Lack of PPE Nationwide there is a lack of personal protective equipment for caregivers. South Carolina’s nursing homes still do not have sufficient supplies to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. The AARP Nursing Home COVID-19 Dashboard shows staff and PPE shortages in South Carolina’s nursing homes. However, South Carolina’s nursing homes received over $60
Moderna The drugmaker Moderna applied to the FDA to authorize its coronavirus vaccine for emergency use. Moderna’s application is based on data showing that its vaccine is 94.1 percent effective. The new data also showed that the vaccine was 100 percent effective at preventing severe disease from the coronavirus. That is great news. The first
Civil Money Penalty Funds WISTV had an interesting article explaining the nursing home penalty system. It is disheartening to say the least. States have millions in fines that could provide testing, PPE, and staff to nursing homes during the pandemic. However, the Trump Administration refuses to release the $400 million in the Civil Money Penalty
Providers across the country are pleading with residents’ families to find alternative ways to celebrate Thanksgiving to prevent further disaster at nursing homes. McKnight’s reported on CMS’ recommendation that nursing home residents should not leave during the Thanksgiving holiday. The plea comes as the COVID-19 death toll approaches 100,000 in long-term care settings and cases are
HCBS Skilled Nursing News reported that the nation’s top Medicare and Medicaid official called on states to boost their home- and community-based services (HCBS) for the elderly. The impact of COVID-19 on nursing homes has exposed a key flaw in the overall system. “The COVID-19 crisis has shone a harsh light on the human costs
Criminal Charges Nursing home corporations sought and received immunity for neglect and abuse during the pandemic. However, criminal charges can be filed. This seems inconsistent. Last month, Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey announced the first COVID-19 criminal charges against nursing home officials. A grand jury indicted former Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Superintendent Bennett Walsh and Medical Director Dr.