The healthcare profession is one that is highly familiar with the cycles of change, regulation, and lobbying for those we serve. Right now, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is collecting input on a proposed rule that would change the way that long-term care facilities receive payment.
While Mission Health is well-versed in adapting to governmental impact on our operations, we are also committed to lobbying for what is fair and equitable. Like our peers in the long-term care profession, we are constantly balancing staffing needs with our commitment to providing industry-leading care to our residents. The Mission Experience is more than the fundamentals of care; it’s about ensuring our employees are also supported and engaged so that they can go above and beyond for each other and the residents.
Tim Keck, VP of Network Development and Government Relations, says, “As part of our Mission values, it is important for us to advocate for the necessary resources to continue to enhance the lives of those we serve. We can do this by letting CMS know how their proposed PDPM cuts and staffing mandates will impact our ability to enhance those lives.”
When we consider new rules coming down the pipeline, we always ask ourselves how those rules will impact the services we’ve promised to our employees and our residents. Right now, we are working with employees at our locations across the country to encourage them to provide CMS with their honest input regarding the new proposed rule, which includes an immediate payment reduction and new minimum staffing level requirements, during a time when hirable staff in the healthcare profession has significantly declined.
We can be an important part of the conversation and help guide reasonable adjustments that enable the skilled nursing profession to continue delivering the essential services that our seniors and individuals with disabilities need. Tina Thomas, Senior Vice President of Operations, says, “As we celebrate National Nurses Week and National Skilled Nursing Care Week, we have a fantastic opportunity to make our voices heard. By telling our stories and how we live our Mission CARE values to provide the best experience for our resident every day, we show the dedication and passion we have. By letting CMS know how their proposed rate cuts and staffing mandates would devastate our profession, we have the ability to impact not only local business, but also every national provider with one strong message.”
Our employees will be working together to send their stories and their input to CMS over the coming week, because we believe that to provide the best care, we need policies that work on the ground, in the buildings, and for those we serve. We hope that others in the skilled nursing profession will join us, and we remain committed to delivering the Mission Experience to our residents so that they can live their best lives.
