Real estate investment trust purchases HCR for $6.1 bln
By
Liza Berger
Jan 03, 2011
HCP Inc., a real estate investment trust, has signed an agreement to purchase the assets of HCR ManorCare Inc. for $6.1 billion from The Carlyle Group, a private investment firm.
Short stay ends in $43 million settlement
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 03, 2011
A Kentucky jury handed a local nursing home operator a $43 million settlement bill in connection with a lawsuit alleging that a 92-year-old resident died of neglect after just nine days at the facility.
Provider to pay $376,000 for hiring ineligible employees
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 03, 2011
In a case that is sure to fuel the push for more extensive nursing home employee background checks, an Indiana provider has been slapped with $376,000 in penalties for employing seven individuals who either...
EHR adoption requires more investment, council finds
By
James M. Berklan
Jan 03, 2011
The adoption and use of electronic healthcare records (EHRs) are nowhere near their potential and require more investment of time and resources—likely even more than the $27 billion set aside in the...
Report: Expand nurses’ scope of practice
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 03, 2011
The healthcare industry’s restrictions on scope of practice, policy and reimbursement-related limitations have undermined nurses’ efforts, according to a new report.
Senator stalls DEA nominee over pain medication rules
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 03, 2011
Sen. Herb Kohl (D-WI) has blocked from the full Senate the nomination of Michelle Leonhart as head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.
Walking may delay Alzheimer’s decline
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 03, 2011
A new study finds that walking five miles per week can stall the decline of cognitive function among seniors who are already experiencing mild forms of dementia.
Music, movement exercises can reduce falls risk: study
By
Mary Gustafson
Jan 03, 2011
Seniors at an increased risk for falling who take part in classes involving music and rhythmic exercise may improve their balance and walking skills. As an added benefit, classes could help reduce the...
Clearer package info helps care delivery
By
John O'Connor
Jan 03, 2011
Nurses using wound care dressings with educational instructions attached to the outer package are 88% more likely to apply the products correctly than nurses who used the dressings in a traditional package,...
New wound dressing changes color when infections occur
By
John O'Connor
Jan 03, 2011
Scientists in Germany have created new wound dressing materials that change from yellow to purple in color when an infection develops.