The Compliance Store recently revamped its website. Improvements include easier navigation, tab restructuring, site videos, and additional customer-friendly features. Compliance Store staff research more than 60 regulatory/government websites each day in order to compile regulatory and policy updates.

More than 1,000 technology vendors are in Las Vegas this week to participate in the 2012 Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) conference. The annual event comes at a pivotal time for the IT sector. The Department of Health and Human Services is expected to release proposed rules for Stage 2 of its Meaningful Use incentive program for adoption of electronic health records. National health IT coordinator Farzad Mostashari, M.D., will deliver a keynote address Thursday morning. And last week, HHS secretary Kathleen Sebelius told reporters her department might delay the deadline for complying with the ICD-10 diagnostic coding regimen.

Digital Care Systems Inc. recently introduced the latest versions of its Care-Call System Model CC-5900. This new system offers more features and upgrades than any previously introduced version, including its own Android Phone/Tablet app for programming. The system is wirelessly activated from a pendant transmitter worn by the resident or from a wireless pull-cord in the resident's bathroom and/or bedroom, as well as common areas. The system can also be activated from smoke detectors and carbon monoxide monitors, according to the firm.

Crest Healthcare Supply now offers a free sample from its Fall Fighter Fall Management product line. The line includes a string monitor, bed and chair monitors and a variety of universal sensor pads. Crest also offers a related training video and case study.

OnShift announced five winners of its first annual Scheduler of the Year Awards. The recipients exemplify "commitment, flexibility, and focus in leading the employee scheduling efforts in long-term care and senior living organizations," according to the firm. This year's winners are: Connie Carlson, The Assisi Health Care Center at Clare Oaks, Life Care Services LLC; Gina Fenske, The Terraces of Phoenix, American Baptist Homes of the West; Lila Howell, Mason Christian Village, Christian Homes Inc.; Maria Martinez, Lexington of Chicago Ridge, Lexington Health Network; and Tabitha Ramos, Country Club Retirement Campus at Ashtabula, Holland Management Inc."Schedulers play such an important role in healthcare, balancing the needs of residents, the organization, budgets, and employees on a day-to-day basis," stated Gene Groys, OnShift's executive vice president and founder.

GTX Corp. announced that its GPS Shoe will join pioneering inventions including antibiotics, the telephone, the Internet, the steam engine, and vaccinations in an exhibition that focuses on the 100 most important inventions in the history of mankind. The one-year exhibit debuts later this month at the National Museum of Science and Technology in Sweden.

The Dräger Infinity Delta patient monitor and Infinity M300 patient-worn telemetry monitor have been validated for use with Cisco Biomedical Network Admission Control (BNAC) solution. The validation was announced at the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society (HIMSS) meeting in Las Vegas. "This integrated solution provides increased security and better visibility of all patient monitors connecting to the network," said Mary Kreder Robinson, marketing director for Draeger Medical.

Critical Alert Systems announced the acquisition of Intego Systems, which has been a leading nurse call systems company for nearly two decades. "This acquisition allows Critical Alert Systems to offer a more robust and fully integrated range of communications and critical messaging services to healthcare providers nationwide," said Ed Meyercord, the firm's CEO. Critical Alert Systems provides messaging services through its subsidiaries to more than 300 healthcare facilities.

Scientists have developed a tiny motor that can independently move itself through a person's stomach, according to the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Investigators said these self-propelled micro-rockets could be used in drug delivery, as well as other healthcare-related applications.

London-based Cellnovo has launched a cellular-enabled diabetes management system. The product includes an insulin patch pump, a wireless touch screen handset with a built-in blood glucose monitor, and an extendable applications set. The system has been approved for use in Europe and is awaiting U.S. marketing clearance.

Wieland recently introduced sleepToo. The product is the industry's first sleep sofa to incorporate an adjustable-height table. The product made its debut at the recent Healthcare Design Conference, where it received a Nightingale Award. The product can hold up to 300 pounds in the highest position, or 500 pounds at bench height.

Edgeco America's latest workstation features a 43-inch wide, dark gray laminate top work surface and six large, plastic storage drawers. The drawers can be ordered in any of seven color options. Its black epoxy powder-coated tubular frame is 20 inches deep, 35 inches high and supports a 300-pound. capacity.

HGTV designer and host Emily Henderson has partnered with Sunrise Senior Living. Henderson will serve as an interior design expert and spokesperson for Sunrise's "campaign to help seniors and their families design spaces that address the changes caused by aging, as well as support the transition from a larger home to apartment-style living," according to a statement from Sunrise. "For 30 years, Sunrise has worked to provide a comfortable and supportive environment for our residents that they can call home," said Laura McDuffie, head of operations for Sunrise. "Emily's design tips help seniors create warm, inviting and functional spaces that truly reflect their personality and tastes. We are delighted to work with Emily on this project so that seniors everywhere have a home in which they can lead enriched and meaningful lives."

AHIMA is launching new online training courses, in an effort to help operators prepare for new technology requirements related to the ICD-10 transition. The new courses will provide help for long-term care operators and others, the organization noted.

The largest nursing home association in the country agrees that influenza vaccine should be offered to all healthcare workers but it stops short of endorsing a recommendation by a federal advisory panel that the vaccinations be mandatory. "It's difficult to support mandatory vaccinations at the present. One reason is costs and what type of financial burdens might exist," said Greg Crist, vice president of public affairs at the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living.

QuickMedical will offer products for the long-term care setting on a new webpage, the company announced. "We have built an extensive inventory of beds, caregiver alarms, pill dispensers, commodes and wound care products specially selected for this market," said Loren Timmons, Marketing Director at QuickMedical. "Like all of our web pages, the Long-Term Care and Assisted Living section is educational and very easy to use."

Software manufacturer Emissary Technologies, LLC has changed its name to CareRight Technologies, the company announced. The new name better reflects the firm's corporate culture, said Chief Technology Officer Mona Gamboa. It also reinforces the company's "focus and attention on bringing innovative tools to the growing healthcare technology information arena," she added.

Proteus Biomedical and Lloydspharmacy announced they are joining forces to develop an innovative medication compliance system. The Helius system will combine sensor-enabled tablets, a sensor patch worn on the body and a mobile health application and information service. As a result, caregivers will be able to monitor whether medication regimens are being adhered to.

TapeRelief is a topical cream that provides a barrier between human skin and medical tape and adhesives. This innovation can replace multiple products commonly used for wound care and skin protection, according to its manufacturer. "We continue to discover more and more applications for TapeRelief, including ostomy settings where it can prevent serious conditions arising from peristomal skin excoriation, mechanical irritation, allergy and sensitivity," said Athena Koler, a company spokesperson.

Detecto's Model 475 chair scale features sturdy steel construction and lift-away armrests for patient assurance and precision weighing. Developed to ensure patient safety and comfort as well as to reduce weighing time, the American-made scale is portable and offers easy side or front access. Measurements are available in pounds or pounds/kilos. Easy-to-read weigh beams are readable from both the front and back. The scale comes fully assembled and ready for use.

SDC recently introduced its 350 Narrow Line EmLock. The product has a 1,200-pound holding force. Unobtrusive design blends into narrow frame openings. Plus, the 350 EmLock is a direct equivalent and retrofits the discontinued Locknetics magforce 350+ with identical mounting template, physical dimensions, appearance and features, according to the firm.

OnShift recently secured $3 million in Series B financing, the web-based staff scheduling and shift management software company announced. OnShift's revenues increase by more than 400% last year, according to the firm.

Basic American Medical Products earned 'Elite Supplier' distinction during the 8th Annual LTC LINK Meetings. The award is given to top-scoring suppliers. Firms are rated for their ability to be consultative, innovative, and responsive to providers' specific needs. "This seal identifies Basic American Medical Products as a progressive thought leader in long-term care and senior living, and as an organization that understands how to build partnerships with clients," said Bailey Beeken, LINK Conference Director and vice president for Lincoln Healthcare Events.

ReGear Life Sciences, Inc. has announced that James V. McKeon has joined ReGear's Board of Directors. McKeon is managing partner for Valentine Associates LLC, a consulting firm. "Jim brings an impressive track record of operational and financial success in senior care that will help to further refine how we best serve the market," said Jeff Swoveland, the firm's CEO.

Thomas Stieritz has joined Omnicare, the company announced. He serves as senior vice president and general manager of its excelleRx division. excelleRx is a leading provider of palliative care medication management and pharmacy distribution services for end-of-life patients. He will report to Nitin Sahney, executive vice president and president of Omnicare's Specialty Care Group. "Tom's extensive understanding of pharmacy operations and his innovative approach to process improvement make him a natural choice to lead excelleRx," Sahney said.

Omnicare's bid to take over rival PharMerica has hit another snag: The Federal Trade Commission has filed suit. The legal action asserts the merged companies would control 57% of the pharmacy services market in long-term care. The suit adds that competition would suffer and Medicare-covered drug prices would likely rise. PharMerica said it supports the FTC's lawsuit. Omnicare currently owns more than 200 long-term care pharmacies in 44 states; PharMerica owns 97 pharmacies in 43 states. Omnicare first made a public offer to buy PharMerica in September, which the latter quickly rebuffed.

Ergolet recently introduced a hybrid version of its walking table - Thera Rise & Go. The product combines the features and benefits of a standing aid and walking aid. The aid features a stable, tabletop design to partially support the weight of the user for gait training in a physiotherapy or rehab situation, as well as in post-operative settings to encourage early patient mobility. The device supports up to 330 pounds. "This is the complete solution that rehab professionals are seeking," said Scott Telles, the firm's regional sales manager.

Gamewell-FCI by Honeywell announced that its FocalPoint family of graphic workstations now includes a touchscreen monitor, high-speed desktop unit and two mobile tablets. The additions are intended to provide facility/security managers and first responders real-time information and systems control virtually anywhere. Each FocalPoint unit provides top-down views of floor-by-floor layouts of all monitored facilities. These interactive displays automatically zero-in on devices in trouble or an alarm, providing real-time information on the event and its location.

Remedi SeniorCare recently unveiled Connexit. This option lets long-term care facilities better communicate with the prescription services firm. Covered areas include complex medication orders, electronic health records, resident status changes and e-prescriptions. "Our proprietary system will provide myriad benefits to users, including significant savings in time and labor," said Michael Bronfein, the company's president and CEO.

The third time was the charm for Amylin Pharmaceuticals' once-a-week diabetes injection drug. Bydureon was approval Friday, following two prior rejections. Amylin executives say the new drug's convenient regimen will give it a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Diabetes affects more than 25 million people in the U.S., including many nursing facility residents.

Care2Learn earned 'Elite Supplier' distinction during the 8th Annual LTC LINK Meetings. The award is given to top-scoring suppliers. Firms are rated for their ability to be consultative, innovative and responsive to providers' specific needs. Care2Learn provides online education for healthcare professionals.

Drive Medical has become the exclusive North America distributor of AquaJoy Bathlifts. "The brand is highly regarded in the industry and will complement our existing Bellavita bathlift," said Harvey Diamond, Drive Medical's chairman and CEO.

Scientists have invented therapeutic robotic babies that are intended to make life easier for nursing home residents. These Babyloids are being tested in facilities across Japan. During the tests, residents interact with the robots in eight-minute intervals for a total of 90 minutes each day. Designed to resemble infants, these robots simulate human emotions such as crying. This in turn tends to trigger a response among actual people. So far, the Babyloids are showing early promise at reducing depression and despair among residents.

Nurse Rosie Products recently introduced the HeartSine samaritan 300P Public Access Defibrillator with SCOPE technology. The product was designed for use on adults and children. This defibrillator determines whether a shock needs to be administered, while also calculating the exact amount of energy required to optimize recovery. The unit has a 10-year warranty. Although lightweight, it is also designed to take a pounding, according to its manufacturer.

The Food & Drug Administration has approved Smith & Nephew's PICO wound care system, the company announced. The pocket-sized Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) system is indicated for pressure and diabetic ulcers, as well as other uses. "This (system) saves the healthcare system money and improves patients' quality of life," said Dr. Raymond Dunn, Chairman of Plastic Surgery at the University of Massachusetts.

Providers can help reduce stock outs, optimize inventory and improve nursing workflow by using McKesson's AcuDose-Rx automated medication dispensing cabinets, according to the firm. New functionality also lets pharmacists track daily cabinet usage trends, in real time. "With the new inventory management feature, we can dynamically adjust inventory levels to the ideal amount for each medication and cabinet," said James Toohey, director of pharmacy at Aultman Hospital in Canton, OH. "The information and control we get with the system lets us better manage the amount of high-value medications stocked in each cabinet and has resulted in a 70% reduction in medication stock-outs."

Pathway Senior Living has hired Kronos to automate its hiring process, the software firm announced. The help includes receiving resumes, completing hires, processing I-9s and other critical tasks.

Johnson & Johnson has agreed to pay $158 million to settle a Medicaid fraud lawsuit in Texas. The lawsuit accused J & J subsidiary Janssen Pharmaceuticals of giving state officials kickbacks in exchange for putting the antipsychotic Risperdal on an approved list for Medicaid recipients. The suit also claimed that Janssen marketed the drug as being safe and cost-effective, despite being linked to an increased risk of stroke and death in elderly dementia patients. Risperdal is approved only to treat adult schizophrenia. Johnson & Johnson was recently ordered to pay $327 million in South Carolina and $258 million in Louisiana in similar Rispedal lawsuits.

Arnold Whitman has joined ReGear Life Sciences' Board of Advisors, the therapy-device company announced. Whitman is founder and chairman of Formation Capital and co-chairman of Genesis HealthCare. "Arnie brings a breadth and depth of experience in the senior care market that will have a significant impact on our business," remarked Jeff Swoveland, CEO of ReGear.

Maytag's latest line of freestanding ranges offer an AquaLift innovation that self-cleans oven interiors. These appliances are built with a special enamel coating that are activated by low heat and water. In about 40 minutes, the oven completes its cleaning process and can be wiped down. This process revamps the usual odor-inducing, extreme-heat needed for a traditional oven, according to the firm.

Wind Currents Communications Inc. recently released its iV2VIP Video Softphone app. The app visually connects mobile staff to facilities that have desktop videophones. It presents a large keypad display, picture-in-picture, and contact management options. The app works with iPhones and iPads, according to the manufacturer.

Software manufacturer Vigilan was recently acquired by RealPage Inc. for $5 million, both companies announced. Vigilan's software suite helps operators manage care, labor and billing. "We are excited to join the RealPage team and expect the combined operation to be the leading provider of software-as-a-service solutions that enable senior living property owners to manage every aspect of the senior living resident life cycle," said Doug Fullaway, Vigilan's CEO.

EnduraCare Therapy Management has been acquired by Select Rehabilitation, McKnight's has learned. Terms were not disclosed. Select Rehabilitation serves 300 facilities in 20 states. The move will enhance SelectRehab's standing as a leading provider of contract rehabilitation services.

A Johnson & Johnson subsidiary could face penalties for not reporting incidents where insulin pumps failed to operate, according to a recent letter from the Food and Drug Administration. The correspondence also alleged that Animas Corp. failed to establish an adequate system for reporting medical device mishaps.

Several innovative healthcare products were recognized at the Consumer Electronics Show. A standout winner is Able Planet's just-launched Personal Sound amp, the "first ever" near-ear canal personal sound amplifier. This nearly invisible device was designed to improve sound quality in noisy environments. Another hearing device earning accolades is the AMP from Starkey. This tiny hearing aid fits into an ear canal, so it is essentially hidden from view. Another winner: the Rydis H1004-II robot from Moneaul. While rolling around, this futuristic-looking device can play therapeutic music and allow Internet access — all while purifying the air.

Digital Care Systems Inc. has introduced a wireless emergency call system that costs $100 per resident room. This new option was designed for communities on a limited budget that need to upgrade an existing emergency call system — as well as operators with systems that are failing or becoming obsolete. The Care-Net System is a series of repeaters that are installed throughout the building, along with wireless pendant transmitters that are worn by residents. The system can be staff installed, the firm notes.

Hospital nurses working with electronic health records consistently reported more improvements to nursing care and better health outcomes for patients than nurses working in facilities without this technology, according to researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing.

Previous research has suggested that smokers are less likely to get Alzheimer's disease. A new study finds that nicotine patches may be similarly helpful. In the latest investigation, 67 nonsmoking patients with mild cognitive impairment were randomly assigned to wear a transdermal nicotine patch (15 milligrams daily) or a placebo patch. After six months, those receiving nicotine patches scored higher on a battery of standardized tests that measured attention, memory and psychomotor skills. Full findings appear in the Jan. 10 issue of Neurology.

The Nursing Assistant of the Year Scholarship Program has announced that 2012 calendars featuring the winners, finalists and runners-up of the 2011 program have been completed. The contest is sponsored by Cerner Extended Care and the American Association of Nurse Assessment Coordination. Each month reveals a nursing assistant who played a helpful role in the lives of residents under his or her care. The free calendars are available online.

Panasonic Healthcare Group recently unveiled the R1-W digital hearing instrument. The products are designed for people with mild to severe hearing loss, and come in three models. Each offers a compact size and curved shape, which lets it fit comfortably and discreetly behind a user's ear. An available Hearing Hub allows users to wirelessly connect the hearing instrument to Bluetooth-compatible mobile phones, landlines and audio transmitters, enabling sound to automatically transmit into the digital hearing device.