Six states join coronavirus test-purchasing compact; VA tries statewide COVID app
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 06, 2020
The governors of six states, including Republicans and Democrats, have formed an interstate compact to negotiate the purchase of 3 million COVID-19 antigen tests.
Feds ramp up COVID-19 testing efforts at nursing homes with release of 750k more POC supplies
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 09, 2020
Nursing homes in areas with the high COVID-19 positivity rates will be receiving another point-of-care testing option from the federal government starting next week.
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.
Feds aim to help nursing homes, others with long COVID workplace challenge
By
Danielle Brown
Jul 13, 2022
As the long-term care industry continues to grapple with a historic workforce shortage, the Department of Labor is turning its attention to solve workplace challenges associated with long COVID.
Latest federal mandate denial sets stage for possible Supreme Court appeal
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 15, 2021
The battle over a federal COVID-19 vaccine mandate for healthcare workers is primed for its Supreme Court debut, now that a federal appeals court has ruled a temporary injunction should remain in place.
Don’t shelve rapid tests as COVID cases climb, advocates implore nursing homes
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 03, 2020
Industry advocates say it’s time for facility operators who have not made full use of rapid antigen tests to start doing so — before nursing home deaths begin to spike again. CMS must “take to...
Marquis Companies soars to 82% staff vaccination rate, eyes ‘downhill run’ to previous routines
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 11, 2021
Northwest-based Marquis Companies not only already completed its third round of staff and resident COVID-19 vaccinations over the weekend, it also registered what could be the nation’s best 82% staff...
Operators ‘reluctant to terminate’ workers as state vaccine deadline hits
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 30, 2021
The ongoing workforce shortage is pushing New York long-term care providers to be flexible with workers still hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine even after the state’s healthcare worker mandate...
Most states choose long-term care to receive first COVID vaccinations, feds say
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 10, 2020
Although they are not obliged to do so, 36 states so far have told federal health officials that first doses should go to long-term care facilities, the COO of Operation Warp Speed said Wednesday.
Provider group issues tips on how to help residents vote amid pandemic
By
Danielle Brown
Oct 14, 2020
Nursing home activity directors could use the upcoming presidential election to engage residents about voting this year, says the nation’s largest nursing home association.