Mental healthcare often shifts from one dangerous institution to another
By
John O'Connor
Oct 25, 2013
President John F. Kennedy signed the Community Mental Health Act 50 years ago today. Half a century later, the landmark measure’s legacy is both troubled and troubling.
Looks like insurance isn’t the only thing being exchanged here
By
John O'Connor
Sep 23, 2013
I have a friend who might be best described as a curmudgeon-in-training. He seems to live in a world where almost everything was better than it is now.
Providers may need more than a ‘wizard’ to demystify Obamacare
By
John O'Connor
Aug 12, 2013
Did you hear the one about life’s great lies? Here’s part of the punch line: “I’m from the government and I came to help you.” Providers familiar with the joke may have experienced...
Execute documentation as it’s claimed: survey expert
By
John O'Connor
Aug 01, 2013
An industry expert served up straightforward advice during a recent McKnight’s Super Tuesday webinar: Accurately claim what you do, and do what you claim.
Plasma protein injections help chronic wounds heal
By
John O'Connor
Jul 01, 2013
Chronic diabetic wounds can completely heal if they are injected with a plasma protein called plasminogen, according to new research from Umea University in Sweden.
Oxygen chambers don’t help wounds in LTC setting: study
By
John O'Connor
Apr 01, 2013
Long-term care providers might want to think twice about including oxygen exposure in the treatment regimen for residents with diabetic foot ulcers. Oxygen treatment does not improve wound healing and...
The trouble with bullies
By
John O'Connor
Jan 02, 2013
The Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments on the unpleasant subject of workplace harassment. At issue is whether an employer is responsible when the bully is not strictly a boss.
OIG report seeks increased safeguards in the EHR arena
By
John O'Connor
Jan 02, 2013
The move to electronic health records recently had a red flag thrown in front of it by a report from the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services.
Supervisor decision might torment many nursing home operators
By
John O'Connor
Dec 03, 2012
The Supreme Court last week heard oral arguments on the unpleasant subject of workplace harassment. At issue is whether an employer is responsible when the bully is not strictly a boss. The court’s...
Little innovation in the long-term care sector? Really?
By
John O'Connor
Nov 02, 2012
Conventional wisdom holds that the long-term care sector is short on innovation. But there’s one little problem with this view. It happens to be dead wrong.