Diabetes drug turned weight loss med spurs cost-benefit concerns for docs
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 13, 2021
The high price tag and lack of coverage for high-performing anti-obesity drug Wegovy begs the question of what the benefits of weight loss are worth to insurers and patients.
Breakthrough COVID-19 cases are increasing, but experts say deadly outbreaks aren’t inevitable
By
Kimberly Marselas
Aug 12, 2021
Eight months and thousands of vaccinations made an “amazing” difference in two COVID-19 outbreaks at Masonicare’s Wallingford, CT, campus.
California nursing home visitors must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2021
The state is requiring that all indoor visitors to skilled nursing facilities and other healthcare settings prove full vaccination or negative SARS-CoV-2 test results. Facility operators must have a plan...
Minimum staffing requirements, higher Medicaid funding for nursing home workforce highlight new bill
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 11, 2021
Nursing homes would be required to meet minimum staffing standards but also receive additional Medicaid funds to support workforce and care improvements under federal legislation introduced Tuesday.
Seniors who become dizzy soon after standing risk a fall: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 11, 2021
Older patients should be routinely evaluated for a symptomless cause of chronic dizziness that can raise the odds of a fall within 12 months, investigators say.
NIH highlights decade of Alzheimer’s advancements tied to small business investments
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 11, 2021
A new paper showcases the results of 11 years of federal investment in dementia research, including advancements in care intervention, diagnostics and therapeutics.
Clinical briefs for Wednesday, Aug. 11
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 11, 2021
Proposed bill ‘great first step’ toward addressing long-term care workforce challenges … CMS offers new Section K assessment and coding training for SNF providers … ‘POLST is more than a code...
Genesis facilities resolve allegations in connection with denying admission to opioid-dependent seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 09, 2021
Prospective residents were taking either buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use disorder. Twelve SNFs must pay civil penalties, adopt non-discrimination policy and provide training on civil rights laws...
Residents’ lack of energy may signal malnutrition; full assessment advised
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2021
In a study of 13 nursing homes, fully 43% of residents reported that they lacked energy, and 12% were malnourished. The two problems were significantly linked, investigators say.
Biden could withhold funds as ‘stick’ to push nursing homes and others to get more workers vaccinated
By
Kathleen Steele Gaivin
Aug 09, 2021
Could the White House use regulatory powers to withhold funds from institutions like long-term-care facilities that they think aren’t doing enough to encourage employee or customer vaccinations?...