>> Pattern of overdose deaths in the U.S.
>> Government proposal for nursing home standards
>> Virus with epidemic potential claims two
The Med & Mic™ 09.14.23
MED NEWS blog post from Dr. Maria ON Speaking, LLC
Record Overdose Deaths
The CDC says overdose deaths are up from 110,394 last year to 111,355 this year, setting a new record. The western part of the U.S. continues to see major surges. Fentanyl and other synthetic opioids are involved in nearly 70% of overdose deaths. (Source: CNN, D. McPhillips, 9.13.23)
Minimum Staffing Requirement for Nursing Homes
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services announced a proposal for minimum daily staffing standards at certified long-term care facilities:
0.55 hours of care from a registered nurse per resident
2.45 hours of care from a nurse aide per resident
A 24/7 on-site nurse
If passed, the rule would go into effect in three to five years. Currently, only one in four facilities meet these standards. (Source: JAMA Network, E. Harris, 9.13.23)
Two Dead in Outbreak
A Nipah virus outbreak in southern India has killed two people. This is the fourth outbreak since 2018. Some schools and offices have shut down. Humans are infected through contact with the body fluids of infected bats and pigs. There have been documented cases of human-to-human spread. Symptoms include fever, breathing trouble, headache, and vomiting. Brain swelling and seizures can occur. There are no vaccines or cures. The mortality rate is 70%. Nipah virus is on the World Health Organization’s list of pathogens with epidemic potential. (Source: Reuters, 9.14.23)
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