SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (August 1, 2017)—The Home Centered Care Institute (HCCI) is announcing the launch of the HCCI Centers of Excellence (COEs) for Home-Based Primary Care, a first-of-its-kind program designed to increase the prevalence of high-quality home-based primary care across the United States. The HCCI COE program features the only comprehensive home-based primary care (HBPC) curriculum in the U.S., offered at eight partner institutions.

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (July 31, 2017)—The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) is pleased to announce the addition of three new employees to its staff: chief marketing officer Judi L. Knott, marketing manager Cecelia Huffman and business development specialist Tyrone Vines.

Over-the-Counter Devices Hold Their Own Against Costly Hearing Aids

—Via NAHC, WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 28, 2017)—It is with great sadness that the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) announces the passing of its president, Val J. Halamandaris.

LENEXA, Kan. (July 27, 2017)—Mediware Information Systems Inc. announced that Bill Miller will join as Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Miller most recently served as Chief Executive Officer of OptumInsight at Optum, a subsidiary of UnitedHealth Group that is the largest health services company in the world.

SPARTANBURG, S.C. (July 27, 2017)—The Board of Directors of J M Smith Corporation has confirmed Philip J. Ryan III as Chief Financial Officer and appointed Kevin Welch to the role of Chief Technology Officer. Ryan will also assume the role of Treasurer following the retirement of James C. Wilson Jr. on October 1, 2017. Wilson has been employed with the company since 1987, serving first as controller before being elected Treasurer and then being named CFO.

DEERFIELD, Ill. (July 27, 2017)—To help reduce the risk of injury from slips and falls, and to educate seniors in its communities, Walgreens will offer injury prevention tips and advice when it hosts a Senior Day at its stores nationwide on Tuesday, August 1.

—Via AAHomecare, WASHINGHTON,D.C. (July 27, 2017)—AAHomecare is beginning work on a major initiative to assess and report on patient access to HME in areas served by the competitive bidding program as well as in rural and non-bid areas.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 27, 2017)—On Tuesday, the House of Representatives passed the Medicare Part B Improvement Act of 2017 (HR 3178). The bill accelerates the implementation of Medicare payment for home infusion services to January 2019, two years earlier than the start date established in last year’s CURES bill. AAHomecare was one of 168 organizations and companies who asked Congressional leadership to move the implementation date forward earlier this year.