State’s reopening recommendations eschew social distancing in specific cases … Nutrition guidelines updated in chronic kidney disease … Age-related brain changes may lead to impulsive decisions,...
Six proven tips for navigating the COVID-19 and PDPM roller coaster
By
Jonalyn Brown
Aug 27, 2020
Kingda Ka, at New Jersey’s Six Flags, is the world’s tallest, most terrifying roller coaster ride. It comes with a warning: “Not Recommended for Wimps.” Seconds after take-off, you’re hurtling...
CDC changes guidance: Some asymptomatic people may not need COVID test
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 27, 2020
The agency has posted new COVID-19 testing guidance indicating that some people without symptoms may not need to be tested — even following contact with an infected person.
County COVID-19 rates will dictate staff testing frequency, new CMS guidance says
By
Liza Berger
Aug 27, 2020
Routine testing of staff now will be based on the level of COVID-19 activity in the community. That’s according to official new guidance released Wednesday in response to federal regulatory changes disclosed...
Feds to release next $2.5 billion, 1.5 million N95 masks to nursing homes
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 27, 2020
The federal government is shipping 1.5 million N95 respirators from the national stockpile to nursing homes reporting supply shortages.
Coronavirus nursing home commission delivers draft of recommendations to CMS
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 27, 2020
A national commission tasked with reviewing nursing homes’ response to the coronavirus crisis has delivered a draft of its recommendations to the federal government.
All nursing homes should have POC testing devices by end of September
By
Danielle Brown
Aug 27, 2020
About 5,600 point-of-care testing devices have been shipped to nursing homes so far, a top federal official revealed this week.
Clinical briefs for Thursday, August 27
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 27, 2020
Feds to deliver more than 1 million N95 respirators to nursing homes … Nursing homes now required to test all staff members for COVID-19 … FDA drops boxed warning on diabetes drug Invokana … Hydroxychloroquine...
LTC pharmacies seek key role in COVID vaccine distribution
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 27, 2020
Long-term care pharmacies now have a voice in federal decisions about COVID vaccine delivery to nursing homes and assisted living communities, says the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists.
Second responders: Answering the call for help in long-term care
By
Debbie Pool
Wendy Boren
Aug 26, 2020
It was late afternoon on Jan. 30, 2020. A nurse from the Quality Improvement Program for Missouri (QIPMO) was leading a standard table top influenza pandemic exercise in Poplar Bluff when a call came through...