WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 3, 2019)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS) announced that the next state to participate in the Review Choice Demonstration (RCD) is Texas and it will begin on Dec. 2, 2019. CMS also indicated that implementation of RCD in the remaining states of North Carolina and Florida is expected to begin on March 30, 2020, as CMS is pausing implementation to allow for the transition to PDGM which begins on Jan. 1, 2020.

KENILWORTH, N.J. (October 3, 2019)—MerckManuals.com, an online medical reference, will kick off October by highlighting expert information on depression and how to recognize the disorder, a helpful resource for both professional and family caregivers.

The themed content, which will be featured on merckmanuals.com, will include:

a comprehensive essay on the symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of depression

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (October 2, 2019)—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a long-awaited discharge planning final rule for hospitals, critical access hospitals and home health agencies. The proposed rule was posted in November 2015, and has taken almost four years to reach the final version. It will be effective Nov. 29, 2019.

ADDISON, Texas (October 1, 2019)—Elara Caring, a provider of home health care services, announced the appointment of Scott Powers as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Powers, a health care industry veteran, will focus on completing the integration of the company, enhancing processes and leading the company’s growth objectives.