Walgreen recently announced it will split its health service division into two units — health and wellness, and pharmacy services. Pharmacy services will now oversee long-term care pharmacies, specialty pharmacy, infusion pharmacy, mail-service pharmacy and homecare.

Amerigroup Corporation announced that its Tennessee health plan began offering long-term care services to approximately 4,000 existing middle Tennessee members through the state's TennCare CHOICES in LTC program. The program lets members select services that allow them to live more independently in their homes and communities.

GE Healthcare will use Direct Supply to distribute its GE QuietCare product, according to a company announcement. GE QuietCare is a wireless, remote monitoring system that tracks seniors' daily activities. Used primarily in assisted living facilities, the product helps residents retain greater independence.

Panasonic is unveiling the C1 Business Rugged Toughbook, a new business tablet meant for providers. This unique computer can be used as a standard laptop or converted into a touch tablet for use with a pen or fingers. The product includes a handstrap on the back of the unit that makes holding it easy in tablet mode, a round touchpad which can be used like an iPod scroll wheel, and space for two hot swappable batteries.

In April, Kimberly-Clark will make Depend Underwear available in colors and prints. The line will also offer a new finished waistband, which is intended to give users a more underwear-like experience, according to the company.

Kwalu's Tempe Collection delivers a contemporary case good solution for senior living or healthcare environments. Dual tone finishes accentuated by oversized steel furnishings are backed by the industry's only 10-year warranty on both construction and finish for storage that makes a statement.

A record-setting 18 vendors will sponsor the McKnight's Online Expo, which will take place on March 24-25. Visitors can visit their online booths and learn about the latest products in long-term care. In addition, registrants can receive free CE credits by attending any of five one-hour webcasts. Participants can also pick up information at the event's Resource Center, or network online with colleagues and vendors.

Briggs Medical Service Company recently announced that it has earned both the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) Registration and the CE Mark certification, the firm announced.

Milwaukee-based Direct Supply is adopting a more integrated branding effort, according to company officials. Going forward, the words "Direct Supply" will also appear on logos of its subsidiary units. These include Aptura (which offers construction and interior design assistance), TELS (which takes care of tracking equipment, scheduling preventive maintenance and risk management) and DSSI (a web-based purchasing system).

Providers have compelling reasons to attend the upcoming McKnight's Online Expo on March 24-25. Available sessions will offer ways to expand census, revenue and technology. Operators also can learn more about the new resident assessment system. But there's another reason as well: free continuing education units.