November 2019 Newsletter                      Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter View our profile on LinkedIn View our videos on YouTube 
C&A's Fall Webinar  
"TJC & CMS; What's Next"
November 25, 2019     
November brings to mind Thanksgiving and the many blessings we share with our families and colleagues through our personal and professional activities. We extend a heartwarming thanks to you for the hope, peace and joy that you bring to our lives and wish you a Happy Thanksgiving.
 
Our November Newsletter includes timely information on the recent Omnibus Burden Reduction for the Medicare Conditions of Participation, released September 26, 2019. The new ruling contributes to Medicare's Patients Over Paperwork initiative and features reductions in time spent and financial savings for participants.   In addition, we have included information on the importance of Antimicrobial Stewardship  as we work to optimize clinical outcomes while minimizing unintended consequences related to antimicrobial use.  Join us in learning more about these timely initiatives.
Omnibus Burden Reduction (Medicare Conditions of Participation) Final Rule CMS-3346-F Part 1

The Omnibus Burden Reduction for Medicare Conditions of Participation, Final Rule, was issued September 26, 2019 by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) and removes Medicare regulations identified as unnecessary, outdated, or difficult to sustain on hospitals and other healthcare providers.
The new ruling contributes to CMS's Patients over Paperwork initiative by saving providers an estimated 4.4 million hours of time previously spent on paperwork with an overall total projected savings to providers of $800 million annually.
CMS is finalizing three distinct rules in to one final rule for administrative efficiency and to promote transparency. A summary of the reduction measures is provided for emergency preparedness, hospitals including swing bed & critical access along with ambulatory surgery centers. Read More
  
About the Author -  
 
Sherri Aleksejczyk is an Associate Consultant with Courtemanche & Associates. She is a licensed registered nurse with extensive experience ranging from education to perioperative services, as well as leadership expertise in managing many aspects of healthcare operations. She is trained in the application, teaching, and facilitation of the requirements and recommendations of The Joint Commission, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, AAAHC and other regulatory and accrediting agencies.  Read more about Sherri and our team.  
"Sherri is very knowledgeable of AORN. Great resource and teacher to all leaders."
Gwendolyn Holland, Porter Adventist Hospital

Why is an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Important?

It's that time of year again, when colds, upper respiratory infections and the flu tend to sneak into our lives.  Patients and consumers should remember that the prescribing of antibiotics should be less in this era of Antibiotic Stewardship. But what is Antibiotic Stewardship and why is it important.   
 
APIC's definition of antimicrobial https://apic.org/professional-practice/practice-resources/antimicrobial-stewardship . Antimicrobial stewardship  is a coordinated program that focuses on and supports the appropriate use of antimicrobials or which  antibiotics improve patient outcomes, reduce microbial resistance, and decrease the spread of infections caused by multidrug-resistant organisms. Although t he terms "antimicrobial stewardship" and "antibiotic stewardship" are used interchangeably, antimicrobial stewardship promotes the appropriate use of all antimicrobials, including antibiotics, antivirals, antiprotozoals, and antifungals. Antibiotic stewardship is a subset of antimicrobial stewardship, that includes interventions to prevent drug-resistant bacterial infections through specific antibiotic therapy targeted toward susceptible or resistant bacteria, and reduce  unnecessary or inappropriate antibiotic u se. Read More. 

About the Author -

Carol Mooney is an Associate Consultant with Courtemanche & Associates. As a Registered Nurse, Carol served as the Director of Home Health Services and the Senior Associate Director in Standards Interpretation for The Joint Commission.  She also served as a surveyor for hospital and home care accreditation programs. In her role in Standards Interpretation, Carol was responsible for managing staff and the interpretation of standards for multiple accreditation programs including Hospital, Home Care, Long-Term Care, Behavioral health, and Disease Specific Care Certification.
   
"Carol was very professional in her approach and bringing out issues to our team" 
Rosalina A. Manongdo - RWJB Monmouth MC South


Need help keeping up with every changing policies & procedures?

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October's tips and tools will focus on Radiation Safety and Cumulative Radiation Exposure Limits.
  
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