Sixteen people are mired in a $60 million scheme to rip off Medicare for false hospice services, including giving Schedule II controlled pain medication to patients who didn’t need them. Read More »
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) found current preparedness regulations were not comprehensive enough to address the complexities of emergency preparedness. The agency has issued new requirements that follow industry best practices for each type of provider and supplier. Read More »
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced it will not begin surveying for compliance with the 2012 fire safety codes until November. The July 5 ruling still applies when considering which code chapters facilities must comply with. Read More »
Nursing home and memory care residents were moved to another facility until repairs can be made. Both facilities are owned by the same company but operate under different state regulations. The facility accepting evacuees doesn’t accept Medicaid, causing a major snag in the disaster preparedness plan. Read More »
There's more to fires than just putting them out. Fire protection systems need to be properly installed and maintained, and staff needs to be properly trained in emergency procedures. Read More »
The legal troubles continue over the June fire at Marshall Square Retirement Community, Evans, Ga., which killed one resident and displaced more than 80, as a new lawsuit alleges flawed management and a dangerous "shelter in place" policy. Read More »
Short power outages can wreak havoc on a skilled nursing facility's processes and ability to care for residents. Long outages can be devastating. These tips can help you beef up your preparedness. Read More »
The tool helps plan ahead to meet the emergency needs of community residents who rely on electrically powered medical and assistive equipment to live independently at home. Read More »
The importance of complying with fire suppression regulations in U.S. nursing home facilities is underscored by a recent report of a Chinese nursing home destroyed by an undetermined blaze. Read More »
Delegates at the 68th World Health Assembly endorsed a global action plan to tackle antimicrobial resistance, including antibiotic resistance, which they termed the most urgent drug resistance trend. The plan has five objectives. Read More »
Extraordinary events call for extraordinary measures, especially in caring for special populations. Evacuation is more than simply staying “high and dry.” Read More »
A completely secure long-term care environment only can be accomplished with thoughtful planning and performance. Take five steps to keep residents, staff, visitors and property safe. Read More »
Maintenance and housekeeping staff are the first line of defense in keeping residents and staff safe, healthy and secure in a long-term care environment. Read More »
Two recent fires—one a tragedy, one a triumph—prove the wisdom of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services mandate to require sprinkler systems in skilled nursing facilities. Read More »
Evacuation from a skilled nursing facility wasn’t because of a tornado, a fire or flood. Because of a concern for resident safety, a New York nursing home put its evacuation plan into action. Read More »
Regular maintenance and inspection are keys to reducing potential fire hazards in long-term care facilities and for the elderly and/or those with disabilities who reside in the community. Read More »
Emergency planning and preparation are keys to surviving a natural disaster; the recent six- to 10-foot snowfall in upstate New York serves as a punishing reminder. Read More »
Two years later, repercussions from Superstorm Sandy are still being felt by some assisted living residents in Rockaway, NY. Is the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s effort to recoup undeserved funds a management error or resident fraud? Read More »
The effects of high levels of radon gas in homes and buildings across the United States pose a serious risk of developing lung cancer. Take time to test now. Read More »
The media storm over the Ebola threat is creating fear and suspicion throughout the country. Being aware of the threat is smart, but being obsessed with the remote possibility of infection can be distracting. Read More »
Ebola is in the news, but those working in long-term care face a bigger threat to their health. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers a wealth of information on both. Read More »
New cloud-based mobile technology is designed to help facility, operational and emergency management professionals at long-term care providers formulate emergency management plans. Read More »
