Nursing homes are largely funded through taxpayer dollars, including through the federal Medicare and state Medicaid programs. States, however, have the primary responsibility for oversight of nursing homes to ensure that these facilities are meeting state and federal requirements for transparency, quality, staffing, and reporting. Recently, the federal government has been working to improve transparency and accountability in nursing homes, including by increasing Medicare reimbursement rates, updating staffing data, and revising ownership reporting requirements. While states are beginning to respond to federal changes through state policies and programs aimed at improving nursing home care, there is limited support available to help states plan, develop, and implement these efforts.
In response, the Center for Health Care Strategies (CHCS) is launching the State Nursing Home Innovation & Transparency Learning Collaborative. This 12-month program, made possible with support from Arnold Ventures, will provide up to five state teams with technical support to implement innovative strategies that improve nursing home transparency and accountability. Teams will also take part in a Nursing Home State Network where they will engage in peer learning opportunities with other states participating in the learning collaborative.
Participating state teams will identify a state project or policy to advance and develop an action plan to promote their goals. State teams will have access to:
- One-on-one technical assistance from CHCS staff and other experts through technical assistance calls and ad hoc supports (e.g., research, policy analysis, model legislative/regulatory language);
- A Nursing Home State Network for peer-to-peer learning, including group virtual sessions, subject matter expert presentations, and state peer discussions;
- An online collaboration site with curated resources, literature, and example policies, programs, and strategies from peer states.
Request for Applications
CHCS recently sought applications from any state, commonwealth, or territory developing, implementing, or refining policies or projects that promote nursing home transparency or accountability improvements. Selected teams will be notified on April 17, 2024.
IMPORTANT DATES
- February 20, 2024 – Request for applications released.
- March 29, 2024 – Applications were due by 5:00 pm ET.
- April 17, 2024 – Selection notification.
- May 1, 2024 – Learning collaborative launch.
