What is atherosclerosis? Atherosclerosis is the focal accumulation and hardening of lipid (also referred to as fatty build-up). Atherosclerosis within the arteries of the heart (coronary artery disease) impairs and/or obstructs normal blood flow and results in myocardial ischemia (insufficient…

Almost every long-term care facility has an admission contract, which is usually called a Residency Agreement.  These agreements cover a wide range of topics ranging from the care to be provided, the amounts charged, who is going to pay for the care,…

As part of the effort to prevent severe injury from falls, a certain segment of the long-term care medical community advocates the use of hip protectors or padding devices. A recent article in the Journal of the American Geriatric Society…

Search most class action websites and you will likely see news about Johnson & Johnson and Depuy hip implants.  This hip implant was used by many orthopedic surgeons in procedures called a “total hip arthroplasty”.   The devices were supposed to stabilize the hip-joint…

To ensure accurate and proper “med pass,” the nurse must adhere to the Ten Rights of Medication Administration.  The sixth right, the right assessment requires a competent nurse with the knowledge, judgment and skill to accurately assess the resident.  Nurses…

Search most class action websites and you will likely see news about Zimmer Holdings, Inc., and the NexGen Knee Implants.  This medical implant was used by many orthopedic surgeons between 2003 and 2005 in total knee replacement procedures.    The devices…

Search most class action websites and you will likely see news about Zimmer Holdings, Inc., and the Durom Cup Hip Implant.  This medical implant was used by many orthopedic surgeons in 2006, 2007, and 2008 in procedures called a “total hip…

The 2010 health care reform law includes an Elder Justice Act provision, which requires long-term care facilities to report any reasonable suspicion of a crime against a resident to the state survey agency and local law enforcement. The provision sets…

On May 11, 2011, the House Energy and Commerce Committee approved H.R.5.  This new bill will eliminate the legal rights of people injured by medical negligence, nursing home negligence, defective drugs and medical devices, and will protect HMO’s and insurance…

Gait belts are used in nursing homes as a way to transfer, walk, lift and bathe residents who are not able to support themselves. Employees of a nursing home are expected to keep a gait belt with them and to use the…