Researchers show how hand-washing protocols help decrease nursing home deaths, antibiotic use
By
Marty Stempniak
Feb 15, 2018
Nursing homes have long been a bastion of infections, experts note. But a new study finds that — by harnessing hand hygiene methods already popular in hospitals — such a notion could become a thing...
Skilled nursing providers would lose out under Trump’s revised payment system
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 14, 2018
A plan to lump together payments to all post-acute providers would be a budget cut dressed up as reform, providers said after reviewing the Department of Health and Human Services budget proposal.
Nurses modify meds as ‘necessary evil’
By
Kimberly Marselas
Feb 08, 2018
A study of geriatric care nurses found that many still crush medications, split doses or otherwise modify orally administered medicines — a practice they see as helping patients with swallowing difficulties,...
The acquisition of Vikus Corporation by HealthcareSource has resulted in an integrated platform with plans to continue further investments, HealthcareSource CEO J.P. Fingado said in January. When Fingado...
Rehabbing rehab
By
John Hall
Feb 08, 2018
With the RCS-1 model focused on eliminating minutes and putting pressure on operators, providers brace for evolutionary change in therapy payment rules
Ask the Nursing Expert about … documentation for new survey regulations
By
Judi Kulus, MSN, MAT, RN, NHA, RAC-MT, DNS-CT
Feb 08, 2018
For years I have referred to the State Operations Manual (SOM) Appendix P for guidance on the survey process. But the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently announced that Appendix P will be...
Also in the News for Thursday, Feb. 1
Feb 01, 2018
HCR ManorCare edging closer to receivership? … Survey says: Pneumococcal vaccination guidelines need clarification … New Minnesota health commissioner vows to make elder abuse reform a top...
State task force calls for tougher penalties following abuse case backlog
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 31, 2018
A system meant to protect Minnesota seniors from abuse and violence in formal care setting settings must be repaired by providing more thorough oversight and tougher penalties, a work group headed by AARP...
Critics say Texas-based nursing home operator using bankruptcy to hide from dozens of lawsuits
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 29, 2018
Preferred Care of Plano filed for bankruptcy in November claiming in court that more than 160 lawsuits led to its financial demise.
Tax law encourages companies to offer more family-leave to lower-paid workers
By
Kimberly Marselas
Jan 24, 2018
A new provision included in the 2017 tax reform bill offers companies a credit for providing lower-wage earners paid family medical and leave.