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This week’s long-term care roundup highlights pivotal developments in policy, clinical practice, infection prevention, and medication management. From legislative efforts to empower pharmacists and proactive quality measures in assisted living, to innovative staffing tools and updated insulin administration guidelines, these insights are essential for healthcare professionals committed to enhancing care delivery and patient outcomes.

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Bill Would Designate Pharmacists as Providers, Allow Reimbursement for More LTC Services

The Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act (ECAPS), introduced on May 1, seeks to recognize pharmacists as healthcare providers under Medicare, enabling them to bill for services like testing, treatment, and immunizations related to specific infectious diseases. This legislation aims to alleviate financial burdens on pharmacists in long-term care settings, who currently absorb costs for services such as travel and training.

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Assisted Living Industry Must Be Proactive About Quality Measures

Drawing parallels to the 1986 Institute of Medicine report that led to significant reforms in nursing homes, this article emphasizes the need for the assisted living industry to proactively address quality measures. Failure to do so may invite increased scrutiny and the imposition of new regulatory frameworks.

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Success Strategies for New Quality Measures and Survey Changes

This webinar provides strategies for operational and clinical leaders to navigate significant changes in Quality Measure databases and survey processes. It covers updates to the Quality Measure Manual v17.0, new data items affecting provider-specific reports, and steps to prepare teams for revised survey processes impacting 5-Star ratings and Value-Based Purchasing calculations.

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OIG Cites Nursing Home Surveyors’ Lack of Expertise in Emergency Preparedness

A federal report reveals that over a quarter of state survey agencies lack adequate emergency preparedness skills, highlighting a critical gap in ensuring nursing homes are equipped to handle emergencies effectively.

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Insights from the APIC’s Infection Prevention Staffing Calculator

This podcast episode delves into the innovative Infection Prevention Staffing Calculator developed by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC). The tool aids healthcare facilities in optimizing staffing levels to enhance infection prevention efforts and reduce infection rates.

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Advance Insulin Injection Technique and Education With FITTER

The article presents updated recommendations for insulin injection techniques, emphasizing proper education to improve glycemic control and reduce complications. It highlights the importance of individualized patient education and technique assessment in diabetes management.

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Unit-of-Use Product Guide 2025

PharMerica’s 2025 Unit-of-Use Product Guide offers comprehensive information on medication handling, including storage requirements, discard instructions, and product appearances. This resource assists healthcare providers in ensuring proper medication management and compliance with best practices.

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This week’s developments underscore the dynamic nature of long-term care, highlighting the importance of legislative advocacy, proactive quality management, and continuous education. Staying informed and adaptable is crucial for healthcare professionals dedicated to delivering high-quality care in an evolving landscape.