Our healthcare system has recently seen, and will continue to see, significant changes. There are particular implications for long-term care facilities but, overall, healthcare costs are increasing, the...
Expect false positives: FDA letter to providers explains COVID antigen test results
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 05, 2020
The agency clarifies that rapid antigen tests, “like all diagnostic tests,” are subject to false positive results, especially in low prevalence settings. It offers recommendations for administering...
U.S. reps launch ‘much-needed’ LTC infection control and prevention caucus
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 30, 2021
A new bipartisan congressional caucus will identify opportunities for sorely needed infection control and prevention reform legislation in long-term care, say the two Florida representatives who spearheaded...
Piloting antimicrobial stewardship efforts in long-term care
Aug 19, 2015
Antimicrobial stewardship is a team effort, particularly in pediatric long-term care.
Workers, get your flu shots
By
Liza Berger
Sep 01, 2009
This week, an infection control group issued a new, more urgent message about employee vaccinations: Facilities should require flu vaccinations for workers with direct contact with patients. And employees...
CDC unveils new website to boost long-term care infection control efforts
By
Tim Mullaney
Jan 24, 2014
Long-term care providers can refer to a newly launched website to access information and resources to prevent infections, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Thursday.
CMS updates C. difficile infection control guidance
Dec 16, 2009
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services recently modified its infection control guidance concerning C. difficile. The update corrects certain information from a Nov. 30 update.
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.
NIH releases COVID-19 treatment guidelines, warns against drug combo
By
Alicia Lasek
Apr 22, 2020
The comprehensive guidelines are posted in a “living document” that will be updated as new information and evidence emerges, the agency announced Tuesday.
Avoid ‘over-reliance’ on respirators, OSHA urges LTC operators in new guidance
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 05, 2020
The agency has issued new respiratory protection guidance for long-term care industry workers with the goal of preserving supplies of N95 face masks.