In a skilled nursing facility, the care plan is the blueprint for the resident’s entire care needs, and directs the actions of all health care team members.
A new staff member should be able to know everything essential about the resident by reading the care plan.
The care plan is a measure of quality of care, and gives a comprehensive picture of where the resident is at present and what is hoped to be achieved in the future.
Access to home health care would be greatly increased by passage of the Home Health Care Planning Improvement Act of 2011, according to the American Nurses Association, who announced their support of the bill on Sept. 27, 2011.
They believe passing the law would save 30 million dollars a year in Medicare payments. The legislation would allow payment for home health services to Medicare beneficiaries by a nurse practitioner, or a clinical nurse specialist working in collaboration with a physician.
A November hearing by the Senate Special Committee on Aging recommended that facilities be held accountable for unnecessary drug use, and cited a DHHS investigation that revealed one in five drug claims by long term care facilities violate government standards for reimbursement. Antipsychotics not being used for medically accepted indications was the most frequent violation.
The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long Term Care, a group of patient advocate organizations is lobbying to prevent the use of psychoactive drugs in long term care facilities without written consent, publishing each facilty’s rate of psychoactive drug use in Nursing Home compare, and other measures.
Antispychotic Use Report by Senate Special Committee on Aging
Providers need training and tools to learn how to meet the unique needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transsexual older adults, according to the National Resource Center on LGBT Aging, established in 2010 with a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Ten other major healthcare organizations are in partnership with the center. Its website serves as a clearinghouse of information for providers, including resources for legal support.
National Resource Center on LGBT Aging
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