In December, 2010 the state of Michigan’s Department of Community Health released mandatory changes for ordering HIV testing effective today, January 1, 2011.  This information can be used as a resource for developing in-house policies even if your facility is located outside the state of Michigan.  The new requirements include: Pretest information: The following information must be provided to patients, …

‘Tis the season of decorations, family gatherings and visitors!  It is also the time of year when we hear about events involving fires related to decorations that do not meet the safety requirements from the life safety code.  Please take a moment to walk through your facility with fresh eyes and see what is being brought in by family members, …

Since early spring many of us have not been affected by the Norovirus however there have been several outbreaks of the Norovirus in long-term care communities in the past 2 weeks.  This is an excellent time for each of us to review what our current infection control practices are for preventing the spread of infection.  It is also a good …

The pain medication Darvocet is identified on the Beers list (a list of medications not generally recommended for use in the elderly) however we continue to see physician orders for this medication in senior communities.  Darvocet is on the Beers list as this medication may increase the risk of falls in the elderly.  Most recently, the FDA has issued a …

The Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, North Carolina performed a study of 14,000 patients and found that a new once-a-day pill called Rivaroxaban prevents strokes as effectively as the current treatment of Coumadin.  The median age of the patients involved in the clinical trial was 73 years old and often had other co-morbidities.  The medication Coumadin inhibits blood clotting …

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 …