Guest Blog: Holiday Jeers
The following is a guest blog from Anthony Cirillo:
Is it me or are things just a little crazy out there?
In no particular order, here is some of the recent industry news that in no way is meant to cheer you but might elicit some jeers along the way and perhaps some critical thinking, too.
New Jersey's state Legislature recently passed a measure that would set up escrow accounts to protect assisted living residents in the event of a facility shutdown. It would support residents who are at risk of getting kicked out of their facilities once they become eligible for Medicaid. It passed the NJ Assembly with flying colors and will be considered by the House in coming weeks.
What's happening in your state? Would you be prepared for such legislation?
Moving on....
Officials in several states have publicly pitched the idea of dropping out of the Medicaid program. And in another twist, Sens. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Scott Brown (R-MA) Empowering States to Innovate legislation would allow states to devise their own healthcare overhauls. If states can find ways to cover as many of their people as the federal plan, without adding to the deficit, they would receive the same amount they are promised by the current Act.
At the very least become educated. Find out what is going on. You still have a business to run under the present circumstances. Don't forsake that by getting caught up in the rhetoric. Stay focused. Stay informed.
You can tell people are getting anxious when...
WakeMed Health & Hospitals in North Carolina filed an open records requests with UNC Health Care seeking audited financial statements of UNC Health Care, Rex Healthcare, Rex Physicians and Triangle Physicians Network. WakeMed contends that UNC Health Care is inappropriately using state funds to siphon business from WakeMed. Clark Havighurst, a professor emeritus of healthcare and antitrust law with Duke University, told the Herald-Sun that he sees WakeMed's moves as merely playing politics because of its uneasiness in facing new competition in Wake County.
There is so much confusion in healthcare that people have no idea how to move in the face of reform. If you want to stifle the competition, perform. Instead WakeMed causes a nice distraction benefitting no one, while wasting healthcare dollars. And it's based on frustration, ego and power. How are you reacting in the face of competition, M&A and other market forces?
Then this...
As reported in PlainsDaily.com a Fargo, N.D. judge agreed to drop charges against a doctor accused of "maliciously" slamming a door at the Fargo VA Medical Center. Dr. David Carlson was charged with federal violations of willful destruction of government property and disorderly conduct. VA police said Carlson damaged walls by slamming the door and said his "continued actions of aggression" upset several staff members. You can only imagine the back-story. Slamming a door for goodness sake.
I continue to be amazed at the pettiness I encounter when I work in healthcare facilities -- power struggles, politics and insecurity. At a time when accountable care calls for partnering, the industry seems to be splintering. In the season of giving and gratitude, perhaps we can all reflect on the notion of civility and cooperation in the face of tremendous challenges.
I hope you take the time to renew your spirits and energy and tackle the New Year with fresh solutions free of the bull that has been flung this year. Happy Holidays!
Anthony Cirillo, FACHE, ABC is the about.com expert in assisted living. A speaker, health care consultant, senior advocate and blogger, he consults with long-term care facilities and is available for management retreats and association keynotes. He is the author of "Who Moved My Dentures?" For more information, go to www.4wardfast.com and www.anthonycirillo.com.