Clinical Updates

Early preparation and prompt influenza vaccination help protect residents, reduce outbreaks, and support a safer healthcare environment throughout the flu season. Facilities should ensure vaccine ordering, consent collection, staff education, and VIS distribution are in place before vaccine shipments arrive.

XOCOVA (ensitrelvir) is a new oral antiviral approved for post-exposure prophylaxis of COVID-19 in adults and adolescents 12 years and older after being in contact with someone who has COVID-19. In nursing home settings, staff should know when it may be used, how it is dosed, and what safety checks are required before administration.

Earlier this year, the FDA advised manufacturers that the 2026–2027 COVID-19 vaccines for use beginning in fall 2026 should target the monovalent JN.1 lineage XFG variant. Similar to last year, the expected products include Pfizer's Comirnaty® and Moderna's Spikevax® and mNEXSPIKE®.

The Protecting Patients from Automated Denials Act would prohibit Medicare Advantage plans from denying covered services solely on the basis of artificial intelligence. Instead, a qualified physician would be required to independently review and approve each denial.

Newer vaccine options like CAPVAXIVE provide facilities with another tool to strengthen prevention efforts and support healthier outcomes throughout their communities.‍

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) remains a significant health concern, particularly for older adults and those with underlying risk factors.

Recent CMS updates are increasing scrutiny around the use of psychotropic medications in long-term care settings.

The new year is an ideal time to confirm regulatory readiness and strengthen compliance processes. Download this quick checklist to ensure your facility is prepared for 2026 and beyond.

COVID-19 vaccination guidance continues to evolve as immunity patterns, circulating variants, and population risk factors change. In long-term care and medically complex populations, questions frequently arise about the appropriate timing of vaccination after infection, eligibility for additional doses, and the interchangeability of vaccine products across age groups.

As we close out 2025, the holiday season is in full swing—and with it comes flu season and other circulating viruses.

Over the past year, CMS has updated its survey guidelines and introduced several new areas of focus. Updates have also been made to the Nursing Home Care Compare website and the Five-Star Rating System. Because survey results directly affect Five-Star ratings — and those ratings can impact facility insurance contracts, financial stability, and more — being prepared is more important than ever.

High-alert medications are those with a high risk of causing significant harm if used incorrectly. They often have narrow therapeutic indices, complex dosing requirements, and similar names or packaging to other drugs.