As state and federal officials intensify scrutiny of Medicaid fraud and abuse, Ohio lawmakers this week introduced legislation aimed at strengthening oversight, transparency, and accountability within the hospice sector.
House Bill 945, sponsored by Rep. Andrea White and Rep. Bill Roemer, reflects months of collaboration between Rep. White and LeadingAge Ohio hospice leaders to develop thoughtful, targeted safeguards designed to protect patients, families, and responsible providers.
The bill arrives during a week of heightened national and state attention on fraud prevention efforts involving Medicaid-funded services, including hospice and home- and community-based care. LeadingAge Ohio has consistently supported stronger oversight measures that protect public resources while preserving access to high-quality care for older Ohioans.
Importantly, the legislation was shaped by nonprofit, mission-driven hospice providers that believe stronger standards help protect the integrity of hospice care and reinforce public trust in the program.
The legislation includes several new program integrity provisions aimed at identifying and preventing questionable practices before they take root in Ohio. Among other measures, the bill would establish a temporary moratorium on new hospice licenses and certain ownership transfers, require annual license renewals, strengthen criminal background check requirements, and require operational office space and infrastructure for providers.
The bill also targets ownership and operational patterns that regulators in other states have identified as warning signs for fraud and abuse. Proposed provisions would limit how many hospice programs a single administrator or medical director may oversee, increase disclosure requirements for out-of-state operators, and strengthen the state’s authority to deny, suspend, or revoke licenses tied to concerning quality or compliance histories.
In addition, House Bill 945 would require the Ohio Department of Health to monitor hospice quality and utilization metrics quarterly, including live discharge rates, length of stay, family satisfaction, and transitions of care, with follow-up surveys triggered when providers exceed established thresholds.
LeadingAge Ohio believes that this legislation will support legitimate providers while helping regulators identify bad actors that undermine care quality and public confidence.
LeadingAge Ohio also continues to advocate for additional transparency tools to help ffamilies make informed hospice care decisions, including expanded public reporting and inclusion of hospice providers within Ohio’s Long-Term Care Quality Navigator. Members are encouraged to reach out to their state Representative to encourage support for HB945 Questions regarding this bill may be directed to Eli Faes at efaes@leadingageohio.org. Top You Asked: What is the limit on the number of oxygen tanks that may be kept in resident rooms?
We Answered: NFPA 99 permits individual cylinders to be available for immediate use in patient care areas with an aggregate volume of ≤ 300 cubic feet. Cylinders must be handled and secured in accordance with NFPA 99 Section 11.6.2.
A standard “E” oxygen cylinder contains approximately twenty-four (24) cubic feet of oxygen, meaning up to 12 “E” cylinders could be present within a smoke compartment for immediate use before additional storage requirements apply.
Additional requirements include:
- Cylinders must be secured in an approved holder and should not be freestanding in resident rooms or corridors.
- Required signage must be posted anywhere oxygen cylinders are stored, including: “CAUTION: OXIDIZING GAS(ES) STORED WITHIN NO SMOKING.”
- A resident room itself is not considered a smoke compartment. Facilities should identify smoke compartments based on smoke barrier walls, typically extending from cross-corridor smoke barrier to smoke barrier.
Additional guidance and resources can be found on the Ohio Department of Health (ODH) Life Safety Code Education Resources and Forms webpage and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Life Safety Code webpage. Top Sponsorship opportunities are now available for LeadingAge Ohio’s 2026 Annual Conference and Trade Show, themed “Celebrating the Changemakers.” Options include attendee materials, event signage, networking events, and digital placements, with price points ranging from $1,000 to $3,000.
Available sponsorships include the speaker gift bag, awards luncheon, hotel key card back, Wi-Fi signage, registration confirmation email, notebooks, and conference application splash page. Some opportunities are limited, and the registration desk sponsorship is reserved for LeadingAge Ohio Business Firm Members.
Download the sponsorship flyer or visit the conference website at www.laoconference.org/sponsor.
For details or reservations, contact Corey Markham at cmarkham@leadingageohio.org. LeadingAge Ohio now welcomes palliative care providers as members! It became clear at last year’s inaugural Palliative Care Summit that there was a need to strengthen palliative care in Ohio through a unified advocacy voice, leading to the creation of this new member category. Providers interested in palliative care membership should contact Susan Wallace at swallace@leadingageohio.org. LeadingAge Ohio is accepting nominations for its 2026 Annual Awards, which recognize member organizations and individuals whose work reflects leadership, innovation, service, and a strong commitment to older Ohioans. Awards will be presented during the LeadingAge Ohio Annual Meeting this fall, and nominations are open through May 29, 2026. Member organizations may nominate colleagues, staff, volunteers, or their organizations across five categories: the Aging Services Impact Award, Emerging Leader Award, Excellence in Caring Award, Visionary Leadership Award of Honor, and the Heart of Hospice-Rose and Sam Stein Award.
LeadingAge Ohio is also accepting nominations for the 2026 Hall of Changemakers display at Annual Conference. Created for this year’s conference theme, Celebrating the Changemakers, the recognition highlights individuals or member organizations whose influence has made a lasting difference in a life, workplace, or community. Honorees will be featured in the Hall of Changemakers display during the conference.
For award criteria, nomination forms, and submission details, visit the 2026 Annual Awards nomination page. Questions may be directed to Molly Homan, Director of Operations, at mhoman@leadingageohio.org. LeadingAge Ohio continues to provide members with printed Opioid Pain Initiative (OPI) and analgesic reference tables to support clinical teams in delivering safe and effective pain management for the individuals they serve. These quick-reference tools are a frequently requested clinical resource and are available at no cost to members, although a donation to the LeadingAge Ohio Foundation is appreciated.
Tables are provided in English and may be picked up from the LeadingAge Ohio office at 445 Hutchinson Avenue, Suite 700, Worthington, Ohio 43235, or shipped at the member’s expense. Requests can be sent to info@leadingageohio.org, and staff will coordinate the order and confirm availability. There's always something happening at LeadingAge Ohio, view all upcoming events here and mark your calendar today!
- May 21, 2:30 p.m. - 2026 Survey Success Collaborative: Building Strong Foundations for 5-Star Outcomes - Survey Strategy and Risk Evaluation
- June 3, 11 a.m. - Affordable Housing Subcommittee
- June 4, 10 a.m. - Advocacy Committee
- June 10, 9:30 a.m. - Technology Network Meeting
- June 10, 11 a.m. - Survey Tips and Tactics (STAT): Injury of Unknown Origin and Abuse Investigation Requirements
- June 12, 10:30 a.m. - Philanthropy Network
- June 15, 10 a.m. - Advocacy in Action
- June 16, 10 a.m. - Professional Development Committee
- June 17, 2 p.m. - Home Health & Hospice Subcommittee
- June 17, 3:30 p.m. - NF Finance/Reimbursement Subcommittee Meeting
Top Top State lawmakers, gubernatorial candidates, and regulators are accelerating efforts to strengthen Medicaid oversight in Ohio following a week of renewed attention on fraud and abuse involving home- and community-based services and hospice care.
Republican gubernatorial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy this week outlined his anti-fraud agenda that would prioritize Medicaid enforcement actions, pursue additional federal flexibility through a Medicaid waiver, and consolidate oversight efforts across state government. Ramaswamy said the proposal could reduce fiscal year 2027 Medicaid spending by roughly 10 percent while returning savings to Ohioans through healthcare affordability initiatives.
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Amy Acton also responded this week that her administration would prioritize addressing Medicaid fraud, waste, and abuse while protecting access to affordable, quality care.
For Ohio’s aging services providers, the exchange is an early sign that Medicaid oversight, enforcement, and spending policy will remain central issues throughout the 2026 governor’s race. It also reinforces the importance of balancing program integrity efforts with provider stability, workforce realities, and continued access to care for older Ohioans and other Medicaid beneficiaries.
House lawmakers signaled they are preparing additional legislation focused on Medicaid program integrity before summer recess. House Medicaid Committee Chair Jennifer Gross said lawmakers expect an active committee schedule in the coming weeks as proposals continue developing.
One vehicle for those discussions is House Bill 795, sponsored by Rep. Josh Williams, which would expand electronic verification requirements for home health care and non-emergency medical transportation services. Williams said lawmakers are considering broader anti-fraud provisions and additional recommendations from the auditor’s office, legislative leadership, and state agencies as part of a larger Medicaid reform package.
The debate intensified following testimony from Daily Wire reporter Luke Rosiak, whose reporting on home health billing practices in Central Ohio prompted renewed scrutiny from lawmakers and state officials. Discussions during committee highlighted both concerns about fraudulent activity and concerns from disability advocates about preserving access to essential home- and community-based services.
Advocates for people with disabilities urged lawmakers to ensure reforms do not unintentionally create barriers for individuals relying on in-home supports to remain in their communities. Testimony before the committee emphasized the importance of balancing accountability measures with flexibility for individuals receiving care in nontraditional settings.
LeadingAge Ohio has consistently supported targeted safeguards that strengthen transparency, accountability, and enforcement while protecting quality providers serving Ohioans appropriately and ethically. Earlier this week, LeadingAge Ohio-backed House Bill 945 was introduced to strengthen hospice program integrity and oversight across the state. The legislation includes enhanced licensure requirements, stronger ownership transparency provisions, expanded quality monitoring, criminal background checks, and additional enforcement authority for regulators.
LeadingAge Ohio continues to emphasize that responsible providers welcome stronger oversight measures designed to identify bad actors and reinforce trust in Medicaid-funded services.
The coming weeks are expected to bring additional legislative proposals, committee hearings, and negotiations as lawmakers work to finalize new Medicaid oversight policies before the General Assembly’s summer break. House Bill 750, legislation that would expand access to the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Ohio, received broad support during its second hearing this week before the House Health Committee. The hearing featured in-person testimony from PACE providers and business leaders, along with written testimony submitted by LeadingAge Ohio and additional advocates supporting expansion of the program.
Susan Wallace submitted written testimony on behalf of LeadingAge Ohio and the PACE Association of Ohio, emphasizing PACE’s ability to help older Ohioans with complex care needs remain safely in their homes and communities while also producing measurable Medicaid savings. Wallace noted that access to PACE remains limited across Ohio despite strong participant outcomes and high satisfaction rates.
Committee members responded positively throughout the hearing, asking detailed questions about cost savings, oversight, workforce interest, and long-term expansion opportunities. Testifiers consistently highlighted both the quality-of-life benefits for participants and the financial value the model delivers to the state.
Ann Conn, president and CEO of the McGregor Foundation, and Marcie Campbell, vice president of marketing for Ohio Senior Care/Buckeye PACE, delivered particularly strong testimony in support of the bill. Campbell described the growing demand for services that allow older adults to remain independent and connected to their communities, while outlining the broad scope of coordinated care PACE provides through interdisciplinary teams. She also shared data showing annual Medicaid savings of approximately $6,300 to $7,400 per participant compared to traditional care models.
Conn reinforced the program’s outcomes and fiscal impact, noting that although all participants qualify for nursing home level of care, 94 percent continue living in community-based settings. She also pointed to actuarial data showing substantial annual Medicaid savings tied to PACE participation and outlined the potential statewide savings if additional sites are approved in underserved areas.
The committee also heard testimony from Molly Mottram of the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, whose support demonstrated the broad coalition backing the legislation and the growing recognition of PACE as a valuable part of Ohio’s long-term care system.
Additional testimony was submitted by the PACE Association of Ohio, AARP Ohio, BoldAge PACE, and other advocates supporting expanded access to the program. House Bill 279, legislation creating a nonrefundable income tax credit for family caregivers, received its second hearing this week before the Ohio House Ways and Means Committee.
LeadingAge Ohio submitted written proponent testimony supporting the bill and highlighting the critical role family caregivers play in Ohio’s long-term care system. In testimony submitted to the committee, LeadingAge Ohio President and CEO Susan Wallace noted that family caregivers provide the majority of long-term support for older adults and people with disabilities, often while balancing employment and other caregiving responsibilities.
The legislation, sponsored by Reps. Adam Mathews and Josh Williams, would provide tax relief tied to caregiving-related expenses such as home modifications, respite care, transportation, and in-home supports.
LeadingAge Ohio emphasized that supporting family caregivers also strengthens the broader aging services system by helping older Ohioans remain safely in their homes and communities while easing pressure on hospitals, providers, and the direct care workforce. The association also noted that Ohio trails many other states in policies supporting family caregivers and described the legislation as a meaningful step toward closing that gap. Top An immediate jeopardy citation can occur when a resident receives a burn as a result of hot water from faucets and hot liquids served during meals. Hand sinks, showers, tubs, and any other source where residents have access to hot water may create a risk for burns and scald injuries. Surveyors will review whether facilities have systems in place to prevent avoidable injuries related to water temperatures under State Operations Manual Appendix PP F689 (Free of Accident Hazards/Supervision/Devices).
CMS notes that nursing home residents are at increased risk for scald injuries due to conditions such as decreased skin thickness, reduced skin sensitivity, peripheral neuropathy, impaired mobility, slower reaction time, dementia, and limited ability to communicate discomfort. Even short exposure times can result in significant injury depending on the temperature of the water and the resident’s condition.
The SOM Appendix PP highlights the relationship between water temperature and the amount of time required for a serious burn to occur, from 1 second at 155 degrees Fahrenheit to 5 minutes at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. The guidance also notes that burns can occur even at temperatures below those listed in the manual depending on the individual resident and the duration of exposure.
During the Long-Term Care Survey Process, surveyors may evaluate:
- Whether the facility routinely monitors hot water temperatures.
- Whether residents with cognitive impairment, sensory deficits, or mobility limitations have increased supervision or interventions related to hot water exposure.
- Whether the facility responds appropriately to residents’ complaints regarding water temperature.
- Whether adaptive equipment, mixing valves, or other engineering controls are in place when indicated.
- Whether incidents involving burns or scalds were investigated through the facility’s QAPI process.
Facilities should also remember that hot liquid burns are not limited to bathing or sink water. Coffee, soups, and other heated liquids may also create scald risks depending on the resident population being served. Facilities should monitor temperatures following water heater repairs, maintenance, or replacement. Adjustments to water heaters or thermostatic mixing valves can unexpectedly increase outlet water temperatures throughout the building. Facilities should consider implementing a process to verify and document water temperatures after maintenance activities are completed and ensure mixing valves are functioning properly to maintain safe delivery temperatures at resident use locations. Wingyun Mak, PhD, associate director of research at The New Jewish Home Research Institute on Aging, and Orna Intrator, PhD, Greenwall professor of geriatric medicine at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, are leading a study funded by the Donaghue Foundation to help nursing home leaders understand the impact of obtaining Age-Friendly Health Systems Recognition. They are also interested in gauging the extent of Age-Friendly care in nursing homes across the country. Share your insights by participating in a brief anonymous survey geared towards nursing home administrators, directors of nursing, medical directors, or any other staff who would be able to report on Age-Friendly practices in nursing homes. Complete the Age-Friendly Health Systems Nursing Home Survey now. Top Ohio Eastern Star Home has announced the retirement of CEO Michele Engelbach, effective July 3, after 14 years of leadership. During her tenure, the organization expanded long-term care and independent living offerings, including the Esther Buchwald Neighborhoods and Pine Hill Independent Senior Living, and navigated the COVID-19 pandemic with steady leadership.
Engelbach has also been a valued volunteer with LeadingAge Ohio, including serving as chair of the awards committee and championing health care leaders through her work with the association. Ohio Eastern Star Home has named Nathaneal “Blu” Johnson as incoming CEO. Read the announcement in the Knox Pages. National Church Residences celebrated the grand opening of Hebron Station this week, marking a major investment in affordable housing for older adults in Licking County. The new 42-unit community was developed in response to rising housing costs and growing demand for affordable senior housing in the region.
Hebron Mayor Dr. Valerie Mockus joined representatives from the offices of U.S. Rep. Troy Balderson and U.S. Sen. Bernie Moreno for the celebration, alongside housing, community development and financing partners who helped bring the project to life. LeadingAge Ohio congratulates National Church Residences on expanding access to affordable, mission-driven housing for older Ohioans.
View photos from the event. JoyLiving by ONSCREEN is excited to join LeadingAge Ohio, supporting senior living communities with a new agentic AI platform that increases efficiency while reducing costs.
JoyLiving's platform delivers a 24/7 AI receptionist that can answer routine questions, route calls, dispatch emails/SMS, and trigger workflows as needed -- to remove administrative burdens on staff. The platform can also initiate outbound calls to residents or family, to check-in, provide information, collect information, and even provide companionship to reduce loneliness and isolation.
Recently, Asbury Methodist Village shared how they are using JoyLiving to support both residents and staff while improving access to community information and freeing up team members to focus more on resident relationships.
Learn more by visiting JoyLiving. Top LeadingAge Ohio holds valuable education webinars and in-person events throughout the year. Opportunities are added weekly. See the complete Schedule of Events. Falls are ever-present in the post-acute and long-term care continuum, PALTmed's newly revised Clinical Practice Guideline on Falls and Fall Prevention in the Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Setting provides clinicians and community leaders with a practical, evidence-informed, and implementable resource tailored to the specific challenges of PALTC settings.
This month's DYK from LeadingAge Ohio Partner, HealthDirect Pharmacy Services, will summarize key findings and recommendations from PALTmed’s CPG on fall management and fall prevention. In any PALTC setting, preventing falls constitutes a significant challenge and requires interdisciplinary engagement. Efforts should focus on minimizing fall risk and fall-related injuries while maximizing individual dignity, freedom, and quality of life. Top
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