Seniors have fewer chemotherapy side effects with supportive care program, clinical trial finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 01, 2021
Patients in the intervention group experienced a 10% reduction in moderate side effects — without significant chemotherapy modifications or dose reductions, investigators say.
‘More than warm bodies’ needed to address LTC workforce crisis, congresswoman, industry experts advise
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 20, 2021
A proposed federal staffing minimum would require most nursing homes to boost RN hiring and put RNs and LPNs in greater direct care roles. It’s a move the bill’s House sponsor calls necessary to support...
Use of religious vaccination exemptions could grow after judge blocks mandate
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 16, 2021
New York long-term care providers cannot deny religious exemptions from the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandate after a federal judge issued a temporary straining order blocking the rule for lacking...
Nursing home reform bill ‘definitely’ has traction in Congress
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 14, 2021
Nursing home providers can expect even more scrutiny from Congressional lawmakers this year due to the pandemic’s devastating impact on the sector — and the first piece of reform legislation is already...
U.S. lawmakers ramp up scrutiny of FDA following agency’s approval of controversial Alzheimer’s drug
By
Alicia Lasek
Sep 07, 2021
The FDA is being asked to help explain how Aduhelm (aducanumab) met accelerated approval criteria when so many experts — including internal advisers — have flagged insufficient safety and efficacy...
MedPAC presents alternatives for measuring performance in unified post-acute incentive program
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 07, 2021
A congressional advisory panel tasked with developing a unified post-acute value incentive program is struggling with how to set fair benchmarks across healthcare settings, given differences in patient...
Clinical briefs for Friday, Aug. 27
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 27, 2021
Big name audio companies fill in while hearing aid reform lags: report … Second J&J shot ‘significantly’ increases COVID-19 antibodies, says firm, which heads toward approval process … AHCA releases...
Having a good listener in one’s life may help slow cognitive decline: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 18, 2021
Older adults who have regular interactions with active listeners are more likely to have cognitive functioning that contradicts evidence of dementia-related brain changes, a new study finds.
Arthritis drug Actemra in short supply as demand for use in COVID ramps up
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 18, 2021
Demand for Actemra IV has skyrocketed due to the latest wave of COVID-19 infections and hospitalizations, drugmaker Genentech says. In the past two weeks alone, orders for the drug shot up to 400% of pre-COVID...
Nurse aides group: We’ll discuss vax mandates if working conditions improve
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 13, 2021
A national group representing certified nursing assistants said it’s urging CNAs to get vaccinated, but “more must be done” by providers to address those workers’ concerns about shots and overall...