McKnight's Long-Term Care News articles from February 2008

McKnight's Long-Term Care News archives from February 2008

Expo probes road ahead.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Keynote speaker Andrew Carle will assess innovations in technology and their impact on long-term care during the next McKnight's Online Expo, to be held March 26-27. The free online trade show (at...

Flush with victories, providers gearing up.
February 1, 2008... The year started off strong for nursing homes--at least as far as public policy was concerned. Prior to its winter recess, Congress passed two major pieces of legislation that kept important provisions regarding nursing homes intact: a...

Surveyors up bad citations.
February 1, 2008... Nursing homes are being cited for an increasing number of serious deficiencies, according to a published report. The number of "immediate jeopardy" citations rose 22% between 2000 and 2006, according to a USA Today analysis of Centers for...

More blacks hospitalized.(NEWS)
February 1, 2008... Black nursing home residents are more likely than whites to be hospitalized for conditions such as poor nutrition and bedsores, according to a study to be published in the June issue of the journal Health Services Research. Brown...

Fewer drugs reduce falls.(NEWS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cutting back on sleeping pills and using restraints when necessary could help reduce falls among nursing home residents, according to a study. The four-year Journal of Clinical Nursing study analyzed 2,343...

CMS chief: I would have handled list differently.(NEWS)
February 1, 2008... The acting administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services broke his silence and criticized underlings who released the names of poor-performing facilities to industry officials while keeping them from the public. "It would...

What a site: new mcknights.com.(NEWS)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The days of trying to remember the Web address for the award-winning McKnight's family of long-term care publications are over. It's time to welcome mcknights.com to your vocabulary. (Formally it's http.//www.mcknights.com. That, you might...

Providers can learn more about documentation strategies that help maximize Medicare payments during an upcoming McKnight's webcast.(At deadline)
February 1, 2008... Providers can learn more about documentation strategies that help maximize Medicare payments during an upcoming McKnight's webcast. Visit www.mcknights.com to register for the free Feb. 29 event.

Leading long-term care organizations unveiled a plan to increase private payments for eldercare services.(At deadline)
February 1, 2008... Leading long-term care organizations unveiled a plan to increase private payments for eldercare services. They warned of an impending funding crisis, and sought more support for future long-term care and post-acute care services.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has proposed a rule allowing Medicaid beneficiaries to choose their personal care workers.(At deadline)
February 1, 2008... The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has proposed a rule allowing Medicaid beneficiaries to choose their personal care workers--including qualified family members.

Federal regulators released the final version of the new MDS 3.0 on Jan. 17.(At deadline)
February 1, 2008... Federal regulators released the final version of the new MDS 3.0 on Jan. 17. Next, transition plans will be sent to the the states this spring.

60 seconds with ... Alan Sauber: Senior VP, Govt. & Reg. Affairs, RehabCare Group.(NEWS)(Interview)
February 1, 2008... Q: Could you tell us your thoughts on the year-end Medicare bill the president signed effectively killing the "75% Rule," locking levels at 60% instead? A: The study we did [released in October, favoring inpatient rehabilitation facilities...

Challenge is on to preserve Medicare, Medicaid funds.(NEWS)
February 1, 2008... Lawmakers passed federal spending measures recently, but in their haste to wrap up business they also left some work on the table. After passing bare-bones legislation prior to the holidays, legislators were to resume discussions on the...

Nursing home spending tops $125 billion.(NEWS)
February 1, 2008... Spending on nursing-home care topped $125 billion in 2006, but the sector's rate of growth actually declined. Nursing home spending grew at a 3.5% clip in 2006 (up to $125 billion overall). It was the slowest increase since 1999 and down...

Some low-income Medicare beneficiaries, including so-called dual eligibles.(Regulatory Update)
February 1, 2008... Some low-income Medicare beneficiaries, including so-called dual eligibles, could stay in their Medicare prescription drug plan without having to pay a premium, under a newly proposed rule.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services last month announced the second phase of a competitive bid and accreditation program.(Regulatory Update)
February 1, 2008... The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services last month announced the second phase of a competitive bid and accreditation program for suppliers of durable medical equipment.

Reps. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) were planning, as of press time.(Bill Watch)
February 1, 2008... Reps. Lloyd Doggett (D-TX) and Lincoln Diaz-Balart (R-FL) were planning, as of press time, to introduce legislation to discard Medicare Part D co-payments for dual-eligible residents in home and community-based settings.

Ask the care expert.(NEWS: Resident Care)
February 1, 2008... After the holidays we have fewer activities and visitors, which really affects the mood of the residents. How can we enhance our activities during this time? I know of facilities that organize a homemade meal after the holidays. Have the...

Study: seniors have more post-op memory problems.(NEWS: Resident Care)(Clinical report)
February 1, 2008... People older than 60 are more than twice as likely to develop memory problems after non-cardiovascular surgery than their younger counterparts, new study results reveal. In addition, elderly post-op patients whose memory problems persisted...

Get Residents Out of Wheelchairs (GROW) is urging nursing home workers to help residents use regular chairs, sofas and other sitting materials more often, particularly for eating and other social activities.(Caregiving Update)
February 1, 2008... Get Residents Out of Wheelchairs (GROW) is urging nursing home workers to help residents use regular chairs, sofas and other sitting materials more often, particularly for eating and other social activities. The group (www.growcoalition.org) is...

Despite greater access to defibrillators in many places, cardiac arrest patients are kept waiting too long for defibrillation after a heart attack, a new study shows.(Caregiving Update)
February 1, 2008... Despite greater access to defibrillators in many places, cardiac arrest patients are kept waiting too long for defibrillation after a heart attack, a new study shows. Researchers tracked 369 hospitals from 2000 to 2006 and found that 30% of...

Women have a better chance of surviving a stroke and have a tendency to live longer after a stroke than men do, according to recent study results adjusted for age, risk and other factors.(Caregiving Update)(Report)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Women have a better chance of surviving a stroke and have a tendency to live longer after a stroke than men do, according to recent study results adjusted for age, risk and other factors. Except for the period between 30 and 60 days after...

Ask the treatment expert.(NEWS: Wound Care)
February 1, 2008... Is the rumor true that Accuzyme[R] and Panafil[R] ointments are no longer reimbursable? if so, what should we do? Yes, it is true. The enzymatic debriding products Accuzyme[R] Ointment, Accuzyme[R] SE, Panafil[R] Ointment and Panafil[R] SE,...

Federal pressure-ulcer effort stresses use of technology.(NEWS: Wound Care)
February 1, 2008... Two Los Angeles long-term care facilities are serving as examples that technology can improve pressure ulcer care. Both are participants in the federal government's "On-Time Quality Improvement for Long-Term Care Initiatives." So far, a...

Kinetic Concepts announced that it has sued Innovative Therapies and three of its principals, all of whom are former KCI employees.(Treatment Update)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Kinetic Concepts announced that it has sued Innovative Therapies and three of its principals, all of whom are former KCI employees. The suit alleges breach of confidentiality agreements, conversion of KCI technology, theft of trade secrets and...

The Food and Drug Administration has given Integra LifeSciences clearance to market Integra Flowable Wound Matrix.(Treatment Update)
February 1, 2008... The Food and Drug Administration has given Integra LifeSciences clearance to market Integra Flowable Wound Matrix. The gel-forming product provides an alternative to filling deep soft-tissue or tunneling wounds in diabetic foot and venous leg...

Ortec International announced that the firm's name has been changed to Forticell Bioscience.(Treatment Update)
February 1, 2008... Ortec International announced that the firm's name has been changed to Forticell Bioscience. The new name reflects the company's wound care product line.

Ask the nursing expert.(NEWS: Nursing)
February 1, 2008... The new year began with a lot of projects in mind--and some are still in mind. Where do I start? At the beginning, of course! I start each year by making a list of all 12 months, with some additional space to write under each one. Then I...

More nurses satisfied than dissatisfied, new study says.(NEWS: Nursing)
February 1, 2008... One-third of nurses responding to a professional survey reported being dissatisfied with their job, while the greatest portion (36%) said they were satisfied. The other 32% said they were neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. Results of the...

The Food and Drug Administration approved the first rapid blood test for drug-resistant MRSA, a staph infection.(Medication Update)
February 1, 2008... The Food and Drug Administration approved the first rapid blood test for drug-resistant MRSA, a staph infection. The test can identify the source of a staph infection within two hours, but it should not be the sole basis for diagnosis, the FDA...

An oral drug known by the brand name Galvus is effective for previously untreated seniors with type 2 diabetes, a report in the journal Diabetes Care said.(Medication Update)
February 1, 2008... An oral drug known by the brand name Galvus is effective for previously untreated seniors with type 2 diabetes, a report in the journal Diabetes Care said. The FDA has not yet approved the drug, which has been approved for use in Europe.

Almost half of the physicians at three medical schools in the Chicago area have prescribed placebos to patients.(Medication Update)
February 1, 2008... Almost half of the physicians at three medical schools in the Chicago area have prescribed placebos to patients. Almost all believe that patients can benefit from them, a study in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found. Physicians...

Commonly used bisphosphonates may not be better than alternative medications in preventing bone fractures in those with osteoporosis, according to a new report in the Annals of Internal Medicine.(Medication Update)
February 1, 2008... Commonly used bisphosphonates may not be better than alternative medications in preventing bone fractures in those with osteoporosis, according to a new report in the Annals of Internal Medicine. Bisphosphonates include the drug Boniva.

Ask the payment expert.(NEWS: Payment & Policy)
February 1, 2008... When should we start training our staff on the MDS 3.O? We intended to start developing training in January. You need to be aware that with the upcoming completion of the STRIVE time study the MDS 3.0 implications on the payment systems...

CMS to analyze post-acute costs, services in new demo.(NEWS: Payment & Policy)
February 1, 2008... Nursing homes are getting a good chance to show what their care is worth--for better or worse. The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will begin training and data collection in Boston facilities next month for a demonstration project...

MedPAC recommends freezing SNF rates.(NEWS: Payment & Policy)
February 1, 2008... Skilled nursing facilities will see Medicare payment rates frozen for fiscal year 2009 ff a Congressional advisory panel has its way. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) made the stingy recommendation last month. Providers...

Capital Senior Living Group.(Business Briefs)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Capital Senior Living Group signed an agreement with Hearthstone Senior Services L.P., of Woodlands, TX, to buy Hearthstone's stakes in 32 leases for about $35 million. The Hearthstone leases are with a healthcare rear estate investment trust....

Autumn Corp.(Business Briefs)
February 1, 2008... Autumn Corp. is acquiring the rights to 169 nursing home beds in a facility in Henrico County, Virginia, according to the Times-Dispatch newspaper. The Seven Hills Health Care Center said in December it was closing after losing eligibility for...

Metro monitor.(NEWS: Companies)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The penetration rate of skilled nursing beds available, per households with someone 75 or older (for third-quarter 2007). Higher percentages mean more competition for providers. Leaders Nursing Rank Metro ...

Sunrise dismisses execs in wake of new probe findings.(NEWS: Companies)
February 1, 2008... Sunrise Senior Living Inc., which has been under the microscope for insider trading, has dismissed three executives after an independent review uncovered inappropriate accounting over a two-year period. The board of directors in late...

SEIU keeps the squeeze on Manor Care.(NEWS: Companies)(Service Employees International Union)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The Service Employees International Union is continuing to press for commitments to higher standards of resident care from the new owner of the nation's largest nursing home chain. Residents, staff and residents' families have "raised serious...

Technology's growing influence will be a topic of discussion during the upcoming McKnight's virtual trade show.(IT Update)
February 1, 2008... Technology's growing influence will be a topic of discussion during the upcoming McKnight's virtual trade show. Keynote Speaker Andrew Carle will examine current innovations and technology, as well as the field's future. Carle is founding...

Digital pen and paper technology can help prevent pressure ulcers, Swedish researchers have discovered.(IT Update)
February 1, 2008... Digital pen and paper technology can help prevent pressure ulcers, Swedish researchers have discovered. The tool helped nursing home staff convert standardized certified nursing assistant (CNA) daily flow sheets and resident care documents into...

The Department of Health and Human Services will focus this year's information technology initiatives.(IT Update)
February 1, 2008... The Department of Health and Human Services will focus this year's information technology initiatives on delivering a nationwide interoperable, private and secure IT infrastructure, the federal agency said.

Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) said the adoption of electronic health records is vital to the building of a new healthcare system.(IT Update)
February 1, 2008... Sen. Hillary Clinton (D-NY) said the adoption of electronic health records is vital to the building of a new healthcare system. Moving to electronic records from paper could save an estimated $77 million in healthcare costs, the presidential...

Nine healthcare companies have joined forces to create a consortium urging better security safeguards for electronic health records.(IT Update)
February 1, 2008... Nine healthcare companies have joined forces to create a consortium urging better security safeguards for electronic health records. The group is drafting a set of security standards it hopes to have in place by the end of the year. "The...

AHIMA seeks standards for the long-term care setting.(NEWS: Technology)
February 1, 2008... A new project focused on electronic health records and other information technology used in long-term care is under way by the American Health Information Management Association's Foundation of Research and Education. The project will help...

I couldn't live without ...(NEWS: Technology)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Managing medication can be a tricky task, but Peorria Muniv believes she's found a good answer: the TOCCARE system from Daverci Solutions. She says it simplifies and streamlines med passes, making technology easy to...

Web site receives kudos.(NORTHEAST)(Website overview)
February 1, 2008... NEW YORK -- A state Web site that offers information about nursing home quality has won an award from the New York State Forum of the Rockefeller Institute. The site, http.//nursinghomes.nyhealth.gov, offers information about facilities...

Cigarette safety starts.(MASSACHUSETTS)
February 1, 2008... Long-term care facilities may be breathing a sigh of relief after a state law took effect mandating so-called fire-safe cigarettes to reduce the risk of starting fires. Preceding the move, local blues singer "Weepin' Willie" Robinson died...

State pushes LTC alternatives.(NORTHEAST)
February 1, 2008... PENNSYLVANIA -- The governor's administration has bolstered funding for home-assistance that aims to prevent people from entering nursing homes. It also is planning financial incentives to encourage nursing homes to eliminate skilled-care beds,...

Court opposes Medicaid rules.(NORTHEAST)
February 1, 2008... MARYLAND -- A court ruled last month that some Medicaid eligibility standards are stricter than federal laws allow. The lawsuit was filed on behalf of a woman with Alzheimer's disease who was not able to receive assistance from a Medicaid...

Half of homes cited since 2004.(SOUTHWEST)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... ARIZONA -- Nursing homes in the state have been hit hard by the government regulators. The state's Department of Health Services has taken 114 enforcement actions against more than half of Arizona's nursing homes since November 2004. All...

Positive feedback for facilities.(MIDWEST)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... OHIO -- Residents gave their nursing homes good grades, according to a new survey released by the Ohio Department of Aging. More than 24,000 residents at 955 facilities answered questions concerning activities, choices, care, laundry and meals....

Evacuations cause havoc.(MIDWEST)
February 1, 2008... MISSOURI -- Ice storms and summer winds forced many nursing homes in the St. Louis metropolitan to evacuate. That led to an overload of the emergency medical system, a report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch found. Some hospitals opened...

Expanding assisted living program.(MIDWEST)
February 1, 2008... ILLINOIS -- A state program that provides assisted living services to low-income seniors is thriving. The Illinois Supportive Living Programs, which provide seniors apartment-style housing along with personal care, meals and other...

EHR pilot for Medicaid recipients.(SOUTHEAST)
February 1, 2008... FLORIDA -- The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration has started implementing an electronic health record for Medicaid beneficiaries. Medical-claims data are being used to create a record for each Medicaid beneficiary from the...

Forum gauges state's health.(SOUTHEAST)
February 1, 2008... LOUISIANA -- The Louisiana Health Care Quality Forum is conducting a checkup on the overall health of the state. Using data from a recent report, along with additional data from Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance companies, the forum...

53 deficiencies lead to end.(PLAINS/MOUNTAINS)
February 1, 2008... KANSAS -- A nursing home that voluntarily closed in November had the state's worst inspection recording. That is according to the federal government's latest inspection data, the Associated Press reported. Cheyenne Meadows, which was...

Ask the legal expert.(NEWS: Legal Matters)
February 1, 2008... John Durso, Esq. Ungaretti & Harris LLP What have you found is the most effective measure for heading off workers' compensation claims? Containing worker's compensation claims requires a proactive approach, centered on the prompt...

Providers appeal to highest court over False Claims Act.(NEWS: Legal Matters)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Nursing home and hospital associations are urging the Supreme Court to reverse a decision that loosens restrictions under the False Claims Act. The American Health Care Association and American Hospital Association lent support to a...

Court: man's approval doesn't bind wife.(NEWS: Legal Matters)
February 1, 2008... Reiterating that a "marital relationship cannot alone create an agency," a California appellate court has ruled that a facility cannot force a female resident with dementia into binding arbitration just because her husband signed a clause...

PointClickCare.(Company Briefs)
February 1, 2008... PointClickCare will offer a free pilot-test-ed electronic medication administration record to its long-term care clients. The product will integrate medication administration with physician and pharmacy orders, which will help reduce medication...

Herman Miller's.(Company Briefs)(Herman Miller's Leaf Personal Light )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Herman Miller's Leaf Personal Light has been feted by Time Magazine as one of the Best Inventions of 2007. The tabletop light was noted for its energy efficiency and sleek design. The Leaf is a result of collaborative engineering and design...

Yardi Systems.(Company Briefs)
February 1, 2008... Yardi Systems has announced the release of a care module for eldercare management. The Voyager Senior Housing product was originally introduced as an integrated system for residential real estate management 25 years ago. But it has been...

Samarion.(Company Briefs)
February 1, 2008... Samarion has selected Aruba Networks to provide wireless LAN and security solutions in eldercare and other long-term care facilities. The move will help provide restraint-free fall prevention: wandering and elopement prevention; resident, staff...

Artromick International.(Company Briefs)
February 1, 2008... Artromick International has named William G. ShieLds chief executive officer. Most recently, Shields was senior vice president of strategic initiatives at AmerisourceBergen. Former CEO and founder J.M. Romick is retiring from Artromick but will...

QuickCare is latest addition to Logibec's growing family.(NEWS: Vendors)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Information-systems firm Logibec Groupe Informatique has continued its incredible buying spree. The firm most recently added QuickCare Software Services to its growing list of information-technology company purchases. Founded in 1992,...

Xerox changes logo to suit new offerings.(NEWS: Vendors)
February 1, 2008... Xerox Corp. unveiled a new logo in January. The new design is intended to scuttle the firm's old image as a photocopier manufacturer and highlight its software, color printers and other technologically updated products, the firm said. ...

A tasteful first impression: facility puts new bistro in lobby, broadening dining options for residents and employees, and improving the overall appeal of the entryway.(Business & Marketing: Design)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] First-time visitors to Sherwood Oaks in Cranberry, PA, often know where they want to go upon stepping into the facility: the new Cafe Sherwood on one side of the lobby. The 20-seat cafe brings less-structured,...

Happy staff is key to quality.(LEADING BY EXAMPLE)
February 1, 2008... St. Paul's Towers in Oakland, CA, is a striking facility with its sweeping views of Lake Merritt, lush rooftop garden and cozy atmosphere. But that's not what makes it such a standout. It's like Morn always said: It's what's inside that counts....

In search of the right stuff.(THE BIG PICTURE)(Editorial)
February 1, 2008... My deficiencies involving most things mechanical have provided family and friends with countless hours of entertainment. They've had many good laughs recounting my unsuccessful attempts to change spark plugs, repair leaky toilets and...

The hospital lobby strikes again with the '60% Rule'.(Editor's DESK)
February 1, 2008... If you haven't noticed by now, the ballyhooed "75% Rule" has been laid to rest. Long live the "60% Rule"! Well, that could be the battle chant of acute-care providers at least. The 75% Rule made for good theater during its short,...

Reader poll: "what song best sums up your view or attitude toward life?".(Opinion)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Mine is 'High Hopes' (Sung by Frank Sinatra in the film 'A Hole in the Head') I Expect the best! I believe you need to have high hopes in order to achieve. Too long we have succumbed to the 'don't get your hopes up'...

Simple staff solution: no vacations in December.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... Anne Marie Barnett's December column ("Ask the Nursing Expert," p. 10) brought up a question about how to handle requests from many nurses to take their vacations during the last two months of the year. This is a headache! She suggested...

Questioning a chain's commitment to employees.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... I am a nursing home administrator, with a BSN degree and a Master of Science in Leadership and Quality. Recently, I accepted an opportunity to work as executive director of a Golden Living Facility. My previous experience had been in the...

Chain: we're trying; might have let good one get away.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
February 1, 2008... In reading this letter, it appears we lost a talented person after a relatively short time with us, which is unfortunate. I wish that prior to leaving, the writer would have used the support systems we have in place to reach out for help or...

Losing steam: the eldercare real estate market may no longer be red-hot, but it is largely insulated from the residential sector collapse.(Financing)
February 1, 2008... Around July 1, 2007, financial experts painted the rosiest picture in eldercare's history. They raved about a favorable lending climate with unprecedented loan volumes and performance, robust-but-balanced construction growth, breathtaking...

The right move: Hurricane Katrina forced nursing homes to rethink emergency transportation--and make the federal government take notice.(Transportation)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf Coast two-and-a-half years ago, reality also struck for the nursing home community. The long-term care field not only learned about the devastating impact of natural...

Secure Care Products, Inc.(Product Focus)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Secure Care Products Inc. is a leader in the design, manufacture and international distribution of electronic monitoring systems and access control products. These systems are provided to the healthcare and hospital...

Stanley-Senior Technologies.(Product Focus)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] More than a product, the WanderGuard[R] Departure Alert System is a wandering management PROGRAM. The WanderGuard System is both scalable and integrable, starting with the most basic system or working up to our...

No-hands bowl.(Recent Arrivals)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Sticky Bowl from Fenon Bell Randall is designed to adhere to the countertop to allow for hands-free mixing. Its creators call it the perfect kitchen assistant. E-mail for a sample, FOR MORE INFO: ...

Disposable wheelchair cover.(Recent Arrivals)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Graham Medical has introduced the ComfortOne[TM] Disposable Wheelchair Pad Cover. The new-to-the-market product offers long-term care facilities a great cost- and time-effective alternative to stocking and laundering...

Stylish and well-performing carpet.(Recent Arrivals)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Oak Park collection from Shaw Contract Group is specifically designed for the healthcare market, Oak Park features modern yet classic aesthetics for long-term care facilities seeking style and high performance...