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Author Archives: Sally Watkins, PhD, RN

Nurses Lead Way to Innovative Care Delivery

A study conducted by Health Workforce Solutions LLC (HWS) and funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has led to 24 innovative care delivery models that are specifically nurse-driven.  The HWS white paper reports that the models are intended to serve as a starting point in the development and dissemination of innovative care delivery models.  [...]

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Medicare Billing Requirements and Policies for Replacement of Oxygen Equipment and Oxygen Contents

Suppliers of oxygen and oxygen equipment need to be aware of the procedures for submitting claims for oxygen and oxygen equipment following the enactment of the Medicare Improvements for Patients and Providers Act of 2008 (MIPPA) on July 15, 2008.
Section 144(b) of MIPPA took effect on January 1, 2009, and repeals the requirement for you [...]

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Important information from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services

New From the Medicare Learning Network
Now Available to Order! The Expanded Benefits Brochure (January 2009). This tri-fold brochure provides health care professionals with an overview of Medicare’s coverage of three preventive services: the initial preventive physical examination (IPPE), also known as the Welcome to “Medicare Physical” Exam or the “Welcome to Medicare” visit, ultrasound screening [...]

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The Hottest Up and Coming Nursing Specialties

Nursing jobs in the intensive care unit, emergency room and pediatrics will always be staples of the profession, but changes to the evolving health care system will also determine which nursing specialties will grow at an accelerated pace.

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Nursing Commission to begin paperless licensure renewal process April 1, 2009!

The Nursing Care Quality Assurance Commission is moving towards a paperless system beginning April 1st, 2009, with a revised licensure renewal process. Nurses will continue to receive a courtesy renewal reminder card by mail 8-10 weeks before their birthday. Payment must be mailed back to the Nursing Commission recognizing that at least two weeks are needed to process the renewal. After receipt of payment, the Nursing Commission will update their “provider credential search” website for the individual nurse showing the license has been renewed. A paper license will NO LONGER automatically be mailed, unless specifically requested by the nurse.

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Nursing Commission Newsletter Now Online

The Nursing Commission newsletter, Winter 2009 is now available.

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Advanced Practice Nursing & Physician Assistants Web Page

The Medicare Learning Network (MLN) is pleased to announce the availability of the Advanced Practice Nursing & Physician Assistants (APN/PA) web page. This dedicated web page is for Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) advanced practice nurses and physician assistants who provide services to Medicare beneficiaries.
From this web page, you will be able to access and peruse the [...]

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Update to Healthcare Facilities and Healthcare Professionals about Heparin and Heparin-containing Medical Products

The Food and Drug Administration is summarizing important information relating to medical products that contain potentially contaminated heparin and is seeking assistance from healthcare facilities and providers in identifying and reporting adverse events related to these products.

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From the FDA – A Monthly Video News Show for Healthcare Professionals

FDA Patient Safety News (PSN) is a monthly video news show for healthcare professionals.

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Current Stats Severely Underestimate Costs of Medical Errors

Medical errors drive hospital costs up and while many seek ways to reduce these mistakes, not all fully understand their financial effects.

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