E-News Update Articles

OSHA has extended the effective date of the anti-retaliation provision in its final rule, Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses until Dec. 1, 2016. This is an additional extension from the original August date, which was then extended until Nov. 1, 2016. This is one provision of the OSHA rule, which requires nursing centers, assisted living communities, and other employers to electronically submit workplace injuries and illnesses as well as post anti-retaliation protections for workers who report work-related injuries or illnesses. Source: OSHA

The Advancing Excellence in America’s Nursing Homes Campaign was initiated in September, 2006 with the mission to make nursing homes better places to live, work, and visit. With an unprecedented coalition of stakeholders, this voluntary effort helped focus providers, government entities, as well as professional and consumer advocates to help nursing homes measurably improve care. Please click here for information on the transitioning of this campaign to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) National Nursing Home Quality Improvement

We are very pleased that Governor Charlie Baker will deliver opening remarks at our November 10th Annual Meeting at the DCU Center in Worcester. Following Governor Baker, David Seltz, Executive Director of the Health Policy Commission, will present Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on the Health Care System in Massachusetts. Join colleagues from across the state for a thought-provoking session on how to transform a "one-size-fits-all" nursing facility into a quality living environment for all individuals, including those with complex

CMS will host the next National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care and QAPI MLN Connects® Call on Tuesday, December 6 from 1:30 pm to 3:00 pm ET. During this call, participants will learn about the reform of requirements for long-term care facilities, highlighting the Behavioral Health Services & Pharmacy Services sections. A Tennessee nursing home will also discuss innovative approaches that they implemented to dramatically reduce the use of antipsychotic medications. Additionally, CMS subject matter experts will share updates on

OSHA has updated its Guidelines for Safety and Health Programs . The guidelines are not new mandates, but are recommended practices to prevent workplace injuries that can be implemented in any industry. They are designed to be used in a variety of small-and medium-sized business settings, including senior living providers. The Administration has compiled tools, such as a program audit tool to help providers evaluate their safety and health program. The website also includes action items for employers, case studies

AHRQ’s new Nursing Home Antimicrobial Stewardship Guide is a research-based resource that offers step-by-step instructions and materials to help nursing homes improve antibiotic use and decrease harms caused by inappropriate prescribing. The guide, which is consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's core elements of antibiotic stewardship, can also help health care providers meet the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ new Infection Prevention and Control Program requirements. That program requires providers to have a systemt o prevent