CMS Memo Emphasizes Revisions on Portable Generators, Emerging Infections
Most of the revisions outlined in the updates to Appendix Z focus on emergency power. However, the initial emphasis in the memo introducing the changes is on CMS’ concerns about adding “emerging infectious diseases” to the current definition of the all-hazards approach to planning
Utilization and Communication are key elements to a successful UVC disinfection program
By: Alice Brewer In order to have a successful UVC disinfection program, several steps must be taken to ensure that a hospital maximizes its investment in the infection prevention technology. Among those include a bundled approach to infection prevention, a comprehensive program with buy in from all departments, communication and education as well as monitoring … Continued
Physician Groups: PAs and NPs Need Supervision
The National Commission on Certification of Physician Assistants expects reform of scope of practice, supervision, and delegation of authority legislation to be a top trend regarding physician assistants this year.
ANA Criticizes ‘Criminalization of Medical Errors’ as Vanderbilt Nurse Arraigned
Radonda Vaught administered a fatal dose of the wrong medication to a 75-year-old woman in late 2017, after overriding system safeguards, as The Tennessean’s Brett Kelman reported, citing an investigation report by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
Antibiotic Stewardship is Tough in Hospital Wards, But Even Tougher in ICU
Appropriate prescribing of antibiotics by healthcare providers is essential to help avoid the development of antibiotic-resistant infections, which the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention calls one of the most severe public health problems in the country.
Reduced Healthcare Competition Linked to Lower Patient Satisfaction
The researchers examined 29 quality measures in the Hospital Compare database at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services from 2008 to 2015.
Check Your State for Deadlines on New Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals Rule
While the rule as a whole is not effective until six months after it is published in the Federal Register, there are some limitations. For instance, states that have their own RCRA programs will be allowed time to update their regulations to meet the new standards.
TJC, Others Respond to CMS Concerns About AO Consulting, Conflicts of Interest
CMS published a request for information in mid-December, asking the public to weigh in on whether accrediting organizations that also offer consulting services have, or at least create, a public perception of conflict of interest.
St. Jude Researchers Propose Research Priorities for Improving Pediatric Care
The investigators identified key topics including the use of high reliability principles, culture of safety, patient care communication, and early warning systems for detecting and preventing patient decline.
Webinars on New Hazardous Waste Pharmaceuticals Rule Rescheduled
The 90-minute webinars are now scheduled for February 14, March 4 and March 13, although the EPA warns that a second government shutdown could change delay the webinars again. Each of the webinars are set to begin at 1 p.m. Eastern time.