November 2022 Edition
November 1, 2022
Clinical News
Antibiotic Stewardship Program: Annual Update
The updated CMS surveyor guidance, which went into effect on October 24, 2022, places additional emphasis on reviewing a facility’s Antibiotic Stewardship Program if the surveyor finds instances of unnecessary antibiotic use. PharMerica’s Model Facility Antibiotic Stewardship Program, updated in October 2022, provides multiple resources to stay in compliance, including treatment protocols, infection management guidelines, and staff and resident education.
Clinical Alert: FDA/CDC Issue COVID-19 Booster Updates
The FDA and the CDC have issued updates regarding the use of Moderna and Pfizer bivalent COVID-19 vaccines in younger age groups and the use of Novavax COVID-19 vaccine as a first booster dose.
Flu & Pneumococcal Resources
The 2022-23 flu season is off to an early start, with cases rising rapidly in the South, and antivirals are already in high demand.
CDC’s Map of Flu Activity (updated weekly)
PharMerica’s 2022-23 Influenza and Adult Immunization Guide
Did You Know: CDC Updates Pneumococcal Vaccine Timing Recommendations
TODAY Article on 2022-23 Flu Season So Far
Monthly Minute: Common Medication Side Effects
Check out this month’s “Monthly Minute,” developed by our Consultant Pharmacists, on pharmacy-related topics important to resident care.
Regulatory Updates
CMS Updates: Quick Reference Guide
The CMS Phase 3 updates took effect on October 24, 2022. Read our Quick Reference Guide, developed by NADONA and PharMerica, for insight into what’s changed and what facilities need to do starting now to avoid F-Tags.
CMS Updates: Compliance Cues
For more information on the pharmacy-related requirements in Phase 3, read our series of Compliance Cues on Fentanyl Patch Disposal, Gradual Dose Reduction, Unnecessary Psychotropic/PRN Use, Unnecessary Antibiotic Use, Misdiagnosis Related to Antipsychotics, and Psychosocial Harm Evaluation.
CMS Updates: Webinar Series with NADONA
Watch the replays of our 5-part webinar series with NADONA on the new guidance regarding behavioral health services, QAPI, infection control, food and nutrition, quality of care, compliance and ethics, and more!
Upcoming Events
Upcoming Webinars:
Tuesday, November 29: Vitamin-itis: How to Address Supplements in Senior Living
Presented by:
Deb Choma, RN, Director of Member Services, AALNA
Jeff Herr, PharmD, Manager of Clinical Operations, PharMerica
Tuesday, December 6: Banishing Burnout: Building Employee Engagement and Retention
Presented by:
Sheri Easton-Garret, MSN, RN, CDP, CMDCP, SVP of Clinical Operations, Belmont Village Senior Living
Dr. Shad Morgheim, ACC, ICF, Leadership and Lifestyle Coach
Adrienne Hearn, Manager of Clinical Operations, PharMerica
In our latest Spoonful of Sugar podcast, recorded from PharMerica’s booth at the AHCA/NCAL Convention in Nashville, BrightSpring Health Services’ Chief Medical Officer Dr. Arif Nazir discusses transitional care management gaps and how PharMerica’s Continue Care program can help to address them.
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