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. These actions include distribution of 14 days’ worth of PPE to each nursing home, money…

Forty-five national and state organizations signed on to a letter that was sent today to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator. The letter advocates for better protections for nursing home residents and better support of residents’ ability…

On April 15, 2020, Governor Whitmer signed Executive Order 2020-50 to provide for enhanced protections for residents and staff of long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic.  This Executive Order recognizes that the COVID-19 pandemic poses a particularly dire threat…

As we all are distancing ourselves, staying connected to each other can become more challenging. Below are creative ideas and practices for staying connected during this time of isolation. Send hand-written letters and cards. Use technology, such as video conferencing…

On March 27, 2020, the President signed into law the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act. The Act, which provides $2.2 trillion in total, directs $955 million to Administration for Community Living (ACL) programs. These funds will go…

The Trump administration issued an unprecedented array of temporary regulatory waivers for skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) as part of its efforts to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Among the “Flexibilities” effective immediately: Non-SNF buildings may be temporarily certified as a…

Consumer Voice has released a new publication, COVID-19 and Nursing Homes: What Residents and Families Need to Know. This consumer fact sheet is designed to inform both residents and their families about steps the federal government has taken to reduce…