the implementation of HR 1.

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

Nebraska Legislature - home page
2026 Legislative Session Calendar
2025-2026 Legislative Bill Tracker - prepared by Jensen Rogert Associates
Nebraska Unicameral Live streaming provided by Nebraska Public Media

Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

FRIENDS OF LEADINGAGE NEBRASKA PAC - We need your support!

Affordable Senior Housing News 2025Dec12

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:19:05 GMT

House Committee on Financial Services Affordable Housing Markup

Beginning December 16, the House Committee on Financial Services will host a two-day markup to address affordable housing. "This month, the Financial Services Committee will advance solutions to tackle housing cost and access challenges for American families, homeowners, and renters. Next year, we look forward to working with our Senate colleagues to send a bill to the president’s desk that reflects the views of both chambers and leads to more affordable choices for America’s homeowners and renters," Committee Chairman French Hill (R-AR) said in a statement on the markup. The markup comes after the most recent version of the 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), negotiated between House and Senate leaders, was released on December 7 without the housing provisions from the Senate's bipartisan ROAD to Housing Act, which passed the Senate on October 9 and for which LeadingAge had advocated. The most recent sweeping affordable housing reform legislation passed by Congress was the "Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA)" in 2016. Since then, LeadingAge has been involved in legislative discussions and initiatives to further affordable housing policy. LeadingAge will stay engaged on the bills to be considered by the House Financial Services Committee on December 16 and 17, which include some proposals that would expand affordable housing for older adults, a LeadingAge priority.

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

Hospice & Home Health News 2025Dec12

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:17:54 GMT

MedPAC recommendations for home health and hospice

On December 5, MedPAC provided their draft payment update recommendations for home health and hospice. For home health, citing continued high FFS margins, MedPAC reiterated their recommendation to cut home health payment by 7%, a position LeadingAge strongly disagrees with and opposes. For hospice, MedPAC recommended an elimination of the payment update — so a 0% change. LeadingAge also opposes this recommendation understanding that our members' costs already exceed the payment update they are receiving. LeadingAge reminds members that MedPAC payment recommendations are advice to Congress but are not binding — Congress would have to enact specific recommendations in order for them to take effect.

Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap from National.

Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap from National.

HCBS News 2025Dec12

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:16:42 GMT

Public Comment Period A&D and TBI Waivers

The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) is announcing the 30-day public comment period for the renewal of the 1915(c) Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) Aged and Adult and Children with Disabilities (AD) Waiver (NE.0187) and an amendment to the Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Waiver (NE.40199) . The public comment period will run from December 5, 2025, through January 5, 2026 . Upon approval by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the proposed changes would take effect July 1, 2026 .

DDD will host several online presentations outlining the proposed changes via ZOOM:

- December 10 | 2:30–4:00 PM CST

- December 11 | 8:30–10:00 AM CST

- December 16 | 2:30–4:00 PM CST

- December 17 | 4:30–6:00 PM CST

Meeting links and materials will be available beginning December 5, 2025 at 9:00 am , on the DDD Public Comment site . Hard copies of the draft waiver application may be requested by mail, email, or phone at 402-471-9156.

Public comments may be submitted by:

- Email : DHHS.HCBSPublicComments@nebraska.gov

- Fax : 402-471-8792

- Mail : DHHS – Division of Developmental Disabilities

301 Centennial Mall South

P.O. Box 95026

Lincoln, NE 68509-5026

All comments must be received or postmarked by January 5, 2026 .

Following the close of the comment period, DHHS will prepare a summary of input received, including any resulting waiver modifications and explanations for comments not adopted. This summary will be included in the final submission to CMS.

Thank you for your engagement in this important public process.

Workforce News 2025Dec12

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:15:15 GMT

Administration Continues to Tighten Rules on Work Permits

On December 4, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced changes to its Policy Manual that will shorten the maximum validity periods for Employment Authorization Documents (EADs), also called work permits, across several categories. Effective for applications pending or filed on or after December 5, 2025, the maximum validity period for initial and renewal EADs will revert from 5 years to 18 months for individuals admitted as refugees (A03), granted asylum (A05), granted withholding of deportation or removal (A10), or with pending applications for asylum (C08), adjustment of status (C09), or certain cancellation of removal provisions (C10). According to the administration, these changes are intended to increase the frequency of vetting and screening, which will help deter fraud and identify individuals who may pose security risks. For LeadingAge members employing foreign-born staff under these categories, shorter validity periods will mean more frequent renewals, adding administrative burden and increasing the risk of employment gaps if processing delays persist. This policy change comes on top of an Interim Final Rule published at the end of October that eliminated automatic extensions for EAD renewals in many categories, including those impacted by this policy change. Previously, renewal applicants received a 540-day extension to account for long USCIS processing times; that buffer is now gone. Together, these actions increase the likelihood of lapses in work authorization for affected employees. LeadingAge will continue to advocate for solutions that protect access to work permits for the aging services workforce. If you have questions or seek additional resources to help navigate these changes, please reach out to Amanda Mead .

Here is your weekly Workforce Weekly Recap from National

Assisted Living News 2025Dec12

Fri, 12 Dec 2025 15:14:23 GMT

Survey Update

DHHS has completed 79 Assisted Living surveys this year, 41 of those were during the six week government shut down. Based on the reviews they have completed the average is 10 citations per review. Below are the top 10 citations in the state:

1. Food safety—cleanliness, storage of food, cleaning schedules, food dates, hair restraints, storage temperature and serving temperatures

2. Non-licensed health care providers—competencies for medication aides and additional tasks

3. Evidence of meeting resident needs—following care schedules and services, hand hygiene, and other requirements

4. Annual ongoing training—ongoing training requirements for medication aides, administrators and other licensed staff

5. Registry and background checks for staff—should be completed on schedule for all required staff

6. Orientation—to the facility policies and regulations as required

7. Employee Health Screenings—as documented in your policy and procedures

8. Administration—if other citations are received, the administrator may be cited for lack of follow through on requirements

9. Administration of medication—ensuring staff training is documented and there are written instructions for additional activities, counts on medications, etc.

10. Self-administration of medication—ensuring there is an assessment that is current to evaluate the resident for self-administration.

Life Plan Community Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly LPC Weekly Recap .

DDD will host several online presentations outlining the proposed changes via ZOOM:

- December 10 | 2:30–4:00 PM CST

- December 11 | 8:30–10:00 AM CST

- December 16 | 2:30–4:00 PM CST

- December 17 | 4:30–6:00 PM CST

Public comments may be submitted by:

- Email : DHHS.HCBSPublicComments@nebraska.gov

- Fax : 402-471-8792

- Mail : DHHS – Division of Developmental Disabilities

301 Centennial Mall South

P.O. Box 95026

Lincoln, NE 68509-5026

All comments must be received or postmarked by January 5, 2026 .

Thank you for your engagement in this important public process.

Public Comment Period A&D and TBI Waivers

If considered a limited care facility needing to comply with the Life Safety Code:

State Fire Marshall has provided reminders on heating during extreme weather in health care facilities. Facilities should consider creating a plan to address the loss of heating systems within the building. Guidance can be found here . It is also the time of year when we need to provide reminders to residents and families on what decorations are safe to display at the facility. Guidance on these requirements can be found here .

Winter/Holiday Life Safety Code Reminders

Advocacy News 2025Dec04

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 19:15:56 GMT

Advocacy WIN! CMS Repeals Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards

An interim final rule repealing the nursing home minimum staffing standards was released to the Federal Register on December 2. Read the LeadingAge press release on this interim final rule here . It is important to note that the rule released on December 2 does not repeal the entire rule that was finalized in May 2024. The interim final rule repeals only the staffing standards portion of the May 2024 rule. Requirements for enhanced Facility Assessment and Medicaid payment transparency reporting remain in effect. The December 2 rule includes a comment period for soliciting public feedback, ending in early February. It is likely that we will see a rule proposed in the future that addresses nursing home staffing in some way; CMS will use comments received on this interim final rule to guide future rulemaking. For more information on this interim final rule and the life of the minimum staffing standards, check out the LeadingAge serial post .

LeadingAge WIN: Care Compare Updates

Following a letter to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) on November 13 requesting consideration of specific priorities following the end of the federal government shutdown, LeadingAge was notified that Nursing Home Care Compare was updated on November 20. The Health Inspection domain and rating had been frozen since August and was scheduled to update on October 29, along with the Staffing and Quality Measures domains and the overall Five Star rating as part of the quarterly refresh; however, the quarterly refresh could not take place during the shutdown. LeadingAge requested CMS to consider an off-cycle refresh rather than waiting for the next quarterly refresh in January 2026. We are pleased with this update that includes updates to all three domains and the overall Five Star rating. The next quarterly refresh is scheduled for January and will include a revised long-stay antipsychotics measure that incorporates claims data in the measure calculations. Read more on that change here . Providers that note any errors in their Five Star Rating or domain ratings should reach out to CMS using the Care Compare HelpDesk email bettercare@cms.hhs.gov .

Visit the Advocacy Page on LeadingAge Nebraska's website for more information and links.

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2026 Legislative Session Calendar
2025-2026 Legislative Bill Tracker - prepared by Jensen Rogert Associates
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Federal Legislation Tracker. Federal legislation LeadingAge is following and the summary we have produced.

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Hospice & Home Health News 2025Dec04

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:29:20 GMT

LeadingAge and Hospice Groups Ask CMS to Waive HOPE Timeliness Requirement

In a November 24, 2025, letter to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Oz, LeadingAge along with the national Alliance for Care at Home and the National Partnership for Healthcare and Hospice Innovation request CMS waive the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) timeliness submission requirement for the first quarter post-implementation. The letter argues that simultaneous launch of the HOPE tool and migration to iQIES coincided with the first day of the government shutdown which led to reduced Help Desk responses to fatal errors and rejections, configuration issues beyond providers' control, and absence of real-time problem resolution. The consequence of adverse outcomes cannot be understated. The failure to comply with requirements of the Hospice Quality Reporting Program to submit 90% of patient records carries a 4% annual payment update reduction risk. Negative financial consequences for hospice providers is largely dependent this quarter not only on the success of two transitions—iQIES and HOPE—that are not within their control but also during a uniquely challenging government shutdown. LeadingAge has repeatedly advocated for waiving the 90% reporting threshold during the transition to HOPE. The impact of the government shutdown only exasperates hospices' compliance risks.

Senators Urge Leadership to Reject MA Hospice Carve-In

On November 20, Senators Roger Marshall, MD, (R-KS) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) sent a letter to congressional leaders urging them to reject any proposals that would roll the Medicare hospice benefit into the Medicare Advantage (MA) program. The senators argue that integrating hospice into the current MA program would jeopardize access by layering additional managed care terms (or policies) on top of an already managed and coordinated benefit. They also cite the failed Value Based Insurance Design (VBID) model which identified clear challenges for both hospices and MA plans with administrative burdens, difficulty creating networks, and delayed payments for hospice claims. The demonstration also did not result in increased or earlier access to hospice or better care for patients.

In a November 20 Change Request ( CR 14219 ) the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services instructed Part A/B Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) to implement new system edits which will automatically compare the primary diagnosis codes on hospital inpatient and outpatient claims with the hospice claim's primary diagnosis codes. The edit will deny hospital inpatient and outpatient claims when there is a hospice claim for the same Medicare beneficiary within the same covered period with condition code 07 with same primary diagnosis. This edit is in response to concerns first raised in a 2024 Office of Inspector General (OIG) report on outpatient services provided to hospice enrollees. The report identified improper payments for services provided to hospice enrollees related to their terminal illness which were already covered under the hospice benefit. In these instances, the services should have been provided directly by the hospices or under arrangement with the hospice and the hospital. The edit will be effective April 1, 2026 and CMS plans to issue additional education for providers to comply with billing expectations.

CMS Adds Hospice Billing Rejection Edit to Hospital In-Patient and Out-Patient Services

On November 28, CMS released the Calendar Year (CY) 2026 Home Health Prospective Payment System Final Rule. The CY 2026 updated rates include the final CY2026 HH payment update of an estimated 2.4% increase ($405 million increase), which is offset by an estimated 0.9% decrease that reflects the final permanent adjustment ($150 million decrease), an estimated 2.7% decrease that reflects the final temporary adjustment ($460 million decrease), and an estimated 0.1% decrease that reflects the updated fixed-dollar loss (FDL) ratio for outlier payments ($15 million decrease). CMS estimates that Medicare payments to home health agencies (HHAs) in CY2026 will decrease in the aggregate by an estimated 1.3%, or $220 million, compared to CY2025, based on the finalized policies.

The final rule reduces funding when providers can ill afford any cuts. However, this final rule is a large improvement over the proposed rule. To compare: in the proposed rule, CMS estimated that Medicare payments to HHAs in CY2026 would decrease, in the aggregate, by an estimated 6.4% or $1.135 billion dollars compared to CY2025. In the final rule, CMS estimates that Medicare payments to HHAs in CY2026 would decrease, in the aggregate, by an estimated 1.3% or $220 million compared to CY2025.

This is a net positive change of $915 million between the proposed rule and the final rule. Any cut is challenging and unacceptable in this moment of intense financial pressure. However, this represents an 80% reduction in what CMS proposed to cut – an advocacy win. There is still work to do to ensure long term sustainability of nonprofit and mission-driven HHAs so there is access to high quality care at home for the older adults they serve.

Please join the home health network at 2pm on Tuesday, December 3 for more details on the rule.

Other resources on the rule are:

· The press release for the rule can be found here .

· The final rule text can be found here .

· Our comments on the proposed rule can be found here .

· LeadingAge's press statement on the final rule is here.

· LeadingAge's initial article is here

CY2026 Final Home Health Rule Released; Includes Major Reduction in Proposed Payment Cut

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HCBS News 2025Dec04

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:24:18 GMT

Veteran’s Affairs Releases CY ’26 Fee Schedule

On November 25, the VA released the fee schedule outlining the VA’s Payment rates for provision of contracted service. Of primary interest for adult day services providers are codes: S5102 – Main per diem code, S5105 – Additional services code, S5101 – Half day per diem code, T2003 – Transportation code – one-way. Rates are geographically variable and will be effective January 1, 2026. The rates included in the fee schedule indicate rates that will be reimbursed for authorized services delivered to eligible veterans and do not imply payment for services delivered without authorization or eligibility determined in advance. More information on the VA rate setting process, eligibility for payment, and the updated fee schedule can be downloaded here .

Workforce News 2025Dec04

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:22:30 GMT

Department of Education Proposes Narrower Definition of “Professional Degrees.”

The U.S. Department of Education (DOE) has proposed revisions to the definition of “professional degree” that could have implications for federal student loan eligibility for certain graduate programs. This development is part of a negotiated rulemaking process that concluded recently aimed at implementing certain provisions of H.R. 1. Programs potentially excluded from the revised definition include positions vital to the aging services sector, including nursing and social work. Students in these fields could face reduced federal loan options and potential barriers to pursuing advanced credentials as a result of these changes. DOE will issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) soon, followed by a public comment period. Final rules are expected to take effect on July 1, 2026. LeadingAge will continue to monitor developments and share opportunities for member input.

Life Plan Community Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly LPC Weekly Recap .

Nursing Home News 2025Dec04

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 16:15:45 GMT

Advocacy WIN! CMS Repeals Nursing Home Minimum Staffing Standards

CMS Releases New Resources Following CMPRP Revisions

Following the September 29 revisions to the Civil Money Penalties Reinvestment Program (CMPRP), the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released several new resources to assist providers in applying for CMPRP funding. Resources are available in the “Downloads” section on the CMS webpage and include a new standardized application and budget attachment; a comprehensive application handbook that includes information on allowable expenses, tips on completing applications, and a sample project application; a Frequently Asked Questions document; and a new resource that discloses available CMPRP funds by state. While LeadingAge had hoped program revisions would include expansions to allow program funds to be used for telemedicine supplies, we are pleased that project expansions include behavioral health and workforce development and will continue to address technology needs with CMS. We appreciate the updated resources and encourage members to access these funds for projects improving quality of care and quality of life for nursing home residents.

CMS Memo Answers Survey & Cert Questions

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released a memo November 24 answering common questions about survey and certification recovery following the federal government shutdown that ended November 12. CMS announced that all survey and certification activities have resumed without limitation. State survey agencies will receive funding for the first quarter of FY 2026 and the first 30 days of the second quarter at rates equivalent to FY 2024 funding. The Continuing Resolution signed on November 12 also includes an additional $2 million to fund hospice recertification surveys under the IMPACT Act through January 30, 2026. As anticipated, state licensure surveys, which were permitted to continue during the federal government shutdown, will not be counted as federal certification surveys and federal certification surveys will still need to be completed, as will any lower-level complaint investigations that were completed during the shutdown under state licensure. Surveys that were in process when the shutdown began will resume and CMS clarified that a new survey does not need to be initiated, though resident/patient samples and other tasks may need to be updated. For surveys in which the team had exited but a CMS-2567 Statement of Deficiencies was not issued before the shutdown, state agencies must issue the CMS-2567 by December 12. Exit dates may be adjusted to match either the date that the CMS-2567 is issued or the date of compliance alleged by the provider, provided the state agency can validate that compliance was achieved by that date. Enforcement cycles, including dates for civil money penalties or Denials of Payment for New Admissions, may also begin with the adjusted exit date. For more information, check out QSO-26-02-ALL

The Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will publish its final Calendar Year 2026 Hospital Outpatient PPS Policy Changes and Payment Rates and Ambulatory Surgical Center Payment System Policy Changes and Payment Rates (CMS-1834) in the Federal Register on November 25. This final rule includes a provision for a three-year phase out 1700 plus surgical procedures from the “inpatient only list.” This change will allow physicians to authorize these procedures to be provided in an outpatient hospital, ambulatory surgical center setting or an inpatient hospital. Unlike current policy, these procedures will now be covered under Medicare in any of these settings. The phase out will begin January 1, 2026, by eliminating 285 primarily musculoskeletal procedures from the inpatient only list and adding most of them to the Ambulatory Surgical Center Covered Procedures List, shifting them to outpatient status. If a patient’s physician opts for these procedures to be provided outpatient, it eliminates the patient’s ability to access skilled nursing facility (SNF) services following the procedure as a Medicare covered service because there is no 3-day inpatient hospital stay. CMS responded to LeadingAge’s concerns about these potential impacts on beneficiaries’ access to SNF care saying they expect physicians to only approve these procedures for outpatient surgery in cases where their person will be able to return home without services or with home health services. It will be important for SNF members to track their admission patterns beginning January 1, 2026, to see if they experience a steep decline in admissions for musculoskeletal procedures. LeadingAge will continue to advocate for changes to the law regarding the 3-day inpatient hospital stay eligibility requirement. See LeadingAge’s article on the proposed rule for additional background and recommendations we proposed CMS adopt to remedy this limit on use of SNF services.

CMS Finalizes Rules Eliminating Inpatient Procedure List, Without Changes to SNF Access

A new white paper released by Project PAUSE on November 19 assesses the impact of the Nursing Home Care Compare long-stay antipsychotics quality measure on access to appropriate treatment for nursing home residents experiencing neuropsychiatric symptoms related to Alzheimer’s and related conditions. The report asserts several unintended consequences of the measure, including a failure to distinguish between appropriate and inappropriate antipsychotic usage and a failure to reflect current clinical practice guidelines and makes recommendations to CMS for addressing these issues through revision or removal of the quality measure. Project PAUSE is a multi-stakeholder coalition, of which LeadingAge is a member, collectively advocating on regulatory issues related to the diagnosis and management of neuropsychiatric symptoms in dementia in long-term care. Learn more about Project PAUSE here .

New White Paper Assesses Impact of Long-Stay Antipsychotics Measure

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap

Affordable Senior Housing News 2025Nov20

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:24:18 GMT

New Housing Content on the LeadingAge Learning Hub!

We're excited to share recent additions to affordable housing educational opportunities on the LeadingAge Learning Hub:

Holiday Décor and Fair Housing Laws In this 8-minute QuickCast, Leslie Tucker with the Fair Housing Institute shares best practices for spaces that honor diverse backgrounds and comply with fair housing regulations. Exclusively for LeadingAge members!
HUD Update: Preservation Rent Increase for RAD for PRAC Conversions A look at recent changes to support affordable housing providers in preserving their Section 202 properties. Free for LeadingAge members!
Coming Soon: The Changing Landscape of Service Coordination A two-part webinar on the latest developments shaping HUD multifamily service coordinator programs. Register today!

View all of our affordable housing education opportunities, trainings, and policy call recordings are available here .

Affordable housing Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Affordable Housing Weekly Recap

Hospice & Home Health News 2025Nov20

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:22:11 GMT

CMS Posts Home Health Quality and Star Rating Preview Reports for January 2026

Due to the lapse in federal appropriations, scheduled data refreshes and other routine updates were temporarily paused. With the resumption of government operations on November 13, the HHA Provider Preview Reports updates are now being released in iQIES. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures to be published on Care Compare in January 2026. Data contained within the Provider Preview Reports are based on quality assessment data submitted by HHAs from Quarter 2, 2024 through Quarter 1, 2025. The data for the claims-based measures will display data from Quarter 1, 2023 through Quarter 4, 2024 for the Discharge to Community and Medicare Spending Per Beneficiary measures, Quarter 1, 2022 through Quarter 4, 2024 for the Potentially Preventable 30-Day Post-Discharge Readmission measure, and Quarter 1, 2024 through Quarter 4, 2024 for the Home Health Within-Stay Potentially Preventable Hospitalization measure. Additionally, the data for the HHCAHPS measures will display data from Quarter 3, 2024 through Quarter 2, 2025. The Preview Reports for the January 2026 release include one new OASIS-based measure, COVID-19 Vaccine: Percent of Patients/Residents Who Are Up to Date, based on quality assessment data from Quarter 1, 2025. This measure was proposed for removal in the CY2026 Home Health Rule which has not yet been published.

CMS Posts Hospice Quality Preview Reports for February 2026

On November 18, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced updates to the calculation of the Hospice Care Index (HCI) Measure. CMS identified and corrected an issue affecting how the Late Live Discharge and Early Live Discharge indicators were calculated within the HCI measure. The correction was applied to the programming logic used in calculating these indicators to ensure that each hospice’s score reflects only the care it provided to its own patients. This correction affects a small percentage of hospice providers. Archived data will be updated with the corrected methodology in a future release.

CMS Makes Changes to Hospice Care Index Calculations

On November 18, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) added a new item to their workplan which will look at "Incorrectly Billed Visit Units That Trigger Outlier Payments on Home Health Claims" with the objective to determine whether home health claims outlier payments complied with certain Medicare billing requirements. This work comes after previous compliance work identified claims where home health providers incorrectly billed single-discipline visit units (greater than 8 hours) that resulted in overpayments equal to the outlier payment. Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) pay outlier payments on home health claims for enrollees who incur unusually large costs that are determined by the visit units billed on the claim. Nationwide home health claims data for the most recent 30-month period shows that the average duration of a home health visit is 45 minutes. OIG anticipates the work on this issue to be completed by FY2027.

OIG Adds Home Health Outlier Payments to Their Workplan

Home Health Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Home Health Weekly Recap .

Hospice Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly Hospice Weekly Recap .

Assisted Living News 2025Nov20

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:18:39 GMT

Survey Reminders

In follow up from the survey department, Assisted Living surveys will continue in Nebraska post shutdown, but they may decrease the frequency to catch up on nursing home surveys. Providers are reminded of the requirements to provide follow up according to the letter received post inspection for their community.

Regardless of the severity of the violations, providers will have 10 working days from the receipt of the letter to submit a statement of compliance. This must include:

Steps which have been or will be taken to correct each violation— these should be specific to the violation and should not only address the individual actions that will be taken for that case, but also the systematic actions that will be taken to address the violation across the facility and steps to prevent recurrence.
The period of time estimated to be necessary to correct each violation— this must be a specific date in which the violation has been or will be addressed. Phrases such as “addressed immediately” or “addressed on site” are not sufficient. There needs to be a specific date attached to the resolution to each violation. There is no maximum that can be put on the timeline to resolve each violation. Timelines will only be enforced if there is immediate danger or adverse effect on the health, safety, or security of residents. Providers should strive for 45 days or fewer to resolve violations if possible.
 The title of the responsible staff— this is the title for the position of the person responsible for resolving the issue i.e. “Director”, “Quality Assurance Coordinator”, “Director of Nursing Services”. Providers should refrain from using proper names or gender identifiers in their response throughout the statement of compliance. These are public records and there should not be any identifiable information include d.

Life Plan Community Weekly Recap . Here is your weekly LPC Weekly Recap .

LTC Skilled Nursing News 2025Nov20

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:14:29 GMT

Survey Follow-Up

Now that the government shutdown has ended, DHHS survey department has resumed their ability to complete nursing home surveys. According to DHHS, they are currently scheduling new surveys and are focused on completing required revisits. They have also cleared up the concern raised regarding surveys that were in process prior to the shutdown that had not received their 2567. If you had a survey in process and had not received your 2567, you will soon be receiving it. They have determined that they will be changing the exit date to reflect the date that the notice is being sent so that providers will have the full opportunity to complete their plan of correction without running into an issue with delinquency. We are very thankful for this insightful response.

DHHS survey department has also informed us that they have a goal to cut down the total survey time to 40 hours. The current survey time is at an average of 60 hours. This means that the goal will be for the onsite portion of the review to be at 3 days instead of 4 days. This will be dependent on the location, size of the facility and deficiencies found.

NEW on the Learning Hub: Making Sense of the New Medicare Cost Report

Check out a new offering on the LeadingAge Learning Hub: Making Sense of the New Medicare Cost Report. This 13-minute QuickCast presented by LeadingAge partner Berry, Dunn, McNeil & Parker LLC provides an overview of the latest updates to the CMS 2540-24 form and new reporting requirements. The QuickCast is on-demand and free for LeadingAge members. Find it here .

The Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) Office of Inspector General (OIG) updated its current workplan on November 17 to include a new nursing home item . OIG will be investigating how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and state survey agencies identify and respond to declines in nursing home quality following changes in ownership. The report is expected in fiscal year 2027 and is the latest in more than a dozen work plan tasks focused on nursing homes. Review OIG's current work plan here .

OIG Looking at Nursing Home Quality After Changes in Ownership

Nursing Home Weekly Recap. Here is your Nursing Home Weekly Recap