The following excerpt from Clinical Geriatrics – A Clinical Journal of the American Geriatrics Society discusses the use of anti-viral medications for the treatment of post-influenza exposure.  This information is being shared for informational purposes and should not be viewed as an endorsement by HealthCap Risk Management.  Secondary Prevention—Chemoprophylaxis Chemoprophylactic drugs are not a substitute for vaccination. However, effective secondary …

As providers we tend to use the CDC website for information on infection control practices but were you aware that the CDC is actively working with the Administration on Aging (AoA), the National Council on Aging (NCOA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and several other agencies to address falls in the elderly?  This collaboration is focused on …

As the cold weather approaches, many facilities may unknowingly be exposing residents to the risk for burns simply by turning on the heat!  Were you aware that skin exposure to a heated surface that is > 140 degrees for 3 seconds will cause a first-degree burn?  This temperature corresponds to the threshold between maximum pain and numbness as well as …

  ACIP recommends routine vaccination of all persons aged >60 years with 1 dose of zoster vaccine. Persons who report a previous episode of zoster and persons with chronic medical conditions (e.g., chronic renal failure, diabetes mellitus, rheumatoid arthritis, and chronic pulmonary disease) can be vaccinated unless those conditions are contraindications or precautions. Zoster vaccination is not indicated to treat …

The State of Michigan began a pilot project last year aimed at reducing hospital readmissions. This month the project is expanding to all of Michigan’s 144 hospitals according to the Michigan Health and Hospital Association. The goal of the project which is being coordinated by Keystone Center for Patient Safety & Quality and The Michigan Peer Review Organization (MPRO) is …

The “Secure & Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010” passed the Senate on Wednesday September 29, 2010. The act was amended to provide for take-back disposal of controlled substances in certain instances. What is the Act and how does it affect you? To summarize: “Secure & Responsible Drug Disposal Act of 2010” as it applies to long-term care states: “Long-term …

Have you checked the NPUAP (National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel) website lately? A press release was sent out on March 3, 2010 regarding unavoidable pressure ulcers. The National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel’s recent consensus conference panelists agreed that patients who choose not to participate in their own pressure ulcer prevention could develop unavoidable pressure ulcers. They also agreed that there …

Saturday, October 2, 2010 and all is well with the world!  The MDS 3.0 went into effect yesterday, Friday October 2, 2010 and hopefully everyone is transitioning smoothly!  Just a reminder, HealthCap has several Certified Assessment Coordinators ready to be of assistance during this transition.  If you should have questions or concerns please be sure to refer to the CMS …

On August 27, 2010 the Department of Health & Human Services Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services issued a memo (Ref: S&C: 10-28-NH) regarding Point of Care Devices and Infection Control in Nursing Homes. This memo is a clarification of Infection Control Standards for Nursing Homes at §483.65 – F441 – Determining Compliance. The following practices are deficiencies in infection …

Does your facility have a protocol for monitoring the OIG monthly LEIE (exclusion list) posting?  It may be time to meet with your human resource department to develop and implement a policy and procedure!  Why?  Any provider who employs or contracts with an excluded individual or entity is subject to the imposition of civil monetary penalties by the OIG.  Things …