Pandemic’s shared experience in isolation helps drive social health conversation
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Apr 12, 2022
A Massachusetts task force to end loneliness and build community originated before COVID-19, but the pandemic raised awareness around isolation and shaped the experiences of the statewide coalition.
As second COVID-19 booster dose is approved, senior living calls for help
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Mar 30, 2022
As public health officials brace for a potential surge in coronavirus cases due to the BA.2 variant, the federal government on Tuesday approved a second COVID-19 booster dose for higher-risk individuals.
‘Natural immunity’ now satisfies employer vaccine mandates in Utah
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Mar 30, 2022
Natural immunity to COVID-19 infection could allow Utah senior living and other workers to sidestep workplace vaccine mandates.
Low COVID-19 vaccination rates among Medicaid beneficiaries cause for concern: senators
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Mar 29, 2022
Concern over lagging vaccination rates among Medicaid beneficiaries has prompted two Democratic leaders to request a study from the Government Accountability Office on potential barriers to vaccination.
$413 million in Provider Relief Fund payments welcome news, but ‘extreme frustration’ remains
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Mar 24, 2022
An announcement about the distribution of $413 million in Phase 4 Provider Relief Fund payments this week is welcome news, but it did little to quell the “extreme frustration” senior living providers...
When COVID case counts are low, relax but prepare for future outbreaks: speaker
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Mar 24, 2022
It’s OK to relax a little and take off that mask when community COVID-19 transmission rates are low. But an epidemiologist says that that’s also the time to prepare.
OSHA accepting new comments on healthcare worker COVID-19 protection rule
By
Lois A. Bowers
Mar 23, 2022
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is accepting additional comments as it works to establish a final rule meant to protect assisted living and other healthcare workers from exposure to COVID-19...
Groups seek ‘critical’ extension of public health emergency, more COVID help
By
Lois A. Bowers
Mar 23, 2022
The American Health Care Association / National Center for Assisted Living on Tuesday asked Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra to extend the federal public health emergency related to COVID-19,...
Address continuing COVID challenges by supporting workforce, public health expert urges
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Mar 03, 2022
COVID-19 immunity isn’t going to last, and everyone needs to mentally prepare for another potential surge come next fall, a public health expert warned Wednesday.
Associations join forces in call for Provider Relief Fund changes
By
Kimberly Bonvissuto
Mar 03, 2022
Long-term care industry advocates joined forces Tuesday in support of a bill delaying paperwork requirements and expanding the uses for Provider Relief Fund dollars. They also urged leaders in Congress...