Vaccinations tied to drop in nursing home infections; states want greater role in pharmacy allocations
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 17, 2021
Nursing homes experienced a 48% decline in new resident cases three weeks after their first onsite vaccine clinic. That’s compared with a 21% decline among unvaccinated nursing homes located in the...
$450 million for infection control, strike teams for nursing homes in House bill that advances
By
Danielle Brown
Feb 16, 2021
Nearly a half a billion dollars in funding will be dedicated toward helping nursing homes prevent and limit the spread of COVID-19 in their facilities if the latest measures advanced by House lawmakers...
Fauci: ‘Pan-viral’ vaccine may be needed to tackle tenacious COVID-19 long-term
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 16, 2021
The virus that causes COVID-19 likely is here to stay, and its success in humans means that stronger defense measures will be needed, say Anthony Fauci, M.D., and colleagues from the National Institute...
Factor in chills, lesser-known symptoms to better detect COVID-19, study shows
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 16, 2021
Factoring four overlooked COVID-19 symptoms into testing efforts significantly improves detection, investigators say.
2021 McKnight’s Women of Distinction winners determined
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 12, 2021
The judges have spoken and it’s just about time to announce the national, independent panel’s decisions and reveal the winners in the 2021 McKnight’s Women of Distinction awards program. Finalists...
To quarantine or not? CDC’s post-vaccine guidance for exposed workers gives nod to staff shortages
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 12, 2021
Fully vaccinated individuals may now skip quarantine after exposure to an infected person. But that doesn’t go for healthcare workers in facility settings — except as a last option.
Marquis Companies soars to 82% staff vaccination rate, eyes ‘downhill run’ to previous routines
By
James M. Berklan
Feb 11, 2021
Northwest-based Marquis Companies not only already completed its third round of staff and resident COVID-19 vaccinations over the weekend, it also registered what could be the nation’s best 82% staff...
When the rules change, not everyone wins: Counting IC deficiencies in Five-Star
By
Steven Littlehale
Feb 05, 2021
Do you remember how, as you were growing up, there was always another kid who would change the rules mid-game to ensure that he won? I do, and it would always make my blood boil. The Centers for Medicare...
Exercise rehab for heart patients with diabetes is safer with new guidance, authors say
By
Alicia Lasek
Feb 05, 2021
Tailored recommendations include how to best monitor blood glucose to reduce the risk of acute glycemic problems, and the ideal exercise intensity.
White House to send COVID vaccines directly to thousands of retail pharmacies starting next week
By
Danielle Brown
Feb 03, 2021
More independent community pharmacies, including those that serve long-term care facilities, will soon be able to administer coronavirus vaccines, thanks to a new initiative launched by the federal government.