Chief Government Affairs Officer Announced

by Rowan Report | Jan 23, 2025 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: Elyssa Katz
571-281-0220

Thomas Threlkeld
202-547-7424
communications@allianceforcareathome.org

The National Alliance for Care at Home Welcomes Scott Levy as Chief Government Affairs Officer 

WASHINGTON, D.C., JAN 21, 2025. The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is excited to announce Scott Levy as its inaugural Chief Government Affairs Officer starting on January 27. With over 20 years of distinguished experience in government relations, public policy, advocacy, and law, Scott is poised to lead the Alliance’s efforts to drive impactful legislative and regulatory changes that expand access to quality care at home for America’s growing population of elderly and seriously ill.

“Scott Levy is an extraordinary addition to our leadership team. He brings a deep understanding of healthcare policy, politics, and a great sensitivity to the intersection of public policy and healthcare operations and how policy impacts patients and families. His track record of success, combined with his dedication to improving care at home, makes him an invaluable addition to our team.” 

Dr. Steve Landers

CEO, The Alliance

Background and Experience

Scott’s career is marked by notable achievements and experiences in both the public and private sectors. He most recently served as Chief Government Affairs Officer at Amedisys, one of the nation’s largest at-home healthcare providers, where he led initiatives that secured critical legislative and regulatory reforms, including payment model adjustments and the expansion of value-based care. His public service includes roles with all branches of government at both the state and federal level, where he gained invaluable experience in high-level government operations and policymaking.

Scott Levy Chief Government Affairs Officer

His skill set as a lawyer, where he has advocated for clients in regulatory settings and in the courtroom, combined with his political experience and decade of service to one of the largest providers in our industry make Scott uniquely qualified for this role at this time.

Education

A graduate of Louisiana State University, Scott earned both a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Communication before completing his Juris Doctor at the LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center. His legal and policy expertise, as well as his strategic leadership, has made him a trusted advisor to CEOs, boards, and industry leaders across the healthcare landscape. 

Chief Government Affairs Officer Role

At the Alliance, Scott will lead a talented team of advocacy professionals and work closely with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and grassroots networks to address challenges such as provider reimbursement, regulatory hurdles, improving quality and program integrity, and advancing innovative care models. His leadership will strengthen the Alliance’s ability to represent and empower its members while ensuring better access to home-based care for patients and their loved ones nationwide. 

In His Own Words

“I am honored and humbled to join the inaugural executive leadership of the Alliance.  This opportunity allows me to leverage and maximize my nearly ten years of experience in advocating for home health and hospice on the state and national level. I am eager to get started in strategically positioning the industry and aggressively pursuing public policy that ensures all Americans can access quality care in the home. I look forward to working with and leading a unified care at home community as we make our positions known and voices heard in Washington.” 

Scott Levy

Chief Government Affairs Officer, The National Alliance for Care at Home

We are honored to welcome Scott Levy to the Alliance and look forward to the transformative impact of his leadership! 

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About the National Alliance for Care at Home

The National Alliance for Care at Home (the Alliance) is a new national organization representing providers of home care, home health, hospice, palliative care, and other health care services mainly delivered in the home. The Alliance brings together two organizations with nearly 90 years of combined experience: NAHC and NHPCO. NAHC and NHPCO have combined operations to better serve members and lead into the future of care offered in the home. Learn more at www.AllianceForCareAtHome.org.  

Right at Home and PocketRN Partner for Dementia

by Rowan Report | Jan 16, 2025 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: William Leiner
COO
will.leiner@pocketrn.com

Right at Home and PocketRN Enter Strategic Partnership to Provide New Medicare Care Model for Seniors with Dementia

Right at Home and PocketRN today announced a strategic partnership to provide support to Medicare dementia beneficiaries.

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, January 15, 2025. Right at Home, a nationwide provider of in-home care, and PocketRN, a leading provider of virtual nursing care, today announced a strategic partnership to provide support to certain Medicare beneficiaries with dementia.

CMS Selects PocketRN

PocketRN was recently selected as a participant in the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As a GUIDE participant, PocketRN’s innovative “virtual nurse for life” approach will allow dementia patients and family caregivers to be specialty matched to nurses, who will become trusted companions that establish a long-term relationship with patients and families. PocketRN nurses also encourage openness to better understand individualized challenges; serve as continuous sources of education, coaching, monitoring, and emotional support; and are available as a 24/7 lifeline. Under the GUIDE Model, PocketRN will be available at no cost to eligible beneficiaries, with $0 copays.

PocketRN Right at Home Right at Home will provide in-home care and safety assessments for eligible beneficiaries to evaluate the safety of the home environment, to assess the ability of the beneficiary to manage and function at home, and to report to PocketRN other environmental, social, and behavioral factors that might impact the function and needs of the beneficiary and their caregiver. PocketRN and Right at Home will use these valuable reports to bring other resources included in the GUIDE benefit package to better support the beneficiary and allow them to stay in their home longer.

The GUIDE Model also provides respite services for certain people, enabling caregivers to take temporary breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. As part of its strategic partnership with PocketRN, Right at Home agencies will be providers of this key respite care service.

The anticipated outcomes of the GUIDE Model include increased caregiver empowerment and a reduction in Medicare and Medicaid expenditures–primarily achieved by preventing or delaying long-term nursing home stays. Additionally, the program aims to bring about a secondary reduction in hospital, emergency department, and post-acute care utilization. These outcomes closely align with the work that PocketRN is already doing and its mission to close the gap between home and healthcare.

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring our revolutionary nurse-led care model to the millions of dementia patients and families who need it most. With PocketRN, patients and families get unwavering support from a ‘virtual nurse for life’ as they navigate the complexities of managing dementia at NO cost to them. Nurses are hands-down the best clinicians to be the ‘glue’ to dementia patients and families throughout their journey–they’ve been doing so forever, and it’s high-time their work is valued by our system.”

Jenna Morgenstern-Gaines

CEO, PocketRN

“For over 25 years, Right at Home has empowered seniors to continue to live with independence and dignity while managing the effects of aging. This brand-new payment model will enable more seniors to experience the benefit of Right at Home services and support family members caring for seniors with dementia.”

Brady Schwab

Chief Growth Officer, Right at Home

GUIDE Model Participation

PocketRN will utilize its national network of expert nurses to dramatically expand access for dementia patients and families who otherwise may go without care. Its participation in the GUIDE Model will span eight years, with a one-year pre-implementation period for program development, community engagement, and infrastructure scaling before rolling out with a cohort of initial partners. Providers who are interested in partnering with PocketRN so their patients and families can get high-quality, personalized dementia care at no cost can contact nancy.gillette@pocketrn.com.

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About Right at Home

Founded in 1995, Right at Home offers in-home care to seniors and adults with disabilities who want to live independently. Most Right at Home offices are independently owned and operated and directly employ and supervise all caregiving staff. Each caregiver is thoroughly screened, trained, and bonded/insured before entering a client’s home. Right at Home’s global office is based in Omaha, Nebraska, with more than 700 franchise locations in the U.S. and five other countries. For more information about Right at Home, visit rightathome.net.

About PocketRN

PocketRN gives patients, families, and caregivers a “virtual nurse for life.” Its mission is to close the gap between home and healthcare by: enabling nurses to care proactively and continuously at the top of their license, enabling caregivers with peace of mind and the confidence to support others, and enabling patients to access whole-person, trusted, empathetic care when and where they want it. PocketRN is the glue that holds together fragmented experiences in care so that partners, clinicians, patients, and families get back more of what they need: quality time. For more information, visit www.pocketrn.com.

This press release was originally submitted to and appeared on EIN Presswire and is reprinted with permission.

PocketRN and Nevvon

by Rowan Report | Jan 16, 2025 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contacts: William Leiner
COO
will.leiner@pocketrn.com

James Cohen
CEO and Co-founder
james@nevvon.com

PocketRN & Nevvon Announce National Strategic Partnership to Transform Dementia Care through CMS’ Innovative GUIDE Model

Aims to Improve Care Coordination, Empower Caregivers, and Enhance Patient Outcomes

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, January 13, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ — Today, PocketRN, a leader in virtual nursing, and Nevvon, a global innovator in home and health care training technology, announced a National Strategic Partnership to pilot the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model. This groundbreaking alternative payment model is designed to support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers.

Under this partnership, PocketRN and Nevvon will integrate their scalable virtual nursing and caregiver training solutions into Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) being tested nationwide. PocketRN is one of approximately 400 participants in the GUIDE Model, and this partnership with Nevvon will address systemic barriers such as limited access to high-quality training, caregiver burnout, and operational inefficiencies.

The CMS GUIDE Model, launched on July 1, 2024, introduces a new payment framework to ensure that individuals living with dementia receive holistic, person-centered care. It tackles caregiver burnout by offering respite care services to allow caregivers necessary breaks to maintain their health and well-being. The program also improves access to care by providing 24/7 availability of trained professionals through telehealth services, overcoming geographic barriers and ensuring equitable support. Additionally, it addresses training deficits with Nevvon’s multilingual, on-demand e-training modules, which empower caregivers with the skills and knowledge to navigate the complexities of dementia care. PocketRN’s “virtual nurse for life” model bridges fragmented services by connecting caregivers, patients, and clinicians, creating a seamless, coordinated care experience.

24/7 Nursing

PocketRN enables caregivers and patients to access 24/7 virtual nursing support and regular nurse check-ins, delivering preventative care and reducing reliance on unnecessary emergency services through real-time assistance. Nevvon enhances caregiver education through a user-friendly app that offers short, practical learning modules tailored to every stage of dementia care. With training available in 11 languages, Nevvon ensures inclusivity and meets state-specific regulatory requirements, allowing agencies to focus on caregiving rather than administrative tasks.

“The GUIDE model is a powerful step forward in bridging the gap between homecare and healthcare. Our partnership with Nevvon strengthens our ability to deliver equitable, innovative, and scalable solutions that meet the needs of caregivers and families across the country. Together, we are ensuring that no one—caregiver or patient—is left behind in this new era of dementia care.”

WIlliam Leiner

COO, PocketRN

“The CMS GUIDE model offers an unprecedented opportunity to reimagine dementia care by focusing on the needs of caregivers and patients alike,” said James Cohen, CEO of Nevvon. “By combining our innovative e-training platform with PocketRN’s virtual nursing solutions, we are equipping caregivers with the tools, confidence, and flexibility they need to provide compassionate, patient-centered care. Together, we’re not only transforming how dementia care is delivered but also ensuring that agencies, caregivers, and families have the support they need to thrive in this new care paradigm.”

This partnership supports the GUIDE Model’s broader goals, as highlighted in the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers and the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease. For more information on the CMS GUIDE Model, visit: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide.

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About Nevvon

Nevvon is a global innovative home and health care training technology company that certifies caregivers for the mandatory annual education they earn online. Our simple, intuitive app lets caregivers learn at their own pace, simplifying regulatory compliance while empowering agencies to deliver exceptional care. Learn more at https://www.nevvon.com/guide/.

About PocketRN

PocketRN gives patients, families, and caregivers a “virtual nurse for life,” closing the gap between homecare and healthcare. PocketRN empowers caregivers with peace of mind, patients with trusted care, and clinicians with tools to deliver proactive, whole-person support. Visit www.pocketrn.com to learn more or engage with PocketRN on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.

This press release was submitted to and originally appeared on EIN Presswire and is reprinted here with permission.

Direct From the Front Lines

by Rowan Report | Jan 16, 2025 | Breaking News, Editorial

by Andrew Pagsisihan, COO, AllCare Provider

L.A. Brief From a Home Health Provider

Direct from the front lines, a California agency owner talks about the experiences and challenges of providing care at home during the devastating California Wildfires.

Healthcare Amid the Flames: How LA's Home Care Agencies Navigate the 2025 Wildfire Crisis

As unprecedented wildfires ravage Los Angeles County in early 2025, healthcare providers face extraordinary challenges in maintaining continuity of care. The combination of low precipitation, parched vegetation, and extreme winds has created the deadliest fire season in California’s history, forcing healthcare facilities to monitor, evacuate, close, or, in some cases, face complete destruction.

While traditional healthcare facilities grapple with mass relocations, home care agencies confront unique challenges due to their care distribution model. Agencies, operating at the intersection of healthcare delivery and disaster response, must maintain accountability for patient care scatter throughout the county while navigating complex evacuation scenarios and communication challenges.

Direct From the Front Lines: Crisis Response in Action

When the fires began, home care agencies immediately activated their disaster response protocols. The first crucial step involved is mapping affected areas and identifying impacted patients and staff members – including consideration of employees’ families, whose situations directly affect the agency’s ability to maintain operations. Internal roles shifted swiftly as the emergency continued to escalate.

Patient status became categorized into four critical groups: Safe, Warn, Shelter-in-Place, or Evacuated as well as triage for importance. For those choosing to shelter in place within evacuation zones, agencies coordinated with physicians, health plans, and local government authorities to ensure proper oversight. Evacuated patients required careful care plan adjustments and staff reallocation, while some chose to temporarily discontinue services altogether.

Communication Challenges and Solutions

The inability to contact certain patients emerged as a significant concern, prompting ongoing outreach efforts and coordination with primary care physicians and health plans to disclose status of their patients. Regional emergency communication systems like REDDINet and Everbridge (provided by Los Angeles county) proved invaluable in managing healthcare service partnerships across the affected population, enabling rapid risk reduction and aid delivery in need.

Bridging the Gap

A crucial role emerged from the “last mile” healthcare workers, who became essential conduits of information about available aid resources to our communities. Many patients, particularly older adults, struggle with and outreach programs especially with disaster aid. Home care agencies have taken on the additional responsibility of enabling patients and their caregivers to access assistance independently as assistant aid becomes available. Especially with scammers praying on these populations.

Federal Response and Specialized Support

As multiple intense fires stretched county and state resources thin, Los Angeles County secured direct FEMA funding and partnership assistance. In a notable development, home care agencies successfully advocated for specialized accommodation at FEMA Disaster Assistance sites, allowing dedicated time slots for home care patients to meet with federal agents – a critical arrangement that acknowledges the unique needs of this vulnerable population.

The ongoing crisis highlights both the resilience of home healthcare systems and the need for specialized disaster response protocols for distributed care models. As climate change threatens to make such events more common, the lessons learned from the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires will likely shape future disaster preparedness strategies for home healthcare providers nationwide.

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Andrew Pagsisihan Direct from the Front Lines

Andrew never imagined that a personal experience with home healthcare would transform his engineering career into a heartfelt mission. Today, as Chief Operating Officer of AllCare Provider, he channels his passion for helping others into revolutionizing home health and hospice care. His eyes light up when discussing better outcomes for patients and families – it’s clear this isn’t just a job for him, but a calling.

Drawing from 25 years in healthcare management, Andrew combines technical expertise with deeply empathetic leadership. His colleagues often remark on his ability to remember not just patients’ names, but their stories, families, and dreams. At AllCare Provider, he’s fostered a culture where every team member feels valued and every patient is treated like family.

©2025 by The Rowan Report, Peoria, AZ. All rights reserved. This article originally appeared in The Rowan Report. One copy may be printed for personal use: further reproduction by permission only. editor@therowanreport.com

Exclusive Inside Scoop: PocketRN and Assisting Hands

by Rowan Report | Jan 16, 2025 | Breaking News, Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: William Leiner
COO
will.leiner@pocketrn.com

PocketRN and Assisting Hands® Home Care Announce a National Strategic Partnership to Test Medicare Dementia Care Model

Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, a CMMI Program, Aims to Increase Care Coordination, Support for Caregivers

WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, January 16, 2025. Today, PocketRN, a leader in virtual nursing, and Assisting Hands, a leading home care company, announced they will form a National Strategic Partnership to test the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) alternative payment model designed to support people living with dementia and their caregivers. Under CMS’ Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) Model, PocketRN will be one of almost 400 participants building Dementia Care Programs (DCPs) across the country, working to increase care coordination and improve access to services and supports, including respite care, for people living with dementia and their caregivers.

Partnership Foundation

Assisting Hands’ partnership with PocketRN is rooted in the fact that a significant portion of their client base has a dementia diagnosis. Their franchised locations nationwide provide daily care and respite care for caregivers in the homes of people living with dementia, making this alliance a strategic and logical decision.

PocketRN Assisting Hands Launched on July 1, 2024, the GUIDE Model will test a new payment approach for key supportive services furnished to people living with dementia, including: comprehensive, person-centered assessments and care plans; care coordination; 24/7 access to an interdisciplinary care team member or help line; and certain respite services to support caregivers. People with dementia and their caregivers will have the assistance and support of a Care Navigator to help them access clinical and non-clinical services such as meals and transportation through community-based organizations.

PocketRN CEO

“We couldn’t be more thrilled to bring our revolutionary nurse-led care model to the millions of dementia patients and families who need it most,” said PocketRN CEO, Jenna Morgenstern-Gaines. “With PocketRN, patients and families get unwavering support from a ‘virtual nurse for life’ as they navigate the complexities of managing dementia at NO cost to them. Nurses are hands-down the best clinicians to be the ‘glue’ for patients and their families throughout their dementia journey–they’ve been doing so forever, and it’s high-time their work is valued by our system.”

“Assisting Hands is proud to announce our partnership with PocketRN. This collaboration reinforces our dedication to providing exceptional home care and respite services for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Together, we aim to enhance caregiver support and improve quality of life by offering comprehensive home care solutions and respite care, allowing caregivers to manage their responsibilities more effectively while ensuring their loved ones receive the best care possible.”

Deanna Keppel

Vice President of Operations, Assisting Hands

PocketRN Participation

PocketRN’s participation in the GUIDE Model will help people living with dementia and their caregivers have access to education and support, such as training programs on best practices for caring for a loved one living with dementia. The GUIDE Model also provides respite services for certain people, enabling caregivers to take temporary breaks from their caregiving responsibilities. Respite is being tested under the GUIDE Model to assess its effect on helping caregivers continue to care for their loved ones at home, preventing or delaying the need for facility care.

This model delivers on a promise in the Biden Administration’s Executive Order on Increasing Access to High-Quality Care and Supporting Caregivers and aligns with the National Plan to Address Alzheimer’s Disease. For more information on CMS’ GUIDE Model, please visit: https://www.cms.gov/priorities/innovation/innovation-models/guide.

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About Assisting Hands® Home Care

Assisting Hands is a leading provider of in-home care services for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and those recovering from illness or injury. With over a decade of experience, Assisting Hands provides high-quality care in the comfort of the home, offering a range of services including personal care, companion care, and respite care. The company’s franchise system has grown rapidly, with locations across the United States.

About PocketRN

This press release will appear on EIN Presswire and was submitted to The Rowan Report as an exlusive advanced release, printed with permission.

Proposal to Update HIPAA Security Rule

by Rowan Report | Jan 9, 2025 | CMS, Partner News, Regulatory

HHS OCR Proposes Updates to the HIPAA Security Rule to Respond to Emerging Threats

by Paul F. Schmeltzer and John F. Howard, Clark Hill PLC

HHS Proposal

On Dec. 27, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued proposed updates to the HIPAA Security Rule to address evolving cybersecurity threats in healthcare. Introduced through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) by the Office for Civil Rights (OCR), the substantial updates aim to enhance the protection of electronic protected health information (ePHI) while aligning the two-decade-old regulations with current technological advancements. These changes are especially crucial in a healthcare environment increasingly reliant on electronic health records (EHRs), online patient portals, telehealth platforms, and interconnected medical devices.

Since its adoption in 2003, the HIPAA Security Rule has served as the foundation for safeguarding ePHI. However, the healthcare landscape has changed dramatically with the rise of cyber threats like ransomware, phishing attacks, and hacking incidents that result in data breaches. OCR’s investigations into HIPAA compliance across the healthcare industry have also revealed significant inconsistencies, underscoring the need for updated regulations that provide clarity and enforceability.

Revisiting “Addressable” vs. “Required” Specifications

Among the most significant aspects of the proposed changes in the NPRM is the reconsideration of the distinction between “required” and “addressable” implementation specifications, a hallmark of the original Security Rule that has often caused confusion. Required specifications must be implemented as outlined, with no exceptions. Addressable specifications, on the other hand, give entities the flexibility to evaluate their feasibility and adopt alternative measures if implementing the original specification is deemed unreasonable or inappropriate. This flexibility has often been relied on by mid and small-sized HIPAA-covered entities in their compliance efforts.

The NPRM proposes eliminating the concept of “addressable” implementation specifications and making all implementation specifications required, with limited exceptions. This includes reclassifying encryption of ePHI at rest and in transit as a required specification, reflecting its essential role in mitigating cyber risks and its widespread availability. Previously, entities could justify not using encryption if they documented their rationale and implemented alternative measures. The proposed change eliminates this flexibility, simplifying compliance expectations and reinforcing encryption as a baseline safeguard for ePHI. This same change would follow for other specifications under the rule, highlighting OCR’s desire to strengthen and simplify the Security Rule.

Strengthened Administrative Safeguards

The NPRM introduces several enhancements to administrative safeguards to address modern security risks. Comprehensive risk analysis remains a cornerstone of HIPAA compliance, but the proposed updates add specificity to these requirements. Entities will be required to maintain a detailed inventory of all technology assets that interact with ePHI and map how ePHI flows within their systems. This mapping ensures visibility into where sensitive data resides and how it is accessed, helping organizations proactively identify and address vulnerabilities. The inventory and map would then be required to be reviewed every 12 months as part of an entity’s risk assessment and risk management processes.

Incident response planning is also emphasized. Entities must develop robust written plans that include protocols for detecting, containing, and recovering from cyberattacks or breaches. These plans should be regularly updated to align with emerging threats and best practices. Workforce training requirements are also expanded under the NPRM, with a focus on providing comprehensive and role-specific education. These programs must address unique vulnerabilities tied to specific job functions and be updated regularly to combat threats like phishing and social engineering.

Strengthened Physical and Technical Safeguards

Physical and technical safeguards also receive significant attention in the NPRM. To secure ePHI, physical access to facilities and devices must be tightly controlled through advanced measures such as biometric authentication, badge systems, and video surveillance. These controls aim to protect ePHI from unauthorized access, theft, or tampering.

The NPRM proposes a definition of the term “multi-factor authentication” (MFA) that entities would be required to apply when implementing the proposed rule’s specific requirements for authenticating users’ identities through verification of at least two of three categories of factors of information about the user, such as passwords combined with biometrics, to secure access to systems containing ePHI. Additionally, the NPRM encourages using advanced threat detection tools like intrusion detection systems, AI-powered anomaly detection, and real-time breach alerts to proactively address security risks.

Addressing Challenges for Small and Rural Providers

HHS recognizes the unique challenges faced by smaller healthcare providers, particularly those in rural and tribal areas, where resources for implementing complex security measures are often limited. The NPRM seeks to provide scalability, allowing entities to implement solutions proportional to their size and complexity. Tailored guidance and tools are expected to support these providers, and regional collaborations are encouraged to pool resources and expertise for improved cybersecurity.

Implications for Stakeholders

For healthcare providers and business associates, the proposed updates necessitate significant investment in technology, training, and compliance infrastructure. Allocating budgets for tools like encryption and MFA, revising and drafting policies and procedures, and updating vendor contracts to ensure alignment with new standards are critical steps. Failure to comply with these updated requirements could lead to stricter enforcement actions and penalties. Fortunately, the proposed changes also remove some of the guesswork needed to comply with the Security Rule. Making areas where investment is needed easier to identify.

Patients stand to benefit significantly from the proposed changes, as stronger protections for sensitive health information can help rebuild trust in healthcare systems. By reducing the frequency and severity of breaches, the NPRM supports greater patient engagement and the adoption of digital health technologies. Regulators, equipped with clearer enforcement guidelines, will be better positioned to ensure compliance and address violations effectively.

Alignment with Broader Cybersecurity Efforts

The proposed updates align with national and international cybersecurity frameworks, including the NIST Cybersecurity Framework and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). These alignments position the U.S. healthcare sector as a global leader in data security while promoting best practices like continuous monitoring, risk management, and strong encryption.

Implementation Timeline and Next Steps

The NPRM is to be published in the Federal Register on Jan. 6, 2025, after which a 60-day public comment period will follow. The final rule will take effect 60 days post-publication. Entities will have 180 days to achieve compliance, with additional time provided to update business associate agreements. The NPRM encourages stakeholders to provide feedback on the practicality and cost-effectiveness of the proposed changes during the comment period.

Conclusion: A Necessary Evolution in Cybersecurity

The proposed updates to the HIPAA Security Rule represent a critical step forward in securing ePHI against today’s sophisticated cyber threats. By reclassifying key specifications, enhancing safeguards, and providing greater clarity for compliance, the NPRM builds a robust framework for protecting both patients and providers. While these changes may pose challenges for some organizations, they are an essential evolution in safeguarding sensitive data in an increasingly digital world. As healthcare continues its digital transformation, these updates underscore the importance of cybersecurity as a cornerstone of quality care and public trust. Investment in a strong cybersecurity posture up front will prove valuable and ultimately save the entire healthcare industry in the long run.

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This publication is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or a solicitation to provide legal services. The information in this publication is not intended to create, and receipt of it does not constitute, a lawyer-client relationship. Readers should not act upon this information without seeking professional legal counsel. The views and opinions expressed herein represent those of the individual author only and are not necessarily the views of Clark Hill PLC. Although we attempt to ensure that postings on our website are complete, accurate, and up to date, we assume no responsibility for their completeness, accuracy, or timeliness.

HH Accessibility Report

by Rowan Report | Dec 19, 2024 | Partner News, Regulatory

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lauren Corcoran

press@trellahealth.com

Trella Health Launches Special Report on Home Health Accessibility for Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Beneficiaries

An analysis of the key trends shaping access to care for Medicare patients

ATLANTA, Dec. 16, 2024. Trella Health, the leading provider of market intelligence and integrated customer relationship management (CRM) solutions to the post-acute care industry, released its Special Edition Report on Home Health Accessibility Among Medicare Fee-for-Service (FFS) Beneficiaries.

Access to Services

This report investigates trends shaping home health accessibility, revealing how the expanding Medicare-eligible population – and other factors – continues to strain access to home health services.

Below are a few key insights from this special report:

- 49.9% of counties had five or fewer home health agencies per 1,000 square miles in 2023.
- 94.1% of counties experienced either a decrease or no change in the number of skilled home health agencies treating more than 10 FFS patients in the post-pandemic period.
- 83.3% of counties experienced a decrease in the number of FFS home health admissions per 1,000 beneficiaries in the post-pandemic period.
- 87.4% of counties experienced a decrease in the average number of home health visits in the post-pandemic period, and the number of home health visits per patient day decreased by 17.3% between 2017 and 2023.

Urgent Need for Change

“Our analysis of Medicare Fee-for-Service claims indicates a concerning trend: decreasing accessibility to skilled home health care at a time when we are experiencing the largest growth in the Medicare population,” stated Carter Bakkum, Senior Data Analyst at Trella Health. “This report underscores the urgent need for healthcare leaders to address these disparities and ensure that Medicare beneficiaries receive the care they need.”

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About Trella Health

Trella Health‘s unmatched market intelligence and purpose-built CRM allow post-acute providers, HME, and Infusion organizations to drive more effective performance and growth. Trella’s solutions allow post-acute, HME, and Infusion organizations to identify the highest-potential referral targets, evaluate new market opportunities, and monitor performance metrics. Paired with CRM and EHR integrations, business development teams can better manage referral relationships to advance their organizations with certainty by improving their sales and marketing strategy.

This press release was submitted by Trella Health and was reprinted by The Rowan Report with permission. For more information, or to request permission to use this content, please use the press contact above.

Careficient Acquires HealthRev Partners

by Rowan Report | Dec 12, 2024 | M&A, Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Dom Yarborough
772-600-4202
Email Careficient

Creach Family Holdings Announces Acquisition of HealthRev Partners

Creach Family Holdings enhances its healthcare offerings by acquiring HealthRev Partners, strengthening its position in the home health and hospice sectors.

JENSEN BEACH, FL, UNITED STATES, December 4, 2024. Creach Family Holdings, a privately held investment firm focused on healthcare technology and tech-enabled services, is excited to announce the acquisition of HealthRev Partners, a leading provider of revenue cycle management (RCM) services for the home health and hospice market. This acquisition complements Creach Family Holdings’ portfolio, which includes Careficient, a top electronic medical record (EMR) provider for home health and hospice agencies.

A Strategic Acquisition

By combining HealthRev Partners’ RCM expertise with Careficient’s innovative EMR platform, Creach Family Holdings aims to offer an integrated suite of solutions that streamline operations, improve revenue cycles, and enhance patient care for home health and hospice providers.

Creating a Seamless Solution for Home Health and Hospice Providers
HealthRev Partners is recognized for its technology-driven solutions that help home health and hospice organizations manage billing, coding, and revenue cycle processes efficiently. This acquisition strengthens Creach Family Holdings’ ability to offer a comprehensive solution to the home health and hospice market, addressing challenges such as regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

The acquisition of HealthRev Partners is a strategic move that expands our ability to serve the home health and hospice sectors, combining their RCM expertise with Careficient’s EMR solution.

Gene Creach

CEO, Careficient

Creating a Seamless Solution for Home Health and Hospice Providers

HealthRev Partners is recognized for its technology-driven solutions that help home health and hospice organizations manage billing, coding, and revenue cycle processes efficiently. This acquisition strengthens Creach Family Holdings’ ability to offer a comprehensive solution to the home health and hospice market, addressing challenges such as regulatory compliance and operational efficiency.

Gene Creach, CEO of Careficient and Senior Manager at Creach Family Holdings, commented, “The acquisition of HealthRev Partners significantly expands our ability to serve the home health and hospice sectors. By combining their revenue cycle management expertise with Careficient’s comprehensive EMR solution, we provide a seamless platform that reduces administrative burdens, improves cash flow, and allows providers to focus on delivering high-quality patient care. This acquisition reflects our commitment to advancing healthcare technology and improving patient outcomes.”

Strengthening Capabilities in the Home Health and Hospice Market

HealthRev Partners’ RCM services are tailored to the needs of the home health and hospice sectors, where managing reimbursements and ensuring compliance are critical. Through this acquisition, HealthRev Partners will benefit from Creach Family Holdings’ operational expertise. The partnership with Careficient allows both organizations to offer the most integrated solution suite for the home health and hospice markets.

Mike Greenlee, CEO of HealthRev Partners, said, “We are thrilled to join Creach Family Holdings. For years, HealthRev Partners has been focused on helping home health and hospice providers optimize their revenue cycles. Now, through this partnership, we can expand our service offerings and technology solutions to create more opportunities for improved client outcomes.”

Expanding Creach Family Holdings’ Healthcare Vision

The acquisition strengthens Creach Family Holdings’ position as a leader in healthcare services and technology, particularly in the home health and hospice markets. By combining the strengths of HealthRev Partners and Careficient, Creach Family Holdings provides healthcare organizations with a data-driven solution that reduces costs, accelerates reimbursements, and improves care delivery.

Bill Creach, Senior Manager for Creach Family Holdings, added, “This acquisition is a critical step in our strategy to become a dominant force in healthcare technology. By combining HealthRev’s RCM expertise with Careficient’s EMR platform, we’re offering healthcare providers the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly complex industry.”

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About Creach Family Holdings

Creach Family Holdings is a privately held investment firm focused on acquiring and growing innovative healthcare companies. The firm is dedicated to transforming the healthcare industry by investing in companies that create long-term value and drive positive change.

About HealthRev Partners

HealthRev Partners provides technology-enabled RCM solutions for the home health and hospice sectors. Their solutions help organizations optimize billing and revenue cycle processes while ensuring regulatory compliance.

About Careficient

Careficient is a next-generation provider of AI-enabled EMR solutions for home health and hospice agencies. Its platform integrates clinical documentation, scheduling, billing, and patient management into a seamless system designed to enhance care delivery and efficiency.

St. Croix Hospice Receives Age-Friendly Certification

by Rowan Report | Dec 11, 2024 | Partner News

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bronwyn Pope

851-767-2800

bpope@stcroixhospice.com

St. Croix Hospice Becomes First Hospice Agency to Receive Age-Friendly Care Certification Agency-Wide

OAKDALE, Minn., Dec. 2, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — St. Croix Hospice is proud to announce its achievement of Age-Friendly Care certification, a testament to its unwavering dedication to delivering exceptional, patient-centered care designed to meet the unique needs of older adults at every stage of life.

Age-Friendly Certification

The Age-Friendly Care certification, awarded by Community Health Accreditation Partner, Inc. (CHAP), recognizes providers that implement evidence-based practices designed to meet the specific needs of aging patients. St. Croix has successfully embedded the “4Ms Framework” – What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility – into its care model, ensuring every patient receives comprehensive care aligned with their personal goals and well-being.

“St. Croix Hospice is dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care tailored to the unique needs of older adults,” said Heath Bartness, Founder CEO of St. Croix Hospice. “The Age-Friendly Care certification further recognizes our long-standing commitment to enhancing quality of life for aging individuals and their families through a compassionate, patient-centered approach. It’s especially important to us that this certification is recognized across our entire organization, reflecting the unified efforts of our teams to ensure every patient receives the highest quality care they deserve.”

Achieving Age-Friendly Care certification required all St. Croix locations to complete specialized training and implement best practices in geriatric care. This ensures that patients’ wishes are honored while prioritizing proper medication use, mental health support, and safe mobility.

The Age-Friendly Care certification aligns with our ongoing efforts to lead the industry in innovation and quality. With more than 90% of our patients aged 65 or older, this national recognition underscores the importance of our commitment to meeting the unique needs of older adults. It validates our clinical practices and serves as a testament to the dedication of our care teams who strive to make a difference for patients and families every day.

Ashley Arnold

Senior VP of Quality, St. Croix

St. Croix Recognized by CHAP

“St. Croix Hospice’s implementation of Age-Friendly Care across their 70+ locations is truly inspiring,” said CHAP Chief Operating Officer Teresa Harbour. “Their integration of the 4Ms Framework—What Matters, Medication, Mentation and Mobility—into daily practices reflects a deep commitment to honoring what matters most to their patients and families. This effort not only raises the bar for compassionate, patient-centered care but also underscores St. Croix Hospice’s role as a leader in the hospice field. At CHAP, we are proud to partner with organizations like St. Croix Hospice that prioritize innovation and excellence at such an impressive scale.”

St. Croix serves 5400 patients daily across the Midwest. Taking an integrated approach to hospice care, the expert team at St. Croix provides physical, emotional and spiritual support that meets the unique needs of each patient. St. Croix teams are stationed in more than 75 branches throughout ten states, ensuring responsive, proximate service to wherever patients call home.

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About CHAP

CHAP is an independent, nonprofit organization accrediting providers of home and community-based care. Founded in 1965, CHAP was first to recognize the need for and value of home and community-based care standards and accreditation. As a Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)–approved accrediting organization, CHAP surveys organizations providing home health, hospice, and home medical equipment services to establish if Medicare Conditions of Participation and DMEPOS Quality Standard are met and recommend certification to CMS. CHAP’s purpose is to partner with organizations nationwide to advance quality in the delivery of care and services in the home and community.

About St. Croix Hospice

St. Croix Hospice supports patients, their families and caregivers, providing compassionate care when it’s needed most. Celebrating 15 years of service, St. Croix Hospice delivers exceptional hospice services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and wherever a patient calls home. With branches in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota and Wisconsin, St. Croix Hospice takes pride in round-the-clock availability, prompt response times and same-day admissions – including during evenings, weekends and holidays. Contact St. Croix Hospice 24/7 at 855-278-2764 or stcroixhospice.com.

Healthcare is Heading Home

by Rowan Report | Nov 21, 2024 | Advocacy, Editorial, Other Sites

Web Golinkin, Forbes Books Author

Healthcare is Heading Home, and That's a Good Thing!

As the Baby Boomer generation ages, the home healthcare market is expanding. GETTY

During my long career in healthcare, one of the biggest trends in healthcare delivery has been the shift from hospital / inpatient to outpatient care. The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of outpatient services was roughly 8 percent from 2017 to 2022, while inpatient services grew 1-3 percent during the same period. Outpatient services now represent more than 50 percent of total U.S. healthcare spending.

Particularly during the past 20 years, there has been significant growth in new outpatient facilities and channels, including retail-based and urgent care clinics, freestanding ERs, imaging centers, dialysis centers, ambulatory surgery centers, rehabilitation clinics, behavioral health clinics, and telehealth / virtual care.

The shift towards outpatient care has been driven by multiple factors, including patient desire for convenience, the need to reduce costs, and rapid advances in medical science and technology. Now, however, a new trend in healthcare is pushing the boundaries of outpatient care increasingly into the home.

This article explores the rapid expansion of home healthcare, the factors driving its growth, and the important distinctions between home care, home health care, and hospital-at-home models.

Macro Growth Drivers

The U.S. home healthcare market has experienced exponential growth, projected to reach nearly $510 billion by 2027 (roughly equaling the projected size of the outpatient market), according to various industry reports. This represents a CAGR of approximately 8 percent from 2020 to 2027. Several factors contribute to this rapid expansion:

Aging Population: One of the primary drivers of growth in home health care is the aging population. As the Baby Boomer generation reaches retirement age, there is a significant increase in the need for healthcare services tailored to older adults, many of whom prefer receiving care in the comfort of their homes.

Rising Chronic Conditions: The prevalence of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses is increasing. Home healthcare services, including skilled nursing and rehabilitation therapies, provide essential support for managing these conditions.

Technological Advancements: Innovations in telehealth and remote monitoring technologies have transformed healthcare delivery. Patients can now receive real-time consultations and monitoring from healthcare professionals, reducing the need for in-person visits and enhancing the appeal of home healthcare .

Cost-Effectiveness: Home healthcare is often more cost effective than traditional hospital care. By providing services at home, patients can avoid expensive hospital stays, and insurance providers are increasingly recognizing the value of home-based care, offering incentives for its use.

Patient Preference: There is a growing preference among patients for receiving care in their own homes. This trend is driven by the desire for comfort, familiarity, and independence, as well as the recognition that home care can lead to better health outcomes.

Main Types of Service

Three basic types of home healthcare have emerged. It is important to understand the differences between them, as each type serves different needs and patient populations and requires different kinds of providers and support:

Home Care: This term typically refers to non-medical assistance provided in a patient’s home. Services may include personal care (such as bathing and grooming), companionship, meal preparation, housekeeping, and transportation. Home Care is often used by individuals who need assistance with daily living activities but do not require regular medical intervention.

Home Health Care: In contrast, Home Health Care involves medical services provided by licensed healthcare professionals. This may include skilled nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapy, as well as home health aide services. Home Health Care is typically prescribed by a physician and is intended for patients recovering from illness, surgery, or managing chronic health conditions.

Hospital-at-Home: This model represents a more recent innovation in home healthcare, allowing patients to receive acute-level care in their homes instead of in a hospital setting. Hospital-at-home programs provide comprehensive medical services, including monitoring and treatment for serious conditions, under the supervision of healthcare providers. This model aims to reduce hospital congestion, lower healthcare costs, and improve patient satisfaction by delivering hospital-level care in a familiar environment. In addition, there is growing evidence that it improves clinical outcomes and reduces hospital readmissions.

Future Growth Drivers

Several key drivers will underpin further growth of home healthcare:

- Policy Changes and Regulations: Government policies have increasingly supported home health care. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and other government programs incentivize home-based care, reflecting a broader strategy to reduce healthcare costs and improve care quality.
- Healthcare Provider Initiatives: Many providers are expanding their services to include home healthcare options as part of their overall care continuum. This integrated approach helps streamline patient transitions from hospital to home, improving coordination and outcomes.
- Market Competition: The growing number of home health care agencies and providers has fostered competition, driving innovation and improvements in service delivery. This competition encourages providers to adopt new technologies and practices that enhance patient care.
- Public Awareness and Education: Increasing awareness of home health care options has led to more patients and families opting for these services. Educational campaigns and outreach initiatives have helped to demystify home health care, making it a more accepted alternative to traditional care settings.

Obstacles to Growth

Despite its rapid growth, the home healthcare sector faces several challenges:

- Workforce Shortages: The demand for qualified home health care professionals exceeds supply, leading to staffing shortages. This is exacerbated by the demanding nature of home health work and competitive wages offered by hospitals and other healthcare and non-healthcare settings.
- Regulatory Hurdles: Navigating the regulatory landscape can be complex and burdensome for home healthcare providers. Compliance with Medicare and Medicaid requirements, as well as with state regulations, often demands significant administrative resources. This can restrict the ability of smaller agencies to scale and compete effectively.
- Insurance Reimbursement Issues: While insurance providers increasingly cover home health services, reimbursement policies can be inconsistent. Challenges related to payment models, including delays and denials, may hinder access to necessary care for patients and impact the financial viability of home health agencies.
- Technology Adoption: Although technology is a key growth driver, some providers and patients resist adopting new tools. Ensuring that healthcare professionals are adequately trained in using telehealth platforms and remote monitoring devices is critical for successful implementation.

Positive Future Outlook

The outlook for home health care remains positive, as the sector adapts to evolving consumer needs and preferences. Several trends are expected to shape its future:

Integration of Technology: The continued integration of telehealth and artificial intelligence (AI) into home healthcare will enhance service delivery and patient monitoring. Wearable devices and remote patient monitoring systems will likely become standard tools for managing chronic conditions at home.

Focus on Value-Based Care: As healthcare systems shift toward value-based care models, home healthcare will play a pivotal role in managing patient outcomes and costs. Providers will increasingly be held accountable for the quality of care delivered at home, leading to a greater emphasis on patient engagement and satisfaction.

Expanding Service Lines: Home healthcare providers and agencies will likely expand their service offerings to include mental health support, palliative care, and specialized rehabilitation services. This diversification will cater to the broader needs of patients, particularly those with complex medical conditions.

Enhanced Collaboration: There will be a growing emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration among healthcare providers, including hospitals, primary care providers, and home health agencies. This collaboration will facilitate smoother transitions of care and improve overall patient outcomes.

Increased Investment: As the demand for home health services continues to escalate, investment in the sector is expected to grow. Venture capital and private equity firms are increasingly recognizing the potential of home healthcare, leading to innovations and improvements in service delivery.

The growth of home healthcare is a testament to the changing landscape of healthcare delivery. Driven by demographic shifts, technological advancements, and evolving consumer preferences, this sector is poised for continued expansion.

As challenges such as workforce shortages and regulatory hurdles persist, the future of home health care will depend on the ability of providers to innovate and adapt.

Nevertheless, healthcare is moving inexorably towards the home. That is good news for millions of patients who need acute, transitional or long-term care in the most comfortable environment, and for providers and third-party payers who are seeking to maximize the value of care being delivered.

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Marcylle Combs Care at Home Worker Safety

Web Golinkin has focused his career on making health information and care more accessible and affordable. He has done this as CEO of five companies over the past 35 years, including three he co-founded.

These companies include the largest cable TV network devoted to health (America’s Health Network), one of the nation’s largest operators of retail-based clinics (RediClinic), a leading population health management company (Health Dialog), and one of the nation’s largest operators of urgent care clinics (FastMed). Web also co- founded the Convenient Care Association and served as its Chair for many years. He has been widely covered in the national media and has spoken at numerous healthcare conferences.

A magna cum laude graduate of Harvard, Web grew up in New York City and Long Island but has lived in Houston since 1988, so he is almost a Texan. A longtime runner and fitness enthusiast, Web enjoys tennis and golf—as long as he can walk and carry his bag. Web has been married to the same extraordinary woman for 39 years, and they have two amazing sons who make him proud every day.

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