As nursing homes fret COVID-19 vaccine distribution, only 14% say they’ll mandate it for staff
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 18, 2020
Nursing home operators continue to worry about the timing and quantities of newly approved COVID-19 vaccines reaching them this week and next, but some of the fretting could be for nought. Less than 15%...
Verma: Nursing homes shouldn’t take COVID-19 patients if they’re not prepared
By
Danielle Brown
Jul 02, 2020
A leading health official again pushed back against criticism from some states that the federal government’s guidance for nursing homes during the coronavirus pandemic contributed to the disease’s...
Clinical Briefs for Friday, May 22
By
Alicia Lasek
May 21, 2020
Infection control problems ‘persisted’ at nursing homes prior to pandemic: GAO … New AARP report spotlights Alzheimer’s toll on women … Emerging medical countermeasures to COVID-19 may be best...
CMS: Surveyors looking for education, not expertise, under COVID-19 vaccine rule that starts today
By
Kimberly Marselas
May 21, 2021
Nursing homes will not be expected to turn their staff members into vaccine experts under a new rule that requires all workers to be offered COVID-19 shots and to be educated about them, a federal official...
More than half of nursing homes, ALFs report difficulty with labs processing COVID-19 tests
By
Danielle Brown
Jul 02, 2020
More than 50% of nursing home and assisted living providers are experiencing lab processing problems after testing residents and staff for COVID-19, according to new survey results from the American Health...
Most nursing home workers believe federal government isn’t doing enough to protect them during pandemic:...
By
Danielle Brown
Jun 10, 2020
About 80% of nursing home workers think the federal government isn’t doing enough to ensure they have enough free testing, personal protective equipment and paid sicks days during the coronavirus pandemic,...
Resident poll reveals pandemic’s emotional toll: Frail elders need ‘something to live for’
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 02, 2020
A direct poll of nursing home residents in 36 states reveals a “drastic” reduction in social activities and a steep increase in reported loneliness. “Innovative distance socializing” may help address...
CMS: No test-out option for health worker vax mandate
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 05, 2021
Healthcare workers may seek a medical or religious exemption under the new emergency federal COVID-19 vaccination mandate, but a test opt-out does not exist, a top Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services...
Desperate for testing, PPE, providers asked to report all COVID cases to authorities
By
Liza Berger
Apr 13, 2020
In an effort to secure needed testing and personal protective equipment (PPE), both major long-term care associations are urging providers to report all COVID-19-positive cases to state survey agencies...
BREAKING: Feds: Nursing homes must test staff, offer residents COVID-19 testing under new rules
By
James M. Berklan
Danielle Brown
Aug 25, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced sweeping regulatory changes Tuesday afternoon for nursing homes and other providers dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks.