LTC reform bill introduced in House

The level of discourse about improving the quality of long-term care rose to a new level Tuesday, when three members of the U.S. House introduced the Long Term Care Quality & Modernization Act of 2007 (H.R. 4082). Although there are no illusions in the provider community about quick passage for the sweeping reform measure, its unveiling had been anxiously anticipated since a companion bill was unveiled in the Senate in early August.

Advocates praised H.R. 4082 for its wide array of provider-friendly provisions. They say it would promote investment in health information technology and capital improvements. It also would encourage collaboration between nursing home providers and surveyors...