Focus on life safety during the management of COVID-19
By
Stan Szpytek
Mar 24, 2020
Note: This story was updated on May 12 to reflect new regulatory changes. As skilled nursing facilities around the nation rise to the challenges of managing this current infectious disease outbreak, providers...
Report documents quick spread of new coronavirus through U.S. nursing facilities
By
Alicia Lasek
Mar 23, 2020
At least 72 facilities in 22 states have infections, along with 55 deaths as of Friday.
Pharmacists claim answers to coronavirus challenges, as U.S. cases surpass 30,000
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 23, 2020
A pharmacist coalition is pushing the federal government to allow pharmacists to test and initiate treatment for COVID-19 patients.
‘This is the perfect storm’: CDC releases new guidance as providers face gown, mask shortages amid...
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 19, 2020
The federal government has issued guidance on the best ways to conserve personal protection equipment, such as gowns and facemasks, as supply shortages become a larger concern for providers and healthcare...
Feds’ ‘dramatic expansion’ of telehealth widens payment coverage; HIPAA rules are relaxed for COVID-19
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 18, 2020
The federal government removed Medicare restrictions for telehealth coverage nationwide Tuesday while also temporarily relaxing HIPAA obligations for providers. The latter opens the door for doctors’...
Florida receives nation’s first emergency Medicaid waiver approval for coronavirus response
By
Danielle Brown
Mar 18, 2020
Florida became the nation’s first state to be granted an emergency Medicaid waiver for dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak.
Long-term care needs to get creative to deal with coronavirus staffing impact
By
Patrick McCormick
Mar 17, 2020
The coronavirus pandemic is undeniably going to have a major impact on U.S. long-term care operators in the coming months. The virus is an unwelcome addition to an already long list of headaches for an...
My advice for life with coronavirus: Don’t forget to breathe
By
Tamar Abell
Mar 16, 2020
We are in crazy times. Actually, it’s a step beyond crazy times. The world has hunkered down and is watching this COVID-19 unravel. Nothing is the same. I never expected to receive a call from a close...
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...
A mantra in wake of coronavirus: Stay home and save a life
By
Michael Wasserman
Mar 11, 2020
The year was 1985. I was an intern in the cardiac intensive care unit at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. A man who was the well-known voice for several animated television characters was laying on a gurney....