The Quality Digest is a recap of content aimed at advancing clinical care and excellence and keeping you informed about the latest regulations.
2023 Beers Criteria Update
The American Geriatric Society (AGS) has completed its 2023 update to the Beers Criteria, which identifies and provides recommendations on potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) for older adults. This drug compendium explicitly lists PIMs that warrant additional attention as they may present an unfavorable balance of benefits versus harms in seniors in most circumstances or under specific situations.
PharMerica Launches Psychotropic Stewardship Program
PharMerica’s Psychotropic Stewardship Program (PSP) was launched in May 2023 and is available to all clients. This program was created to promote the judicious use of psychotropic medications and enhance the mental, physical, and psychosocial well-being of residents. It includes resources to help facility staff balance the inherent benefits and risks of psychotropics and promote alignment with professional standards of practice and overarching regulations.
Onco360 Approved to Dispense Ruxolitinib (Jakafi®)
Onco360 is now approved to dispense ruxolitinib (Jakafi®) as part of a limited distribution specialty pharmacy network. Jakafi is approved for: treatment of intermediate or high-risk myelofibrosis (MF), including primary MF, post-poly- cythemia vera MF, and post-essential thrombocythemia MF in adults; treatment of polycythemia vera (PV) in adults who have had an inadequate response to or are intolerant of hydroxyurea; treatment of steroid-refractory acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older; and treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) after failure of one or two lines of systemic therapy in adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older.
With new surveyor guidance as of October 24, 2022, it’s clear that psychotropic use is a continued focus of CMS. To help facilities understand the top F-tags for this drug class, PharMerica has developed a series of Compliance Cues. This first one provides important information on F605, which covers use of chemical restraints, including definitions, what surveyors may look for, and steps to facility compliance.
COVID-19 Regulatory Requirement Changes with PHE Expiration
As per the CMS guidance for the expiration of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency (PHE) on May 11, 2023, certain LTC regulatory requirements implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic have changed. Our Quick Reference Guide summarizes these changes.
Section 1135 Waivers Terminated with PHE Expiration
Section 1135 Emergency Waivers for healthcare providers terminated with the expiration of the PHE on May 11, 2023. Our Quick Reference Guide summarizes these changes and associated citations.
Podcast Episode 13: The Long-Term Benefits of Short-Stay Care Management
Listen to our latest "Spoonful of Sugar" podcast, in which Lisa Lugo, Director of Social Services at Viviant Healthcare of Murfreesboro, talks with McKnight's John O'Connor and PharMerica's TJ GriffinandBill Deane about her facility's challenges supporting residents after discharge and how they use PharMerica's Continue Care program to help keep patients healthy at home.
