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Showing posts from May, 2013

HCW FLU VACCINE REPORTING - ATTENTION

In February 2012, the Colorado Board of Health (BOH) passed rule 6 CCR 1011-1 Chap 02 regarding influenza vaccination of its employees in licensed healthcare facilities. This rule applies to all healthcare facilities licensed by the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE). There are two requirements of this rule: 1. All licensed healthcare facilities must keep track of the number of its employees that are vaccinated against influenza and annually report that number to CDPHE either through the Health Facilities Division (HFD) Portal or the National Healthcare Safety Network by March 31st of each year. 2. If certain vaccination targets are not met, a facility is required to implement a policy based on its facility type. - If a facility is classified as a general hospital, hospital unit, ambulatory surgical center, or long-term care facility, the facility will need to implement an influenza vaccination policy for its healthcare workers to ensure that each

Revised amendments to Chapter XXII, Birth Centers

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter XXII, Birth Centers. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Revised amendments to Chapter XXI, Hospices

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter XXI, Hospices. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments here Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Revised amendments to Chapter XX, Ambulatory Surgical Centers

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter XX, Ambulatory Surgical Centers. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments at here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Revised amendments to Chapter XVIII, Psychiatric Hospitals

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter XVIII, Psychiatric Hospitals. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Revised amendments to Chapter XV, Dialysis Treatment Clinics

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter XV, Dialysis Treatment Clinics. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Registration Open for June 18 Medication Disposal Training for LTCs

Source: CDPHE, Hazardous Materials and Waste Management Division Proper Drug Disposal for Long Term Care Facilities By September 1, 2013 Long Term Care Facilities (LTCFs) will be required to certify that they are properly disposing of pharmaceutical and other wastes. Please join representatives from CDPHE's Solid and Hazardous Waste Program for an overview of the requirements and get information that will help keep your facility in compliance. The workshop material is specifically geared toward LTCFs and registration is open to representatives of any licensed Colorado LTCF. The content will be most useful for Administrators, Directors of Nursing, and Directors of Facilities. Please click here for the registration form. TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2013 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. COLORADO DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH & ENVIRONMENT Sabin/Cleere Conference Rooms 4300 Cherry Creek Dr. So. Denver, CO 80246 For further information: Contact Lillian Gonzalez at Lillian.gonzalez@state.co.us

Revised amendments to Chapter XI, Convalescent Centers

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter XI, Convalescent Centers. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Revised amendments to Chapter IX, Community Clinics and Community Clinics and Emergency Centers

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter IX, Community Clinics and Community Clinics and Emergency Centers. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Revised amendments to Chapter VIII, Facilities for Persons with Developmental Disabilities

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter VIII, Facilities for Persons with Developmental Disabilities. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Revised amendments to Chapter VII, Assisted Living Residences

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter VII, Assisted Living Residences. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Revised amendments to Chapter VI, Acute Treatment Units

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter VI, Acute Treatment Units. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments at here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us  

Revised amendments to Chapter V, Long Term Care Facilities

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter V, Long Term Care Facilities These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Revised amendments to Chapter IV, General Hospitals

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter IV, General Hospitals. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013.   You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832 ,  laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Amendments to Chapter II, General Licensure

The Division has revised its proposed amendments to Chapter II, General Licensure. These amendments are required in order to comply with House Bill 12 -1268 which transfers building construction and life safety code functions to the Division of Fire Prevention and Control effective July 1, 2013. You may review the second draft of the proposed amendments here. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

5+ Natural Home Remedies For Headache

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Almost everyone in this world have experienced this disease, dizziness or headaches sometimes come suddenly without being able to be avoided. Many drugs are available to address them, but you better try home remedies for headache methods first before using chemical medicine. As the experts say, that the use of drugs with a chemical process too often is not good for our health. There are so many causes of headaches / dizziness, both of which affect the physical body and of mind. Here are some of the causes of dizziness or headaches: - Too Tense - Too exhausted - Too often stare at the Computer Screen / TV - Too Much Work - Too Much of mind due to the burden of life, think of something that causes fear and excessive worry - Too many read a book without sufficient lighting - And other causes. These home remedies for headache below using natural ingredients, that is believed more safer and easier to make. Because some ingredients are available in the kitchen. Natural home remedies for head

Rule regarding patient record copy costs

A Colorado District Court has ordered the Board of Health to adopt amendments to the Department's Chapter II regulations regarding patient record copy costs that more closely align with the federal requirements under the Health Care Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). You may review the language of the proposed amendment here. Please submit any comments regarding the proposed amendment by Monday, June 17, 2013 to the individual listed below. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Changes in Division Leadership

It is my pleasure to announce that effective Monday, May 13, 2013, I accepted appointment to the position interim director of the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division, which is responsible for the state licensure and Medicare/Medicaid certification of Colorado's health care facilities and services and oversight of Colorado’s EMS and trauma system. I will function in this new role until a permanent division director is appointed. It is my honor to serve, and I look forward to leading efforts that continue contributing to the safety of the consumer and supporting statewide access to healthcare in Colorado. Many of you know me, as I joined the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment in 2004 as chief of the Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Section after nearly 30 years as a practicing paramedic and college educator. I was appointed deputy director of the Health Facilities and Emergency Medical Services Division in 2011, and I bring more than 38 ye

Updates AND Upcoming ALR Advisory Committee Meeting

1. Due to bad weather, the two free Loveland half-day dementia trainings have been rescheduled for June 5 . The AM session is Sexuality & Intimacy in Residents with Dementia, and the PM session is Reducing Dementia-Related Behaviors: Non-Pharmacologic Approaches. Your trainer is Amelia Schafer, Director of Professional Education for the Alzheimer’s Association Colorado Chapter. We encourage you to take advantage of this OPPORTUNITY to provide this high quality training for your staff. But, don’t take our word for it. Contact any assisted living provider who attended the Denver, Pueblo or Grand Junction sessions and they will tell you that that these trainings were an excellent use of staff time. Click here to register. (Note: the registration page still lists the class date as April 16, however, your confirmation will list the new date as June 5.) 2. An ALR Person-Centered Care Training will be offered this Fall, and will be announced via web portal. 3. You are invited

Rulemaking hearing notice for changes required by HB12-1268

The Colorado Board of Health has scheduled a public hearing for June 19, 2013 to consider proposed changes to the rules pertaining to standards for hospitals and health facilities, 6 CCR 1011-1, Chapter II, General Licensure Standards; Chapter III, General Building and Fire Safety; Chapter IV, General Hospitals; Chapter V, Long Term Care Facilities; Chapter VI, Acute Treatment Units; Chapter VII, Assisted Living Residences; Chapter VIII, Facilities for Persons with Developmental Disabilities; Chapter IX Community Clinics and Community Clinics and Emergency Centers; Chapter X, Rehabilitation Centers; Chapter XI, Convalescent Centers; Chapter XV, Dialysis Treatment Clinics; Chapter XVII, Rehabilitative Nursing Facility; Chapter XVIII, Psychiatric Hospitals; Chapter XIX, Hospital Units; Chapter XX, Ambulatory Surgery Centers; and Chapter XXI, Hospice. The hearing notice has details about the time and place of the hearing along with information about how stakeholders may commen

HCW FLU VACCINE REPORTING - ATTENTION

Thanks to those of you who have reported your healthcare worker (HCW) flu vaccination numbers to the CDPHE. Seventy percent of Colorado licensed healthcare facilities reported their flu data. Of those who reported, 4 out of 5 reached this year's vaccination target (60%). CONGRATULATIONS!! For facilities that have NOT yet reported HCW flu vaccination data, please submit your data either through the Health Facilities Division Portal OR the National Healthcare Safety Network by Friday, MAY 17, 2013. Note that you only need to submit your data in ONE of those systems. If you have any technical questions about entering flu data in the National Healthcare Safety Network, please contact Carolyn Elliott at 303.692.2923 or Tamara Hoxworth at 303.692.2930. For Health Facilities Division Portal Support, please contact the licensing hotline at 303-692-2836. For general information about the Board of Health HCW Flu Vaccination Rule requirements, you may call either person above or

Transfer of Life Safety Code Oversight from CDPHE to DPS in accordance with HB 12-1268: Progress Report

Facility Administrators Please click here to find a progress report on the implementation of House Bill 12-1268 which transfers Life Safety Code (LSC) oversight from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) to the Department of Public Safety (DPS) effective July 1, 2013. Both agencies will be involved in licensure and Medicare/Medicaid certification of facilities (for hospice this only includes those with inpatient beds), so to date, HB1268 implementation has focused on the new infrastructure needed to transition responsibility and create a smooth workflow between CDPHE to DPS. The next phase of implementation will be more focused on stakeholder involvement regarding licensure regulations and new administrative processes associated with obtaining and renewing licensure and certification. The progress report provides information on the tasks that have been completed, the tasks that are ongoing, as well as contact information if you have specific quest

Revised Amendments to Chapter IV

There is a second draft of the proposed amendment to Chapter IV, General Hospitals, regarding verbal orders. You may review the language of the proposed amendment online . Please submit any comments regarding the proposed amendment by Friday, May 17, 2013 to the individual listed below. This proposed amendment is scheduled for a public hearing before the Board of Health on June 19, 2013 at 10 a.m. in the Sabin-Cleere Conference Room of the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment, Bldg. A, First Floor, 4300 Cherry Creek Drive, South, Denver, CO 80246. Laurie Schoder, Policy Analyst 303-692-2832, laurie.schoder@state.co.us

Pillage and Porridge

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We’ve had a busy April at Rude Health, with all sorts of exciting things under-way, and I’ve even been lucky enough to get away for not just one, but two holidays. Over the long Easter weekend I escaped up to Northumberland, to spend time with rest of the Poples and to fill our lungs with the fresh country air. We spent the weekend trekking along Hadrian’s Wall and catching up over well-earned feasts. Up on the Wall (cue Game Of Thrones reference) the views were incredible, with nothing around us but wildlife and unusually for April - snow! It didn’t feel like spring was anywhere in sight. Unsurprisingly, we later found out that it was the coldest Easter on record. We also paid a visit to the archaeological site of an ancient Roman military post, called Vindolanda.  At this ancient Roman town, so much has been uncovered that you can walk through the streets, into the old pubs and even set foot into a Pre-Hadrianic bathhouse. There was also a spectacular museum displaying their findings