Author: Kimberly Marselas

Emergency preparedness is a critical concern for nursing homes, and collaborations between these facilities and public health organizations are proving essential in bolstering their ability to handle crises. A recent report by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) highlighted the challenges many nursing homes face, revealing that 77% of nursing homes in high-risk areas experienced at least one challenge during an emergency event. This underscores the need for robust preparedness plans and effective implementation. “The goal is to educate and prepare nursing homes [to then] share that experience with other nursing homes and public health agencies in their regions,”…

A 38-year-old woman has been sentenced to probation after posing as a registered nurse and administering medication to residents at a Maryland nursing home, according to the Maryland Attorney General’s Office. This incident raises serious concerns about patient safety and the screening processes in nursing facilities. Nicole Van-Horn, 38, used fraudulent documentation, including a stolen RN license and falsified degrees from the University of Pennsylvania and Pennsylvania State University, to secure a position at Denton Nursing and Rehab, the Attorney General’s office stated in a January 30th press release. She worked nine shifts in August 2023, during which time she…