Providers to report COVID infections in 12 hours or face $1k fines, CMS says
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 21, 2020
Nursing homes will face fines of “at least” $1,000 per week for not reporting COVID-19 infections within 12 hours of learning about them, federal regulators said Monday.
DaVita exec skeptical pandemic is receding
By
Diane Eastabrook
May 11, 2022
The chief financial officer for global dialysis provider DaVita Health is throwing cold water on the notion that the COVID-19 pandemic is ending anytime soon.
As AstraZeneca puts its COVID-19 vaccine study on hold, experts say don’t worry, just wait
By
Kimberly Marselas
Sep 09, 2020
A vaccine participant in the United Kingdom developed a rare inflammatory disease, causing AstraZeneca to pause its Phase 3 COVID-19 trials.
‘Out in the cold’: LTC pharmacies ask to be matched with vaccination sites, relief funds
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 22, 2020
As their businesses groan under the weight of COVID-19-related expenses, long-term care pharmacists are pressing federal officials for relief funds and asking for a bigger role in coronavirus vaccinations.
CMS guidance bans most visitors, communal dining at nursing homes over COVID-19
By
James M. Berklan
Danielle Brown
Mar 16, 2020
Nursing homes are being directed to restrict all visitor access from its facilities as the nation works to combat and limit the spread of COVID-19. The guidance received instant support from providers...
AHCA and other groups pushing for extension of 2% Medicare sequester cut; Congress reaches deal on third...
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 21, 2020
Healthcare providers, including nursing homes, are demanding continued relief from the 2% Medicare sequester cuts through the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic. The relief would help improve the “relatively...
New ‘weapon in our arsenal’: Antibody drug cuts COVID risk by 80 percent in LTC residents
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 22, 2021
Staff and residents who received Eli Lilly’s monoclonal antibody therapy were less likely to contract symptomatic COVID-19 than placebo groups in a late-stage trial. Industry advocates are hailing...
CMS update for long-term care: J&J vaccine interruption and signs of rare clotting
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 20, 2021
Concerned LTCF staff members and residents should be aware that cases of blood clots after vaccination appear to be “extremely rare,” CMS says. Nevertheless, the agency is encouraging healthcare...
The coronavirus likely began to spread worldwide last year, say researchers
By
Alicia Lasek
May 06, 2020
The pandemic may have started as early as October 2019, quickly adapting to its human host, according to a new genetic analysis.
LTC workers are reporting crisis-level burdens. Could this on-the-job stress management program make...
By
Kimberly Marselas
Apr 02, 2021
Long-term care providers reported stress approaching severe levels even as the pandemic’s death march waned, according to early analysis of a survey that included nearly 1,200 healthcare and senior care...