New action will protect patients of the 50,000 providers and over 17 million health care workers in Medicare and Medicaid certified facilities

September 10 2021 – The Biden-Harris Administration will require COVID-19 vaccination of staff within all Medicare and Medicaid-certified facilities to protect both them and patients from the virus and its more contagious Delta variant.  Facilities across the country should make efforts now to get health care staff vaccinated to make sure they are in compliance when the rule takes effect.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), announced that emergency regulations requiring vaccinations for nursing home workers will be expanded to include hospitals, dialysis facilities, ambulatory surgical settings, and home health agencies, among others, as a condition for participating in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. The decision was based on the continued and growing spread of the virus in health care settings, especially in parts of the U.S. with higher incidence of COVID-19.

“There is no higher priority for us than patient health and safety. As the Delta variant strengthens, the Biden-Harris Administration is committed to doing everything we can to keep patients, and those who care for them, safe,” said U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra. “There is no question that staff, across any health care setting, who remain unvaccinated pose both direct and indirect threats to patient safety and population health. Ensuring safety and access to all patients, regardless of their entry point into the health care system, is essential.”

Nursing homes with an overall staff vaccination rate of 75% or lower experience higher rates of preventable COVID infection. In CMS’s review of available data, the agency is seeing lower staff vaccination rates among hospital and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) facilities. To combat this issue, CMS is using its authority to establish vaccine requirements for all providers and suppliers that participate in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Vaccinations have proven to reduce the risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19 and are effective against the Delta variant.  CMS will continue to work closely with all Medicare and Medicaid certified facilities to ensure these new requirements are met.

“We know that those working in health care want to do what is best for their patients in order to keep them safe,” said CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure.  “As the Delta variant continues to spread, we know the best defense against it lies with the COVID-19 vaccine. Data show that the higher the level of vaccination rates among providers and staff, the lower the infection rate is among patients who are dependent upon them for care. Now is the time to act. I’m urging everyone, but especially those fighting this virus on the front lines, to get vaccinated and protect themselves, their families, and their patients from COVID-19.” CMS is developing an Interim Final Rule with Comment Period that will be issued in October.  CMS expects certified Medicare and Medicaid facilities to act in the best interest of patients and staff by complying with new COVID-19 vaccination requirements.  Health care workers employed in these facilities who are not currently vaccinated are urged to begin the process immediately. Facilities are urged to use all available resources to support employee vaccinations, including employee education and clinics, as they work to meet new federal requirements.



September 8 2021 – The American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) has recognized LeadingAge Florida for its COVID-19 response in support of senior living providers. LeadingAge Florida received the Silver Power of (A)* Award for its project “Protecting the Frail: Leading Through a Pandemic.”

ASAE’s Power of (A)* (Association) Awards—the organization’s highest honor—recognized the association for going above and beyond to assist senior living providers during the pandemic. Supported by these efforts, data shows that LeadingAge Florida members had fewer average COVID-19 infections per facility compared to the rest of Florida.

“We have been privileged to support and serve Florida’s highest quality senior living providers for more than 18 months,” said Steve Bahmer, President and CEO of LeadingAge Florida. “From more than 250 live and recorded coronavirus update calls, to reopen guidelines, communications plans and so much more — this truly was, and continues to be, a multi-faceted, all-hands-on-deck, round-the-clock support operation for members by the entire LeadingAge Florida team.”

“We are honored to be among this year’s winners of the 2021 ASAE Power of A Awards, the highest industry honors for associations.”

With this award LeadingAge Florida is now a two-time winner, having also won the award in 2018 for coordinating relief efforts among its members in the aftermath of Hurricane Irma.

“Congratulations for exemplifying the impact associations have on the industries and professions they represent, and on society at-large,” said ASAE President & CEO Susan Robertson, CAE. “It’s always so incredibly satisfying to see associations going above and beyond their everyday mission to change the world. We’re very proud to spotlight this award-winning initiative.”

For more than 58 years, LeadingAge Florida has been the state’s leading advocate for high-quality senior living, aging services and care. We are the only statewide association representing the full continuum of care for seniors. The Association provides up-to-date regulatory information, a wide variety of educational opportunities, representation before the Legislature and government agencies, group purchasing services, and opportunities for networking with peers to help member communities best serve the needs of Florida’s senior population.



Tactics implemented on the battlefield now help care of civilians thanks to post-9/11 partnership

September 9, 2021 – After the tragic events of 9/11, the Gordon Center for  Simulation and Innovation in Medical Education has collaborated with the U.S. Army to develop and implement life-saving training – impacting the ability to save lives on the battlefield. In the Army’s longest-running civilian partnership, the Gordon Center has served as a center for pre-deployment training of Army Forward Surgical Teams (FSTs), giving military healthcare professionals the clinical expertise, they require to help save lives.

“In the wake of September 11, 2001, we knew we had to band with the brave men and women of our military to provide them with the best medical simulation training available,” said Dr. Ivette Motola, Director of the Gordon Center’s Division of Prehospital and Emergency Training. And that’s what the Gordon Center did. During the first phase of the partnership, the Gordon Center focused on training FSTs to correctly don and doff personal protective gear and to respond appropriately to attacks using weapons of mass destruction, such as nerve and biological agents.

Now FSTs and Special Operations military teams are trained in a multitude of challenging scenarios. “During the two weeks the teams are with us, we intentionally replicate what they are going to experience downrange,” said Captain Xavier Jones, Commander, U.S. Army Trauma Training Detachment. “Each team member needs to be a jack-of-all-trades and ready for anything.”

Twenty years later, hundreds of learners have completed the training and many lessons have been learned. What was implemented on the battlefield has been translated successfully to the care of civilians. Some of the courses taught today for first-responders, such as the Gordon Center’s Active Shooter Hostile Events and Emergency Response to Terrorism courses, evolved from FST training. These courses teach the same skills to civilian providers – such as tourniquet application – and incorporate the same training techniques, simulations, and tactics that had been used previously in the military context.

The partnership also includes research. Recently the Gordon Center was tapped to conduct a research study sponsored by the U.S. Department of Defense to evaluate whether complex procedures can be taught to trainees using telemedicine and augmented reality.

“Whether the medical teams are accompanying U.S. military contingents in Ukraine or Africa, or helping people impacted by domestic natural disasters, we will be committed to working hand-in-hand with the

U.S. Armed Forces to help save lives through simulation technology,” stated Gordon Center Director, Dr. Barry Issenberg, “for the next 20 years and beyond.”

About the Gordon Center:

As the world’s leading center for healthcare simulation education and research, the Gordon Center for Simulation and Innovation in Medical Education mission is to improve the training of health professionals, thereby enhancing patient outcomes and saving lives. Founded over 45 years ago, the Gordon Center – a University of Miami Miller School of Medicine Center of Excellence – develops, implements, and disseminates curricula, training programs and simulation technologies for educators, multi-professional clinical providers, and first responders worldwide.



Virtual program being offered in English and Spanish

September 9, 2021 – During the month of September, World Alzheimer’s Month brings attention to the global health crisis of Alzheimer’s disease. On Sept. 21, World Alzheimer’s Day, join the Alzheimer’s Association of Florida and AARP for a virtual program exploring the latest developments in Alzheimer’s and dementia research.

The program, “Advancing the Science: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research,” will address the landscape of Alzheimer’s and dementia science; risk factors; highlights in early detection and diagnosis; and the latest advancements in clinical trials, treatments and lifestyle interventions.

AARP Florida State Director Jeff Johnson said: “Nearly 3 million Floridians are family caregivers, and many of them are caring for friends and family with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. AARP Florida is proud to offer this engaging program to support education and awareness of Alzheimer’s and people around the world who are impacted by this disease. We appreciate the partnership of the Alzheimer’s Association to offer this virtual program. In honor of World Alzheimer’s Month, we hope you will join us to learn more about the latest groundbreaking developments in Alzheimer’s and dementia research.”

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs from Sept. 15 through Oct. 15, the program will be offered in both English and Spanish.

“Increasing outreach to the Hispanic community is vital when it comes to Alzheimer’s awareness,” said Joe Baldelomar, program manager for the Alzheimer’s Association Southeast Florida Chapter. “Research indicates that older Hispanics are 1 ½ times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than their White counterparts, yet they are also less likely to receive a diagnosis. That is why it is crucial that we continue to raise awareness among all communities of not only this disease but also the resources available to those facing it.”

More than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Florida has the second-highest prevalence of the disease in the country, with more than 580,000 individuals battling the disease and 527,000 family caregivers.

“Advancing the Science: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research” will take place Tuesday, Sept. 21, with the Spanish program starting at noon EDT and the English version beginning at 6 p.m. EDT. Both programs are free to attend but registration is requested. To register, contact the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 Helpline at (800) 272-3900, or register online at https://bit.ly/AvanzandoLaCiencia for Spanish and https://bit.ly/AdvancingTheScience for English.

Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia – by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia. Visit alz.org or call (800) 272-3900.



September 9 2021 – September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and the pandemic continues to impact everyone’s mental health in different ways. Anyone can learn the warning signs of suicide risk and do their part to support those who may need help, according to the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP).    

“Most people think of the physical dangers of COVID, but this pandemic is contributing significantly to mental health challenges, too. Simple steps, like checking in with someone you care about, can mean the world, and spotting the warning signs of a mental health emergency can save a life,” said Mark Rosenberg, DO, MBA, FACEP, president of ACEP.

Everyone experiences stress at some point, but it is time to contact a professional when risk factors lead to changes in behavior or impede daily activities. If there is an immediate health emergency or safety risk, call 911 or visit the closest emergency department. The warning signs of a mental health emergency can include:

  • Hopelessness
  • Rage, uncontrolled anger, seeking revenge
  • Acting reckless or engaging in risky activities
  • Increased alcohol or drug use
  • Withdrawal from friends, family, or society
  • Anxiety, agitation, trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time
  • Dramatic mood changes

Prolonged isolation, anxiety or grief can be especially challenging for teens or young adults and emergency physicians are seeing an uptick in mental health emergencies during the pandemic.

Depression and anxiety are on the rise and more children and young adults are going to the emergency department for mental health-related emergencies and suicide attempts, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While overall suicide rates dropped in the last year, more of these tragedies are occurring in minority communities that are disproportionately impacted by COVID. 

“Many communities have great mental health resources for anyone who is struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts, and I encourage them to reach out before it becomes an emergency,” said Dr. Rosenberg. “But no matter what the crisis, emergency physicians are trained and ready to help.”

Resources for anyone struggling with their mental health include the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). The confidential service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Read more about the ways emergency physicians identify and reduce suicide risks on www.emergencyphysicians.org.

The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) is the national medical society representing emergency medicine. Through continuing education, research, public education and advocacy, ACEP advances emergency care on behalf of its 40,000 emergency physician members, and the more than 150 million Americans they treat on an annual basis. For more information, visit www.acep.org and www.emergencyphysicians.org. 

Contact: Steve Arnoff | sarnoff@acep.org | Twitter @EmergencyDocs