SNF Healthcare-Associated Infections Requiring Hospitalization for the SNF QRP Technical Report (2/21)

The Improving Post-Acute Care Transformation Act of 2014 (IMPACT Act) requires the Secretary to specify resource use measures, on which post-acute care (PAC) providers, including skilled nursing facilities, are required to submit necessary data specified by the Secretary. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has contracted with Acumen, …

CDC Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of PPE and Other Equipment (12/20)

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers strategies for optimizing the supply of: N95 respirators Face masks Isolation gowns Eye Protection Gloves Powered Air-Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) Elastomeric respirators Ventilators https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/index.html Also see: Summary for Healthcare Facilities: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/ppe-strategy/strategies-optimize-ppe-shortages.html Summary for Healthcare Facilities: Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of N95 Respirators …

CMS QSO Memo: Enhanced Enforcement Actions Based on Nursing Home COVID-19 Data and Inspection Results (2/21)

DATE: June 1, 2020 REVISED 01/04/2021 TO: State Survey Agency Directors FROM: Director Quality, Safety & Oversight Group SUBJECT: Revised COVID-19 Survey Activities, CARES Act Funding, Enhanced Enforcement for Infection Control deficiencies, and Quality Improvement Activities in Nursing Homes CMS is committed to taking critical steps to protect vulnerable Americans …

AHRQ: Treatments for Acute Pain: A Systematic Review (1/21)

Main Points Opioids are probably less effective than nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for surgical dental pain and kidney stone pain and might be similarly effective to NSAIDs for low back pain. Opioids might be and NSAIDs are probably more effective than acetaminophen for surgical dental pain, but opioids are probably …

AHRQ Study: Transforming Medication Regimen Review With Telemedicine to Prevent Adverse Events (12/20)

Transforming the medication regimen review process using telemedicine to prevent adverse events AHRQ News Now: Kane‐Gill SL, Wong A, Culley CM, et al. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2020;Epub Nov 25. Medication reconciliation and medication regimen reviews can reduce adverse drug events (ADEs) in older adults. This study assessed the impact of a pharmacist-led, patient-centered telemedicine program …

Investigation Checklist Tool

Investigations are a necessary component of a facility’s operations. They aid the nurse leader by establishing the facts of the situation, identifying opportunities to improve care and services, and mitigating further safety, legal, and compliance risks. Topics that warrant an investigation include allegations or suspicions of abuse, neglect, exploitation, or …

OIG Assessment of Nursing Home Deficiency Trends Finds Need for Improvement (5/19)

Trends in Deficiencies at Nursing Homes Show That Improvements Are Needed To Ensure the Health and Safety of Residents (A-09-18-02010) In this data brief, we analyze nursing home deficiencies that were identified by State survey agencies (State agencies) across the Nation for calendar years 2013 through 2017 (review period). This …