Missouri—In a major advancement in fire safety, Missouri became the first state to require that durable medical equipment companies (DMEs) supply Medicaid oxygen patients with thermal fuses such as the Firesafe cannula valve. The requirement was championed by the Springfield Fire Department and Battlefield Fire Protection District, in partnership with the Missouri Division of Fire Safety, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and Missouri House of Representatives.

Las Vegas—The International Franchise Association (IFA) named Jim Carteris as a 2024 Franchisee of the Year. Carteris was honored at the 65th IFA Annual Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada, for being an outstanding franchise establishment owner-operator. The IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to the top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries from around the country and the world.

Chicago—AVIA announced that veteran health care executive Clay Holderman will join the organization as its chief executive officer.

St. Louis, Missouri—Responsive Respiratory Inc. (RRI), a provider of high-pressure oxygen products, announced that Todd Derickson has joined its executive team as director of sales. Derickson, an accomplished sales leader with more than three decades of experience driving high-growth sales in the home medical equipment market, joins the RRI team following the recent retirement of Michael Harrington.

Orlando, Florida—OxyGo and its sister companies Applied Home Healthcare Equipment and LIFE Corporation announced Chris Carter has been appointed CEO, leading the next phase of growth for all three brands.

Billings, Montana—Computers Unlimited, a software development company, announced on Feb. 12 that it completed its SOC 2 Type II audit, performed by KirkpatrickPrice. 

Burkburnett, Texas—HomeWell Franchising Inc., a franchisor of non-medical homecare provider HomeWell Care Services, reported that it celebrated a historic year of expansion and industry recognition. 

"In 2024, HomeWell achieved its most successful year to date, surpassing key milestones that reinforce its long-term vision of increasing access to quality home care nationwide," the company said. 

WASHINGTON—A New York doctor was found guilty on Monday, Feb. 10 by a federal jury for causing the submission of more than $24 million in fraudulent claims to Medicare for medically unnecessary orthotic braces and laboratory tests.

WASHINGTON—Senator Rick Scott, chairman of the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging, and Senator Tina Smith announced the reintroduction of the Social Engagement and Network Initiatives for Older Relief (SENIOR) Act to address senior loneliness. Across the country, a growing number of senior citizens are suffering from mental and physical health issues, largely driven by an epidemic of loneliness.

WASHINGTON—As maneuvering in Congress to pass a budget reconciliation act officially kicks off, Katie Smith Sloan, president and CEO of LeadingAge, the association of nonprofit and mission-driven providers of aging services, called on House and Senate members to ensure the needs of older adults and the people who serve them are met.   

Her statement, released Wednesday, Feb. 12, is below: