McKnight's Long-Term Care News articles from September 2003

McKnight's Long-Term Care News archives from September 2003

Governors' new chief stresses LTC.
September 12, 2003... Long-term care issues may be headed to new heights in the eyes of the nation's governors. When Idaho Governor Dirk Kempthorne took the National Governor's Association helm August 19, he announced he would push his cause, entitled "A...

Despite initial fears.(Late Breaking News)
September 12, 2003... Despite initial fears, international health officials concluded that an illness that had stricken 140 of 300 workers and residents at a Surrey, British Columbia, nursing home this summer--killing seven--was not SARS.

All 50 governors spoke out in rare, unified support for a provision in the House prescription drug bill that would move as much as $7 billion in costs to the federal government to cover "dual eligibles.".(Late Breaking News)
September 12, 2003... All 50 governors spoke out in rare, unified support for a provision in the House prescription drug bill that would move as much as $7 billion in costs to the federal government to cover "dual eligibles." The governors stated they fear the...

Under intense political pressure.(Late Breaking News)
September 12, 2003... Under intense political pressure and "lavish" lobbyist spending, at least 21 states have implemented a form of tort revision this year, according to the Washington Post.

Despite budget constraints.(Late Breaking News)
September 12, 2003... Despite budget constraints, states are providing individuals more home and community based services for long-term care, according to a recent study by the National Conference of State Legislatures.

A report from the National Council on Disability says that states have largely skirted a Supreme Court ruling.(Late Breaking News)
September 12, 2003... A report from the National Council on Disability says that states have largely skirted a Supreme Court ruling that says individuals with disabilities must be moved from institutions into community settings if they are capable, according to the...

Scientists predict that 13.2 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease by 2050.(Late Breaking News)
September 12, 2003... Scientists predict that 13.2 million Americans will have Alzheimer's disease by 2050, and 8 million of them will be 85 and older, according to updated figures in a study in the August issue of the Archives or Neurology.

Databank.... deficiency drop.
September 12, 2003... Nationwide, far fewer nursing homes were cited for actual harm or immediate jeopardy deficiencies in January 2002, compared to five years earlier. 18-month % of homes % change period cited from ending ...

Providers resigned to therapy caps.
September 12, 2003... Following several extensions and reprieves, providers were bracing for the worst as the Sept. 1 implementation date for new Medicare Part B therapy caps neared. Only some sort of extraordinary legal appeal in the final hours could have...

Hard data.(News)
September 12, 2003... 2.17 Billions of Medicare dollars expected to go to long-term care hospitals in fiscal 2004, a total boosted by a 2.5% increase In pay rates that began July 1, according to the Centers far Medicare and Medicaid Services. 11.4 The average...

Quality First Initiative moving forward, but at a slow pace.(Reimbursement)
September 12, 2003... A year ago July, the nation's three major nursing home associations grandly introduced the Quality First Initiative, a voluntary program aimed at boosting consumer trust in nursing homes, promoting self-regulation and appeasing governmental...

Insurance reforms don't stop Florida exodus.(Transactions)
September 12, 2003... Despite Gov. Jeb Bush signing liability insurance reform into Florida law in mid-August, another prominent chain is selling off its facilities in the state. Mariner Health Care announced plans to divest 20 of its Florida skilled nursing...

The formula used to determine Medicaid funding blends is too narrow.(Regulatory update)
September 12, 2003... The formula used to determine Medicaid funding blends is too narrow, according to a report by the General Accounting Office. Investigators suggested that Congress expand the formula to include additional factors that affect a state's fiscal...

All claims sent by providers for Medicare reimbursement.(Regulatory update)
September 12, 2003... All claims sent by providers for Medicare reimbursement, with few exceptions, must be submitted electronically from Oct. 16 onward, according to an interim final rule issued Aug. 15 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Nearly 14%...

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services debuted in mid-August.(Regulatory update)
September 12, 2003... The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services debuted in mid-August what it called a "quicker and simpler" site for providers and consumers to navigate. Most of the new Web views can be reached by clicking on the "Professionals" tab at the top...

QIOs making presence felt: nursing homes are finding success in intensive Quality Improvement Organization groups, which are expanding their appeal across states.(Cover Story)
September 12, 2003... At Heritage Rehab & Specialty Care in Tacoma, WA, the percentage of residents with pressure ulcers has dropped to 3 from 27 in less than a year. Director of Nursing Services Elsa Salzbrun credits Qualis Health with an instrumental role in the...

Malpractice reform, HIV claim, union vote, arrests.(State News)
September 12, 2003... Southeast/FLORIDA Gov. Jeb Bush signed into law a bill that will help the state's healthcare providers deal with runaway malpractice insurance costs. Under the new law, a cap will be placed on jury awards for non-economic damages, limiting...

Louisiana: HIV patient says nursing homes discriminated.(State News)
September 12, 2003... Cecil Little, a patient with HIV, has filed a complaint with the Department of Health and Human Services' Office of Civil Rights, claiming that six nursing homes refused him admittance because of his infection. The facilities initially agreed...

Arkansas: caregivers face murder charges for alleged abuse.(State News)
September 12, 2003... Two nursing assistants at an Arkansas nursing home are facing murder charges after being accused of beating an elderly woman to death with brass knuckles. Before the woman's death, Shermika Rainey, 17, and Gayla Wilson, 44, each faced a...

Kentucky: state secretary announces loss of Medicaid benefits.(State News)
September 12, 2003... More than 1,400 Kentuckians currently cared for in nursing homes, their own homes, or other community-based settings no longer will be eligible for long-term care Medicaid benefits, the state's Health Services secretary said. The loss...

Georgia: new law leads to higher private-pay resident charges.(State News)
September 12, 2003... Under the Nursing Home Provider Fee Act, passed July 1, the cost of caring for each nursing home resident enrolled in Medicaid will increase by $7.80 a day. While the law doesn't affect government-run nursing homes or patients whose nursing...

Minnesota: nursing home challenges legitimacy of union vote.(Midwest)
September 12, 2003... A Minneapolis nursing home is fighting a union vote that has been considered one of organized labor's biggest successes this year. More than 300 workers at the Walker Methodist Health Center voted by a wide margin to unionize in May. ...

Indiana: seniors in institutions increase pressure on state officials.(Midwest)
September 12, 2003... Advocates for Indiana's elderly and disabled residents living in nursing homes are accusing state officials of not acting quickly enough to get more community and home-based services to people on waiting lists. They are rallying the public...

Wisconsin: board recommends rehab centers over nursing homes.(Midwest)
September 12, 2003... Rehabilitation centers and apartment-like assisted living facilities could take the place of traditional nursing homes if Wisconsin follows a recommendation from a panel examining the industry. The state's Board of Aging and Long Term Care...

Iowa: state receives grant to boost LTC worker recruitment.(Midwest)
September 12, 2003... Iowa has received a $1.4 million grant intended to help with the recruitment and retention of direct-care workers. The Iowa CareGivers Association received the grant from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Atlantic Philanthropies...

Pennsylvania: testimony expected to affect murder trial.(Northeast)
September 12, 2003... A former employee charged with helping cover up a fatal attack on an Alzheimer's patient was to testify against a co-defendant charged with the murder. Julia Pearson, who worked as a personal-care aide at the Alterra Clare Bridge home in Lower...

Washington: seminar raises ire among nursing home advocates.(West)
September 12, 2003... A nursing home lobby has expressed anger over a recent seminar in which two state attorneys made presentations to a group of trial lawyers specializing in litigation against nursing homes. Adding to the fervor is the fact that two of the...

Nursing funding, nutrition, dementia therapy.(Nursing News)
September 12, 2003... A broad spectrum of provider groups has lobbied members of the Senate, to pass a proposal that would pump more funding into nursing initiatives. The proposal is an amendment to the fiscal year 2004 Labor, Health and Human Services, and...

CDC suspends tiered flu vaccination schedule.(Nursing News)
September 12, 2003... The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has suspended its tiered influenza vaccination schedule because it has sufficient supply of the vaccine, according to Morbidity & Mortality Weekly Report. All healthy and high-risk people may be...

Study: emotions may be key to nutrition levels.(Nursing News)
September 12, 2003... Emotions may hinder seniors' food intake and lead to geriatric malnutrition, according to researchers at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Scientists asked residents in a geriatric hospital's rehabilitation unit to rate 10 emotions on...

Aromas, lights may ease Alzheimer's effects.(Nursing News)
September 12, 2003... Aromatherapy and bright-light therapy may help Alzheimer's patients become less agitated and sleep better, according to two British studies presented Aug. 19 at the 11th Congress of the International Psychogeriatric Association in Chicago. ...

Over-the-counter drugs may cut Parkinson's risk.(Pharmacy News)
September 12, 2003... Using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen twice weekly could cut the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by as much as 45%, according to researchers led by a Harvard School of Public Health professor. Taking two...

CMS proposes changes to Medicare drug pricing.(Pharmacy News)
September 12, 2003... As an answer to what it feels are overstated prices by vendors, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services was expected to propose three changes for how it determines payments for Medicare Part B drugs, according to the Bureau of National...

Drug benefit could mean changes for LTC pharmacists.(Pharmacy)
September 12, 2003... Even though the Medicare prescription drug benefit was still being debated by House and Senate negotiators, consultant pharmacists were already worried about what some of the bill's provisions could mean for long-term care facilities. High...

Florida facilities relieved with staffing mandate in place.(Staffing)
September 12, 2003... When Florida began imposing minimum staffing requirements for the state's nursing homes, many providers feared meeting the mandate would be difficult, if not impossible, in light of caregiver shortages. Beyond that, many were concerned that...

Study says environment may outweigh salary factors.(Staffing)
September 12, 2003... A new report reveals that dissatisfaction in the workplace may affect recruitment and retention more than some long-term care administrators realize. The study, jointly conducted by the Institute for the Future of Aging Services (IFAS) and...

Recruitment dilemma stymied; CNA classes overbooked.(Staffing)
September 12, 2003... A group of hospitals and nursing homes in a tiny rural town in the heart of Kansas have managed the unthinkable. In a field desperate for certified nursing assistants, the nursing homes in Lindsborg have their pickings from a large pool of...

Study underway to measure Green House outcomes.(Care Models)
September 12, 2003... Now that the nation's first four Green Houses are in full swing in Tupelo, MS, a two-year grant is underway to measure the effectiveness of the long-term care model. The grant, awarded by the Commonwealth Fund, will allow researchers to...

Higher operations costs push fees, vex staff, residents.(Operations)
September 12, 2003... Management and residents alike are being challenged by a wave of resident fee increases at continuing care retirement communities around the country. Although no national studies currently exist, the Continuing Care Accreditation...

A private room in a U.S. nursing home costs an average of $181 per day.
September 12, 2003... A private room in a U.S. nursing home costs an average of $181 per day, up 8% since last year, according to a study from MetLife's Mature Market Institute. A semi-private room costs $158 on average, with residents staying an average of 2.4...

Beverly Enterprise Inc. reported a profit in its second quarter.
September 12, 2003... Beverly Enterprises Inc. reported a profit in its second quarter, thanks to results for its skilled nursing facilities, AEGIS Therapies and hospice operations, exceeding expectations, The firm earned $17.5 million, or 16 cents per diluted...

Kindred Healthcare reported a net loss of $43 million.
September 12, 2003... Kindred Healthcare reported a net loss of $43 million, or $2.49 loss per diluted share, for the second quarter, compared with a $24 million profit, or $1.21 per share, a year earlier. The loss reflects $53 million in expected charges related to...

States have largely failed to follow.(Worth Watching)
September 12, 2003... States have largely failed to follow a Supreme Court ruling that individuals with disabilities must be moved from institutions into community settings if they are capable, a new study has found. The 464-page report by the National Council on...

Some companies are trimming the paychecks of salaried employees.(Worth Watching)
September 12, 2003... Some companies are trimming the paychecks of salaried employees next year because of quirk in the calendar that adds an extra pay period. In 2004, some companies will have 27 biweekly pay periods instead of the usual 26. As a result, some...

Flu business is a new game.(Care Processes)
September 12, 2003... The 2003-2004 flu season is expected to be the year of no excuses. With added financial incentive to administer vaccines, an ample supply of the preventive drugs and a new product that could appeal to shot-weary individuals, nursing homes are...

History making is being underplayed.(Executive Decisions)
September 12, 2003... Q AHCA will be holding its 54th convention and exposition in October. What's the message you want to get out to your members this year? A Quality First. Clearly the message we want to get out as quickly as possible bec0mes the focus on...

Small business are generally optimistic about improvement in the economy.(Enterprise)
September 12, 2003... Small businesses are generally optimistic about improvement in the economy. But they are still keeping a lid on expenses, according to a new survey released by the National Federation of Independent Business. "Apparently, owners think everyone...

More labor law loopholes to protect against.(Legal Matters)
September 12, 2003... Q Can you tell us mare about common mistakes providers make--and need to guard against--when it comes to employment laws? A Last issue, there simply wasn't enough space to get in some of the cautions you need to know about when it comes to...

Quicker approvals of products may be coming.(Regulations/Compliance)
September 12, 2003... Q What are the prospects for expanding Medicare Part B coverage for certain items of technology and DME In nursing facilities? A Medicare's very slow, protracted and ponderous approach to approving new codes often makes new technology,...

'Eden' approach needs more staff understanding.(Staffing Concerns)
September 12, 2003... Q So much lately has been made of putting more pets, plants, kids, etc. in nursing facilities while "changing the culture" of the facilities. What are your thoughts on these well-intentioned efforts, and what if the workforce doesn't want to...

Poor billing-period calculations can be costly.(Payment Answers)
September 12, 2003... Q I'm afraid our billing staff do not always calculate benefit periods properly. What do you suggest to make sure we're completing occurrence codes properly? A Calculating benefits periods remains an issue for both billers and clinicians....

Bonds still attractive as economy grows.(P&L Journal)
September 12, 2003... The sell-off in the bond market that started in June continued to lift yields throughout July. As a result, the bond market experienced its worst three-month price decline since 1927, with the yield on the 10-year Treasury rising by more than...

Market monitor.(Business)
September 12, 2003... MARKET MONITOR Total and nursing deficiency averages by state, 2001 Total deficiencies Nursing deficiencies United States 6.27 3.03 Alabama ...

Concept behind emerging technology: less is more.(Managing Technology)
September 12, 2003... Chances are good you have not yet heard much about nanotechnology. But it's also likely this new concept will eventually affect the way you deliver care and run your operations. Generally speaking, nanotechnology is a pretty general idea....

The nation's patchwork system for.(Quality Corner)
September 12, 2003... The nation's patchwork system for delivering mental healthcare sauces should be replaced by a more comprehensive program, a presidential commission noted. An increasing number of nursing home residents require such services. States need to,...

The Life Care Center of Treasure.(Quality Corner)
September 12, 2003... The Life Care center of Treasure Valley in Boise, ID, received OSHA's Merit Recognition Award, making it the first nursing home in the Northwest to receive such recognition. The award is part of the agency's Voluntary Protection Program (VPP)...

AHCA convention to offer inspirational tips.(Business)
September 12, 2003... The 54th annual convention and exposition of the American Health Care Association will feature a wide range of dynamic speakers and educational sessions for attendees. The meeting, which will take place in San Diego from Oct. 12-15, will...

Resource Systems.(AHCA'03 Show Stoppers)
September 12, 2003... Resource Systems is the developer of CareTracker, an innovative system for collecting ADLs, mood/behavior, bowel/bladder, restorative and all types of supportive documentation using wall-mounted touch screens. The additional accuracy of...

Tempur-Pedic Inc. medical division.(AHCA'03 Show Stoppers)
September 12, 2003... Whether you choose TUSMaP[TM], our JCAHO-certified skin and wound program, or product-only solutions, Tempur-Pedic Medical is the ONLY supplier offering indemnity for outcomes associated with using their products. Circle 162 on reader...

ULTRACare.(AHCA'03 Show Stoppers)
September 12, 2003... Our award-winning software solution, ULTRACare, is a census-driven financial and clinical software product that integrates marketing, admissions, billing, care plan, MDS/assessment and physician order applications for all levels of care....

NeighborCare[R].(AHCA'03 Show Stoppers)
September 12, 2003... NeighborCare offers comprehensive pharmacy services and solutions that match the needs of residents and providers alike. With operations across the country, NeighborCare provides geographic coverage to both major metropolitan areas and rural...

Hertz Supply Co. Inc.(AHCA'03 Show Stoppers)
September 12, 2003... Volker, "The Healthcare Bed in Disguise," is again bringing the latest developments in bed technology to savvy healthcare customers. In addition to totally unique features such as disappearing side rails, disappearing casters, fine wood...

Arjo Century Sit Bath.(AHCA'03 Show Stoppers)
September 12, 2003... The new Century Sit Bath, with its keyhole shape, offers improved features that focus on modern day concerns--comfort, safety, ergonomics and operation efficiency. The Century includes timesaving autofill, improved full immersion and system...

First Quality.(AHCA'03 Show Stoppers)
September 12, 2003... First Quality Products introduces Prevail[R] Breathable Briefs featuring clothlike backsheets. Wearers enjoy breathable fabric style comfort that maintains maximum leakage protection, creating an environment for optimum skin care....

Advanced Answers On Demand, Inc.(AHCA'03 Show Stoppers)
September 12, 2003... Advanced Answers On Demand, Inc. designs and implements applications linked together for seamless integration to your long-term care facilities with tangible benefits to the ultimate audience... your residents. Our system provides for a...

PenSoft[R] Payroll Health Care Edition.(AHCA'03 Show Stoppers)
September 12, 2003... PenSoft[R] Payroll Health Care Edition is complete payroll software to maximize payroll processing productivity. It is specifically designed for the long-term care industry and addresses income and labor distribution issues. It offers...

PharMerica.(Business)
September 12, 2003... PharMerica specializes in long-term care pharmacy. Our local pharmacies provide medications, pharmacy consulting, compliance assistance, IV therapy, Medicare Part B products/billing, medical records, training and education to 250,000 residents...

Direct Supply.(Business)
September 12, 2003... Direct Supply offers Home FreeWireless Resident Monitoring Systems to help ensure your residents' safety and security at all times. HomeFree's wireless technology provides reliable resident-specific wander monitoring, wireless nurse call and...

PointClickCare.com.(Business)
September 12, 2003... PointClickCare.com delivers all the functionality and benefits of a complete long-term care solution without the frustration and expense of having to buy, install, upgrade or maintain any hard ware or software. PointClickCare.com is the easiest...

Keane Care.(Business)
September 12, 2003... Looking for sophisticated, yet easy-to-use software for today's challenges? Then take a look at VistaKEANE from Keane Care. Our system of integrated windows-based financial and clinical software helps long-term and post-acute providers collect....

Horizon Healthcare Technologies.(Business)
September 12, 2003... Since 1983, Horizon Healthcare Technologies has been a leading developer and distributor of integrated clinical, reimbursement, and financial soft ware. Our clients include skilled nursing facilities, transitional care units, assisted living...

Space Tables.(Business)
September 12, 2003... Transportable, tiltable, height adjustable tables for dining to meet the needs of all residents, Available in many sizes, shapes and color combinations. As your census changes, you needn't disrupt the seating of other residents. Will...

EnduraCare.(Business)
September 12, 2003... EnduraCare, Therapy Management is a national provider of comprehensive occupational, physical, and speech therapy services with regional offices located throughout the country. EnduraCare's therapy programs consist of dedicated staffing with...

SR Instruments, Inc.(Business)
September 12, 2003... The TH200 Dietary/Gourmet scale has a capacity of 200 grams/8 kilograms and is convenient and simple to use. Digital accuracy makes it easy to measure out portions for diets and recipes. The tare function eliminates container weight for...

Accu-Med Services.(Business)
September 12, 2003... Accu-Med Services is the leading provider of software designed for the long term care industry, with comprehensive implementation, CEU-eligible training and the industry's best support. Accu Care for Windows clinical software. MDS2Go handhold...

Briggs Corporation.(Business)
September 12, 2003... Briggs' MDS Guru is a wise training and reference tool. Train staff and easily reference the regulations that impact each MDS item with the most current online MDS reference and training resource available. Request your FREE dome CD (Stock No....

Kindred Pharmacy Services.(Business)
September 12, 2003... Kindred Pharmacy Services strives to provide value and quality to our residents every day, as we have for over 30 years. KPS provides pharmacy, clinical support and infusion therapy services across the continuum of long-term care. We are...

Healthcare Services Group, Inc.(Business)
September 12, 2003... Healthcare Services Group, Inc. is the largest provider of Housekeeping and Laundry Services for the long-term care industry in the United States. 1,400+ facilities services in the healthcare and long term care industries. Now also includes...

HCS Interactant.(Business)
September 12, 2003... HCS Interactant is a fully integrated clinical and financial information system supporting the full continuum of post acute care. HCS supports regulatory billing and clinical documentation requirements, including HIPAA and PPS. Circle 186...

Capital Funding Group, Inc.(Business)
September 12, 2003... The team at Capital Funding Group has more than 50 years' combined experience at originating, processing, closing and servicing FHA insured loans for healthcare facilities nationwide. Through CFG, you have access to the long term capital...

RehabWorks.(Business)
September 12, 2003... At RehabWorks, we provide the right people, the right training, the right resources and the right direction to deliver the right results. And we do it at the right price. By keeping the formula simple, RehabWorks has grown to become the largest...

Duracase.(Business)
September 12, 2003... Duracase has an extensive range of polymer products that are virtually indestructible. Our Beaufort collection can be fully customized with regard to dimensions, color and inlays. Our wood grained casegoods are waterproof, fire retardant and...

MDI Technologies.(Business)
September 12, 2003... MDI Technologies proudly introduces e-charting. This exciting new capability, scheduled for release later this year, allows the clinical staff to complete resident documentation on the fly! Using a Tablet PC, clinicians can efficiently document...

SCA Incontinence Care, Inc.(Business)
September 12, 2003... FREE 2003 Inservice Video from TENA[R]! New Guide to Perineal Care Video addresses best practices and is a useful tool for any facility with incontinent residents: --Enhances staff understanding of best pericare practices in line with...