Taking a picture in long-term care facilities is more complicated than pressing the shutter button. Reduce concerns for privacy violations, HIPAA compliance and potential lawsuits by drafting, enforcing and updating policies that will make everyone smile. 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 »
Registered nurses (RNs) and licensed practical nurses (LPNs) have different skills and work processes when it comes to medication reconciliation, say researchers at the University of Missouri. Read More »
CMS is expected to adopt a new edition of the Life Safety Codes soon, so give your facilities management team the gift of a head start on upcoming changes. 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 »
Having an LTC pharmacist on the care team can provide aggressive strategies against adverse drug events and reap the benefits of a specialized skills set in the tricky business of geriatric medication management. Read More »
Avoiding legal issues with improper resident transfers takes close examination of the reason why transfers are needed and all the right documentation. Read More »
Liability loss rates vary widely among individual states depending on tort reform, use of arbitration, the jittery market and many other factors, notes a new analysis. Read More »
Aggression and physical abuse toward residents often comes from other residents, and an interdisciplinary team approach can help unearth and curb violence, a new study shows. 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 »
Where there's smoke.... If you allow your residents to light up, don’t get burned by your safety policies. Long-Term Living's legal expert Alan C. Horowitz explains CMS rules on resident smoking and shares strategies for safe smoking policies. Read More »
CDC data indicates that up to 75 percent of antibiotics prescribed in nursing homes are given incorrectly. This new tool encourages antibiotic stewardship in nursing homes. Read More »
The West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources now requires fingerprint-based state and national criminal background checks for long-term care workers. Read More »
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is about to get tougher on injuries casued by lifting- and transferring-related activities. Here's how to rework your lifting protocols and educate your staff. Read More »
The federal Food and Drug Administration warns healthcare facilities using the Symbiq infusion pump system to be aware that the drug system is vulnerable to hacking. Read More »
Aggressive intervention using a coordinated approach could prevent healthcare-related infections and death, saving the healthcare system billions of dollars in treatment costs. Read More »
One of the fastest-growing retirement states in the country, Arizona senior advocates applaud the state legislature for taking this first step toward transparency. Read More »
If you have transgender employees—even if you don’t—it’s important for employers to be aware of the requirements in providing restroom access based on gender indentification. Read More »
An assisted living owner looking to sell the building puts the heat on residents to vacate the premises by turning off their air conditioning. Read More »
Dramatic results from a recent study indicate that integrating Progressive Resistance Exercise (PRE) into the active range of motion portion of a restorative program improves strength and balance. Read More »
Police in North Carolina are looking for two women who suited up in hospital scrubs and allegedly stole jewelry from residents at two nursing homes. Read More »
Side rails may sound like a great safety tool, but unless the use of side rails is properly assessed and documented, their usage can pose great risks to residents and the facility. Read More »