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...
VA will not add Alzheimer’s drug Aduhelm to its formulary
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2021
The Department of Veterans Affairs has chosen not to include aducanumab (Aduhelm) in its national list of covered drugs, citing risk of adverse events and lack of evidence of positive impact on cognition,...
Americans’ high trust in doctors, nurses could strengthen vaccination push, pollsters say
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2021
Fully 7 in 10 Americans trust their doctors, nurses and pharmacists to “do what’s right for them and their families either most or all of the time,” the researchers say. The findings cut across political...
Clinical briefs for Thursday, Aug. 12
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 12, 2021
Dental, hearing, vision coverage on ‘front burner’ as lawmakers eye Medicare expansion … CDC: Pregnant women should get vaccinated; SARS-CoV-2 infection linked to preterm births … European drug...
Key CDC advisers set to scrutinize evidence for vaccine booster shots
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 11, 2021
The question of whether a COVID-19 booster shot will be helpful and safe may receive an answer Friday. That is when the CDC’s top vaccine advisers will meet to review updated evidence for recommending...
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...
As Fauci warns of letting virus run rampant, new variant causes 7 long-term care facility deaths in Belgium
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 10, 2021
Unchecked COVID-19 transmission among the unvaccinated could cause problems for the vaccinated, a top federal health official says. In Belgium, a new variant has caused severe illness in residents who...
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...