Illuminate
The Quality Digest
February 2023 Edition
February 1, 2023
Clinical News
Strategies to Increase Covid-19 Vaccine Confidence and Uptake in LTC Communities
While COVID-19 vaccination remains a critical step in protecting individuals and communities from the COVID-19 virus, many Americans have still not been fully vaccinated. The long-term care community has unique barriers and needs that require focused solutions and intervention strategies to increase vaccine confidence and uptake.
Shortage of Common Nebulized Inhalation Solutions Persists
The shortage of albuterol inhalation solutions for nebulization persists. Alternative nebulized therapies for asthma and COPD treatment, such as levalbuterol and ipratropium-albuterol, are now in short supply as a result and are being allocated by wholesalers.
NIC Executive Survey Results: Occupancy and Staffing
The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC) released the results of a recent survey on occupancy recovery, agency use to supplement staffing, and employee retention.
Monthly Minute: Naloxone
Check out this month’s “Monthly Minute,” developed by our Consultant Pharmacists, on pharmacy-related topics important to resident care.
Regulatory Updates
CMS Memorandum: Erroneous Schizophrenia Coding
On January 18, 2023, CMS issued a memorandum advising of corresponding audits of schizophrenia coding in the MDS data and consequent quality measure rating adjustments for erroneous schizophrenia coding.
Drug Pricing Reform in the Inflation Reduction Act
This article, the second in a 2-part series from the Duke-Margolis Center for Health Policy at Duke University, sums up some of the IRA’s expected impacts on drug rebates, alternative payment arrangements, drug development, and evidence to guide drug use.
Upcoming Events
All webinar times are 1:00pm ET / 12:00pm CT
Tuesday, February 7: Developing a Strategic Approach for IV Therapy
Tuesday, February 14: PEDs and the Medication Mix in Assisted Living
Tuesday, February 28: Accounting for Quality Outcomes in a Value-Based World Using Proactive Partnerships
Tuesday, March 7: Insulin Management