Feds must collaborate — not punish — providers under new $500 million investment plan
By
Danielle Brown
Sep 21, 2021
Providers hope the federal government and states are willing to work with them, instead of punishing them, under a new $500 million infection control initiative aimed at helping facilities battle COVID-19...
Public data on coronavirus nursing home outbreaks still weeks away
By
Danielle Brown
May 11, 2020
The federal government is still weeks away from publicly reporting nationwide COVID-19 nursing home data, according to an NBC News report.
Changes revealed in nursing home COVID-19 reporting demands; states are cautioned about reopening
By
James M. Berklan
Danielle Brown
May 01, 2020
Federal regulators on Thursday finally released details of an interim rule that mandates nursing homes report COVID-19-related infections directly to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Feds mull shortened COVID-19 quarantine period
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 30, 2020
There is “a preponderance of evidence” that a shorter quarantine period, complemented by a COVID-19 test, could effectively prevent transmission of the disease, according to Adm. Brett Giroir, assistant...
APIC urges healthcare workers to continue masking despite CDC pullback
By
Joe Bush
Oct 04, 2022
A major association for infection prevention professionals is strongly urging its members to continue masking in patient care areas even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention loosened its...
CDC: COVID vaccines can be interchanged and doses delayed in supply crunch
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 26, 2021
The agency has suggested exceptions to its official vaccine rules for cases when supply shortages interrupt second doses.
Providers to report COVID infections in 12 hours or face $1k fines, CMS says
By
James M. Berklan
Apr 21, 2020
Nursing homes will face fines of “at least” $1,000 per week for not reporting COVID-19 infections within 12 hours of learning about them, federal regulators said Monday.
BULLETIN: CMS ‘ratcheting up’ nursing home penalties in light of 26,000-resident, 450-worker...
By
James M. Berklan
Jun 01, 2020
Nearly 26,000 residents and 450 workers in U.S. nursing homes have died from COVID-19, federal authorities announced Monday afternoon.
Opt-in COVID vaccine program kicks off; Feds partner with CVS, Walgreens
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 19, 2020
Long-term care facilities nationwide can voluntarily opt in to a free pharmacy partnership program that will provide and administer future COVID-19 vaccines on site, federal officials announced Friday.
CDC advisers: Long-term care workers, residents should receive first COVID-19 vaccinations
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 02, 2020
An influential committee on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly to recommend that healthcare personnel and residents in long-term care should be the very first recipients of COVID-19 vaccinations. The vote reflects...