TIP OF THE WEEK
Focus on Workplace Safety
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is focusing on about 4,150 high-hazard worksites in its primary list for unannounced comprehensive inspections for 2007.
The injury incident rate in the nursing home industry is more than double the incident rate of industry as a whole. Thus, nursing homes and personal care facilities will be included in these inspections, which primarily focus on ergonomic hazards relating to resident handling; exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials; exposure to tuberculosis; and slips, trips, and falls.
Under federal law, employers are responsible for providing a safe and healthful workplace for their employees. The role of OSHA is to assure the safety and health of America’s workers. They do this by setting and enforcing standards; providing training, outreach, and education; establishing partnerships; and encouraging continual process improvement in workplace safety and health.
The resources listed in the Resource Spotlight can help you identify areas for improving safety and health in your workplace.
RESOURCE SPOTLIGHT
Nursing Home eTool
OSHA’s Nursing Home eTool was designed to help employers identify and address potential occupational hazards in the nursing home industry through a comprehensive safety and health program approach. The eTool will help employers comply with OSHA requirements and reduce workplace hazards in the nursing home.
Pandemic Influenza Preparedness and Response Guidance for Healthcare Workers and Healthcare Employers
The goal of this document is to help healthcare workers and employers prepare for and respond to an influenza pandemic.
Targeted Inspection Plan for 2007
Read the notice that details OSHA's inspection plan (Site-Specific Targeting 2007).
Nursing Home Ergonomic Guidelines
OSHA issued these ergonomic guidelines for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders for the nursing home industry on March 13, 2003.
Health Care Industry Quick Start
Follow the steps on this Web site to identify some of the major OSHA requirements and guidance materials that may apply to your healthcare facility. Follow these steps to find resources on OSHA's Web site that will help you comply with OSHA requirements and prevent workplace injuries and illnesses.
Statistics for Non-Fatal Occupational Injuries and Illnesses
Non-fatal occupational injuries and illnesses: number of cases and incidence rates for private industries with 100,000 or more total cases.
IN THE NEWS
CONGRESS POSTPONES TAMPER-RESISTANT PRESCRIPTION PAD LAW
October 10, 2007 -- AAFP -- Congress has moved quickly to delay implementation of a recently passed law requiring physicians and pharmacists to start using either electronic prescriptions or tamper-resistant prescription pads for their Medicaid patients.
Congressional members approved a measure on Sept. 27 that delays implementation of the tamper-resistant prescription pad law by six months, which means physicians and pharmacists have until April 1 to comply with the law passed in late July as part of the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act of 2007. Read more >>
FEWER SENIORS LIVE IN NURSING HOMES
September 27, 2007 -- USA Today -- Despite the graying of the nation, the percentage of elderly living in nursing homes has declined, according to Census data released today. The downturn reflects the improved health of seniors and more choices of care for the elderly.
About 7.4 percent of Americans aged 75 and older lived in nursing homes in 2006, compared with 8.1 percent in 2000 and 10.2 percent in 1990. Read more >>
HEALTH CARE QUALITY INCREASES — BUT SO DOES COST
September 25, 2007 -- MSNBC -- The quality of healthcare in the United States is steadily improving, with more patients getting recommended treatments, but there are a few notable gaps — and costs are skyrocketing, according to a recent report. Read more >>
September 25, 2007 -- The Wall Street Journal -- Health officials, anticipating a record vaccine supply for this year's flu season, are trying hard to make up for past missteps and boost low immunization rates by urging people to get flu shots -- even if they wait until after the holidays. Read more >>
OHIO KEPRO EVENTS
Guidelines and Coding for Restraints Teleconference
Featuring Carla Brumby and Patsy Strouse, Ohio Department of Health
November 8, 2007 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Dial-in: 1-866-256-9239
INDUSTRY EVENTS
Preventing Adverse Drug Events (Medication Reconciliation) IHI Teleconference
October 9, 2007, 1:00 to 2:00pm.
Dial: (800) 860-2442. No PIN code is required.
Ask the operator to connect you to the Campaign Office.
Improving AMI Care IHI Teleconference
October 18, 2007, 1:00 to 2:00pm.
Dial: (800) 860-2442. No PIN code is required. Ask the operator to connect you to the Campaign Office.
Together We Make a Difference: Solutions for Senior Care 2007
October 5-7, 2007, Columbus Ohio
The conference features plenary sessions and didactic sessions on medical direction, physician-nurse practitioner collaboration, urinary incontinence, atrial fibrillation, appropriate medication prescribing, and the latest diabetic medications (Registration ends Sept 28, 2007). Contact Catherine Austin at (216) 778-8087, Executive Assistant of OMDA, for more details.
Reducing the Use of Alarms in the Nursing Home
Ohio Person-Centered Care Coalition Teleconference
November 6, 2007 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
The Many Facets of Pain Management: An Integrated Approach
November 7, 2007, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., MetroHealth Medical Center, Cleveland. Call (216) 778-7707 for more information.
Medicare Learning Network:
Learning resources and products for the healthcare professional.
Alzheimer’s Association Training Events
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine Courses
Ohio Department of Health, Technical Assistance Program – New Programs
Ohio Health Care Association Events
An archive of The Nursing Home Weekly Update is available on our Web site. Click here >>
