FDA expands use of remdesivir to skilled nursing, other non-hospital settings
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 25, 2022
Remdesivir, the first FDA-approved COVID-19 drug, now can be used in adult and pediatric patients with mild-to moderate COVID-19 illness at high risk of progressing to severe disease, the agency has announced.
Pharmacists poised to continue transition into direct care roles, survey finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 25, 2022
Pharmacists will continue to move into central roles in healthcare, including chronic disease management in the adult patient population, the authors say.
AARP calls on nursing homes to require COVID-19 boosters for residents, staff
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 21, 2022
COVID-19 infections are at an all-time high among residents and staff and resident death rates are rising. Now is the time to “get shots in arms,” AARP leaders urged operators.
Report: Nearly 80 percent of U.S. workers want employers to encourage or require vax for in-person staff
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 20, 2022
U.S. workers have been rattled by the omicron surge and most are looking to their employer to stay fully engaged in COVID-19 precautions, analysts say.
Psychiatrists create telemedicine best practices for managing psychosis in LTC
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 19, 2022
Properly managed telepsychiatry may ease the challenges of care for nursing home residents with psychosis, and possibly help some facility operators to expand their care offerings, an expert panel says.
One in 10 may have active virus after 10-day quarantine: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 19, 2022
Fully 13% of study participants had clinically relevant levels of the SARS-CoV-2 virus after 10 days. The findings may be particularly concerning for vulnerable populations such as nursing facility residents,...
Becerra orders CMS to rethink $22 Medicare Part B premium price hike tied to Aduhelm
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 11, 2022
With the 50% price drop of Aduhelm on January 1, there is good reason for CMS to reassess a hefty proposed premium hike for 2022, the U.S. health secretary said. On Wednesday, CMS is expected to announce...
HHS to LTC operators: Step up your booster clinic timelines before year ends
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2021
Long-term care operators should speed up plans to help residents boost their immunity before an expected COVID-19 surge hits, a federal official told virtual town hall attendees Tuesday.
U.S. may reduce 10-day isolation period in bid to keep healthcare workers on the job
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2021
Healthcare facilities will need all hands on deck to respond to expected COVID-19 surges, and a shortened isolation period for those who test positive but are symptomless and fully vaccinated could help,...
Study pinpoints risk factors for extreme skin fragility in older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 21, 2021
More than a quarter of older patients examined in a rehab facility were found to have dermatoporosis, or dangerously fragile skin. Four key factors were associated with higher odds of having the condition,...