Opt-in COVID vaccine program kicks off; Feds partner with CVS, Walgreens
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 19, 2020
Long-term care facilities nationwide can voluntarily opt in to a free pharmacy partnership program that will provide and administer future COVID-19 vaccines on site, federal officials announced Friday.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 26
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 26, 2020
CMS announces details of ‘unprecedented’ national nursing home training program for COVID-19 … Doctor casts doubt on coronavirus plasma treatment: ‘No breakthrough here’ … First COVID-19 reinfection...
Feds to reimburse providers for counseling patients to self-isolate
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 31, 2020
Existing E/M codes can be used to bill for counseling patients about virus mitigation at the time of COVID-19 testing, according to CMS and the CDC.
OSHA blasted for inaction on COVID-19 pleas
By
Alicia Lasek
Jul 02, 2020
Complaint logs reveal thousands of “desperate pleas” for protective gear by staff at nursing homes, hospitals and medical offices. Unfulfilled requests may have contributed to worker deaths, according...
Campaign urges Congress to end ‘national nightmare’ of COVID-19 and protect older adults, caregivers
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Jun 18, 2020
The Act for Older Adults campaign calls for a comprehensive relief package, including ‘hero’ pay and paid sick leave for care providers, and a $100 billion emergency fund.
Long-term care risks extended negative image without more COVID data from operators: exec
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 16, 2020
Seniors housing and care providers across a wider spectrum must start submitting data to increase transparency about the effects of coronavirus infections, says NIC CEO Brian Jurutka.
CDC director: Agency working to ensure flu vaccine availability
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 04, 2020
The agency is working with drugmakers to help head off what it says could be an overwhelming wave of flu and COVID-19 infections this fall.
Unforeseen consequences pile up in race to find COVID-19 treatments
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 25, 2020
The national attention gained by an experimental drug and two existing medications has led to unintended trouble for patients.
Facilities urged to conserve dwindling medical supplies as pandemic persists
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 19, 2020
One in five eldercare facilities will run out of masks, gowns and other PPE if current supplies aren’t carefully conserved, says AHCA / NCAL.
Study links 3 key risk factors to coronavirus deaths among older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 10, 2020
The findings could help clinicians better identify high-risk individuals, say investigators.