Date: Thursday, May 30, 2024 I Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m.ET I Registration Required AUDIENCE:This webinar is open to QIN-QIOs, nursing home leaders, medical directors, directors of nursing and billing […]
Overcoming COVID-19 Vaccine Payment Challenges Read More »
Date: Wednesday, January 31, 2024 I Time: 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. ET I Registration Required: Register here AUDIENCE: This webinar is open to QIN-QIOs and nursing home leaders, medical directors, directors of nursing, and infection preventionists interested
CDC and CMS Present Stories from the Field: Immunization Strategies for Long-Term Care Read More »
A Six-Week Series for Nursing Homes Care coordination often presents challenges for nursing home providers. For six weeks, on Tuesdays at 12 pm ET, the IPRO QIN-QIO team will share
Boosters and Beyond: Reducing Readmission Rates Read More »
Please join the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) for an informational event to help providers, facilities and people with Medicare prepare for the end of the COVID-19 Public
Vaccines Are Not Just for Kids by Amy Sgueglia, MSN, RN, MAIC Facilitator, JSI Research & Training Institute, Inc. The COVID-19 pandemic and the COVID-19 vaccine have underscored the importance
Adults Need Vaccines, Too Read More »
By Charles W. Redd, MS, RN As we continue to move towards normalcy since the pandemic, which began in the United States in March 2020, I am often asked by
Vaccination: A Personal Journey Read More »
By Jennifer Griffiths, PharmD, RPh When COVID-19 struck I was working at a small, independent pharmacy on Martha’s Vineyard. We have only one hospital which has three ICU beds and
A Pharmacist Reflects on the Opportunity to Protect the Public’s Health Read More »
COVID-19 has changed healthcare in many ways and has delayed chronic disease management for many patients. Patients needing follow-up appointments for their chronic disease were not able to schedule appointments
Partnering Beyond COVID-19 Prevention and Management of Patients with Chronic Disease Read More »
by Rosie Bartel, patient advisor As a patient who has a compromised immune system due to healthcare acquired MRSA, I decided to get the bivalent vaccine. My reason was that
A Patient’s Perspective: Bivalent Booster Offers Another Layer of Protection Read More »
by Janice Tufet, Medicare beneficiary On March 1, 2020, I had just finished a two-day Complex Care and Social Needs Core Competency steering group meeting in Camden, New Jersey, where
A Patient’s Perspective: Why the Bivalent Booster was Important to Me Read More »
by Chris Symolon, Director, COVID-19 Vaccination Project, Foundation for Healthy Communities, New Hampshire Welcome to 2023, a new year, a new start, a reset! I have been reflecting on the
A Community Effort to Covid-19 Vaccinations Read More »
Perspectives of a Rural Health Advocate Guest Blog by Ronnie Rom, MSPH, CPHQ, Massachusetts Office of Rural Health While I didn’t grow up in a rural area, I lived for
If You’ve Seen One Rural Community, You’ve Seen One Rural Community Read More »
By Jenna Cebelius, MPH, HAI Program Coordinator | Health Surveillance Epidemiologist, Division of Laboratory Sciences & Infectious Disease | Vermont Department of Health I meandered my way through several healthcare
Once More into the Breach: Perspectives of an Epidemiologist Read More »
The COVID-19 Bivalent Booster is critical in preventing serious COVID-19 outcomes. Yet, Many are hesitant to get the vaccine. Hear from our experts addressing hesitancy and discussing strategies for vaccine
Bivalent Booster Hesitancy? Set the Stage for Success! Read More »
by Erin Just, BScOT, MA, Quality Improvement Coordinator, Vermont Blueprint for Health In 2019, I welcomed identical twin boys. They arrived earlier than hoped, requiring medical intervention to improve their
Raising Preemies During a Pandemic: Vaccines Protect The Most Vulnerable Read More »
By Sandra N. Colpitts MSN, RN, CIC, Manager, Infection Prevention and Control, South County Health, Wakefield, RI When I first became a nurse, I never imagined the adventures I would
Walk Alongside the Community to Combat Vaccine Hesitancy Read More »
In November 2022, IPRO surveyed providers about their key challenges. In this series, the IPRO nursing home team will provide insights and suggestions related to boosters, National Healthcare Safety Network
Boosters & Beyond: Addressing Key Challenges Read More »
by Mary Ellen Casey, RN, Infection Preventionist, IPRO QIN-QIO As a college student I nearly drowned. A lifeguard saved my life. I will never forget being in the water, looking
The Winter of our Discontent….or Maybe Not! Perspectives of an Infection Preventionist Read More »
It is a well-established fact: smoking leads to disease, disability, and harm in nearly every organ system. It has long been shown to cause cancer, hypertension, heart disease, stroke, lung
Now is the Time: A Compendium of Tools to Use for Great American Smokeout and Beyond Read More »
In this series, we will review factors that can contribute to readmissions and strategies to address these factors. Some topics to be discussed are C.Diff, Sepsis, UTIs, Dementia, Falls, Wound
Boosters and Beyond: Rethinking Readmissions Read More »
Date: Thursday, October 6, 2022 Start Time: 4:00 pm ET Please join the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Centers for Disease Control for a National Nursing Home
National Nursing Home Stakeholder Call Read More »
On September 23, 2022, the CDC updated its infection prevention and control recommendations for healthcare personnel across all settings during the COVID-19 pandemic. A summary of recent changes includes: Updated
This year, as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health (CMS OMH) honors National Hispanic Heritage Month, we will be focusing on the nation’s 60.5 million
CMS OMH Honors National Hispanic Heritage Month Read More »
August is Immunization Awareness Month. Make sure your team is armed with tools and strategies to launch an effective vaccine campaign. Join us for a one-hour virtual Learning Action Network
Great Shot! Make Your Vaccine Campaign a Slam Dunk Read More »
Boosters & Beyond: Building QI Resilience! Recently, the IPRO Nursing Home Quality Improvement (QI) Team has received an increasing number of requests for QI support and education. Many administrators and
Boosters & Beyond: Building QI Resilience Read More »
Joy in Work, a framework by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement, states an essential part of mitigating burnout and turnover, especially during these challenging times, is to focus on restoring
Ideas for Establishing Joy in Healthcare Work Read More »
Melanie Ronda, RN, MSN, host of our weekly IP3 Office Hours gets many questions each week. Here’s one that may resonate with you: Q: What is the definition of being “up-to-date” on
July Infection Prevention Question of the Month Read More »
As part of the IPRO QIN-QIO’s “From Booster Shots to Bouncing Back” weekly educational series, every Thursday we offer IP3 – Infection Prevention by an Infection Preventionist for Infection Preventionists.
IP3 Resources: Vaccination Campaigns for Long-Term Care Facilities Read More »
Melanie Ronda, RN, MSN, host of our weekly IP3 Office Hours gets many questions each week. Here’s one that may resonate with you: Q: We started using N95 masks during
June Infection Prevention Question of the Month Read More »
The Challenge Access to care is an essential component of healthcare quality. It follows that ensuring access to care is one of the priorities emphasized by the Centers for Medicare
Case Study: Improving Access to Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic Read More »
What are the main changes? Simplifications COVID-19 vaccination data will no longer be reported by vaccine manufacturer for questions on primary vaccine series and additional/booster doses. Questions on vaccine supply
Melanie Ronda, MSN, RN, host of our weekly IP3 Office Hours gets many questions each week. Here’s one that may resonate with you: Q: Our nursing home’s medical director has
May Infection Prevention Question of the Month Read More »
A possible solution to the challenge of workforce retention is to make sure that staff enjoy their work. But it goes further than just staff satisfaction levels. There is a
IPRO QIN-QIO Presents: ‘From Booster Shots to Bouncing Back,’ a Webinar Series Read More »
The Biden-Harris Administration announced on April 4 that more than 59 million Americans with Medicare Part B, including those enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, now have access to Food
Medicare Beneficiaries to Get Free Over-the-Counter COVID-19 Tests Read More »
On April 6, 2022, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced it will pay for a second COVID-19 booster shot of either the Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccines
Eligible Individuals Can Receive Second COVID-19 Booster Shot at No Cost Read More »
Effective October 20, 2021, FDA amended the emergency use authorizations for the Moderna and Jansen (Johnson & Johnson) COVID-19 vaccines to allow for use of a single booster dose for
New PSAs from the Ad Council and COVID Collaborative Speak to Those Still Hesitant About Vaccination Across Rural Communities In September 2021, incidence rates of COVID-19 in rural America were
View the latest hospital health equity news, events, and tools to support your efforts in eliminating health care disparities within your health system and communities. What’s inside? New Data Highlight
Health Equity Hospital Highlights: October Newsletter Read More »
In this session, our nursing home experts will do a brief review of changes to NHSN. Following our “small talk” you’ll have the chance to discuss any challenges you’re experiencing
IPRO QIN-QIO presents: NHSN Office Hours, October 14, 18, 20 Read More »
Join our 30-minute vaccine huddle meeting, to discuss optimizing influenza and COVID-19 booster dosing this Fall. Learn more about: Vaccine screening upon admission Administration of influenze, COVID-19 vaccines Fast facts
IPRO QIN-QIO Presents: 30-Minute Vaccine Huddle for Nursing Homes, Oct. 19, 2021, 12 PM Read More »
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its infection prevention and control (IPC) guidance for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Infection Control Guidance for Healthcare Professionals about
CDC Updates Infection Prevention and Control Guidance for Healthcare Settings Read More »
The New England Rural Health Association developed a COVID-19 Vaccine Messaging Campaign to help improve vaccination rates in our states and communities. Materials These materials focus on the business community and
COVID-19 Vaccine Messaging for Rural Communities Read More »
Federally-Funded COVID-19 Testing Program What is Operation Expanded Testing? Operation Expanded Testing is a program supported and funded through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to provide COVID-19
New Program Announcement: Operation Expanded Testing Read More »
July 27, 2021 | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issues Health Alert Network (HAN) Health Advisory The CDC is issuing this Health Alert Network Health Advisory to
Continue to build COVID-19 vaccine confidence in hesitant patients by sharing this one-minute video featuring Dr. Gina Gregory-Burns explaining that the vaccines are effective and protective against variants. This video
Ask a Doctor: What About the New COVID-19 Variants? Read More »
June 17, 2021 | On May 11, 2021, CMS published an interim final rule with comment period that added new COVID-19 vaccination reporting requirements for nursing home staff and residents.
CMS encourages nursing homes to continue COVID-19 vaccination rates Read More »
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently shared with immunization program mangers across the country the document “Increasing Access to Vaccination Opportunities: COVID-19 Vaccination upon Discharge from Hospitals,
Action Could Impact as many as 1.6 Million People with Medicare As part of President Biden’s commitment to increasing access to vaccinations, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
HRSA COVID-19 Coverage Assistance Fund (CAF) On May 3, 2021, HHS, through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), announced a new program covering the cost of administering COVID-19 vaccines
COVID-19-Related Coverage and Payment Read More »
On May 5, 2021, as a part of CMS’ ongoing COVID-19 response efforts to support the long-term care community, CMS debuted its first social media videos. The videos highlight staff,
CMS Launches Community Champions Video Read More »
Stay up-to-date on new resources from the New York State Department of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare
We’ve added new COVID-19 resources Read More »
As of April 25, 2021, the CDC and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommend use of Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen (J&J/Janssen) COVID-19 Vaccine resume in the United States.
FDA & CDC Resume Use of the J&J COVID-19 Vaccine Read More »
Dear Colleagues, The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the egregious and long-standing inequities that exist across the United States—inequities that have a profound effect on the physical, social, economic, and emotional
A Letter from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Read More »
We’re sharing the following information from the FDA Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program. Updated: April 14, 2021 Why are the FDA and CDC recommending a pause in the
Updated Janssen (J&J) COVID-19 Vaccine Frequently Asked Questions Read More »
The IPRO QIN-QIO is sharing an update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC and FDA recommended a pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) COVID-19
Pausing the Use of J&J COVID-19 Vaccine: Information for Long-Term-Care Facilities Read More »
Information Provided by the Anticoagulation Forum Following six reported cases of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) in individuals after receiving the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine in the US,
Resources on Johnson & Johnson Vaccine Suspension Read More »
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Health Alert, about the CDC and FDA’s recommended pause in the use of the Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine. We’re
Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 Vaccine: Health Alert Read More »
As COVID-19 vaccines continue rolling out across the country, CMS is taking action to protect the health and safety of our nation’s patients and providers and keeping you updated on
COVID-19 Vaccine Resources: Reaching Vulnerable Populations Read More »
Updates as of April 2, 2021 Highlights Fully vaccinated people can: Resume domestic travel Do not need to get tested before or after travel Do not need to self-quarantine after
Interim Public Health Recommendations for Fully Vaccinated People Read More »
Stay up-to-date on the latest COVID-19 resources. This month, we’re highlighting new resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ Office of
We’ve Updated our COVID-19 Resources Page Read More »
