VA Adding Opioid Antidote To Defibrillator Cabinets For Quicker Overdose Response
Sep 27, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is moving to add naloxone to AED cabinets in its buildings across the country to provide quick access to the opioid overdose reversal medication. Veterans are nearly twice as likely to overdose. Although there is not a conclusive explanation for this discrepancy, it can be partially explained by combat exposure which can increase their mental health needs as well as cause injuries that would make them more likely to have been prescribed opioids.
Source: NPR
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VA Releases National Suicide Data Report for 2005-2016
Sep 26, 2018 - The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) released findings from its most recent analysis of veteran suicide data, which includes both national and state-level data from 2005 to 2016. Although the overall rate of veteran suicide decreased from 2015 to 2016, the rates among 18-34 year olds continues to rise. The rates of suicide are highest among this group.
Source: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
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VA: Definition of Domiciliary Care Federal Register
Sep 25, 2018 - Notice of a final rule from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) amending the agency's definition of domiciliary care. This revised definition encompasses the VA's Mental Health Residential Rehabilitation Treatment Program (MH RRTP) and clarifies that domiciliary care provides temporary, not permanent, residence to affected veterans. The rule is effective on October 25, 2018.
Source: Federal Register
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For Rural Veterans, Accessing VA Care Can Mean Hours In The Car
Sep 21, 2018 - Looks at some of the extreme distances that veterans in New Hampshire and Vermont are traveling to get care for various health issues and the Disabled American Veterans services that are helping them get there.
Source: KPBS
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VA: Veterans' Rural Health Advisory Committee, Notice of Meeting Federal Register
Sep 17, 2018 - Announces a meeting of the Department of Veterans Affairs Veterans' Rural Health Advisory Committee on October 9-10, 2018. Agenda items include updates from VA leadership, the Director of the Office of Rural Health, and Committee Chairman, as well as presentations on general healthcare access.
Source: Federal Register
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Telehealth Videoconferencing Promotes Antibiotic Stewardship Efforts in Rural Facilities
Sep 6, 2018 - Discusses a pilot project at two rural U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical centers. This project used telehealth to connect these facilities with an infectious disease physician for weekly, hour-long meetings to discuss specific cases and make necessary changes to improve antibiotic stewardship.
Source: Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA)
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VA: Notice of Request for Information Regarding Health Care Standards for Quality Federal Register
Aug 24, 2018 - Request for information from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assist in establishing health care standards for quality regarding hospital care, medical services, and extended care services furnished by the VA, including through non-Department healthcare providers. Comments accepted through September 24, 2018.
Source: Federal Register
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