Tuesday Links: AHCA sounds battle cry for SNFs that are "under attack," the power of social persuasion in marketing, and more

Here are some recent items of interest for skilled nursing facilities:

• It sounds as if the 62nd AHCA annual convention launched with a bang—the LTL blog says that both AHCA president Mark Parkinson and chairman Robert Van Dyk spoke directly about the challenges of Medicare cuts and ongoing healthcare reform in Washington. "We’re fighting for our very survival," according to Parkinson.
• The always excellent Tom Mann discusses the principle of social proof, and why you should care about and document the experiences of your residents to help market your facilities more successfully.
• Here's a passionate, personal account of a recent nursing home survey by eight surveyors, including two feds, as told by the surviving DON. An unsedated root canal sounds more pleasant.
• It turns out seniors don't understand Medicare or healthcare reform either. 
• Discouraging signs that legislators and the DEA still can't get it right when it comes to letting medical professionals compassionately treat pain for patients.