As a result of a severe cash-flow shortage, the state of California will delay payments to long-term care facilities and many other Medi-Cal providers during March. Officials at the Department of Health Care Services acknowledged that the payment interruption will be difficult for health-care providers already buffeted by budget cuts but asserted that, as the state’s second largest general-fund expenditure, Medi-Cal must be part of the state’s budget solution. California Department of Health Care Services

CAHF member Life Care Centers of America has reduced rehospitalization of its nursing-facility residents by keeping full-time physicians on staff – a key achievement as the medical community strives to prevent patients from experiencing relapses. Provider

A new independent report by the SCAN Foundation highlights improvements in the delivery of long-term care in skilled-nursing facilities in California, with the state doing better than the national average in staffing, turnover and rates of deficiencies.  LTC Fundamental Series

Two new studies involving mice have found that Alzheimer’s disease seems to spread like an infection from brain cell to brain cell – not as a result of viruses or bacteria but by a distorted protein known as tau. The New York Times

CAHF member LightBridge Hospice & Palliative Care has received national recognition for improving the care and support of military veterans. “As veterans age, they face a distinct set of needs and challenges, including medical issues related to where they served, memories that might trigger anxiety and stoicism that makes asking for help difficult,” said Jill Mendlen, LightBridge founder and president. PRLog

To date, 397 3.2 NHPPD surveys have been completed at various facilities throughout the state. CAHF would appreciate your feedback on a survey about your 3.2-audit experience.  This information will be aggregated and shared with the Department of Public Health during ongoing discussion on this important topic. Please also contact Mary Jann at CAHF, (916) 441-6400, ext. 227, mjann@cahf.org. Visit the CAHF 3.2 NHPPD website as well for further updates.