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

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

Shortfall may lessen in '08.
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Medicaid underpaid nursing homes by $13.72 per patient day in 2006. That represents a shortfall of $4.65 billion, according to a preliminary report released last month by Eljay LLC. The under-funding increased...

Critics rip findings in latest citation report.
November 1, 2008... State officials and provider groups are up in arras over a recent federal report on nursing home survey violations. They argue that the aggregate deficiency totals present biased perspective that does not accurately reflect care delivery in the...

Bracing or star ratings.
November 1, 2008... Providers were filled with anxiety at press time over the start of federal regulators' new five-star facility rating system, which was scheduled to begin Dec. 18. Officials were holding firm to their plans to speed the ratings into...

Sleeping less linked to falls.(NEWS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Women age 70 and older are at greater risk of falling if they sleep five hours or less a night, according to a study published in the Sept. 8 issue of the Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers measured sleep, sleep efficiency and...

Headaches may persist.(NEWS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The elderly may have chronic daily headaches for longer periods of time than other age groups, findings of a new 13-year study reveal. In 1993, researchers in Taiwan found that 3.9% of elderly subjects suffered...

Providers take stock of nation's financial woes.(NEWS)
November 1, 2008... An economic downturn that is causing convulsions in most states and many businesses has largely avoided the long-term care sector. But that doesn't mean that operators are breathing easy. So far, independent living and continuing care...

'Silver Alert' system is proposed.(NEWS)(National Silver Alert Act)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Both the U.S. Senate and House now have bills on the table to create a network to help locate seniors and adults who are lost or missing. Based on the well-known "Amber Alert" system for children, the National Silver Alert Act was...

The Centers.(At deadline)
November 1, 2008... The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services predicts that Medicaid outlays will nearly double in the next decade. The growth spurt is projected to grow by approximately 7% each year, and surpass $674 billion by fiscal year 2017.

Only 23.(At deadline)
November 1, 2008... Only 23 states have established mandatory public reporting systems for healthcare-associated infections, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office.

The Internal.(At deadline)(Internal Revenue Services' 990 form)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... The Internal Revenue Services' new 990 form is expected to create more work for nonprofits. The form asks organizations to explain their processes for determining base salary, bonuses and fringe benefits for top executives, high-ranking...

60 Seconds with ... Dr. Charles Crecilius: President, American Medical Directors Association.(NEWS)(Interview)
November 1, 2008... Q: How is AMDA shifting its focus? A: AMDA used to be an organization of medical directors. We see ourselves evolving into a group for long-term care medical professionals. All attending physicians and non-physician practitioners are being...

Representatives introduce 'transparency' bill in house.(NEWS)
November 1, 2008... Long-term care providers have offered mixed reactions to the "Nursing Home Transparency and Quality of Care Improvement Act of 2008," which was introduced in the House last month. Introduced by Reps. Pete Stark (D-CA) and Jan Schakowsky...

Survey violations are common, OIG finds.(NEWS)
November 1, 2008... More than nine out of 10 nursing homes in the United States were cited for violating federal health and safety standards last year, according to a report from the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Inspector General. The...

The Office of Inspector General on Sept. 30 issued supplemental compliance.(Regulatory Update)
November 1, 2008... The Office of Inspector General on Sept. 30 issued supplemental compliance program guidance for nursing facilities.

The Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft questionnaire to 3,500 healthcare facilities, including nursing homes, on unused drug disposal.(Regulatory Update)
November 1, 2008... The Environmental Protection Agency issued a draft questionnaire to 3,500 healthcare facilities, including nursing homes, on unused drug disposal. It is studying the environmental risks associated with unused medication disposal and how...

Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) have introduced legislation that would create a three-year Medicare demonstration project.(Bill Watch)
November 1, 2008... Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rep. Edward Markey (D-MA) have introduced legislation that would create a three-year Medicare demonstration project. The measure would aim to expand at-home services for some beneficiaries with multiple chronic health...

Ask the care expert.(NEWS: Resident Care)
November 1, 2008... Do you know any way that we could allow families to send e-mails or pictures to our residents to make them feel better since many don't have the use of a computer in their rooms? Actually, I just heard of a product that I think will solve...

Assessment tool evaluates, monitors resident safety.(NEWS: Resident Care)
November 1, 2008... Providers have a new survey to help nursing home caregivers assess safety, track changes in resident safety over time, and evaluate the impact of safety interventions. The evidence-based survey gauges nursing home staff members' opinions...

New infection control guidelines are out.(NEWS: Resident Care)
November 1, 2008... The American Hospital Association and the Joint Commission, together with some of the country's top epidemiological societies, issued guidelines endorsed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to address six major hospital acquired...

The more quickly a stroke patient can resume rising out of bed and walking, the better his or her psychological being will be, Australian researchers report.(Caregiving Update)
November 1, 2008... The more quickly a stroke patient can resume rising out of bed and walking, the better his or her psychological being will be, Australian researchers report. Patients are often kept in bed after suffering a stroke, but this lack of movement...

Strength training will help build muscle mass and fight off debilitation until about age 80, according to a new study.(Caregiving Update)
November 1, 2008... Strength training will help build muscle mass and fight off debilitation until about age 80, according to a new study. The positive effects diminish thereafter, according to Ball State University researchers. "I would advise people to actively...

Many diabetes sufferers could unnecessarily be put at risk of internal bleeding if they are regularly given aspirin, researchers from the University of Dundee in Scotland say.(Caregiving Update)
November 1, 2008... Many diabetes sufferers could unnecessarily be put at risk of internal bleeding if they are regularly given aspirin, researchers from the University of Dundee in Scotland say. Researchers followed nearly 1,300 diabetic study subjects for eight...

Ask the treatment expert.(NEWS: Wound Care)
November 1, 2008... Is it true that all topical wound products containing papain are being discontinued? Yes, the US. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has ordered companies to stop marketing and manufacturing all topical drug products that contain papain by...

Compound in human saliva looks promising for healing.(NEWS: Wound Care)
November 1, 2008... A compound found in human saliva appears to dramatically improve the ability of wounds to heal, according to scientists from the Netherlands. They noted that the findings may offer new hope to people suffering from hard-to-heal chronic...

The Association for the Advancement of Wound Care is leading the development of guidelines for the global treatment of wounds and lymphedema at the request of the World Health Organization.(Treatment Update)
November 1, 2008... The Association for the Advancement of Wound Care is leading the development of guidelines for the global treatment of wounds and lymphedema at the request of the World Health Organization. The collaboration is expected to significantly enhance...

AcryMed announced it has received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.(Treatment Update)
November 1, 2008... AcryMed announced it has received clearance from the U.S, Food and Drug Administration for its oxygen-enriched topical hydrophilic closed cell foam wound dressing. Sponsored by Joerns Healthcare

Oculus Innovative will soon launch its Microcyn Technology system in the United States.(Treatment Update)(Microcyn Technology )(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Oculus Innovative will soon launch its Microcyn Technology system in the United States. The product has been shown to eradicate infection, including MRSA, and promote rapid wound healing. The system occurs without introduction of antibiotic....

Ask the nursing expert.(NEWS: Nursing)
November 1, 2008... I recently had two of my employees arguing loudly at the nursing station. How should I proceed without blowing my cool? First, calm the crowd down. There are undoubtedly spectators. Take them both aside and let them both explain the issue,...

U.S.: guidelines to protect foreign nurses do too much.(NEWS: Nursing)
November 1, 2008... Ethics guidelines aimed at protecting foreign nurses from abusive hiring practices try to do too much, according to an official with the U.S. State Department. While the overall goal of protecting the nurses from unfair labor practices is...

Study examines film portrayals of nurses.(NEWS: Nursing)(Report)
November 1, 2008... Over the last century, movies have depicted nurses as both nasty and nice, according to a new report. And these portrayals have affected the reputation of the profession. Australian researchers watched more than 280 films made over the...

The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists has filed negative comments regarding the Drug Enforcement Administration's proposed rule for e-prescribing for controlled substances.(Medication Update)
November 1, 2008... The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists has filed negative comments regarding the Drug Enforcement Administration's proposed rule for e-prescribing for controlled substances. Among its criticisms: The rule fails to take into...

Certain drugs that are commonly used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and death from heart disease, according to a new study.(Medication Update)
November 1, 2008... Certain drugs that are commonly used to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and death from heart disease, according to a new study. The drugs in question are sold under the brand names...

Moderate exercise used in combination with nutritional supplements could help people 65 and older stay active longer, a Manchester Metropolitan University study found.(Medication Update)
November 1, 2008... Moderate exercise used in combination with nutritional supplements could help people 65 and older stay active longer, a Manchester Metropolitan University study found. Taking supplements before and after exercise could be beneficial.

Ask the payment expert.(NEWS: Payment & Policy)
November 1, 2008... You've recently written about an increase in medical review activity. How should we teach our nurses to support the skilled services we are providing? One of the biggest factors from medical review denials is contradictory documentation in...

AHCA Web tool to promote benchmarking among peers.(NEWS: Payment & Policy)
November 1, 2008... The American Health Care Association has introduced a Web-based tool that gives long-term care providers an expansive new way to compare themselves with their peers. LTC Trend Tracker allows providers to analyze their quality and financial...

Medicaid 'crunch' looming?(NEWS: Payment & Policy)
November 1, 2008... The current rough-and-tumble economy is increasing the likelihood of Medicaid cuts, according to a new survey from the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured. The survey of state officials shows that increasing budget pressures...

Go figure.(NEWS: Payment & Policy)
November 1, 2008... 4.4 The national average vacancy rate for directors of nursing at nursing homes was 4.4% in 2007, according to an AHCA study. 4.4 The national average age vacancy rate for certified nursing aides at nursing homes was 9.5% in 2007, the AHCA...

Sun Healthcare Group.(Business Briefs)
November 1, 2008... Sun Healthcare Group plans to rebrand itself. Its new logo is a sun resting in the palm of a hand while the new mission statement is "Caring is the Key in Life." The logo will be applicable to Sun as well as SunBridge Healthcare Corp., and...

Another Connecticut.(Business Briefs)
November 1, 2008... Another Connecticut nursing home chain filed for bankruptcy protection last month. Affinity Health Care Management, which operates four facilities in the state, is the third nursing home chain in Connecticut to file for bankruptcy in the last...

Maine took over.(Business Briefs)
November 1, 2008... Maine took over seven private nursing and assisted living centers because of evidence of corporate financial mismanagement. Gonnecticut-based Eagle Landing Residential Gare LLG owns or leased all seven of the sites. Inspectors found that...

Metro monitor.(Business Briefs)(Statistical table)
November 1, 2008... Metro Monitor Areas with the biggest increases and decreases in the number of occupied nursing care beds over the last year. Leaders Rank Metro Nursing care beds 1 Tampa, FL ...

Quality, care integration will set Golden Living apart: CEO.(NEWS: Companies)(Dr. Neil Kurtz)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Enhancing quality is the No. 1 objective of Dr. Neil Kurtz, Golden Living's new president and CEO. "My goal: When people think about Golden Living--when they say the word--that they automatically associate it with quality--quality care,"...

Shares drop for sunrise.(NEWS: Companies)
November 1, 2008... Shares of several long-term care companies--most notably Sunrise Senior Living Inc.--fell during a steep market sell-off on Wall Street last month. Sunrise's stock lost nearly a quarter of its value on Oct. 6 and fell further later in the...

Thanksgiving.(Good month)
November 1, 2008... * Thanksgiving: Northland Lutheran Retirement Community in Wisconsin provided such good care to a man's mother that he plans to donate $2 million to the community to show his thanks.

Mealtime attention.(Good month)
November 1, 2008... * Mealtime attention: Extra attention at mealtime has been found to help reduce the occurrence of unintentional weight loss among long-stay nursing home residents, according to a study.

Fighting fraud.(Good month)
November 1, 2008... * Fighting fraud: Federal officials recently issued new voluntary guidelines intended to help nursing home operators avoid fraud.

Medicaid payments.(Bad month)
November 1, 2008... * Medicaid payments: States are likely to target Medicaid as a way to lower spending, according to a recent survey of state officials conducted by the Kaiser Commission on Medicaid and the Uninsured.

Transparency.(Bad month)
November 1, 2008... * Transparency: While the seniors housing and care sector has made noticeable progress toward developing transparent data, it still lags behind other real estate classes, according to Dr. Peter Linneman.

Blood thinners.(Bad month)
November 1, 2008... * Blood thinners: The Joint Commission has issued ah alert on the use of several common blood thinners, including heparin.

The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality released a tool to help nursing homes assess safety, track changes in resident safety and evaluate the effectiveness of safety interventions.(IT Update)
November 1, 2008... The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality released a tool to help nursing homes assess safety, track changes in resident safety and evaluate the effectiveness of safety interventions. The survey and other toolkit materials are available at...

The Department of Health and Human Services.(IT Update)
November 1, 2008... The Department of Health and Human Services still does not have a system that addresses privacy-protection issues, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office. The department implemented several measures to address these...

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.(IT Update)
November 1, 2008... The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has begun publishing most of the "edits" that its claims processing software uses to detect Medicare Part B billing errors.

A new electronic health records bill introduced in the U.S. House offers the promise of higher payments and the threat of financial penalties.(IT Update)
November 1, 2008... A new electronic health records bill introduced in the U.S. House offers the promise of higher payments and the threat of financial penalties. The measure would create a financial aid stream via matching grants to fund information technology....

The Senate joined the House in approving legislation intended to put rogue pharmacies out of business.(IT Update)
November 1, 2008... The Senate joined the House in approving legislation intended to put rogue pharmacies out of business. The measure requires online pharmacies to display information on their Web sites identifying the business, pharmacist and other associated...

The Department of Health and Human Services has published a final amendment that exempts four federal computer systems from several parts of the Privacy Act.(IT Update)
November 1, 2008... The Department of Health and Human Services has published a final amendment that exempts four federal computer systems from several parts of the Privacy Act. Exempted systems include HIT, which tracks possible violations of HIPAA's (Health...

Consultants consider drug rule a bitter pill to swallow.(NEWS: Technology)
November 1, 2008... Several provider organizations have panned a pending rule intended to place more restrictions on e-prescriptions for controlled substances. The Drug Enforcement Agency revealed the long-awaited measure in late September. One group against...

"I couldn't live without ...".(NEWS: Technology)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Unfortunately, much of long-term care has devolved into paperwork, says David Moskowitz, former administrator at Sands Point Center in Port Washington, NY. He says that's why he installed the SigmaCare Mobile...

Power outages follow Gustav.(SOUTHEAST)
November 1, 2008... LOUISIANA -- While government entities reportedly performed admirably during Hurricane Gustav, there still was at least one major emergency preparedness snafu: losses of power. Power outages ranked as the top problem caused by the September...

Huckabee: Curb obesity rates.(SOUTHEAST)(Mike Huckabee)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... SOUTH CAROLINA -- The United States must tackle the obesity epidemic and other preventable health problems, said former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee (R), who notably was once grossly overweight himself. Politicians often do not address these...

Program perplexes consumers.(SOUTHEAST)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... FLORIDA -- A 2006 Medicaid reform program that encourages consumer choice actually has confused consumers, according to ah article published in Health Affairs. The story was based on the Kaiser Family Foundation's 2006/2007 Survey of Florida...

Doc familiarity brings benefits.(SOUTHEAST)
November 1, 2008... NORTH CAROLINA -- A new study found that Medicaid beneficiaries in the state who saw the same doctor were more likely to be checked for certain types of cancer. Those who were seen by the same primary-care physician for more than five...

Residents' lawsuit disputes institutional bias.(FLORIDA)
November 1, 2008... Thousands of nursing home residents on Medicaid are suing the state for illegally forcing them into institutions. Nearly 8,500 have filed a class action lawsuit claiming that they should have the option of receiving community-based...

Bills aim for ownership disclosure.(MIDWEST)
November 1, 2008... MICHIGAN -- The state House passed a series of bills that advocates claim are designed to protect residents in nursing homes, and specifically those owned by the global private equity firm The Carlyle Group. The company, which bought HCR...

Rule hurts charitable residents?(MIDWEST)
November 1, 2008... INDIANA -- A rule change proposed by the Family and Social Services Administration regarding donations has drawn severe criticism from nursing home resident advocates. Under the state's proposed rule, someone who has given money each of...

Seniors lag on retirement income.(MIDWEST)
November 1, 2008... WISCONSIN -- There is a growing gap between what elderly in the state need to pay their bills and what they receive from Social Security, pensions and savings accounts, according to a new report. The average Social Security payment for a...

Lethal drug concoctions.(MIDWEST)
November 1, 2008... ILLINOIS -- A nursing home employee mixed drug cocktails to calm residents during her shift at a Woodstock nursing home, according to a report from the Illinois Department of Public Health. In 2006, that improper use of drugs contributed to...

Poll workers dispute vote.(MIDWEST)
November 1, 2008... OHIO -- A disagreement between two poll workers has prompted an investigation by the Summit County elections board. The dispute occurred while the poll workers--one a Democrat, the other a Republican--were helping a female resident with her...

Nurse group leaves national unit.(MIDWEST)
November 1, 2008... MINNESOTA -- The Minnesota Nurses Association, which has a total of 20,000 members, last month withdrew from the American Nurses Association over a clash of visions. The Minnesota Nurses Association will continue its membership in United...

Record-tardy state budget signed.(WEST)
November 1, 2008... CALIFORNIA -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed a $143 billion fiscal year 2009 state budget--nearly three months into the fiscal year. Following his signing in late September, $3.6 billion in MediCal (state Medicaid) provider payments...

More urban Green Houses in 2009.(NORTHEAST)
November 1, 2008... MASSACHUSETTS -- Ten urban Green Houses are scheduled to open in Chelsea, a suburb of Boston, in November 2009. The 100-bed Leonard Florence Center for Living will provide 10 Green Houses within a single 93,000-square-foot building There...

Nursing shortage poses threat.(NORTHEAST)
November 1, 2008... DELAWARE -- A lack of qualified nursing school faculty in the state has led to a bottleneck of nursing students. A looming nursing shortage is another troubling development, healthcare officials say. A total of 3,440 students were enrolled...

State bars forced nurse overtime.(NORTHEAST)
November 1, 2008... PENNSYLVANIA -- Starting next July, nurses at nursing homes and other healthcare facilities in the state will not be subject to mandatory overtime. That is to come about as a result of legislation approved by the state Legislature last...

Ask the legal expert.(NEWS: Legal Matters)
November 1, 2008... Two residents (not a married couple) have been discovered having sex. What should I do? Should we create some pertinent policies? Should I (or anyone) call a lawyer? Sex and intimate relationships between non-married residents in a...

Lawsuit over contributions gets settled outside court.(NEWS: Legal Matters)
November 1, 2008... A legal imbroglio that put nursing homes in the spotlight of a Texas campaign financing controversy in 2002 ended well for providers, according to a spokesman. The Alliance for Quality Nursing Home Care was one of a handful of defendants...

Feds join lawsuit against Golden Living.(NEWS: Legal Matters)
November 1, 2008... Golden Living officials say they will fight a "whistle-blower" lawsuit the federal government recently joined against the giant nursing home chain. The complaint alleges violations of the False Claims Act by Golden's durable medical equipment...

Hill-Rom.(Company Briefs)
November 1, 2008... Hill-Rom will pay $183 million to acquire Liko, a Sweden-based company that makes lifts and slings that are used to move patients. The acquisition is part of an ongoing growth strategy at Hill-Rom, according to company officials.

Pellerin Milnor.(Company Briefs)
November 1, 2008... Pellerin Milnor announced that it has invested in the Oracle E-Business Suite. The laundry equipment manufacturer plans to completely replace its current enterprise resource planning system with Oracle by next spring.

GE Healthcare.(Company Briefs)
November 1, 2008... GE Healthcare has introduced an application that integrates data from patient monitoring devices from any vendor to its Centricity Enterprise electronic health records software. The application will work with bedside devices in any monitored...

The American.(Company Briefs)
November 1, 2008... The American Seniors Housing Association has released a 15-page report that examines the growing use of brain fitness programs in the eldercare field. The study was prepared by SharpBrains.

WebMD.(Company Briefs)
November 1, 2008... WebMD has announced plans to acquire QualityHealth.com, and its parent, Marketing Technology Solutions, for $50 million. The acquisition will "add performance-based marketing programs to WebMD's extensive product portfolio and expands the...

ConvaTec.(Company Briefs)
November 1, 2008... ConvaTec announced it has completed the acquisition of Unomedical. Unomedical is a Copenhagen-based manufacturer of single-use medical devices. The acquisition is expected to help drive ConvaTec's annual sales revenues past $1.6 billion.

Medway Country.(Company Briefs)(Medway Country Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Medway Country Manor Skilled Nursing & Rehabilitation in Medway, MA, is set to deploy voice-assisted care for its 123-bed facility. Pittsburgh-based Vocollect Healthcare Systems will provide 100 Medway staff members with its AccuNurse product....

Specialty drug price hikes far outstrip inflation: AARP.(NEWS: Vendors)
November 1, 2008... The cost for specialty drugs that are used by seniors to treat complex conditions rose three times faster than the overall rate of inflation last year, according to a new AARP study. Last year, the wholesale price providers paid for...

Scrutiny sought for medical device ads.(NEWS: Vendors)
November 1, 2008... The Food and Drug Administration needs better tools to combat ads created by medical device makers that may be misleading, according to recent testimony before the Senate Special Committee on Aging. "There's no question that these medical...