Beth Carpenter and Associates: Pathfinder Newsletter

THE PATHFINDER NEWSLETTER
Hello! Welcome to the November 2009 issue of THE PATHFINDER. This may be my most favorite month of all...because it celebrates my most favorite holiday of all...Thanksgiving! Like you, my life is busy. I do my very best to try and balance my life - as I am sure you do, but sometimes I just get on a focused path to accomplish all the items on my "to-do" list and I forget to pause and look around. Thanksgiving provides an entire day in which my family and I take the time to think about all the things we are thankful for. This year I am truly thankful for the opportunity to work with committed, dedicated associates and for the good will and friendship of our clients. On the personal side, I am very grateful for good health, the love and support of family and friends, and for the chance to constantly learn new things. I have several short articles for inclusion in the newsletter this month (I know we are all pinched for time!). The first summarizes an article which appeared in the September 2009 issue of the American Journal of Infection Control which focuses on the potential risks to home health workers. The second article is the newly released report from National Alliance for Hospice Access (NAHA) which suggests that there exist significant barriers to timely patient access to hospice care. Here's wishing each of you the chance to be surrounded by family and friends on this most enjoyable holiday, to have the opportunity to eat some of your favorite Thanksgiving dishes, and quiet time to pause and give thanks for all our blessings as Americans. If we can provide you with any assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. Best wishes, Beth Carpenter “Let us realize that the privilege to work is a gift, that the power to work is a blessing, that the love of work is success.” David O. McKay

INJURY AND HAZARDS IN HOME HEALTH CARE NURSING ARE A GROWING CONCERN By E! Science News Patients continue to enter home healthcare "sicker and quicker", often with complex health problems that may require extensive nursing care. This increases the risk of needlestick injuries in home healthcare nurses. To read further, please click here.

NAHA REPORT BASED ON AVALERE HEALTH RESEARCH SUGGESTS SYSTEMIC BARRIERS TO HOSPICE ACCESS By NAHA A newly released report from NAHA, utilizing the detailed analytical inputs of Avalere Health LLC, a highly renowned healthcare research and analysis firm, clearly suggests that significant systemic barriers to timely patient access to hospice care exist and be worsening. To continue, click here.

WE ARE PLEASED TO ANNOUNCE A NEW SERVICE Accreditation Commission for Health Care Beth Carpenter and Associates is proud to announce the addition of a new service for its clients! We are now able to support your efforts to achieve accreditation through Accreditation Commission for Health Care (ACHC) whether you are a new or existing agency - home health, hospice or private duty. To assist you in your efforts to reach and maintain deemed status for Home Health and Hospice agencies as well as accreditation as a Private Duty Nursing and/or Private Duty Aide organization, the following are a sample of potential services currently available through Beth Carpenter and Associates: • Assistance in preparation of the ACHC Application and the Preliminary Evidence Report (PER). • Review of your Application and PER prior to submission to ACHC. • Assistance with any revisions to the PER requested by ACHC following initial submission. • Training and instruction to administration and staff to prepare for an on-site ACHC survey. • Assistance in creating a Plan of Correction, if necessary, following an on-site ACHC survey. Subsequent to successful accreditation, we are available to work with your agency to continue compliance with the ACHC standards. For further information, call 847-382-1035 or e-mail bcarpenter@bethcarpenterandassociates.com.

Beth Carpenter Beth Carpenter and Associates 847-382-1035 bcarpenter@bethcarpenterandassociates.com Beth Carpenter and Associates has earned a reputation as a company with deep industry experience and one that works closely with its clients to identify solutions that meet their business goals and strategic objectives. We do not simply advise. We partner with our customers to implement the solution and ensure its success. Sincerely, Beth Carpenter

ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH? Since 1995 Beth Carpenter and Associates has provided its real-world experience to the management of healthcare companies, especially those organizations with a focus on home health, hospice and private duty, in the areas of operations, clinical services, sales and marketing. We work with management to identify the strategic direction of the organization and implement the necessary changes that allow health care providers to move forward in today's environment. We help you choose the right path to success and then we walk it with you.

Hello!