Illuminate
The Quality Digest
April 2023 Edition
April 3, 2023
Clinical News
Moderna Monovalent COVID-19 Vaccine to be Discontinued from HHS Distribution Program
The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) discontinued distribution of Moderna’s monovalent COVID-19 vaccine for adult (ages ≥12 years old) and pediatric (ages 6-11 years old) patients from the current federal distribution program, effective March 13, 2023. Key points and action steps are summarized in this Clinical Advisory.
Shortage of Common Nebulized Inhalation Solutions Persists
Supply issues of albuterol nebulized solution began in mid-2022, prompting a persistent disruption in its availability and subsequent ongoing shortages of other common nebulized inhalation solutions (e.g. ipratropium-albuterol and levabuterol). PharMerica has issued several communications regarding these drug shortages and will continue to apprise you of the evolving supply issues.
Short Supply of Transdermal Fentanyl Patches
A short supply of transdermal fentanyl patch products was identified in February 2023. See this Clinical Advisory for action steps pharmacies and facilities may take when facing shortages of this critical medication to support residents requiring pain management.
Medications with Shortened Expiration Dates
Once certain products are opened and in use, they must be used within a specific timeframe to avoid reduced stability, sterility, and potentially reduced efficacy. This resource, updated in March 2023, contains an abridged list of medications with shortened expiration dates.
Parkinson’s Webinar: “More Than Motor Symptoms”
Parkinson’s disease is a common condition in long-term care. During Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we are sharing a free program from our pharmaceutical partner Acadia that can help caregivers, family members, and residents understand more about the disease and the impact of psychosis symptoms.
Article: 7 Steps to Prevent Polypharmacy
Polypharmacy is associated with increased fall risk, cognitive decline, and other adverse effects. Learn how medication optimization can help reduce these risks, keeping residents safe and giving staff more time for direct care and positive interactions.
Upcoming Events
All webinar times are 1:00pm ET / 12:00pm CT
Tuesday, April 11: MDS 1.18.11 Data Set Changes for Operational, Clinical, Financial, and MDS Managers
Tuesday, April 25: Medication Management in Complex Patients at Home
Tuesday, May 9: The Dos and Don’ts of Antibiotics
Tuesday, May 16: MDS 3.0 Regulatory Update, Survey Activity, and Audit Outcomes — 2023
CMS plans to increase psychotropic drug oversight to include targeted audits. Listen to our latest “Spoonful of Sugar” podcast as hosts TJ Griffin and John O’Connor discuss the importance of implementing a psychotropic stewardship program to prevent headaches, problems, and costs down the line – and get a leg up if CMS decides to mandate such an initiative.