Wright Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer Steve Schieber spoke to the Trenton Rotary Club on January 21st about the hospital’s response to the pandemic. He reported the number of individuals hospitalized with COVID-19 went from zero in the first and second quarters of 2020 to 141 at Wright Memorial and Hedrick Medical Center during the […]
Tag: nursing homes
Feds tell states to give COVID-19 vaccine to anyone 65 and older in bid to speed rollout
(Missouri Independent) – The Trump administration on Tuesday directed state officials to expand who is getting vaccinated for COVID-19, and announced that all available doses will be distributed to states instead of holding back a reserve of follow-up doses. Under the policy changes outlined by Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar, states should begin […]
Audio: Nursing home vaccinations underway in Missouri
COVID-19 vaccinations in Missouri nursing homes is underway, through a federal partnership with CVS and Walgreens, to give the shots. Photo Licensed to KTTN via Envato Elements
Owner of hospice companies sentenced to 20-years in prison for $150 million health care fraud and money laundering scheme
A corporate executive has been ordered to serve 20 years in prison after his conviction related to falsely telling thousands of patients with long-term incurable diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and dementia, they had less than six months to live and subsequently enrolling them in hospice programs. A federal jury in McAllen, Texas, convicted Rodney […]
Audio: Governor Parson reacts to investigative report into recent COVID deaths at Missouri veterans homes
Missouri’s governor said Thursday in Jefferson City that he wants some answers, after reading a 53-page independent investigation into recent COVID deaths at Missouri veterans homes. Governor Mike Parson ordered the investigation, which was conducted by St. Louis-based Armstrong Teasdale. The governor emphasizes that he’s limited in what he can say because he doesn’t know […]
Audio: Vaccines are a light at the end of a tunnel for nursing homes
Nursing home patients and staff are among the most anxious to see a COVID-19 vaccine. Nikki Strong of the state healthcare association that represents nursing homes says community spread is still a challenge. It could take another two weeks to find out if the FDA approves Pfizer’s vaccine. Photo licensed via Envato Elements
Audio: Nursing homes need funding, staff relief as COVID-19 rates increase
Missouri CARES Act funding allotted to nursing homes is running out – while needs for staffing and testing increase. Nikki Strong, the executive director of the Missouri Healthcare Association. She says homes have had to rely on more expensive temp agencies and to cover staff and nursing shortages. Because of the case rates […]
109 veterans have died of COVID-19 in Missouri veterans homes since September 1
The Missouri Veterans Commission’s Veterans Homes continue to fight COVID-19, and according to spokesman Jamie Melchert, they are continuing daily testing using PCR and antigen testing; training on the proper use of PPE and enhanced PPE; cleaning and disinfecting and enhanced training in these areas; infection control inspections and additional training; additional supervision, including from […]
Livingston County Health Center reports two COVID-19 related deaths bringing total to 15
The Livingston County Health Center reports two more COVID-19-related deaths, which brings the total deaths to 15. Ten new COVID-19 cases have also been added for a total of 564. Seventy of the cases are active, with 13 in facilities, 46 in the community, and 11 in schools. The health center notes the active school […]
Audio: Federal data shows COVID has killed 1,400 Missouri nursing home residents and 20 workers
The latest federal information shows the coronavirus has killed more than 1,400 Missouri nursing home residents and 20 workers. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services report shows the figures make up nearly half of the state’s 3,100 COVID-19 deaths. Missouri has 521 federally licensed nursing homes. The report does not include assisted living centers […]
Missouri Medicaid expansion: Will it bust the budget or pay for itself?
(Missouri Independent) – When Missouri voters approved Medicaid expansion in August, they were told by the ballot language that the price tag was unknown, with possible costs at $200 million stated alongside $1 billion in potential savings. What is known for certain is that about 250,000 Missourians will become eligible for coverage next year — […]
Audio: Missouri submits 111-page COVID-19 vaccine plan to CDC
Missouri has submitted its plan for administering the impending COVID vaccine to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state will receive feedback from the CDC on the 111-page plan by October 26. State Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) Director Dr. Randall Williams tells Capitol reporters that the plan’s hallmark is collaboration […]