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.
Nursing home occupancy woes worse than popularly reported, industry expert says
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 15, 2021
U.S. nursing homes have widely been credited for gradually building occupancy levels back to more than 72% nationally after hitting record lows during the height of the pandemic. But that number is likely...
Also in the News for Wednesday, Dec. 15
Dec 15, 2021
Michigan establishes council aimed at increasing staffing levels, supporting workforce development at nursing homes … Maine deploys National Guard to 10 nursing homes, hospitals … Illinois nursing...
When the world spun out of control, they stepped up for residents
By
Kimberly Marselas
Dec 14, 2021
The heroes were everywhere late Friday in Arkansas and Kentucky, as savage tornadoes bore down directly on at least four nursing homes. As McKnight’s shared yesterday, one of the storm system’s most...
Better access to better PPE is critical for long-term care providers
By
Stephen Bird
Dec 14, 2021
Last month the National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory, a division of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), issued a request for information soliciting “public...
Fast-acting staff reduced death toll at nursing homes struck by tornadoes
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 14, 2021
The quick thinking by a 57-year-old licensed practical nurse and her co-workers at an Arkansas nursing home during a deadly tornado Friday night likely saved the lives of dozens of residents, leaders said.
Supreme Court denies religious challenge to NY vaccine mandate
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 14, 2021
The U.S. Supreme Court has said that New York can proceed with its COVID-19 vaccine mandate for nursing home employees and other healthcare workers even though it does not grant religious exemptions.
‘Not a shock:’ MedPAC considering 5% pay cut for SNFs
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 14, 2021
The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission is leaning toward recommending a 5% pay cut for skilled nursing facilities in fiscal 2021 after a new report found that Medicare margins may indicate SNF pay rates...
Strategic planning for long-term health and safety
By
Kenny Thomas
Dec 13, 2021
A year ago at this time, the world was even more uncertain than it is now. Families were not gathering for the holidays and the decision of whether to see elderly family members became a difficult one...
Anxiety meds, antidepressants tied to post-surgery delirium in seniors: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 13, 2021
Older patients should be temporarily weaned off these drugs whenever possible — well before their scheduled surgery, the researchers say.