March, the summer solstice, and social determinants of health
By
Joel VanEaton
Mar 21, 2023
Daylight-saving time is finally here! I look forward to the day in March that it arrives starting June 21 every year. What’s June 21 you ask? Why, it’s the summer solstice. The summer solstice is...
Bad survey? Call your medical director
By
Neville M. Bilimoria
Mar 20, 2023
I recently won a case against state surveyors and I learned something new… again. The surveyors were adamant that the facility neglected a resident, and cited violations of policies, and criticized...
Many states now looking at price-gouging legislation to combat soaring staffing agency nursing costs
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Mar 20, 2023
More than 11 states are looking at legislation to prevent price gouging by staffing agencies that have seen demand for traveling and temporary nurses and nurse aides soar through the pandemic.
‘Imperative’ to finalize staffing rule this year, dozens of House members tell CMS
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 20, 2023
More than a quarter of the House of Representatives signed a letter last week urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services to move forward with its plan to institute a nationwide staffing mandate...
FDA advisers support full approval of Paxlovid for at-risk older adults
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2023
The antiviral drug Paxlovid should receive full FDA approval to treat COVID-19 in older adults at risk of severe outcomes, the advisers decided in a Thursday vote.
Initial symptoms of dementia predict speed of progression, study finds
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 16, 2023
No matter the type of underlying brain changes, the first cognitive symptoms of dementia help predict long-term functional outcomes, researchers report.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, March 15
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 15, 2023
Bill would require senior living communities to recognize essential caregivers … Home oxygen groups request continued flexibilities at PHE’s end … Medicare enrollment has surged among kidney failure...
VHA to cover new Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi, despite CMS’s restraint
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 14, 2023
The Veterans Health Administration will provide coverage for the recently approved drug lecanemab (Leqembi) to qualified veterans with early Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a surprise move considering...
Provider accused of violating state rules as it shutters 4 SNFs
By
Jessica R. Towhey
Mar 13, 2023
A pair of citizen advocacy groups want the state of Massachusetts to take over half of the nursing homes on the western side of the state slated for closure to avert what they call a chaotic transfer process.
Timing narrows on White House-led staffing rule; funding remains in question
By
Kimberly Marselas
Mar 10, 2023
A White House budget released Thursday proposes no new ways to recruit or pay for more nursing home workers, even as federal officials are expected to unveil a minimum staffing standard in coming weeks.