CMS Quality of Life and Environment Requirements
On June 12, 2009 CMS released revisions to Appendix PP, “Guidance to Surveyors of Long Term Care Facilities” for several regulatory Tags including F241, F242 and F371.
Read the changes
Review the surveyor training materials
New Senior Living Centers Designed 'More Like Home'
The federal government released new guidelines a few weeks ago, encouraging the creation of more “home-like” environments for nursing homes. A new facility in Boerne fits the bill, mirroring a new trend in senior living. (From Wendy Rigby at KENS 5-TV San Antonio)
Read the article and view the video
New CMS Infection Control Guidelines go into Effect 9-30-09
SUMMARY OF CHANGES: This instruction combines F Tags 441, 442, 443, 444 and 445, and incorporates the guidance into F441. This was done to combine everything related to infection.
Prepare for infection control changes
F is for Fat 2009 Report
Adult obesity rates increased in 23 states and did not decrease in a single state in the past year, according to F as in Fat: How Obesity Policies Are Failing in America 2009, a report released in July 2009 by the Trust for America's Health (TFAH) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF). In addition, the percentage of obese or overweight children is at or above 30 percent in 30 states.
View the report here
MNT for Hypertension in Older Adults
Hypertension affects more than 65 million American adults. In addition, 28% of adults 18 years of age and older have pre-hypertension which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. The prevalence of hypertension among older adults (ages 65 and older) is high. One estimate indicates more than half of all older adults have hypertension. (From Today's Dietitian magazine)
Review the article
Fifty Years in Five Minutes
Virtual Dementia Tour: Cynthia McFadden participates in an experiment to see what it’s like to grow old (6/30/09). This is hard to watch, but very worth your time if you work with residents or patients with dementia (and their families). (From ABC News)
View video
More News Stories on our Top News Page
1. CMS Citation Frequency Report for 2008
F371 slips to number 22 on the list! Review the Top cited tags in decending order.
2. National Pressure Ulcer Advisory Panel (NPUAP) Recommendations
NPUAP has created a document to serve as a guide for MDS coders to complete the MDS 2.0 in a standardized manner.
3. Kaiser Side-by-Side Comparison of Major Health Care Reform Proposals
Includes proposals for moving toward universal coverage that have been put forward by the President and Members of Congress.
4. Live Well: Your Guide to Nutrient-Rich Eating
The Nutrient Rich Foods Coalition website offers fast and reliable information to help you eat the nutrient-rich way—that means getting the most vitamins, minerals and other nutrients—but not too many calories—from the foods you choose.
5. New CDC Q&A On Novel H1N1 Influenza Vaccine
6. National Assisted Living Week September 13-19, 2009
This year’s theme, ‘Traditions of the Heart’ pays tribute to the nearly 1 million people residing in more than 38,000 assisted living and residential care communities nationwide.
7. Food Safety and Emergency Preparedness
These fact sheets, audio and video clips will help you keep food safe during a power failure.
8. USDA Offers Food Safety Tips For Hurricane Preparedness
As the peak of the 2009 hurricane season approaches, USDA's Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) is providing recommendations to minimize the potential for foodborne illnesses due to power outages and other problems often associated with severe weather.
9. Best Nursing Homes Report
Detailed guide spells out how to secure quality care for your loved one.
10. Nearly 10 percent of health spending for obesity
New research shows medical spending averages $1,400 more a year for an obese person than someone who is normal weight.
11. CDC Premiers New Obesity Website for Employers
LEANWorks! is designed to help small and mid-size companies address obesity by identifying effective interventions to help employees maintain a healthy weight.
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Sept 16- Diabetes Roadmap Part 1: Plotting the Course
Sept 30- Diabetes RoadmapPart 2: Driving the Distance & Staying the Course
Lisa Brown, RD, LD, CDE & Kim Fox RD, LD, CDE
Oct 1- MDS 2.0 for Dietary Professionals
Leah Klusch, RN, BSN
Oct 27- Don’t Tell Me--Coach Me! How to use the coach approach to manage, motivate, empower, and inspire staff, residents/patients, and peers
Jean Caton, MS, MBA, RD
Nov 10- Positive Attitude: The Key to Success in Tough Economic Times
Nov 17- Personal Effectiveness: How to Achieve a Competitive Advantage During Tough Times
Wolfe Rinke, PhD, CSP
Dec. 1- When Momma Ain’t Happy (Culture Change)
Diana Waugh, RN
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