ATLANTA (September 28, 2021)—In light of the changing public health situation in the United States, Medtrade East is now requiring masks for the Oct. 18-20 show at the Georgia World Congress Center in Atlanta.

“Recent industry shows have required masks,” said York Schwab, associate show director, Medtrade East. “At this point, it’s the right decision for the health and safety of our exhibitors and attendees.”

WASHINGTON, D.C. (September 24, 2021)—The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) met to discuss the development of a mandated report assessing the impact of the shift to the Patient Driven Groupings Model (PDGM) payment model for Medicare home health, and in particular the 30-day episode and the removal of therapy utilization in payment determinations.

SAN DIEGO (September 24, 2021)—Cue Health Inc., a health technology company, announced the pricing of its initial public offering of 12,500,000 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $16.00 per share, for gross proceeds of $200.0 million, before deducting underwriting discounts and commissions and other offering expenses payable by Cue Health. All of the shares are being offered and sold by Cue Health. 

SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. & DEERFIELD, Ill. (September 24, 2021)—Shomer Insurance Services, an Alera Group company, has helped develop a general and professional liability (GLPL) insurance option for senior care facilities—including skilled nursing, assisted living, hospice and home health—that is accessible, customizable and available now to offer solutions at affordable premiums. 

DUBLIN, Ohio (September 23 2021)—Cardinal Health announced it has established a goal to reduce Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 50% by 2030.

"We deliver products and services to improve the lives of people every day and our approach to doing business must help protect our planet for future generations," said Mike Kaufmann, CEO at Cardinal Health. "We're operating sustainably and responsibly so we can care for our people and our planet—today, and tomorrow."

BOTHELL, Wash. (September 23, 2021)—Ventec Life Systems, a global medical device company focused on redefining respiratory care technologies for patients and caregivers, announced today that the standalone V+Pro ventilator was added to the Pricing, Data Analysis and Coding (PDAC) Product Classification List (PCL) under the Health Care Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) as reimbursable under codes E0465 or E0466. 
 

NEW YORK (September 23, 2021)—Kins, a patient-centered physical therapy practice, announced its public launch. Providing a hybrid model of in-person and virtual care, Kins blends personal connection, quality care and modern convenience. This approach creates an individualized recovery plan, focused on successful rehabilitation and completion of the patient’s physical therapy regimen.
 

BIRMINGHAM, AL (September 23, 2021)—On Sept. 9, the Biden administration announced that staff at Medicare and Medicaid-certified “facilities”—including home health agencies and likely home medical equipment providers—will be required to have the COVID-19 vaccine. Homecare providers should work now to get health care staff vaccinated to make sure they are in compliance when the rule takes effect, the government said.