Is the COVID-19 Federal PHE Nearing Its End?
CMS continues to gradually end some emergency blanket waivers allowed under the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) for some providers, but for now the 1135 waivers remain intact for acute care and critical access hospitals. The current 90-day PHE declaration, effective through April 16, could be renewed as early as next week. However, there is a new note recently added atop HHS’ online list of PHE declarations.
Three Steps to Reducing Health Inequities in the Latino Community
Many factors drive the health disparities affecting the Latino community, and these disparities are further exacerbated by the inaccessibility and unaffordability of U.S. healthcare. While the Affordable Care Act has narrowed some health disparities, Latino adults continue to report significantly higher uninsured rates than other groups. A 2020 Commonwealth Fund study revealed uninsured rates of 24.9% for Latinos, 14.4% for Blacks, and 8.6% for whites.
Defeating Diagnostic Deserts in Conflict Zones and at Home
A pilot project has brought together American and Canadian doctors to remotely train medical personnel in Yemen on patient diagnosis using a portable ultrasound device. Bridge to Health Medical and Dental, an organization empowering low-resource settings to establish low-cost, sustainable solutions for care, teamed up with Butterfly Network to use the latter’s portable ultrasound to help providers improve care for their patients.
Integrating Safety Technology Benefits Hospitals…and Patients
Doctors and nurses may be preoccupied with threats of violence from irate patients or visitors, staff working the night shift may dread the long walk to a remote parking garage, and hospital administrators may be worried about uncontrolled access to valuable equipment and prescription drugs. All of these concerns distract from the mission of any hospital or healthcare facility: the critical work of healing.
Trends in Outpatient Mental Healthcare During Pandemic Have Telehealth Implications
The new study was published by HealthAffairs. The study is based on an analysis of claims data from Office Ally, a claims clearinghouse for Medicare, Medicaid, and commercial payers. The researchers compared mental health service utilization from time periods before and during the pandemic: 2016 to 2018 and March to December 2020.
Why Nurses Are Raging and Quitting After the RaDonda Vaught Verdict
In the wake of Vaught’s trial ― an extremely rare case of a healthcare worker being criminally prosecuted for a medical error ― nurses and nursing organizations have condemned the verdict through tens of thousands of social media posts, shares, comments, and videos. They warn that the fallout will ripple through their profession, demoralizing and depleting the ranks of nurses already stretched thin by the pandemic. Ultimately, they say, it will worsen healthcare for all.
Are You Ready For OSHA’s Wave of New Rules?
OSHA is moving forward with several rulemakings, three of which are healthcare-specific, that could affect many employers. If you’re in the healthcare field, you could be facing a permanent COVID-19 standard based on the agency’s 2021 emergency temporary standard (ETS) and infectious disease and workplace violence standards.
OSHA Proceeds With Healthcare COVID-19 Rule
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has scheduled an April 27 public hearing on establishing a permanent healthcare COVID-19 standard. The agency is seeking input on changes to its June 21, 2021, emergency temporary standard (ETS). All but the recordkeeping provisions of the ETS was withdrawn on December 27.
Point-of-Care Ultrasound: A Life-Saving Game Changer
Modern ultrasound technology can be a game changer, particularly for remote organizations with limited resources and staff. Point-of-care ultrasound specifically offers portability, ease of use, and immediate access. Sometimes, those benefits can even be a case of life or death.
Treating Patients in Postacute Care: SNF vs. Home
A recent survey published by Brigham and Women’s Hospital revealed a shift in postacute care, with a move from skilled nursing facility (SNF) environments to home-based services. The survey followed 10 participants, randomly assigned to either rehabilitation at home or traditional SNF care. The results: Those recovering at home saw both a decrease in the cost of care and an increase in their activities of daily living, such as personal hygiene and feeding themselves.