Top National & Ohio Regulatory Issues for Long-Term Care Providers

Beyond the Fine Print

Issue: June 27, 2025

As the first half of 2025 wraps up, both federal and state-level activity continues to shape the operating environment for nursing homes and assisted living providers. In this issue, we highlight two immediate priorities: updated CMS performance data and new respiratory care readiness tools from the Ohio Department of Health.

New CMS Data Drop: Ohio Nursing Home Insights

The latest CMS Provider Info + Five-Star data was released on June 25, 2025, reflecting updates through June 1. This dataset includes one row per nursing home and captures critical insights into survey outcomes, staffing, and quality metrics.

For Ohio providers, this means now is the time to:

• Benchmark your Five-Star ratings

• Assess chain-wide performance and ownership impact

• Prep for survey readiness using fresh data and identify areas for proactive improvement

The next update is scheduled for July 30, 2025. Use this window to get ahead of potential changes in star ratings or public perception.

📄 Access the dataset:

https://lnkd.in/gU9ukXPX

Need help interpreting your facility’s position or creating a plan to move forward? I’m happy to assist with benchmarking, action planning, and internal reporting.

ODH Releases New Respiratory Care Readiness Tools

Respiratory care in long-term care is more complex than ever—and it’s becoming a growing focus during survey activity.

To help facilities stay ahead, the Ohio Department of Health’s Provider Resources and Education Program (PREP) has developed a new suite of Respiratory Care Survey Readiness Tools. These resources help align your policies, documentation, and staff practices with both federal regulations and the Ohio Administrative Code.

Covered areas include:

• Aerosolized treatments

• BiPAP/CPAP support

• Breathing exercises

• Oxygen administration

• Ventilator/tracheostomy care

The tools walk your team through internal audits of facility assessments, care policies, resident records, and staff/resident interviews—giving you a clear path to survey preparedness.

📄 Access the tools and training here:

https://lnkd.in/gQW3ScRV

Share this with your DON, respiratory therapists, and QA leaders to incorporate into your QAPI process or staff inservices.

Other Emerging Issues to Watch

National

• CMS will finalize Five-Star rating methodology updates in July, removing the third survey cycle and adding ownership transparency.

• Federal staffing mandate lawsuits and waiver guidance are still pending—especially impactful for rural and low-acuity providers.

• Congressional pressure is mounting to address immigration reform as a workforce pipeline for long-term care.

Ohio

• Ohio’s biennial budget remains in flux. Senate amendments may affect Medicaid reimbursement formulas, personal needs allowances, and RCF-specific provisions.

• New proposed rules from ODH on infectious disease reporting and DNR documentation are open for public comment.

• Ohio’s Medicaid managed care carve-out transition continues to create billing and operational challenges.

Need clarification or support on any of the above? I’m available for consultations, project work, or regulatory strategy sessions.

Amanda Smith, Director of Regulatory Compliance, Aspire Regional Partners asmith@aspirerp.com | 614-288-0613