Nursing Home News 2026Jan29

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!

Nursing Home Care Compare Refresh POSTPONED

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.

CNA Lock-out Bill Reintroduced

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.

Here is your NATIONAL Nursing Home Weekly Recap