Ex-CMS Chief Discusses Improving Nursing Home Image & Staffing

Former CMS Administrator Calls for Advocacy in the Nursing Home Sector

Seema Verma, the former administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and now a senior vice president at Oracle Corporation, is urging sector leaders to engage with lawmakers directly to address misinformed narratives concerning nursing homes.

With her vast experience in healthcare policy and management, Verma emphasizes the importance of continual education for lawmakers, tackling the negative image associated with nursing homes, and reinforcing the sector’s role in the evolving healthcare landscape.

“I get concerned when I hear about some of the rhetoric in Washington around the nursing home industry,” she said. “We need to have a viable system, and the process of educating policymakers is not a one-and-done situation. It’s a continual process.”

The Role of Nursing Homes in the Healthcare Agenda

Verma insists nursing homes remain indispensable for specific patient populations, particularly the elderly, despite growing emphasis on home care. She stated that while home care can meet the needs of many patients, it may not adequately cater to those requiring high-acuity care, such as event monitoring, dialysis, and oncology treatments. Thus, a balanced approach in advocating for alternative care options is essential.

Combatting the Negative Image of Nursing Homes

Verma urged providers to counteract negative narratives by sharing success stories and addressing fundamental issues such as low profit margins and dependence on Medicaid funding. She believes that fostering a positive perception of the industry is key to improving the quality of care.

The Impact of Staffing Standards

During the webinar, Verma also addressed the impact of staffing standards, one of the most significant concerns in the industry. She recommended that providers actively engage in the policymaking process by providing specific, well-reasoned recommendations for rule adjustments.

Verma highlighted the need for a more data-driven approach in evaluating nursing homes, considering critical factors such as hospital admissions and quality indicators. She also addressed disparities in Medicaid reimbursement, emphasizing the need for action at both state and federal levels.

Moreover, Verma discussed the transformative potential of value-based care and alternative payment models in healthcare, urging nursing homes to focus on improving care quality and patient outcomes. She concluded by advocating for the pivotal role of nursing homes in value-based care, especially in preventing hospital admissions.