Infection control problems ‘persisted’ at nursing homes prior to pandemic: GAO
By
Danielle Brown
May 21, 2020
Infection control deficiencies were widespread throughout nursing homes even before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a new report by the Government Accountability Office.
Pfizer, BioNTech to pursue 2nd booster shot authorization for older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2022
A second booster — or fourth dose — will be necessary to improve the vaccine’s waning protection in the face of omicron, Pfizer’s CEO has stated. Whether the FDA will find the evidence compelling...
Judge rules COVID-related suit against provider can advance, despite state’s immunity order
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 14, 2021
A federal judge has decided that a coronavirus-based lawsuit can move forward against an Illinois nursing home, despite the state’s immunity law.
Judge rules nursing home residents can vote by video, while CMS emphasizes that providers must ensure...
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 07, 2020
The Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services this week is reminding providers that they must ensure nursing home residents are able to exercise their right to vote during the upcoming presidential election...
Omicron sub-variants cut potency of monoclonal antibodies, mRNA vaccines: study
Mar 04, 2022
Eli Lilly’s bebtelovimab is the only authorized monoclonal antibody that can neutralize all three dominant sub-variants, investigators say.
For husband and wife of 66 years, at long last, a hug
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 08, 2020
After seven months, a husband was finally able to hug his wife of 66 years at a Texas nursing home thanks to expanded long-term care visitation options.
Providers receive reprieve on advanced Medicare loan repayments
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 09, 2020
Providers who participated in the Medicare Accelerated and Advanced Payment Program for COVID-19 emergency will now have another year to pay back the loan thanks to Congress.
Feds restart regular survey inspections at nursing homes
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 18, 2020
Regular surveys are resuming for long-term providers after being suspended for nearly five months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 costs should be baked into the SNF PPS payment structure for ‘foreseeable future,’ AHCA...
By
Danielle Brown
Jun 11, 2020
The federal government should integrate increased costs associated with COVID-19 care in the SNF PPS payment structure for the “foreseeable future” to ensure adequate reimbursement, according to the...
Providers want weekly ongoing pledge of 50,000 COVID vaccines for LTC
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 15, 2021
Nursing home, senior living and aging advocates are pushing the federal government to commit to allocating between 50,000 and 75,000 weekly COVID-19 doses to long-term care pharmacies enrolled in the Pharmacy...