Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CMS has posted updated COVID-19 Nursing Home data for week ending October 18, 2020.

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare Updated Interim Guidance for Implementing Home Care of People Not Requiring Hospitalization for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) — This guidance has been updated to include information and references for home health agency personnel involved in home care of people with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 infection. Updated…… Continue reading Recent Updated CDC COVID-19 Guidance

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare Nursing homes and long-term care facilities can use this CDC document to communicate actions the facility is taking to protect them and/or their loved ones, any visitor restrictions that are in place, and actions residents and families should take to protect themselves in the facility, emphasizing…… Continue reading Supporting Your Loved One in a LTC Facility

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare A joint advisory by the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, the Department of Health and Human Services and the FBI says there is “credible information of an increased and imminent cybercrime threat” to U.S. hospitals and health care providers.   [Author’s Note: There are already several hospitals/hospital systems…… Continue reading URGENT: U.S. Hospitals Targeted in Rising Wave of Ransomware Attacks

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare On October 28, 2020, CMS released a comprehensive plan with proactive measures to remove regulatory barriers and ensure consistent coverage and payment for the administration of an eventual vaccine for millions of Americans. CMS released a set of toolkits for providers, states and insurers to help…… Continue reading Coverage of Life-Saving COVID-19 Vaccines & Therapeutics

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare Just a few minutes ago, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced it will distribute approximately $333 million in first round performance payments to over 10,000 nursing homes. These nursing homes are being recognized for…… Continue reading Breaking News: Incentive Payments to Nursing Homes Curbing COVID-19 Deaths and Infections

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CDC updated 2 websites on Tuesday, October 27, 2020 that address coronavirus reinfection. Reinfection of the Virus that Causes COVID-19 Interim Clinical Guidance for Management of Patients with Confirmed Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) You’ll note that reinfection was addressed twice in the Interim Clinical Guidance.  This is…… Continue reading Reinfection of the Virus that Causes COVID-19

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CMS has posted the most recent October 26, 2020 COVID-19 positivity rates – by county.  The rates are found in this Excel spreadsheet.  Open the spreadsheet then locate your state and county.  Remember that you are required to test staff and residents based on the current…… Continue reading County COVID-19 Positivity Rates Posted for October 26, 2020

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare I’m passing along an op-ed published in my home state’s Des Moines Register on Sunday, October 25, 2020.  Consider the author’s comments as food for thought.  You’ll want to read the entire article.  I’m providing some excerpts to tweak your interest: The American Health Care Association…… Continue reading State and Local Governments: Nursing Home Closures Are Your Next Emergency

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDPClinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare CDC updated this guidance on Sunday, October 25, 2020. These considerations are intended for use by federal, state, and local public health officials; leaders in occupational health services and infection prevention and control programs; and other leaders in healthcare settings who are responsible for developing and…… Continue reading Strategies for Optimizing the Supply of Disposable Medical Gloves