Literature Review
Skagit Regional Health comes to tentative agreement with nurses
08/01/24 at 03:00 AMSkagit Regional Health comes to tentative agreement with nurses Skagit Valley Herald; by Racquel Muncy; 7/30/24 After 14 negotiation sessions over the past five months, Skagit Regional Health and its nurses reached a tentative agreement ... The contract would affect about 600 registered nurses at Skagit Valley Hospital, its clinics and at Hospice of the Northwest. The nurses were represented in their contract negotiations by the Washington State Nurses Association. Prior to Monday’s bargaining session, there had been three major sticking points for the nurses — wages, a desire to have annual raises based on experience rather than hours worked, and retirement benefits.
Physician pioneer in medical ethics dies: Howard Brody, MD, PhD
08/01/24 at 03:00 AMPhysician pioneer in medical ethics dies: Howard Brody, MD, PhD Becker's Hospital Review; by Mariah Taylor; 7/29/24 Howard Brody, MD, PhD, a pioneer in the field of medical ethics, died July 22 at 75, KnoxTNToday.com reported July 29. Dr. Brody earned doctorates in both medicine and philosophy and specialized in topics such as medical ethics, end-of-life care and the placebo effect. He practiced family medicine and served as director of the Institute for the Medical Humanities at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, as well as director of the Center for Ethics and Humanities in the Life Sciences at East Lansing-based Michigan State University. Dr. Brody is survived by his wife and two children.
UnityPoint to open PACE senior center in Bettendorf
08/01/24 at 03:00 AMUnityPoint to open PACE senior center in Bettendorf Quad Cities News; by Linda Cook; 7/29/24 UnityPoint Health celebrates the opening of its second Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) site in Iowa, ... The new UnityPoint Health PACE Senior Care – Bettendorf includes a medical clinic, day center, therapy gym and other amenities under one roof. ... As a federal and state-funded program, PACE participants must meet certain medical and financial eligibility requirements. For more information, visit here.
Grandad rehearsed his funeral 10 years ago – Now his final wishes come true after his passing
08/01/24 at 03:00 AMGrandad rehearsed his funeral 10 years ago – Now his final wishes come true after his passing Good News Network; 7/28/24 A British senior who pre-planned his funeral and rehearsed it on TV in 2013, had his final wishes come true after peacefully passing away in June. Malcolm Brocklehurst, who is a renowned aircraft expert, commissioned an orange airplane-shaped coffin ten years ago from Crazy Coffins, an offshoot of a Nottingham-based traditional coffin and urn maker in England that helps people customize their funeral. The grandfather-of-nine was filmed sitting in the coffin on Channel 5’s Bizarre Burials, which also featured a rehearsal of the ceremony that the former aerospace engineer coordinated to the last detail. The plane was aptly called Tango One and numbered with MB 1934—his initials and year of his birth. He also announced that he wanted the funeral procession to leave from the stadium pitch where his favorite football team, Blackpool FC, plays. ... But speaking about the rehearsal in 2013, he said it was all “light-hearted fun.”
Optimizing patient data transfer processes in healthcare settings
08/01/24 at 03:00 AMOptimizing patient data transfer processes in healthcare settings Healthcare Business Today; by Majed Alhajry; 7/28/24 Managing and transferring large and often sensitive datasets is a routine yet critical task for healthcare organizations. Practitioners and administrators regularly share substantial files containing sensitive personal health information (PHI) that must be sent not only securely and reliably, but also quickly. So how should healthcare organizations send large files? ...
Empowering patient access, protection, and choice: The 21st Century Cures Act eight years on
08/01/24 at 03:00 AMEmpowering patient access, protection, and choice: The 21st Century Cures Act eight years on Healthcare Business Today; by David Navarro; 7/26/24 The 21st Century Cures Act, signed into law in December 2016, marked a significant shift in the healthcare landscape by focusing on patient empowerment through enhanced access to medical records, stringent privacy protections, and increased choices in healthcare options. Eight years later, this landmark legislation continues to revolutionize the interaction between patients, providers, and the healthcare system. Recently, The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued an updated ruling to the Act to establish penalties for healthcare providers who engage in information blocking. This rule, aims to deter practices that prevent or discourage the access, exchange, or use of electronic health information (EHI).
Wrongful death lawsuit filed after grandmother murdered at senior care facility in Santa Clara
08/01/24 at 03:00 AMWrongful death lawsuit filed after grandmother murdered at senior care facility in Santa Clara PR Newswire, Santa Clara, CA; by Peacock & Bartlett, a.p.c.; 7/29/24 The family of Vera Plares, a 98-year-old woman murdered at the Mission Skilled Nursing & Subacute Center in Santa Clara, CA filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the facility alleging Mission knowingly placed a patient with a violent past in the same room as their cherished grandmother. According to the complaint, Connie Delucca had a history of being violent at Mission and had a history of prior 5150 holds (a mental illness designation that someone poses a danger to themselves or others.) When Mission negligently placed Vera Plares in the same room as Ms. Delucca, little did Vera or her family know of Ms. Delucca's propensity for violence, or that Mission's decision would prove deadly.
AIDS Healthcare Foundation files Antitrust Action against Express Scripts PBM
08/01/24 at 03:00 AMAIDS Healthcare Foundation files Antitrust Action against Express Scripts PBM AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), Los Angeles, CA; by Ged Kenslea; 7/29/24 AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF) – the world’s largest HIV/AIDS healthcare organization which cares for more than 195,000 people in the United States and is an essential safety-net provider for disenfranchised, high-risk HIV/AIDS populations – has filed a federal lawsuit (U.S.D.C., E.D. Mo., Case No. 4:24-01043) against the pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) Express Scripts, Inc. and its subsidiary, Accredo Health Group, Inc. AHF asserts federal antitrust claims and claims of state unfair trade practices over Express Scripts’ use of its monopoly power as a PBM in Louisiana to impose anticompetitive restraints to destroy competition among specialty pharmacies like AHF’s. AHF’s lawsuit comes on the heels of a blistering 115-page FTC report documenting how powerful PBMs like Express Scripts squeeze mom-and-pop and independent pharmacies, driving many out of business.
Doctors could opt out of assisted dying for religious reasons, says peer behind proposed law
08/01/24 at 03:00 AMDoctors could opt out of assisted dying for religious reasons, says peer behind proposed law The Telegraph, United Kingdom; by Kamal Ahmed and Camilla Tominey; 7/26/24 Lord Falconer is launching a bill to make assisted dying legal but which includes a 'conscience clause' to factor in people's faiths. Doctors will be able to opt out of supporting assisted dying in England and Wales if they believe it clashes with their religious beliefs under a new attempt to legalise terminally ill people being able to end their lives.
Senators introduce bipartisan bill to expand access to senior care program [PACE]
08/01/24 at 03:00 AMSenators introduce bipartisan bill to expand zccess to senior care program [PACE] FCFreePress.com; by News Desk - Health News; 7/25/24 [Thursday, 7/25/24,] U.S. Senators Bob Casey (D-PA) and Mike Braun (R-IN), leaders of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, introduced the bipartisan PACE Anytime Act. This legislative move seeks to broaden the accessibility of the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) which serves thousands of lower-income seniors and individuals with disabilities by offering comprehensive, integrated care. ... Under current regulations, eligible individuals can only enroll in PACE programs at the beginning of each month. The PACE Anytime Act proposes to remove this restriction, allowing for enrollment at any time during the month, thereby making the program more accessible.
New play focuses on Advance Care Planning for LGBTQ+ families and caregivers
08/01/24 at 02:45 AMNew play focuses on Advance Care Planning for LGBTQ+ families and caregivers Hospice Foundation of America; by Lisa Veglahn; 7/29/24 Hospice Foundation of America (HFA) has added a new version of the short play “Lily” by award-winning playwright Bryan Harnetiaux to its AD (Advance Directives) Project, a collection of plays that dramatize the importance of advance directives. In the play, Jo visits her ex-wife, Lily, who is seriously ill. Jo is surprised that after years apart, Lily has asked to see her. She is even more surprised by Lily’s request that Jo serve as her surrogate decision maker when or if she cannot make healthcare decisions for herself. Hospice Foundation of America’s AD Project uses two-character, 10-minute plays featuring different relationships and settings. The plays are easy to produce and are intended for use by hospices, hospitals, and other community-based organizations wanting to engage audiences in discussions about advance care planning.The world premiere of the newest version of “Lily” was produced by Accord Hospice & Palliative Care in Sedona, AZ, in partnership with PFLAG Sedona, Unify Sedona, and the Sedona International Film Festival.Editor's Note: Click here for licensing information, to use this play in your community.
CMS 2025 Hospice Final Rule: Content and Initial Responses
08/01/24 at 02:00 AM[CMS Fact Sheet] Fiscal Year (FY) 2025 Hospice Payment Rate Update Final Rule (CMS-1810-F) CMS Fact Sheet - Final Rule (CMS-1810-F); 7/30/24 On July 30, 2024, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued a final rule (CMS-1810-F) updating Medicare hospice payment rates and the aggregate cap amount, for fiscal year (FY) 2025, in accordance with existing statutory and regulatory requirements. This rule also finalizes the proposal to adopt the most recent Office of Management and Budget (OMB) statistical area delineations, which impacts the hospice wage index and clarifies current policy related to the hospice “election statement” and the “notice of election” (NOE), as well as adds clarifying language regarding hospice admission and certification of terminal illness. The final rule summarizes public comments received related to the request for information regarding implementing a separate payment mechanism to account for high-intensity palliative care services. Editor's Note: Click here for the full Final Rule.
Military veterans honored during special ceremony at Sarasota adult day center
07/31/24 at 03:30 AMMilitary veterans honored during special ceremony at Sarasota adult day center Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Sarasota, FL; by Noelle Fox; 7/29/24 Twenty military veterans were honored recently at a special pinning event and remembrance ceremony at Town Square Sarasota jointly hosted by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and Empath Tidewell Hospice. The veterans honored were all members of Town Square Sarasota, an adult day center, and some of the members honored had fought in the Korean and Vietnam wars. The event was part of the Tidewell Honors Veterans Program. ... Since opening in early 2022, Town Square Sarasota has partnered with Empath Tidewell Hospital to host four special pinning ceremonies honoring its veteran members. Town Square Sarasota also has integrated aspects into its location and programming to recognize and welcome veterans.
Hospice of the Valleys board members create custom edition wine to honor staff and volunteers
07/31/24 at 03:30 AMHospice of the Valleys board members create custom edition wine to honor staff and volunteers Valley News, Murrieta, CA; 7/26/24Hospice of the Valleys board member Rob Crisell and his wife, Dr. Monisha Crisell, have created a custom edition wine selection titled “Last Companion” in honor of the staff and volunteers of Hospice of the Valleys.“Crisell Vineyards dedicates this blend of sangiovese (70%) and montepulciano (30%) to Hospice of the Valleys, whose devoted nurses, doctors, staff and volunteers embody that organization’s mission to foster reverence for life, relief of suffering and compassion in loss for the terminally ill residents of our community. Salute!” the Crisells said. The Crisells have donated several cases of thiis special wine blend for this year's 26th annual Wine & Chocolate ... signature fundraiser.
Another healthcare, pharmacy chain files Chapter 11 bankruptcy
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMAnother healthcare, pharmacy chain files Chapter 11 bankruptcy Idaho Statesman; by Daniel Kline; updated 7/30/24 ... Rite Aid has been in Chapter 11 bankruptcy since October and has closed nearly 700 locations. CVS (CVS) and Walgreens (WBA) have managed to stay solvent, but both companies have been closing stores as well. That's partially something that can be blamed on Covid. The pandemic caused a population shift and that left thousands of pharmacies in locations that lack audience. If you used to pick up your prescription, and maybe a snack, at a pharmacy during your lunch break and you now no longer go into the office most days, that makes it hard for those locations to thrive. Now, another pharmacy chain that also operates an array of services for older Americans is facing financial distress.
Today's Encouragement: I'd rather regret the risks ...
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMI'd rather regret the risks that didn't work out than the chances I didn't take at all. ~ Simone Biles, Olympic medalist, gymnastics, 2016, 2021, 2024
Optum closing clinics, laying off 500+
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMOptum closing clinics, laying off 500+ Becker's Health IT; by Jakob Emerson; 7/25/24 Optum is closing clinics in multiple states and laying off 524 employees across California. According to regulatory documents filed July 18, the UnitedHealth Group company will terminate the California employees from Sept. 16 through January 2025 at clinic and administrative office locations in Hayward, Glendora, Montbello, Covina, Pasadena, Long Beach, Los Angeles, Irvine, Beaumont, Redlands, Highland, El Segundo, and Cerritos. The layoffs include some remote employees in other states. At Optum California's corporate office in El Segundo, 64 individuals will be laid off. Another 157 employees will be laid off at an office in Cerritos.
Following the CrowdStrike outage, healthcare stresses the importance of prevention
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMFollowing the CrowdStrike outage, healthcare stresses the importance of prevention HealthCare Brew; by Cassie McGrath; 7/25/24... [The recent CrowdStrike outage] affected millions across all sorts of industries, from healthcare to travel. ... However, amid the chaos, what has largely gone untold are stories of the companies that emerged unscathed. And within those unaffected companies lies a lesson for others, according to Andrew Molosky, president and CEO of Tampa-based Chapters Health System. ... “We’ve really focused on business continuity, redundancies, safety nets, and understanding of the difference between cybersecurity as a task and cybersecurity as a cultural commitment of your organization,” Molosky said. ... These investments, Molosky said, included protocols for documenting on paper, using a backup application that provides patient information when electronic medical records and other systems are offline, and allowances for bringing in personal devices to use if company devices go down.
Hospice market surge: Expected to hit $182.1 billion by 2033
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMHospice market surge: Expected to hit $182.1 billion by 2033 Market.us Media; by Trishita Deb; 7/29/24 The global hospice market is projected to grow significantly from USD 72.8 billion in 2023 to around USD 182.1 billion by 2033, achieving a CAGR of 9.6%. This expansion is primarily driven by an aging population requiring increased palliative and end-of-life care. The demographic shift necessitates services that address chronic illnesses and provide compassionate care, predominantly offered by hospices. Additionally, technological advancements, particularly in telemedicine, facilitate broader access to comprehensive care, especially in remote areas. Interdisciplinary approaches in palliative care are also pivotal, involving collaborative efforts from doctors, nurses, social workers, and chaplains. This holistic method not only enhances the quality of care but also boosts patient and family satisfaction, key metrics in healthcare evaluations.
Hospices build community partnerships to better serve patients, employees
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMHospices build community partnerships to better serve patients, employees Hospice News; by Jim Parker; 7/29/24 Hospice care does not occur in a vacuum, and many operators find themselves building partnerships with other community organizations to better serve patients and support their staff. Providers work with other institutions to provide general inpatient and respite care, address social determinants of health and improve health equity, among other initiatives. Some also partner with medical and nursing schools to ensure students in health care fields gain exposure to hospice and palliative care principles. Notable Mentions: Skelly Wingard, CEO of By the Bay Health; Mary Shankster, Chief Development Officer at Stillwater Hospice; Altonia Garrett, COO of Blue Ridge Hospice
Proactive fall prevention: Elevating patient safety and healthcare excellence
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMProactive fall prevention: Elevating patient safety and healthcare excellenceHealthCare Business News; by Amy Hester; 7/26/24... The significance of fall prevention cannot be overstated, as it directly impacts patient outcomes and overall healthcare quality. With the patient safety solutions market growing at an expected rate of 11.2%, the importance of proactive fall prevention strategies becomes even more evident. ... In the United States, preventable medical errors, including falls, are the third leading cause of death. The impact of falls on patient health and recovery is profound, often leading to longer hospital stays, delayed recovery and increased risk of subsequent falls.Editor's Note: Proactive fall prevention is especially important for persons needing palliative or hospice care. As the person's health and mobility declines, they have to adjust to these changes mentally, emotionally, physically, and relationally. Recognizing decline can feel like defeat. Asking for help can be tough. Family members can expect the person to move more independently more than possible, leading to falls.
A blood test accurately diagnosed Alzheimer’s 90% of the time, study finds
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMA blood test accurately diagnosed Alzheimer’s 90% of the time, study finds The New York Times; by Pam Belluck; 7/28/24 The New York Times says researchers “reported that a blood test was significantly more accurate than doctors’ interpretation of cognitive tests and CT scans in signaling” Alzheimer’s disease. The study “found that about 90% of the time the blood test correctly identified whether patients with memory problems had Alzheimer’s,” while “dementia specialists using standard methods that did not include expensive PET scans or invasive spinal taps were accurate 73% of the time” and “primary care doctors using those methods got it right only 61% of the time.” The findings were published in JAMA and presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference.
Awards and Recognitions: July 2024
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMAward and Recognitions: July 2024We congratulate these honorees and celebrate your contributions to our collective hospice and palliative care mission, vision, and compassionate care throughout our world.
Video: Former MLB pitcher placed on hospice throws one last pitch at grandson's game
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMVideo: Former MLB pitcher placed on hospice throws one last pitch at grandson's game Fox23 News, Tulsa, OK; 7/26/24 A former major league baseball pitcher, who was placed on hospice, threw one last pitch at his grandson's game in Owasso on Thursday. ... [Click on the title's link for this inspiring video.]
HHS unveils major revamp to shift health data, AI strategy and policy under ONC
07/31/24 at 03:00 AMHHS unveils major revamp to shift health data, AI strategy and policy under ONC Fierce Healthcare; by Emma Beavins; 7/25/24 The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) has been renamed and restructured, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced [July 25]. The restructuring will affect technology, cybersecurity, data and artificial intelligence strategy and policy functions. The agency will be renamed the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technology Policy and Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ASTP/ONC). Head of ONC, Micky Tripathi, will hold the new title of assistant secretary for technology policy in addition to his title of national coordinator for health IT. ... Under ASTP, there will be an Office of Policy, an Office of Technology, an Office of Standards, Certification and Analysis and an Office of the Chief Operating Officer.