Pharmacists object to further restrictions for hydrocodone combination products
By
Elizabeth Newman
Aug 25, 2014
Hydrocodone combination products such as Vicodin will now be in the same, more-restrictive category as OxyContin and fentanyl under the Controlled Substances Act, the Drug Enforcement Administration announced...
Good news for (yawn) shift workers and residents
By
Tim Mullaney
Aug 19, 2014
Long-term care professionals around the country cheered wildly last week when the Food and Drug Administration approved Belsomra, a new sleep drug. Shift workers applauded the addition to their medicine...
There’s an app for that, but should there be?
By
Elizabeth Newman
Jul 31, 2014
Some apps – like those that are meant to track blood pressure or give medication reminders – are geared toward your future residents. And that’s where the trouble can arise, according...
Accessory for swimming approved for cochlear implants
Apr 22, 2014
The Food and Drug Administration has approved the Aqua+ accessory, a waterproof, behind-the-ear product for cochlear implant recipients. The accessory allows Cochlear™ Nucleus® 5 and Nucleus 6 Implant...
What’s your load? How nurses can lighten med usage
By
Jacqueline Vance, RNC, CDONA/LTC
Jan 23, 2014
The US Food and Drug Administration recently requested that practitioners stop prescribing combination prescription pain medications that have more than 325 mg of acetaminophen per tablet, capsule, etc.,...
FDA proposes glucose meter guidance to improve infection control in nursing homes, hospitals
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 09, 2014
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has drafted more stringent guidelines for blood glucose monitoring test systems used in nursing homes, hospitals and other healthcare settings.
FDA updates bed rail entrapment guidelines
Jan 08, 2014
Last month, the FDA posted some new materials on bed rails and related products. This reiterated what should by now be the well-known hazards of entrapment and death when the bed user gets entangled within...
Blinking lights and deadly bacteria
By
Gary Tetz
Dec 19, 2013
Well, alrighty then. Looks like I didn’t win the lottery. So I guess I’ll have to buckle down and write yet another profound but cheeky blog post for this fine long-term care news magazine....
FDA hands down guidance on mobile apps
By
Elizabeth Newman
Dec 01, 2013
The Food and Drug Administration has issued final guidance on mobile medical apps.
Long-term care advocates denounce FDA over new hydrocodone restrictions
By
Tim Mullaney
Oct 28, 2013
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has announced it will seek restricted access to hydrocodone painkillers, prompting a concerned response from long-term care stakeholders.