As bivalent booster uptake lags, health officials urge seniors to get vaccinated
By
Alicia Lasek
Nov 09, 2022
Despite high uptake in the initial series of COVID-19 vaccines, older adults are not flocking to get the latest COVID-19 bivalent booster shot.
LTC staff to receive free behavioral health training in new federal program
By
Alicia Lasek (f3)
May 17, 2022
The new $15 million program will focus on workforce skills in an effort to strengthen behavioral healthcare delivery in long-term care facilities, HHS announced Monday.
HHS: Vaccines linked to 5,600 fewer coronavirus deaths among nursing home residents
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 06, 2021
The COVID-19 vaccine rollout has resulted in hundreds of thousands of saved lives and fewer hospitalizations among Medicare beneficiaries overall, according to new data from January through May.
Genesis facilities resolve allegations in connection with denying admission to opioid-dependent seniors
By
Alicia Lasek
Aug 09, 2021
Prospective residents were taking either buprenorphine or methadone for opioid use disorder. Twelve SNFs must pay civil penalties, adopt non-discrimination policy and provide training on civil rights laws...
First vaccine doses nearly complete in long-term care; Expand program to all seniors, feds say
By
Alicia Lasek
Jan 13, 2021
With almost one million first COVID-19 inoculations completed in U.S. long-term care facilities, federal officials say they will ask the states to begin vaccinating all U.S. seniors and vulnerable younger...
CVS Health partners with feds to administer COVID-19 antibody therapy at nursing homes
By
Danielle Brown
Dec 04, 2020
CVS Health will be administering a COVID-19 monoclonal antibody therapy to nursing home residents under a new pilot program.
UK green lights Pfizer vaccine, which should reassure Americans, feds say
By
Alicia Lasek
Dec 03, 2020
“I hope this will be more evidence for the American population that the data with these vaccines are clear, are transparent and demonstrate that they are effective and safe for use in the general population,”...
Feds now expanding distribution of BinaxNOW test kits to ‘green’ counties
By
Danielle Brown
Nov 17, 2020
Nursing homes in areas that have low COVID-19 positivity rates are now receiving additional rapid testing options from the federal government for the first time, according to a top health official.
CDC briefing: Top officials talk up vaccine plans, focus on long-term care
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 22, 2020
Federal health officials touted transparency and nationwide distribution plans while keeping their eye on Phase 1 vaccine recipients, including LTC residents and workers.
Feds race to buy COVID antibody cocktails
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 14, 2020
The federal government is planning to stockpile COVID-19 antibody drugs in an effort to ensure treatment availability while the country awaits a vaccine.