Industry Notes: Patients and Families Can Sue Long-Term Care Facilities in Court, New Final Rule Says

Why This Topic Matters

The update helps providers, facility administrators, compliance teams, and billing staff track federal rule changes that affect resident care requirements, Medicare beneficiary identification, and privacy/security audit readiness.

Article Sections

1. CMS long-term care facility final rule

   Summarizes a major CMS regulatory update for nursing homes and related long-term care facilities. The section notes implementation timing and broad areas of facility requirements addressed in the rule.

2. Medicare card update and SSN removal initiative

   Reviews CMS’s identifier transition effort for Medicare cards and related provider preparation guidance. The section focuses on the program timeline and operational communication to providers.

3. Prepare for HIPAA Phase 2 audits

   Describes OCR’s audit activity for covered entities and business associates, including desk and onsite audit planning. The section also outlines the audit process, scope, and follow-up workflow at a high level.