CMSA, NASW Seek Comments
The Case Management Society of America invites you to review and comment on the updated version of the caseload matrix and the accompanying caseload concept paper. CMSA, along with the National Association of Social Workers and other members of the Caseload Work Group, is pleased to present these documents, which provide the foundation from which a calculator to determine appropriate caseload size and case mix can be developed for case managers working in health, behavioral health, and workers’ compensation settings. Click here to read more.
Joint Commission Orders Code of Conduct for Bad Behavior The Joint Commission says healthcare facilities, labs and other related organizations by next year must establish a code of conduct that defines and sets out a process for handling unacceptable behavior by healthcare workers, such as rude language, temper tantrums and bullying. The Commission said that such behavior can impact patient care by causing breakdowns in provider communication and teamwork. Click here to read more.
Four Steps To Deal With ‘Never Events’ Risk management experts say apologizing to the family of a patient who has a “never event” is one of four steps hospitals must take to mitigate the effects of the incident. The other three actions include reporting the event to the Joint Commission or other organization, analyzing the root cause of the problem, and waiving all costs related to the event. Click here to read more.
CDC Campaign Focuses on Disease Prevention, Healthy LivingThe CDC is launching the “Healthiest Nation Campaign” that seeks to integrate health into social policy at all levels of government and into the lifestyles of all Americans. CDC head Julie Gerberding says more emphasis must be placed on health and disease prevention, such as banning smoking in public places, incorporating bike lanes and sidewalks in communities, and making school lunches healthier. Click here to read more.
Payers Look to Medication Therapy Management Plans Medication therapy management plans, especially those that target personalized or genetic-based therapies, are a growing part of the pharmaceutical delivery sector as health plans and other payers seek to save money and improve patient outcomes. PBMs, small specialty pharmacies and disease management firms are rolling out new MTM initiatives, and some larger companies, such as Medco Health Solutions, are forming “health action teams” to help manage chronic illness. Click here to read more.
Pediatricians Debate Heart Disease Guidelines for Children Physicians are divided on new guidelines issued Monday by the American Academy of Pediatrics that recommend using cholesterol-lowering statins in patients as young as 8 who have high levels of LDL cholesterol. Opponents argue that there is insufficient evidence to prove that statins can protect children from heart attacks later in life. Doctors on the AAP’s nutrition committee said there is enough safety data to back the recommendations despite the lack of long-term findings on statin use in pediatric patients. Click here to read more.
