A year’s time on the “most watched” list has taught providers and regulators one sure thing about decubitus ulcers in the long-term care setting: More needs to be done.

For the second year in a row, prevention of pressure ulcers – particularly decubitus ulcers – has been named a Long-Term Care National Patient Safety Goal by the Joint Commission. Providers recently received an updated list and clarifications from the Joint Commission (formerly known as the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations)

“The issue seems like it’s just exploding in the marketplace,” said Ed Winiarski, OEM distribution manager for fall prevention equipment for RF Technologies, a booth sponsor of the McKnight’s Online Expo that debuts tomorrow and Thursday. “Providers are seeing an increase in litigation, with people coming in trying to assign blame.”

There is still time to complete the free, required registration for McKnight’s Online Expo. For more on this first-of-its-kind event, including the registration form, click on
http://www.mcknightsonline.com/content/index.php?id=153.