Everyday Answers and Solutions Based on Premature Conclusions

The world of the waking, so to speak, is precisely the opposite: characterized by its solemnity in generating, examining, and evaluating potential answers or solutions upon which an informed decision will rest. That decision offers the best chance for success, but only after first articulating how success has been defined. This world is populated by critical thinkers. Obviously, this is the world we should expect all healthcare professionals to inhabit.

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Six Benefits of Community Paramedicine In-Home Health Services

One of the hallmarks of community paramedicine is that patient care starts—and in many cases, stays—in the home. By delivering treatment through in-home health services, patients receive streamlined treatment when they need it at a fraction of the cost. In addition, in-home care reduces demands on local healthcare systems.

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CMS Updates Accrediting Organizations on When to Pause Surveys

CMS’ Quality, Safety & Oversight Group promised new guidance to AOs on when to suspend surveys as part of an announcement on January 20 that the agency was temporarily suspending or limiting on-site surveys because of the COVID-19 patient surge. CMS told its own state survey agencies in January it was putting a general hold on hospital surveys, except for those dealing with immediate jeopardy situations, for at least 30 days, in recognition of growing COVID-19 patient surges in many areas.

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Joint Commission Issues Alert to Help Nurses, Healthcare Workers With COVID-19 Crisis

The document is first in a series of Joint Commission alerts that address healthcare workers’ concerns and provide guidance on how to respond to crisis, preparing them for the often-overwhelming circumstances of caring for patients during a pandemic. One Iowa nurse quoted in the publication explained in stark terms how the continuing onslaught of COVID-19 is pushing nurses and other frontline healthcare workers beyond physical exhaustion and inflicting emotional damage on those who care for patients.

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HHS Says It Will Give 60 Days’ Notice Before Ending PHE

Providers will have at least 60 days’ notice before the blanket waivers of certain Medicare Conditions of Participation and Conditions of Coverage will no longer be in effect. And you will have at least that much time to come into compliance. But you will still have to be in compliance when those waivers, which have allowed providers certain flexibilities to put resources and energy into meeting the challenges of the COVID-19 patient surges, end along with the PHE.

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OSHA Releases New, Stronger Guidance on COVID-19

Key measures offered in the guidance for limiting the spread of COVID-19 include separating and sending home infected or potentially infected people in the workplace, implementing physical distancing, installing barriers where physical distancing cannot be maintained, and using face coverings.

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Being Creative, and the Importance of ‘Thinking Inside the Box’

Electrical and HVAC updates are of particular importance to support new technology, which typically requires additional power and generates additional heat. Other important renovations include installing wireless systems and components used for collecting data or interacting with electronic medical records. This article offers insights into the challenges, solutions, and key considerations addressing infrastructure challenges posed by smaller, targeted healthcare projects.

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