Literature Review
CMS provides first look at shorter, Risk-Based Survey process
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMCMS provides first look at shorter, Risk-Based Survey process McKnights Long-Term Care News, by Kimberly Marselas; 4/4/24 The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services on Wednesday revealed initial information about a potential “Risk-Based Survey” option that could be available to some of the nation’s best performing nursing homes. ... CMS said in an update to its nursing home provider enrollment page Wednesday that it is working with states to test this process over the next several months. ... CMS said the proposed risk-based survey, or RBS, approach would allow “consistently higher-quality facilities” to receive a more focused survey, while still ensuring compliance with health and safety standards.
5 most challenging requirements in 2023: Joint Commission
04/05/24 at 03:00 AM5 most challenging requirements in 2023 [for hospitals]: Joint Commission Becker's Clinical Leadership, by Mackenzie Bean; 4/3/24Maintaining infection prevention and control during disinfection and sterilization activities was the most challenging compliance standard for hospitals in 2023, according to The Joint Commission. The organization identified the top five requirements for which hospitals were most frequently out of compliance, based on surveys and reviews from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31. ... [Click on the title's article for the 5 top challenges.]
American Airlines: Make-A-Wish® and Disney host Wish Flight in support of 28 children battling critical illnesses
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMAmerican Airlines : Make-A-Wish® and Disney host Wish Flight in support of 28 children battling critical illnesses MarketScreener; 4/3/24American Airlines, Make-A-Wish and Disney will grant the wishes of children battling critical illnesses in celebration of World Wish Month. On April 17, 28 wish families will board the Wish Flight and fly on a one-of-a-kind, chartered plane from Dallas-Fort Worth to Orlando, Florida, to fulfill their wishes to go to Walt Disney World Resort®.
Hospital CEO turnover up 36% in February
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMHospital CEO turnover up 36% in FebruaryBecker's Hospital Review, by Kelly Gooch; 3/29/24Hospitals reported 15 CEO changes last month, marking a 36% increase from January. Hospitals announced 26 CEO changes total in the first two months of 2024, according to a March 29 report from Challenger, Gray & Christmas, an executive coaching firm that examines CEO turnover in the U.S. ... Across the 29 industries and sectors measured by the firm, there were 248 CEO changes in February, up 28% from the 194 CEO exits recorded the month prior. Last month's total marked the highest monthly total on record, according to the firm. Challenger, Gray & Christmas began tracking CEO exits 22 years ago.
Hospice update: March goes out like a lion
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMHospice update: March goes out like a lion Morgan Lewis - Health Law Scan, by Howard J. Young; 4/2/24 The old adage—March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb—didn’t quite hold true for the hospice sector, which experienced a late-month flurry of activity. The government gave the hospice sector a lot to consider, from MedPAC’s suggested freeze on hospice rates to CMS’s 2025 Proposed Hospice Rule (public comments due May 28, 2024) that, if finalized as is, would include a 2.6% payment bump. CMS’s Proposed Hospice Rule lays the groundwork for the long-anticipated Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation (HOPE) quality measures data collection instrument, which will be used to collect data at various points during the hospice stay, not just at admission and discharge.
Neuropsychiatric effects associated with opioid-based management for palliative care patients
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMNeuropsychiatric effects associated with opioid-based management for palliative care patients
Dana-Farber’s new push to integrate palliative, behavioral services in cancer care
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMDana-Farber’s new push to integrate palliative, behavioral services in cancer careHospice News, by Audrie Martin; 4/2/24Boston-based Dana-Farber Cancer Institute has launched the Neuro-Inclusive Oncology Care and Empowerment Program, a psychosocial oncology initiative focused on adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD). ... Patients with disabilities are largely underserved, but they represent a growing need as well as an untapped market for providers. More palliative care and hospice companies are developing programs to meet the specific concerns of these patients to improve access to care.
The operational advantages of hiring seniors to provide home care
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMThe operational advantages of hiring seniors to provide home care Home Health Care News, by Joyce Famakinwa; 4/1/24Seniors Helping Seniors has long distinguished itself from other home care companies by hiring active seniors to serve as caregivers. Josh Obeiter — an owner of one of the company’s franchise locations — has seen even more added value from this strategy as the industry at large combats labor shortages. At Seniors Helping Seniors, the average age of an employee is around 70 years old, and 80% of caregivers are in their 60s and 70s, according to Obeiter.
FDA approves AI Tool that can detect sepsis
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMFDA approves AI Tool that can detect sepsis Forbes, by Cailey Gleeson; 4/3/24 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved an AI tool that can diagnose sepsis, Prenosis, the company behind the software, announced Wednesday, the latest in a series of agency approvals for AI diagnostic tools. ... At least 350,000. That’s how many adults who develop sepsis die from the condition or are discharged to hospice annually, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Integration of palliative care across the spectrum of heart failure care and therapies: considerations, contemporary data, and challenges
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMIntegration of palliative care across the spectrum of heart failure care and therapies: considerations, contemporary data, and challengesCurrent Opinion in Cardiology, by Sarah Chuzi and Katharine Manning; online ahead of May 1, 2024 printRecent findings: Patients with chronic heart failure [HF], as well as those who are being evaluated for or who have undergone advanced HF surgical therapies such as left ventricular assist device or heart transplantation, have a number of palliative care [PC] needs, including decision-making, symptoms and quality of life, caregiver support, and end-of-life care. ... PC skills and teams may also help address preparedness planning, adverse events, and psychosocial barriers in patients who have had HF surgeries, but more data are needed to determine association with outcomes.
Other Business Headlines of Interest, updated 4/4/24 per nasdaq.com
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMOther Business Headlines of Interest, updated 4/4/24 per nasdaq.com
Vermont bill would address violence against home health workers
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMVermont bill would address violence against home health workers CBS TV 3 WCAX, by Laura Ullman; 4/3/24 The increase in violence against health care workers in recent years is also happening behind closed doors. Vermont’s hospice and home health care workers say they’re facing sexual violence, threats, and assault. Now, Vermont lawmakers are considering a bill to provide further protections. “Home health nurses go into homes, unknown homes, by themselves all the time. So, we really need to be able to protect them,” said Jill Mazza Olson with the Vermont Visiting Nurse Association.
Changes coming to Long Beach homeless center where 20 enrolled died
04/05/24 at 03:00 AMChanges coming to Long Beach homeless center where 20 enrolled diedNBC TV 4 Los Angeles, by Mekahlo Medina; 4/3/24... Mayor Rex Richardson addresses the death of 20 residents at the Homekey Hotel, a transitional housing facility in Long Beach, where many employees say was understaffed to attend medical needs. Mekahlo Medina reports for the NBC4 News on March 26, 2024. ... Long Beach said in its statement that “they will be continuing onsite partnerships with Healthcare in Action, Long Beach Community College nursing students, Wellbe Health, and Echo Hospice (palliative care).
Fostering respect and appreciation seen as keys to retaining direct care workers
04/05/24 at 02:00 AMFostering respect and appreciation seen as keys to retaining direct care workersMcKnights Online Forum, by Kimberly Bonvissuto; 3/27/24 Expressions of appreciation and respect can go a long way in addressing senior living’s direct care workforce crisis, according to a panel of direct workers and employers who addressed what makes employees want to stay — or go. ... Nate Hamme, president and executive director of the Ceca Foundation, ... said that the most important part of employee recognition is listening to people. ... He added that there is a science to recognition backed by research into what motivates people and implementing programs around that. ... Recognition programs, Hamme added, should focus on IMPACT: inclusive, mission-aligned, public, authentic, consistent and timely.
Tool simplifies requests for palliative care consults
04/05/24 at 02:00 AMTool simplifies requests for palliative care consultsAmerican Association of Critical-Care Nurses; 4/2/24A simple screening tool integrated into the admissions process for critically ill patients can streamline requests for palliative care consultations, according to a study published in Critical Care Nurse (CCN). ... An initiative in the mixed surgical and medical ICU at Bon Secours Mercy Health Anderson, a 230-bed, community hospital in Cincinnati, sought to improve the process of requesting palliative care consultations. “ Integrating Palliative Care Screening in the Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Project” demonstrates the potential impact of adding a simple screening tool at the point of admission to initiate automatic referrals for palliative care consultations.
PACS Group could raise $400 million in IPO
04/04/24 at 03:15 AMPACS Group could raise $400 million in IPOMcKnights Long-Term Care News, by Kimberly Marselas; 4/3/24PACS Group, one of the nation’s largest nursing home operators, could raise about $400 million in an initial public offering, according to a fresh round of documents filed this week. Utah-based PACS plans to offer 19.05 million shares of common stock when it goes public, with an estimated price of $20 to $22 per share. At the top of that range, the move to the New York Stock Exchange could net the company $429 million in value.
Today's Encouragement: The most valuable gift you can give to humanity ...
04/04/24 at 03:00 AMThe most valuable gift you can give to humanity is a good example. - Ifeanyi Enoch Onuoha
Blue Shield's Palliative Care Program wins national recognition for improving lives
04/04/24 at 03:00 AMBlue Shield's Palliative Care Program wins national recognition for improving lives Blue Shield California; 3/28/24 During the first quarter of this year, the Journal of Palliative Medicine published results of a study entitled “Cost and Utilization Implications of a Health Plan’s Home-Based Palliative Care Program” from leaders at Blue Shield and researchers from West Health Research Institute that garnered attention from industry publications. ... Major findings from the study were that home-based palliative care delivered to people not yet eligible for hospice reduced their hospital and emergency room use, showed trends towards an increased length of life, and extended the continuum of care for people with serious illness and their caregivers.
Nursa Survey finds 98% of hospital CFOs view nurse staffing as top challenge
04/04/24 at 03:00 AMNursa Survey finds 98% of hospital CFOs view nurse staffing as top challenge Morningstar, provided by Business Wire; 4/2/24Survey results offer insight into C-suite perspectives on workforce trends and financial impact. Nursa, a nationwide platform that exists to put a nurse at the bedside of every patient in need, today released the results of a survey with healthcare decision-makers that examines their perspectives on the evolving social contract of employment, opinions on the 1099 workforce, and reflections on what makes a nurse truly valuable to an organization. Key findings from the survey include:
Estate gift boosts Hospice of the Foothills’ mission of compassionate care
04/04/24 at 03:00 AMEstate gift boosts Hospice of the Foothills’ mission of compassionate careYubaNet.com, by Hospice of the Foothills; 3/27/24 Nonprofit Hospice of the Foothills is pleased to announce the receipt of a transformative estate gift generously bequeathed by Templeton Family Trust. This significant contribution underscores the enduring commitment of community members to support our mission of providing compassionate palliative, hospice, and bereavement services to those in need. John and Lucile Templeton, Hospice of the Foothills supporters, have exemplified the spirit of generosity and philanthropy.
Elevating quality, outcomes, and patient experience through Value-Based Care: CMS Innovation Center’s Quality Pathway
04/04/24 at 03:00 AMElevating quality, outcomes, and patient experience through Value-Based Care: CMS Innovation Center’s Quality PathwayNEJM Catalyst; by Susannah M. Bernheim, MD, MHS; Noemi Rudolph, MPH; Jacob K. Quinton, MD, MPH; Julia Driessen, PhD; Purva Rawal, PhD; and Elizabeth Fowler, PhD, JD; 4/3/24The U.S. Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation is launching a new Quality Pathway to elevate patient-centered quality goals in the design and evaluation of alternative payment models. The Quality Pathway will align model design around quality goals; elevate outcomes and experience measures, particularly patient-reported outcomes; and ensure that evaluations have the ability to assess the impact of models on primary quality goals. These determinations will help the Innovation Center make critical decisions about which models to scale or expand in the pursuit of improving the quality of care for people with Medicare and Medicaid.
Survey shines light on health care discrimination against LGBTQ+ people
04/04/24 at 03:00 AMSurvey shines light on health care discrimination against LGBTQ+ people KFF Health News; 4/3/24Members of the LGBTQ+ community are twice as likely to experience discrimination in health care, a survey found. ... The survey, conducted by KFF, noted that members of the LGBTQ community have historically faced disparities while receiving health care, including challenges to accessing mental and physical health care. Editor's Note: This article includes specific examples from Utah, Colorado, and New Hampshire.
What home health providers need to know about the Medicare TPE Audit Process
04/04/24 at 03:00 AMWhat home health providers need to know about the Medicare TPE Audit ProcessHome Health Care News, by Joyce Famakinwa; 4/2/24... TPE is a medical review program that began for the home health and hospice settings in December 2017. The goal of the program is to weed out improper payments by zeroing-in on providers with high claims denial rates or unusual billing practices. ... TPE has three pillars. Target refers to errors or mistakes that are identified through data in comparison to providers or peers. Probe is the examination of 20 to 40 claims. ... Education means helping providers reduce claim denials and appeals through one-on-one individualized education.
9 health systems join digital startup venture with Northwell Health
04/04/24 at 03:00 AM9 health systems join digital startup venture with Northwell HealthBecker's Health IT, by Giles Bruces, 4/2/24 Nine health systems are partnering with a venture studio aiming to launch digital health startups. The systems will work with Aegis Ventures, a startup incubator that has built four companies over the past three years with New Hyde Park, N.Y.-based Northwell Health. John Noseworthy, MD, emeritus president and CEO of Rochester, MN-based Mayo Clinic, will serve as chair of the new Digital Consortium. The group says its goal is to develop solutions "built for health systems by health systems." The nine founding members of Aegis Ventures' Digital Consortium are:
2024 budget and paylines update: [$12.5 million for palliative care research]
04/04/24 at 03:00 AM2024 budget and paylines update: [$12.5 million for palliative care research]National Institute on Aging, by Kenneth Santora; 3/28/24The recently signed into law H.R. 2882, the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, includes full-year NIH funding through Sept. 30, 2024. ... The budget designates a $100 million increase for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (AD/ADRD) research, including $90 million for NIA and $10 million for the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke; as well as $12.5 million for palliative care research.