Lance's Corner

NYSDOH Highlights Sepsis Awareness Month

Sep 17, 2024

Per the notice below, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) is highlighting Sepsis Awareness Month and its resources on sepsis as a health care issue.

During Sepsis Awareness Month, NYSOFA, NYSDOH and National Partners Urge Awareness and Action on Potentially Lethal Condition

State and national organizations launch nationwide Partnership for Sepsis and Aging; Watch September 19 NYSOFA livestream for details, ways to help

The New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) warn New Yorkers of all ages about the risks of sepsis, a severe and life-threatening, yet often preventable, condition.  While anyone can develop sepsis, older adults are among those at highest risk.  According to Sepsis Alliance, sepsis is the body's extreme response to an infection.  It occurs when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body.  Most cases of sepsis start before a patient goes to the hospital.  In fact, an estimated 87% of sepsis cases occur in the community.  Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency.  Without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

NYSOFA Director Greg Olsen said, "During Sepsis Awareness Month, it is critical to know the signs and symptoms, many of which can appear similar to the flu or RSV.  Unfortunately, with sepsis, you cannot wait because undiagnosed sepsis can be life-threatening in a matter of hours.  If you see the signs and symptoms of sepsis – such as fever, extreme pain, high heart rate, shortness of breath, confusion and clammy or sweaty skin – immediately seek medical help.  While we've come a long way in raising awareness about this very serious condition, most people are still unfamiliar with sepsis, which claims a life every 90 seconds."

On September 19, 2024, Director Olsen is hosting a livestream with State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald and other State and national partners highlighting sepsis and efforts to address it.  To join the livestream, visit NYSOFA's YouTube channel on September 19 at noon.

New York State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said, "Sepsis, a serious infection in someone's bloodstream, is a life-threatening medical emergency.  People who are older, very young, pregnant or have underlying medical conditions are at higher risk.  As we recognize Sepsis Awareness Month, I urge all New Yorkers to be aware of the symptoms associated with sepsis and act fast to seek medical treatment."

According to NYSDOH, severe sepsis and septic shock impact approximately 73,000 adults and 600 children in New York each year.  Nationally, at least 1.7 million adults will develop sepsis.  At least 350,000 adults who develop sepsis die during their hospitalization or are discharged to hospice.  One in three people who dies in a hospital had sepsis during that hospitalization.  Among other facts provided by Sepsis Alliance:

  • Every 90 seconds someone in the U.S. dies of sepsis.
  • Sepsis claims the lives of more children than cancer – 18 children each day.
  • Sepsis is the primary driver of readmission to a hospital (30-day readmissions).

Please visit NYSOFA's website for more data about sepsis and older adults.

Risk Factors

While anyone can develop sepsis, NYSDOH says those at higher risk include:

  • Adults 65 years of age or older.
  • Children younger than one year of age.
  • People with weakened immune systems.
  • People with chronic medical conditions, such as diabetes, lung disease, cancer, or kidney disease.
  • People with recent severe illness or hospitalization.
  • People who have had sepsis before.

How Someone Can Identify Sepsis

It is crucial you get medical care right away if you have an infection that is not getting better or is getting worse.  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says a person with sepsis might have one or more signs or symptoms:

  • High heart rate or weak pulse
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Extreme pain or discomfort
  • Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
  • Shortness of breath
  • Clammy or sweaty skin

Sepsis and New York State

In September 2024, Governor Kathy Hochul proclaimed September as Sepsis Awareness Month in New York State.  New York State has long led in sepsis prevention and intervention efforts, including Rory's Regulations.  In response to the tragic death of Rory Staunton, New York State was the first in the nation to establish a statewide mandate requiring all hospitals to adopt sepsis protocols.  The protocols were designed to improve rapid identification and treatment of sepsis.  Sepsis awareness training is also mandated as part of the Infection Control and Barrier Precautions training required of certain licensed professionals in New York.  Additionally, since 2014, the NYS Sepsis Care Improvement Initiative has worked with hospitals to: improve early detection of severe sepsis and septic shock; initiate timely interventions and treatment; and reduce overall death from sepsis.  This effort by NYSDOH and New York State hospitals saved more than 16,000 lives between 2015 and 2019.

NYSOFA and Partners Launch Nationwide Partnership for Sepsis and Aging

Earlier this year, NYSOFA, Sepsis Alliance, the Home Care Association of New York State (HCA) and the Association on Aging in New York (AgingNY) launched a new nationwide organization called The Partnership for Sepsis and Aging (TPSA) which is designed to educate the public about the signs and symptoms of sepsis to save lives and mitigate the negative and life-changing outcomes of sepsis.  TPSA is free to join.  Individuals or organizations who sign up will be asked to use some of the many free resources available to regularly educate the community on the signs and symptoms of sepsis, regardless of age.  Download the TPSA one-pager and visit the TPSA website to sign up.

Home Care Association of New York State President and CEO Al Cardillo said, "Sepsis is among the most devastating medical emergencies.  The risk is especially high for individuals with intensive needs who receive home care.  As nearly 90% of sepsis cases originate in the home and community, home health intervention is vital in the effort to prevent, identify and collaboratively treat this condition.  The Home Care Association of New York State stands steadfast with Sepsis Alliance, END SEPSIS: The Legacy of Rory Staunton, the New York State Office for the Aging and Department of Health, and all system partners in the fight to overcome this threat to health and life."

Sepsis Alliance President and CEO Thomas Heymann said, "Sepsis Alliance is working at the national level to save lives and reduce suffering from sepsis.  We know that older adults are at increased risk of infections and sepsis, and we are committed to partnering with all states to protect their older adult populations."

Association on Aging in New York Executive Director Becky Preve said, "Sepsis identification and treatment are paramount in preventing loss of life and function for individuals of all ages.  This partnership will raise awareness on how to identify the signs and symptoms of this deadly condition and will save lives across the country.  The Association on Aging in New York is proud to partner on this initiative and encourages wide participation from professionals and community members."

Additional Resources

USDOL Issues Comprehensive Employer Guidance on Long COVID

The United States Department of Labor (USDOL) has issued a comprehensive set of resources that can be accessed below for employers on dealing with Long COVID.

Supporting Employees with Long COVID: A Guide for Employers

The “Supporting Employees with Long COVID” guide from the USDOL-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) and Job Accommodation Network (JAN) addresses the basics of Long COVID, including its intersection with mental health, and common workplace supports for different symptoms.  It also explores employers’ responsibilities to provide reasonable accommodations and answers frequently asked questions about Long COVID and employment, including inquiries related to telework and leave.

Download the guide

Accommodation and Compliance: Long COVID

The Long COVID Accommodation and Compliance webpage from the USDOL-funded Job Accommodation Network (JAN) helps employers and employees understand strategies for supporting workers with Long COVID.  Topics include Long COVID in the context of disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), specific accommodation ideas based on limitations or work-related functions, common situations and solutions, and questions to consider when identifying effective accommodations for employees with Long COVID.  Find this and other Long COVID resources from JAN, below:

Long COVID, Disability and Underserved Communities: Recommendations for Employers

The research-to-practice brief “Long COVID, Disability and Underserved Communities” synthesizes an extensive review of documents, literature and data sources, conducted by the USDOL-funded Employer Assistance and Resource Network on Disability Inclusion (EARN) on the impact of Long COVID on employment, with a focus on demographic differences.  It also outlines recommended actions organizations can take to create a supportive and inclusive workplace culture for people with Long COVID, especially those with disabilities who belong to other historically underserved groups.

Read the brief

Long COVID and Disability Accommodations in the Workplace

The policy brief “Long COVID and Disability Accommodations in the Workplace” explores Long COVID’s impact on the workforce and provides examples of policy actions different states are taking to help affected people remain at work or return when ready.  It was developed by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) as part of its involvement in USDOL’s State Exchange on Employment and Disability (SEED) initiative.

Download the policy brief

Understanding and Addressing the Workplace Challenges Related to Long COVID

The report “Understanding and Addressing the Workplace Challenges Related to Long COVID” summarizes key themes and takeaways from an ePolicyWorks national online dialogue through which members of the public were invited to share their experiences and insights regarding workplace challenges posed by Long COVID.  The dialogue took place during summer 2022 and was hosted by USDOL and its agencies in collaboration with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Surgeon General.

Download the report

Working with Long COVID

The USDOL-published “Working with Long COVID” fact sheet shares strategies for supporting workers with Long COVID, including accommodations for common symptoms and resources for further guidance and assistance with specific situations.

Download the fact sheet

COVID-19: Long-Term Symptoms

This USDOL motion graphic informs workers with Long COVID that they may be entitled to temporary or long-term supports to help them stay on the job or return to work when ready, and shares where they can find related assistance.

Watch the motion graphic

A Personal Story of Long COVID and Disability Disclosure

In the podcast “A Personal Story of Long COVID and Disability Disclosure,” Pam Bingham, senior program manager for Intuit’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Tech team, shares her personal experience of navigating Long COVID symptoms at work.  The segment was produced by the USDOL-funded Partnership on Employment and Accessible Technology (PEAT) as part of its ongoing “Future of Work” podcast series.

Listen to the podcast

HHS OIG Issues Annual Report on State MFCUs

Per the notice below, the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) of the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has issued its annual report on the performance of state Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs).

Medicaid Fraud Control Units Fiscal Year 2023 Annual Report (OEI-09-24-00200) 

Medicaid Fraud Control Units (MFCUs) investigate and prosecute Medicaid provider fraud and patient abuse or neglect. OIG is the Federal agency that oversees and annually approves federal funding for MFCUs through a recertification process. This new report analyzed the statistical data on annual case outcomes—such as convictions, civil settlements and judgments, and recoveries—that the 53 MFCUs submitted for Fiscal Year 2023.  New York data is as follows:

Outcomes

  • Investigations1 - 556
  • Indicted/Charged - 9
  • Convictions - 8
  • Civil Settlements/Judgments - 28
  • Recoveries2 - $73,204,518

Resources

  • MFCU Expenditures3 - $55,964,293
  • Staff on Board4 - 257

1Investigations are defined as the total number of open investigations at the end of the fiscal year.

2Recoveries are defined as the amount of money that defendants are required to pay as a result of a settlement, judgment, or prefiling settlement in criminal and civil cases and may not reflect actual collections.  Recoveries may involve cases that include participation by other Federal and State agencies.

3MFCU and Medicaid Expenditures include both State and Federal expenditures.

4Staff on Board is defined as the total number of staff employed by the Unit at the end of the fiscal year.

Read the Full Report

View the Statistical Chart

Engage with the Interactive Map

GAO Issues Report on Medicaid Managed Care Service Denials and Appeal Outcomes

The United States Government Accountability Office (GAO) has issued a report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes.  GAO found that federal oversight is limited because it doesn't require states to report on Medicaid managed care service denials or appeal outcomes and there has not been much progress on plans to analyze and make the data publicly available.  To read the GAO report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes, use the first link below.  To read GAO highlights of the report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes, use the second link below.
https://www.gao.gov/assets/d24106627.pdf  (GAO report on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes)
https://www.gao.gov/assets/d24106627_high.pdf  (GAO highlights on federal use of state data on Medicaid managed care service denials and appeal outcomes)

CMS Issues Latest Medicare Regulatory Activities Update

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued its latest update on its regulatory activities in the Medicare program.  While dentistry is only minimally connected to the Medicare program, Medicare drives the majority of health care policies and insurance reimbursement policies throughout the country.  Therefore, it always pays to keep a close eye on what CMS is doing in Medicare.  To read the latest CMS update on its regulatory activities in Medicare, use the link below.
https://www.cms.gov/training-education/medicare-learning-network/newsletter/2024-03-14-mlnc