Illuminate
The Quality Digest
September 2022 Edition
September 15, 2022
Clinical News
Influenza and Adult Immunization Guide Updated for 2022-23
We are pleased to release PharMerica’s 2022-2023 Influenza and Adult Immunization Guide! Inside, you’ll find materials covering clinical and regulatory issues with respect to influenza and other select vaccine-preventable diseases, including:
- Details on CMS’ flu, pneumococcal, and COVID-19 vaccine requirements
- third-party vaccine coverage information
- CDC guidance on influenza vaccines, antivirals, and managing outbreaks
- Summaries of recent vaccine recommendations (pneumococcal, hepatitis B, shingles)
- Essential documents for facility use, such as Vaccine Information Sheets )VIS), consent forms, and declination forms
FDA Authorizes Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech Bivalent COVID-19 Vaccines for Use as a Booster Dose
On August 31, 2022, the FDA authorized BIVALENT formulations of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for use as a single booster dose ≥ 2 months following primary or booster vaccination.
FDA Approves First Targeted Therapy for HER-Low Breast Cancer
This label expansion of fam-trastuzumab-deruxtecan-nxki marks the first FDA-approved treatment for metastatic breast cancer patients with a HER2-low breast cancer subtype, a newly-defined subset of HER2-negative breast cancer.
Magnesium Citrate Recall and Shortage
On August 2, 2022, a Consumer Level Recall for Magnesium Citrate Saline Laxative Lemon Flavor was issued due to a potential risk to immunocompromised patients. The recall has since been expanded to include ALL flavors and lots of magnesium citrate from Vi-Jon – a key supplier of this product – and is currently affecting availability of all potential product.
Fall Prevention Program
Falls among the elderly can be particularly problematic, yet they are incredibly common, with about 35 million falls reported among older adults each year. Learn how PharMerica’s fall risk calculator can identify residents at risk.
Did You Know?
Fact sheets and instructions for easy reference by clinical staff
Check out our quick reference tools on The Fatal 4, four major health issues that impact individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities at a greater rate and with more severity:
Regulatory Updates
CMS Issues Hospice Final Rule, Effective October 1, 2022
On July 27, the CMS issued a final rule that updates the hospice wage index, payment rates, and aggregate cap amount for FY2023 and addresses the Hospice Quality Reporting Program and further development of the Hospice Outcomes and Patient Evaluation assessment instrument.
Upcoming Events
The Medication Pass: An Evidence-Based and Person-Centered Approach to Improving Efficiency
Presented by:
- Bill Vaughan, RN, BSN, Consultant, NADONA
- Jeff Herr, PharmD, Manager of Clinical Operations, PharMerica
Approved for 1 CEU for NAB and Nursing Credit
Thursday, September 15 at 1PM ET / 12PM CT
Upcoming Webinar Series: The CMS Mega Rule and Its Impacts
Tuesday, September 20 – Resident Rights: Freedom from Abuse, Neglect, and Exploitation
Presented by: Michelle Scherwinski, RN, CDP, CADDCT, CMDCP
Tuesday, September 27 – Quality of Care, Behavioral Health Services, and Food and Nutrition
Presented by: Linda Savage, MSN, RN, RN-BC, NHA, CPHRM CDONA, SWOC and Marti Wdowicki, PharmD, Director of Clinical Operations, PharMerica
Tuesday, October 4 – Infection Control, Pharmacy Services, Quality of Life, and Physician Services
Presented by: Cynthia Fronning, RN, GERO-BC, CDONA, FACDONA, RAC-CT, IP-BC, AS-BC and Janis Russell, PharmD, MBA, Manager Clinical Operations, PharMerica
Tuesday, October 11 – QAPI, Compliance and Ethics Program, Physical Environment, and Nursing Services
Presented by: Nancy Tuders, RN, GERO-BC, IP-BC, CDONA and Rebecca Wingate, PharmD, Director of Clinical Operations, PharMerica
All webinars will take place at 1pm ET / 12pm CT and have
been approved for 1 CEU for NAB and Nursing credit.
In episode 8 of this podcast series, industry legend Robert Kramer talks through the impact of higher operating costs caused by COVID and inflation. Part 2 is coming soon!