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Specialized Information for:
Long-Term Care ConsumersFamily MembersAdvocatesCOVID-19
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Specialized Information for:
Long-Term Care ConsumersFamily MembersAdvocatesCOVID-19
May 14, 2021
This new document reviews some of the most frequent questions we are asked by family members.
May 13, 2021
Consumer Voice has created a special webpage to honor and remember those we’ve lost during the lockdown.
May 04, 2021
The May 2021 issue of The Resident Advocate, a newsletter for residents of long-term care facilities, is now available.
May 04, 2021
Consumer Voice is seeking feedback from residents of long-term care facilities and their family members and friends about their experiences with visitation in the facility.
April 30, 2021
A new episode of the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care podcast is now available. In this conversation with Robyn Grant and Jocelyn Bogdan of Consumer Voice, learn about how residents, families, and advocates can use guidance from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to facilitate in-person visitation.
April 27, 2021
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance today that lifts restrictions on dining and other activities for fully vaccinated nursing home residents.
April 09, 2021
CMS rescinds emergency waivers related to notice prior to discharge/transfer, care planning, and submission of Minimum Data Set. Waivers related to nurse aide training remain.
April 07, 2021
On March 29, 2021, the CDC issued updated guidance regarding quarantining nursing home residents.
April 01, 2021
On March 10, 2021, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued revised visitation guidance. Read our full summary along with our key takeaways and concerns.
March 31, 2021
Episode 12 of the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care podcast is now available and features Dr. Jonathan Evans as he talks about caring for human beings with dementia.
March 31, 2021
Consumer Voice is now accepting proposals for sessions at the 2021 Consumer Voice Virtual Conference, November 3-5, 2021.
March 30, 2021
Consumer Voice submitted a statement for the record for the March 17, 2021 Senate Committee on Finance hearing “A National Tragedy: COVID-19 in the Nations’ Nursing Homes.”
March 11, 2021
Today, President Biden signed into law the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. The law includes funding for long-term care ombudsman programs, Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services, funding for COVID-19 vaccines, funding for the Elder Justice Act, and more.
March 10, 2021
CMS released new guidance around visitation for nursing homes. It is effective immediately.
March 05, 2021
A new episode of the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care podcast features Consumer Voice’s Sam Brooks and Lori Smetanka discussing the devastating effects of lockdowns on residents of long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
March 04, 2021
Consumer Voice, along with a number of other organizations and individuals, sent a letter with a detailed set of recommendations to CMS requesting that the agency take immediate measures to safely open the doors of nursing homes.
February 19, 2021
Episode 10 of the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts. In March of 2020, as COVID-19 was spreading through nursing homes at alarming rates, nursing home doors were closed to outside visitors, keeping out families, friends and other members of the community. At the same time, most residents were required to stay in their rooms, doors often shut, having little contact with others. A survey of nursing home residents by Altarum provides a look at the impact of these restrictions on those living in the facilities, and the toll it has taken on their physical and emotional health.
February 15, 2021
On March 13, 2021, it will be one year since state and federal officials banned visits in nursing homes. Sign the petition to reunite residents with their familes.
February 12, 2021
Thank you to all those who participated in the Twitter Storm to ask CMS and Congress to #OpenNursingHomeDoors. Be sure you’ve signed the petition.
February 10, 2021
It’s been almost one year since nursing homes shut their doors on March 13, 2020. Join Consumer Voice this Friday, February 12th to urge Congress and CMS to #OpenNursingHomeDoors.
February 05, 2021
The New York Attorney General released a preliminary report on the effect of COVID-19 on nursing homes in New York.
January 28, 2021
Episode 9 of the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts. In this conversation with Bev Laubert, Ohio State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, and Patty Ducayet, Texas State Long-Term Care Ombudsman, we discuss resident rights, the role of the Ombudsman program, and how residents can advocate for their rights in their facility.
January 19, 2021
Consumer Voice joined a lawsuit filed by AARP Foundation and Constantine Cannon LLP alleging that CMS put residents at risk by limiting enforcement penalties.
January 19, 2021
Consumer Voice has published a report, The Devastating Effect of Lockdowns on Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities During COVID-19, based on responses from family members of residents of long-term care facilities.
January 15, 2021
Episode 8 of the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts. Too often, caregivers are ill-equipped to address the needs of persons living with dementia, especially those related to behavioral health. In this episode we are sharing with you a presentation held at the 2020 Consumer Voice Virtual Conference. Listen as we explore strategies, effective treatments, and support for residents and families who often need help understanding their rights and how to get good care.
January 06, 2021
On January 4, 2021, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revised a June 1, 2020 memo to State Survey Agency Directors regarding survey activities and issued a set of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the resumption of survey activities (QSO-20-31-ALL).
December 21, 2020
Visit our new webpage on the COVID-19 vaccination process for what we know so far, what consumers and advocates can do, and additional resources.
December 02, 2020
The immunization advisory panel for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) affirmed that long-term care residents and healthcare workers will be given first access to a COVID-19 vaccine once authorized by the federal government.
December 01, 2020
Consumer Voice, along with several other state and national advocacy organizations, sent a letter urging Leader McConnell and Minority Leader Schumer to pass a COVID-19 relief package that would better protect nursing home residents.
November 24, 2020
As COVID-19 rates are increasing throughout the country, the CDC and CMS have published recommendations for visiting with families and friends. See our fact sheet summarizing these tips.
November 24, 2020
Throughout the challenges of the past nine months, the Consumer Voice has steadfastly advocated for residents, educated and empowered families, and supported the advocacy of ombudsmen and citizen advocates. Help us continue our important work.
November 20, 2020
Episode 7 of the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts. During this discussion with Sonya Barsness, a Masters-prepared Gerontologist, and Lori Smetanka, Consumer Voice Executive Director, they talk about a philosophy that honors the needs, preferences, and goals of elders by emphasizing choice, self-determination, relationships, purposeful living, and other similar values.
November 19, 2020
The Associated Press published an article today detailing the devastating effects short-staffing and facility lockdowns have had on residents of long-term care facilities since the pandemic began.
November 05, 2020
Episode 6 of the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care Podcast is now available on Apple Podcasts. During this discussion with Robyn Grant and Jocelyn Bogdan of Consumer Voice, we talk about about how families can advocate for their loved ones and for all residents, both on the local level and nationwide during the COVID-19 pandemic.
November 03, 2020
While Consumer Voice commends the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for implementing routine and mandatory testing in the proposed Interim Final Rule CMS-3401, we urged CMS to strengthen the rule in order to better protect nursing home residents.
October 22, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Seema Verma published a letter to nursing home residents and their families highlighting that long-term care facilities may not limit residents’ right to vote.
October 22, 2020
Episode 5 of the Pursuing Quality Long-Term Care Podcast is now available on iTunes. During this discussion with Steven Levin and Michael Bonamarte of Levin & Perconti law firm we talk about what you should be looking for and questions you should be asking as you resume in-person visits in a long-term care facility.
October 22, 2020
This resource provides suggestions of what to look for, questions to ask, and what you can do if you have concerns about their condition
October 07, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a memo “affirming the continued right of nursing home residents to exercise their right to vote.”
October 01, 2020
Congratulations to the long-term care consumers whose artwork has been chosen to be featured on a series of postcards.
October 01, 2020
October is Residents’ Rights Month an annual event to honor individuals receiving long-term care.
September 22, 2020
The National Ombudsman Resource Center released trainings for facility administrators, direct care staff, and family members of individuals living in long-term care facilities, as part of the training series, Understanding Trauma and Ensuring Person-Centered Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic.
September 18, 2020
Consumer Voice is very pleased to announce that yesterday, after six months of strict visitation restrictions in nursing homes, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a memo significantly easing those restrictions.
September 17, 2020
Read the statement from Lori Smetanka, Executive Director of the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care on the report released by the Coronavirus Commission.
September 15, 2020
Consumer Voice, along with a coalition of other advocates, released a statement opposing Safe to Work Act provisions.
September 15, 2020
It is now unclear whether Congress will pass any COVID-19 relief legislation, including any provisions related to immunity for nursing homes from liability for COVID-related care.
September 15, 2020
To help family members facing many new issues as they support and care for their loved ones in long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic, Consumer Voice has released new fact sheets on family advocacy and family councils.
September 10, 2020
Two new fact sheets from Consumer Voice and the National Center on Elder Abuse provide self-care tips specifically for residents of long-term care facilities and for family caregivers.
September 08, 2020
Consumer Voice worked collaboratively with advocates and State Long-Term Care Ombudsmen throughout the country on visitation recommendations which were sent to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).
September 01, 2020
On August 25, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services issued an interim final rule that includes new COVID-19 testing requirements for nursing home residents and staff.
September 01, 2020
A new consumer fact sheet and podcast episode are available on pre-dispute arbitration agreements and the dangers they pose to long-term care consumers.
August 24, 2020
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid services released a memo on August 17, 2020 announcing revisions in guidance related to survey activities and enforcement.
August 13, 2020
Get creative for the Postcard Artwork Contest and reflect on this year’s Residents’ Rights Month theme, Connection Matters.
August 03, 2020
Consumer Voice, along with other organizations, sent a letter to Congressional leaders opposing the Safe to Work Act, which would grant immunity to nursing homes.
July 31, 2020
The recently introduced Senate bill - the Safe to Work Act (S 4317) - would remove a nursing home’s liability for all negligent care that harms or results in the death of residents from 2019 until 2024 - including harm totally unrelated to COVID-19. Please act now to urge your members of Congress to strongly oppose this bill.
July 31, 2020
The press conference included information about the negative effects immunity would have on nursing home residents and staff and stories from family members of residents.
July 21, 2020
The Consumer Voice along with other resident advocates oppose immunity for facilities, as it removes necessary protections for residents, and will result in the further harm to residents.
July 13, 2020
Consumer Voice is tracking various policies and practices regarding each state’s response to the COVID-19 crisis in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Find your state’s information.
July 13, 2020
The 2020 Consumer Voice Conference will be an all-virtual event. Stay tuned for more details.
July 10, 2020
The Commission on Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes has announced it is accepting ideas and suggestions from the public until 5pm Friday, July 17.
July 08, 2020
The Residents’ Rights fact sheet is now available in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Greek, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Russian, Spanish, and Tagalog.
June 29, 2020
We urge you to submit comments calling on CMS to mandate that additional data be collected and that nursing homes share with residents, their representatives, and their families the same information they report to the CDC.
June 29, 2020
The visitation ban in long-term care facilities, in place for more than 100 days now, has been an extreme hardship for residents and their families. Share your story during the day of action.
June 25, 2020
As a part of our consumer education campaign, Avoiding Drugs as Chemical Restraints: Changing the Culture of Care, Consumer Voice created expandable information cards: Know Your Drugs & Know Your Rights.
June 25, 2020
Two new checklists - “Keeping Family Together During COVID-19: A Checklist” and “Should I Take My Loved One Home During the COVID-19 Crisis?” - are available from the National Center on Elder Abuse and the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.
June 22, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced the membership of the independent Coronavirus Commission on Safety and Quality in Nursing Homes, including Consumer Voice Executive Director Lori Smetanka.
June 15, 2020
Learn more about our resources for preventing, identifying, and reporting elder abuse, neglect, exploitation, and misappropriation of property.
June 12, 2020
Join Consumer Voice on Thursday, June 18th at 2:00pm ET to gain information and tips on how to advocate individually and through family councils for quality care.
June 11, 2020
Residents’ Rights Month is an annual event designated by the Consumer Voice and is celebrated in October to honor all long-term care consumers. This year’s theme is “Connection Matters.”
June 10, 2020
The Senate Special Committee on Aging is holding a hearing on Thursday, June 11th at 9:30am ET. Consumer Voice Board Member Peter Reed will testify.
June 10, 2020
Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA) and Ron Wyden (D-OR) have sent a letter to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS OIG) to request alerts be sent to providers and the public about the unlawful practice of nursing homes taking Medicaid recipients’ economic impact payments.
June 04, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued three documents pertaining to COVID activities: CMS Memo to State Survey Agency Directors, QSO-20-31-All; CMS Letter to Governors; and Nursing Home COVID-19 Data.
June 04, 2020
Consumer Voice is committed to using our voice to break down all forms of oppression, including inequities in healthcare, and continuing our work of fighting for quality of life and care for long-term care consumers nationwide.
June 03, 2020
CMS released Nursing Home COVID-19 Data, a chart that provides facility-reported information for each State under CMS’s new reporting requirements, along with a memo addressing several issues and a letter to Governors related to COVID-19.
June 03, 2020
Consumer Voice, along with over 250 organizations, sent a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer opposing any plan to grant nursing homes immunity from civil or criminal liability for harm or substandard care a resident may have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 29, 2020
Consumer Voice is tracking various policies and practices regarding each state’s response to the Covid-19 crisis in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. See your state’s policies.
May 26, 2020
Consumer Voice has created a new webpage for COVID-19 Frequently Asked Questions as a resource for individuals receiving long-term care and their family members.
May 19, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has issued a memo - Nursing Home Reopening Recommendations for State and Local Officials.
May 15, 2020
Nominations are now being accepted. You can nominate yourself or encourage others to nominate themselves.
May 13, 2020
Consumer Voice has sent a letter, along with other advocacy organizations, to leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee opposing granting immunity to nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 05, 2020
On Friday, May 1, 2020, CMS issued an interim final rule that includes new requirements for nursing homes to report specific information related to COVID-19 to the CDC as well as to residents, their representatives, and families.
May 04, 2020
On May 1, the Trump Administration announced a series of actions it is taking to address the rampant spread of the coronavirus in nursing homes.
May 01, 2020
Learn more about additional government action announced during President Trump’s April 30th press conference and regulatory changes.
May 01, 2020
This year’s theme is “Make Your Mark.”
April 28, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued new guidance on April 24th regarding updates to Nursing Home Compare, nursing home staff counts, and frequently asked questions.
April 28, 2020
The Consumer Voice has prepared a chart that details what information states are releasing to the public regarding the presence of COVID-19 in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and deaths related to the illness.
April 28, 2020
Consumer Voice has developed a set of recommendations to guide advocates as they work to protect residents of long-term care facilities and prevent the spread of COVID-19.
April 28, 2020
Consumer Voice has released frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 and its impact on residents of long-term care facilities and their families.
April 28, 2020
Forty-five national and state organizations, including Consumer Voice, signed on to a letter that was sent today to the CMS Administrator advocating for better protections for nursing home residents and better support of residents’ ability to make decisions about their health care and place of residence.
April 27, 2020
Materials are available from Part II of the joint webinar from Consumer Voice, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Long Term Care Community Coalition & Justice in Aging.
April 21, 2020
CMS issued its latest guidance to nursing homes, April 19 that nursing homes will be required to report to CDC suspected or confirmed cases of COVID-19 in residents or staff.
April 20, 2020
Materials are available from Part I of the joint webinar from Consumer Voice, Center for Medicare Advocacy, Long Term Care Community Coalition & Justice in Aging.
April 17, 2020
Tell the White House, Congress, State Legislators, Governors, and CMS that the 2.4 million people in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities should not be forgotten.
April 15, 2020
A group of House Democrats sent a letter to Health and Human Services and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services urging them to track and publicly report COVID-19 in nursing homes.
April 14, 2020
On April 13, 2020, CMS issued supplemental information for transferring and discharging residents between facilities based on their COVID-19 status.
April 14, 2020
Representative Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Representative Peter King (R-NY) have introduced the bipartisan Advancing Connectivity during the Coronavirus to Ensure Support for Seniors (ACCESS) Act.
April 14, 2020
A federal court in Arkansas ruled that long-term care facilities must comply with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ revised final rule regarding pre-dispute arbitration agreements.
April 14, 2020
Applications are open for Graduate/Law Student Public Policy Interns.
April 07, 2020
Several members of Congress submitted a request to the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General to perform an examination of the use of psychotropic and antipsychotic drugs in nursing facilities.
April 06, 2020
Updates include: CMS waives a number of nursing home regulations; new guidance from CMS and CDC; and Senators request release of list of nursing homes with COVID-19