Unnecessary Medications – F329

Angie SzumlinskiUncategorized

Regulatory citations are on the rise for unnecessary medications under F tag 329 and interestingly, the most recent OIG report focuses on the use of atypical anti-psychotic medications and F329 in Skilled Nursing Facilities.  HealthCap’s most recent newsletter explains how this report can assist your facility in maintaining compliance with F329.  Unfortunately, as in year’s past, many citations will be …

TORANDOES – DISASTER STRIKES THE SOUTH

Angie SzumlinskiUncategorized

April, 2011 will long be remembered for the horrific tornado outbreak of historic proportions!  Preliminary data reflects that at least 164 tornadoes reportedly swept across 7 states including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, ,Mississippi, Tennessee and Virginia, killing nearly 250 people. Many of our member facilities were in the path of destruction and fortunately sustained minor damage and no reported casualties.  …

Infection Control

Angie SzumlinskiUncategorized

Let’s stop the spread of citations regarding infection control!  In 2010 and the first quarter of 2011 skilled nursing facilities around the country have experienced an increased number of citations under F441.  We also need to remember that even though F441 citations are limited to skilled nursing facilities, infection control practices are not. As providers of care for frail elderly …

National Nursing Home Week – May 8-14, 2011

Angie SzumlinskiUncategorized

Are you ready to celebrate National Nursing Home Week with your residents, family, community and caregivers?  As we approach the annual week of celebration we should also reflect on the special things that go on in our buildings every day of the year. Yes, everyone loves a celebration and your team is probably in the process of scheduling events, purchasing …

New Quality Measures

Angie SzumlinskiUncategorized

As you may know the existing Quality Measures that are found on the Nursing Home Compare website are scheduled to be taken down April 1, 2011. This is also the date that all comments regarding the proposed, updated Quality Measures are due to NQF (National Quality Forum). The NQF released a memo requesting comments and suggestions from providers regarding the …

Special Focus Facility (SFF)

Angie SzumlinskiUncategorized

On September 17, 2011 the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services issued a new survey and certification letter announcement. Effective October 1, 2010 the number of Special Focus Facility slots were adjusted to reflect the current population of nursing homes in each state and an increase of 10% in Special Focus Facilities nationally.  The Special Focus Facility program candidate list …

BRRRR…..It’s Cold Outside!

Angie SzumlinskiUncategorized

Records have been broken around the country this winter, bitter cold temperatures, snow that has paralyzed major cities and a few weeks ago it was announced that there was snow on the ground in 48 states!  The good news is that spring is just around the corner however this is the time of year where we tend to let our …

Medical Devices

Angie SzumlinskiUncategorized

For those of you who may have missed the evening news this week, the medical consultant for ABC’s program discussed several problems associated with implanted prosthetic devices.  Several manufacturer’s have voluntarily removed the devices in question from the market while other manufacturers are monitoring patients in an effort to identify concerns early.  The voluntary recall includes several types of knee …

Short-Acting Opioids and Fractures

Angie SzumlinskiUncategorized

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 SzumlinskiUncategorized

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 …