Feds still ‘optimistic’ limited supply of a COVID-19 vaccine will be ready by year’s end
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 22, 2020
Federal officials are confident that a COVID-19 vaccine will be ready to distribute by the end of this year just days after announcing a major program that would provide the medication for long-term care...
Court ponders whether to allow secret video recording in criminal case against former nursing home workers
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 22, 2020
A criminal case against a former nursing home worker in the death of a resident will hinge on whether a video recorded in the senior’s room without the facility’s permission is legal and can be used...
‘Urgent hiring initiative’ to combat nursing home worker shortage would pay aides up to $25 per hour
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 22, 2020
The state of Minnesota has launched an “urgent hiring initiative” to help long-term care facilities struggling with staffing amid a rise in COVID-19 cases, top officials announced this week.
Also in the News for Thursday, Oct. 22
Oct 22, 2020
Lawmakers hopeful deal on coronavirus stimulus package will be reached soon … CMS approves Medicaid expansion waiver for Nebraska … Michigan allows more indoor visits at nursing homes … Senior housing...
Picture this: WV group shifts annual holiday fundraiser to brighten the lives of nursing home residents
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 21, 2020
The likelihood of photographer Al Tucker shooting pictures for the annual West Virginia Scenic Calendar was slim to none early in the year. The calendar serves as an annual holiday charity project for...
CNA staffing, turnover will be a top focus, federal official vows
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 21, 2020
Turnover among certified nursing assistants at long-term care facilities will be a top priority for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services going forward, a top agency official pledged Tuesday.
Nearly half of COVID-positives were asymptomatic, nursing home study finds
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 21, 2020
A Boston-based research team is emphasizing the need for universal testing at nursing homes after a new study found almost one-half of residents with COVID-19 were asymptomatic at the time of their diagnosis.
National testing strategy a key point in latest COVID-19 relief talks
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 21, 2020
Federal lawmakers are stressing the need for a mandatory coronavirus testing strategy as discussions surrounding a third COVID-19 relief package push forward. A national testing plan has been among the...
Also in the News for Wednesday, Oct. 21
Oct 21, 2020
CMS seeks to streamline and automate process for emergency waivers … State lawmaker proposes additional infection control requirements for nursing homes … Additional training resources available for...
More pharmacies able to directly bill Medicare, receive pay for SNF coronavirus vaccinations
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 20, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will allow Medicare-enrolled immunizers to directly bill and receive direct reimbursements from the program for vaccinating Medicare residents in skilled nursing...