Weekly News Wrap-Up (October 12 - October 16)

Researchers Question End-of-Life Practices at Nursing Homes (McKnight’s Long-Term Care News & Assisted Living, October 16, 2009)
Kidney dialysis treatments near the end of life might do more harm than good and aggressive care for individuals with advanced dementia may be well-intentioned but misdirected efforts, results from a pair of new studies suggest.

Community Clinics Poised for Major Health Care Role (The Associated Press, October 14, 2009)
Tax-funded community clinics, which have seen unprecedented demand in the past year, are poised to take on a major role in caring for millions more patients if health care reforms are enacted. “There is going to be a wave of chronically ill people,” said one clinic director. “We’re well positioned to care for them.”

Senate Finance Committee Passes Pivotal Healthcare Reform Bill (McKnight’s Long-Term Care News & Assisted Living, October 14, 2009)
The Senate Finance Committee voted 14-9 Tuesday to pass America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009. The committee’s approval marks a critical turning point for Congress in its attempt to pass comprehensive healthcare reform.

The National Advisory Board (NAB) was Invited to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) Annual Summit to Present “Declaration for Independence” and Discuss State Long Term Services and Supports Programs
Four members of the NAB told an audience of legislators from across the country that the NAB’s Call to Action to transform our health care system to address long term services and supports was about people, not programs. Len Kirschner, Rob Sweezy, Jane Woods and Chuck Graham spoke to the National Conference of State Legislators on a panel entitled “Transforming the Systems of Care for Seniors and People with Disabilities.” The panel was moderated by Senator Renee Unterman (GA) who also serves as the Chair of NCSLs Human Services and Welfare Committee.