Ask the Care Expert about … fluids for UTIs
Some of my nurses believe that one way to assist with some UTI treatments is to increase fluids. What is your thought on increasing them?
Print Issue: November 01, 2017
Disinfectant exposure may increase nurses’ COPD risk
Nurses who regularly use bleach and other disinfectants on the job appear to have a higher risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to research presented in September at the European Respiratory Society International Congress.
Data testing now a reality
Beta testing of standardized data elements for post-acute care will start this month in 14 geographic markets, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Ask the Nursing Expert about … staff competencies
Is it true that during new survey process, surveyors will ask staff nurses and nursing assistants about their competencies, with questions such as, “Do you receive periodic evaluations on your skills, knowledge, and abilities? If so, how often?” “In what areas have you been assessed?” “In what areas do you believe you need more assistance or training?”
CMS withdraws proposal to aid same-sex spouses in LTC
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services withdrew a proposed rule in October originally aimed at ensuring rights for married same-sex couples in long-term care facilities.
SNF worker fired after Facebook request
A Florida nursing home fired one of its nursing assistants in September after she requested help for the facility on Facebook in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.
Ask the Payment Expert about … facility assessments
Can you tell me more about the Facility Assessment that will be implemented in Phase 2 of the Rules of Participation?
Training clears facility, not aides, in heat-related death
Two former caretakers at an Illinois long-term care facility have been charged with Class 3 felony counts of criminal neglect in the death of a 69-year-old resident with developmental disabilities, who was left in a van for several hours with outside temperatures above 90 degrees.
Genworth: SNF room charges rise 5.5%
Annual nursing home charges have continued to rise at a healthy clip, fueled by higher labor costs and federal rules that drive sicker patients downstream quicker.
Ask the Legal Expert about … understaffing lawsuits
I read about a state supreme court upholding class-action status for a lawsuit alleging “chronic understaffing.” How do we insulate ourselves from such allegations?
