May Is Hepatitis Awareness Month

In honor of May being Hepatitis Awareness Month, the CDC is leading a national campaign called Know More Hepatitis. The agency encourages anyone born between 1945 and 1965 to get tested for Hepatitis C.

According to the CDC, more than 4 million Americans are living with chronic Hepatitis B or C, but most do not know they are infected. Chronic viral hepatitis can lead to serious liver problems, including liver cancer. Each year, about 15,000 Americans die from liver cancer or chronic liver disease associated with viral hepatitis.

To learn more, click here.

How to Help Oklahoma

In the wake of the massive tornado in Moore, Oklahoma, we wanted to share a list of organizations that are assisting the storm's victims. These organizations would greatly appreciate any donations or contributions.

The Red Cross: Donations can be made online or by texting REDCROSS to 90999.

Samaritan's Purse: This organization sent a disaster relief unit to Oklahoma. Donations can be made here.

AmeriCares: This global disaster relief nonprofit has sent an emergency response team to Oklahoma that will coordinate aid deliveries and assess the needs of survivors and medical groups in the area.

Team Rubicon: Team Rubicon is composed of military veterans who respond to disaster. They plan to have initial assessment teams in Oklahoma today and will mobilize a full response to help people affected by the storms.

These are just a few of the organizations lending a helping hand. Please click here to learn more.

Lawmakers Introduce Pregnant Workers Fairness Act

Federal lawmakers have introduced the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, which would require employers to make reasonable modifications to a pregnant woman's job duties. The bill is supported by the American Nurses Association and Service Employees International, among other organizations.

Modifications to job responsibilities could include lighter duty tasks or allowing the pregnant woman to carry a bottle of water in order to stay hydrated.

A number of states, including Illinois, have already passed laws that ensure pregnant women have on-the-job protections.

To learn more, click here.

State-by-State Assisted Living Costs Revealed

How does your state rate when it comes to assisted living costs? According to the 2012 A Place for Mom Senior Care Survey, there's a wide variance from state to state.

The figures listed below represent average monthly rates for a one-bedroom apartment.

Montana: $2,559
South Carolina: $2,630
Idaho: $2,687
Oklahoma: $2,706
Mississippi: $2,784
North Dakota: $2,808
Indiana: $2,844
Tennessee: $2,913
Kentucky: $2,916
Michigan: $2,927
Alabama: $2,945
Georgia: $2,962
Florida: $2,967
Washington: $2,970
Minnesota: $2,981
South Carolina: $2,997
New Mexico: $3,009
Iowa: $3,020
West Virginia: $3,070
Nevada: $3,072
Kansas: $3,092
Ohio: $3,100
Oregon: $3,106
Utah: $3,135
Pennsylvania: $3,158
Arizona: $3,165
Nebraska: $3,165
North Carolina: $3,184
Texas: $3,189
Wisconsin: $3,195
Missouri: $3,212
Arkansas: $3,279
Louisiana: $3,306
California: $3,341
Wyoming: $3,447
Illinois: $3,477
Virginia: $3,542
Colorado: $3,599
Rhode Island: $3,700
Hawaii: $3,777
New York: $3,954
Vermont: $4,171
Maryland: $4,177
New Jersey: $4,197
New Hampshire: $4,278
Massachusetts: $4,472
Alaska: $4,478
Delaware: $4,520
Connecticut: $4,550
Maine: $4,671

Senate Confirms Marilyn Tavenner as CMS Head

The Senate has confirmed Marilyn Tavenner as the administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). She is the first confirmed head of the agency in seven years.

Tavenner has been the acting head of CMS since 2011. Her predecessor, Donald Berwick, was never confirmed.

To learn more, click here.

AHA: Pets Reduce Heart Attack Risk

The American Heart Association (AHA) has issued a scientific statement that says owning a pet may help to decrease a person's risk of suffering from heart disease. Pet ownership is also linked to lower levels of obesity, blood pressure and cholesterol, the AHA noted.

Previous research has shown that the loyalty and love that pets display can reduce stress, anxiety, depression and loneliness. People who own pets also experience increased senses of well-being and self-esteem.

To learn more, click here.

FAQs: Blood Glucose Meter Disinfection

If surveyors were to walk into your building today, would you be able to avoid a citation at Tag F441, which requires that each “facility must establish and maintain an infection control program designed to provide a safe, sanitary and comfortable environment and to help prevent the transmission of disease and infection”?¹

Facilities are frequently cited at F441 for the way that they disinfect their blood glucose meters. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), meters can become contaminated with blood and, if used for multiple residents, must be cleaned and disinfected after each use according to manufacturer’s instructions.² Is this happening in your building?

We’ve assembled the following frequently asked questions to help you ensure that your disinfection procedure both meets professional standards and protects your residents.

What do I need to use to disinfect the meters?

Blood glucose meters should be disinfected with an EPA-registered antimicrobial that is effective against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Human HIV-1 and the Hepatitis B and C viruses.³ You can find the EPA’s list of approved products here.

Can’t I just use alcohol pads to disinfect my meters?

No. Alcohol pads are not effective against viral bloodborne pathogens.³

What about bleach?

A 1:10 bleach solution is effective against microbes, but it’s important to note that it can also lead to the physical degradation of blood glucose monitors.³

Do I need to use multiple wipes to clean the meters?

If the surface of the meter is visibly soiled, you should use a wipe to remove gross soil and a second wipe to disinfect the surface.

What does “contact time” mean?

Contact time is the total time that a disinfectant solution needs to remain wet on the surface of the meter to achieve all of its stated efficacy kill claims. The contact time can be located on the product label.

Our highly trained territory managers are ready to help you with your disinfection protocols. To connect with us, give us a call at (800) 648-5190 or visit us online at promedsupply.com.

References

1 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. State Operations Manual Appendix PP – Guidance to Surveyors for Long Term Care Facilities. Available at: http://www.cms.gov/Regulations-and-Guidance/Guidance/Manuals/downloads/som107ap_pp_guidelines_ltcf.pdf. Accessed May 8, 2013.

2 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Point of Care Devices and Infection Control in Nursing Homes. Available at: http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Provider-Enrollment-and-Certification/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/downloads/scletter10_28.pdf. Accessed May 8, 2013.

3. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Letters to Manufacturers of Blood Glucose Monitoring Systems Listed With the FDA. Available at: http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/InVitroDiagnostics/ucm227935.htm. Accessed May 8, 2013.