Respirator Models No Longer Authorized by FDA!

Angie SzumlinskiAnnouncements, News

The following is a list of respirator models previously on the list of authorized respirators but no longer meet the EUA eligibility criteria and are no longer authorized. Date No Longer Authorized Manufacturer Respirator Model No Longer Authorized 6/6/2020 Fujian Kang Chen Daily Necessities C, Ltd. K0450, 57793 5/7/2020 AAB (China) Co., Ltd KN95 5/7/2020 Anshun Health and Medical Technology …

To Vaccinate or Not – The Million Dollar Question!

Angie SzumlinskiAnnouncements, Case Study, Health, Studies

The results in a poll conducted by the Yahoo News/YouGov on July 28-30 show the lowest percentage of “yes” answers to the question “If and when a coronavirus vaccine becomes available, will you get vaccinated” since the poll started. In fact, the “yes” percentages went from: 55% in early May 50% in late May and 46% in early July. That …

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Transmission of SARS – Linked to Dialysis?

Angie SzumlinskiHealth, Studies

On August 11, 2020, a report “Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Involving Residents Receiving Dialysis in a Nursing Home – Maryland, April 2020” was posted online as an MMWR (Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report) Early Release. Residents of long-term care facilities have high COVID-19 associated morbidity and mortality. More information is needed about SARS-CoV-2 introduction and transmission in nursing homes. An investigation …

WHO – Addressing Airborne COVID-19 Transmission

Angie SzumlinskiAnnouncements, Studies

The World Health Organization (WHO) is preparing a scientific brief to address continually emerging evidence on transmission of COVID-19 and says that airborne transmission of the virus can occur in health care settings where specific medical procedures, called aerosol-generating procedures, generate very small droplets called aerosols. Some outbreak reports related to indoor crowded spaces have suggested the possibility of aerosol …

CMS News Release – July 22, 2020

Angie SzumlinskiAnnouncements, News

In a July 22, 2020 news release, CMS Administrator Seema Verma said: “From the moment the threat of this virus materialized, the Trump Administration has placed a priority on protecting nursing home residents. Today’s multi-pronged intervention represents the latest efforts in fulfilling that unwavering commitment. As caseloads continue to increase in areas around the country, it has never been more important that …

Not Too Late!

Angie SzumlinskiTraining

Are you facing staffing challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic? Well, you aren’t alone! Have you considered temporary nurse aides? AHCA/NCAL has an online, 8-hour training program for temporary nurse aide certification. The program was developed to give centers an opportunity to train current ancillary staff as well as others interested in providing care (i.e., activity aides, dietary aides, housekeepers, etc.). …

OSHA Increasing Inspections

Angie SzumlinskiAnnouncements, Compliance

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspections are increasing and OSHA is using data related to SNF COVID-19 – that is reported to the National Healthcare Safety Network.  As a reminder, OSHA requires all employers to report inpatient hospitalizations within 24 hours and fatalities within 8 hours when the event is work-related (OSHA Standard 1904.39).  Facilities must do their best …

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Nursing Home COVID-19 Action Network Conversation Series – Webinar Registration

Angie SzumlinskiAnnouncements, Training

Aug, 26, 2020 @ 11:30 AM: The Latest News on Testing, Cohorting, and Critical Infection Prevention Strategies In partnership with the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), Project ECHO is mobilizing our national network of ECHO partners to rapidly deploy COVID-19 ECHO programs to train mentor, and support nursing home staff on infection prevention and control. With support from …

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New Reporting and Testing Requirements

Angie SzumlinskiCompliance

On August 25, 2020, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced changes that will allow better tracking and control over the spread of COVID-19. The regulatory changes implemented by the Trump Administration will require nursing homes to test staff, offer testing to residents for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and report results. This will support efforts on both a …

More Pearls of Wisdom – Teepa Snow

Angie SzumlinskiHealth

People living with Dementia experience changes in their ability to comprehend and process language. Dementia may also interfere with how they understand words; which can pose challenges with daily activities and accepting assistance with routine. Comprehension versus Hearing Loss As seniors age, many times they experience a decrease in their ability to hear spoken words. This can lead to the …