Researchers: More hospital admissions are ‘unavoidable’ than previously thought
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jun 03, 2019
Injuries, infections, behavioral incidents and family insistence often drive hospital admissions among nursing home residents, and a new study finds many of those transfers may be unavoidable.
More than half of fines and settlements from $2.3 billion recouped through healthcare fraud investigations went back into Medicare Trust Funds last year, according to a report issued Friday.
Also in the News for Monday, June 3
Jun 03, 2019
Federal task force issues ‘roadmap’ for managing chronic pain … Brazilian study finds some heart failure patients improve with traditional diuretics … Proposed $35,000 threshold for overtime pay...
FDA considering blister-pack requirements for certain opioids
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 31, 2019
The Food and Drug Administration announced Thursday it is seeking comments on how to adopt packaging requirements that might help providers control the flow of opioid analgesics into healthcare and community...
Higher nursing home staffing levels produce fewer flu hospitalizations
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 31, 2019
Increasing nurse staffing hours can help cut down on flu- and pneumonia-related hospitalizations, according to a new study published in Open Forum Infectious Diseases.
Public-private Meals on Wheels approach urged for senior health strategies
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 31, 2019
A Senate bill to amend the act that made Meals on Wheels an American institution would take a similar approach to other community-based services by creating broad new public-private partnerships.
Also in the News for Friday, May 31
May 31, 2019
Nursing home workers threaten two-day strike after 10 failed negotiating sessions … Cannabis use among older adults rising rapidly … Dying Spanish village turns itself into senior center
Medicare co-pays may be triggering earlier-than-needed SNF discharges
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 30, 2019
Skilled nursing providers may be discharging some Medicare patients prematurely just as their financial obligations change, a review of more than 4.5 million stays has found.
OIG: Background checks weed out up to 8% of LTC job applicants
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 30, 2019
A review of a 10-state program that supports background check capabilities found that they eliminate up to 8% of long-term care job applications.
Non-hospice palliative care spreads to more areas
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 30, 2019
More states are expanding coverage of palliative care outside of hospital settings, giving millions of people access to supportive care that can ease symptoms of life-threatening conditions. Several states...