In our ongoing commitment to keeping you informed about significant developments in long-term care, this week’s updates highlight changes in regulatory policies, educational opportunities, and assessment tools that impact care delivery and administrative practices.​

Enhanced Barrier Precautions Scrutinized Amid Ongoing Confusion
Long-term care providers are facing increased scrutiny regarding the implementation of enhanced barrier precautions (EBP), with persistent confusion among staff and surveyors about proper usage. Issues include uncertainty about when to apply EBP, such as during resident ambulation in hallways, leading to inconsistent citations across regions. Additionally, residents have expressed feelings of segregation due to these precautions.

Proper Insulin Storage Critical to Resident Safety
PharMerica emphasizes the importance of maintaining insulin storage temperatures above 36°F to ensure medication efficacy and resident safety. Temperatures below this threshold may compromise insulin viability, leading to potential health risks, increased labor costs, and medication waste. Facilities are advised to regularly monitor refrigeration units to prevent temperature excursions.

Iowa Reduces Educational and Licensing Requirements for Nursing Home Administrators
The Iowa Department of Inspections, Appeals and Licensing is implementing new rules that extend the provisional licensing period for nursing home administrators from one year to two years and allow the carryover of up to 20 hours of excess continuing education to the next biennium. These changes aim to provide more flexibility in administrator licensing and were supported by the nursing home industry. ​

Behavioral Health Action Network Offers Free Training Series
The Behavioral Health Action Network is providing a complimentary three-part virtual series for staff of CMS-certified nursing facilities. The sessions focus on integrating behavioral health and substance use disorder considerations into person-centered care, enhancing communication skills, and de-escalating aggressive behaviors. Participants will gain valuable insights from experts and peers to improve resident care. ​

Dubbo Osteoporotic Fracture Risk Calculator Assists in Fracture Risk Assessment
Developed from the Dubbo Osteoporosis Epidemiology Study, this tool helps clinicians assess an individual’s risk of osteoporotic fractures. By inputting specific patient data, healthcare providers can better inform treatment decisions and implement preventive strategies to reduce fracture risk. ​

Court Upholds Nursing Home’s Right to Arbitration Agreement
An Arkansas Court of Appeals ruled that a nursing home can enforce an arbitration agreement signed upon admission, despite subsequent federal regulations prohibiting such agreements as admission conditions. The court emphasized that the agreement was legal and enforceable at the time of signing, highlighting the importance of clear and conspicuous contract terms. ​

These developments reflect ongoing efforts to adapt policies and provide resources that enhance the quality of care and administrative practices in long-term care settings. Staying informed about these changes is crucial for healthcare professionals committed to delivering exceptional care and ensuring compliance with evolving regulations.