Provider faces $315K fine for failing to isolate residents, warn staff of COVID-19 outbreak
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 15, 2020
A Maryland provider may be forced to pay a $315,000 fine for Immediate Jeopardy violations after state health officials found that it did not properly isolate residents exposed to COVID-19.
Saliva-based antigen testing better than PCR nasal swab, researchers argue
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 15, 2020
Nursing home operators may have better luck using saliva-based, rapid antigen testing for screening COVID-19 within their facilities over polymerase chaise reaction (PRC) nasal swab because of the tool’s...
Also in the News for Tuesday, Sept. 15
Sep 15, 2020
SNF Quality Reporting Program seeking public input on healthcare-associated infections measure … Former long-term care worker pleads guilty in $400K kickback scheme … State invests $4 million to train...
Testing expenses could reach $15,000 per week for large nursing homes: report
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 11, 2020
It could cost larger nursing homes up to $15,000 per week to comply with new COVID-19 testing requirements for staff members, according to a report released this week by LeadingAge.
The head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention stressed the need for repeated testing among staff members to stop the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes.
Current COVID-19 testing requirements and costs ‘unsustainable,’ LTC operator warns
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 10, 2020
Even with additional testing resources from the federal government, nursing home operators say current costs combined with new surveillance requirements are unsustainable.
Pandemic hasn’t stopped musician’s regular performances at long-term care facilities
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 10, 2020
A Michigan-based musician isn’t letting the coronavirus pandemic stop him from bringing residents joy through his performances.
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.
Minnesota starts testing nursing home inspectors before entering facilities
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 08, 2020
Nursing home surveyors in Minnesota are now being tested for COVID-19 after state officials faced criticism for allowing the inspectors to go into facilities without first being tested for the disease.
Legal expert warns providers at increased risk for COVID lawsuits
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 04, 2020
Providers could see a wave of coronavirus-related lawsuits in the near future as cases rise, which is why a legal expert is stressing the importance of documentation and training to prevent operators from...