Angie's Blog

HealthCap® USA

Angie Szumlinski, NHA, RN-BC, RAC-CT and BS

Director of Risk Management

Angie SzumlinskiMs. Szumlinski is a nationally-recognized leader in long-term care with experience as an Owner/Provider, Administrator, Director of Nursing, Corporate Quality Assurance Coordinator and independent consultant. Ms. Szumlinski conducts risk management visits at facilities across the country, touching every acuity level within the post-acute care spectrum. Ms. Szumlinski served as an Associated Board Member for NCAL, is a member of the AHCA/NCAL Quality Committee, NCAL Risk Management Committee, HCAM Legal/Clinical Committee and is a Senior Examiner/Team Leader for the AHCA/NCAL Quality Award Program. Ms. Szumlinski is a Nurse Planner for the HealthCap® ANCC accredited education program.

Short-Acting Opioids and Fractures

Angie Szumlinski Uncategorized

The American Medical Directors Association has determined that short-acting Opioids such as propoxyphene increase the risk of fractures sevenfold! What does this mean to you?  If your facility is admitting residents who require pain management interventions it may be beneficial to take a closer look at what medications have been prescribed in the acute care setting.  The study was performed …

DOCUMENTATION – QUALITY ASSURANCE

Angie Szumlinski Uncategorized

As HealthCap educational offerings continue to grow it is interesting that many facilities request additional training on documentation basics.  In an effort to meet this need, HealthCap has developed an in-service series on documentation that focuses on specific health issues including constipation and dehydration.  Documentation is a critical component in supporting that appropriate care is provided to our residents. That …

TICK, TICK, TICK

Angie Szumlinski Uncategorized

In the near future, electronic medical records are going to be a requirement for long-term care providers.  Have you evaluated where your facility is in the process?  There are so many options available however where do we begin?  The HealthCap Risk Management team perform on-site visits around the country and have the luxury of testing new systems on a regular …

HOT LIQUIDS – RESIDENT SAFETY

Angie Szumlinski Uncategorized

Sadly, another resident sustained burns this week after spilling a bowl of hot soup in her lap.  The resident was immediately taken to her room, her skin was checked, her clothing was changed and the staff continued with their day. The following morning the resident was identified with several blisters on her thighs.The resident had been assessed and was deemed …

HIV Testing

Angie Szumlinski Uncategorized

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, …

HOLIDAY DECORATIONS AND FIRE SAFETY

Angie Szumlinski Uncategorized

‘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, …

Norovirus – It’s back!

Angie Szumlinski Uncategorized

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 …

Risk/Benefit Analysis – Darvocet

Angie Szumlinski Uncategorized

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 …

Alternative to Coumadin?

Angie Szumlinski Uncategorized

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 …

Influenza Exposure – Chemoprophylaxis Treatment

Angie Szumlinski Uncategorized

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 …