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Little tracking, wide variability permeate the teams tasked with stopping school shootings

Iowa students rallied for gun regulation after a school shooting, reflecting rising concerns about school safety. Advocacy for threat assessment teams, aimed at identifying potential threats, has grown since tragedies in Florida. However, inconsistencies and potential biases in these teams’ operations raise concerns about fairness and the treatment of at-risk students. Continue reading Little tracking, wide variability permeate the teams tasked with stopping school shootings

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Nursing home worker avoids probation revocation on sex charge

Martell Guider, a former nursing home employee, faced multiple sexual impropriety allegations across various Iowa care facilities. Convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor, he avoided probation revocation despite violations, including living in his car. Previous complaints included inappropriate behavior and a rape allegation at a facility in Correctionville, yet no criminal charges were filed. Continue reading Nursing home worker avoids probation revocation on sex charge

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Prison medical staff shortage worsens as security shortage eases

The South Dakota Department of Corrections faces a significant nursing shortage, with vacancy rates of 53% for licensed practice nurses and 40% for registered nurses. Secretary Kellie Wasko attributes these issues to unsafe working conditions and challenges competing with the private sector amid a nationwide nursing shortage. Efforts are underway to improve staff conditions. Continue reading Prison medical staff shortage worsens as security shortage eases

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Company seeks to block lawsuit over death, citing arbitration agreement

A wrongful death lawsuit against Fonda Specialty Care nursing home, stemming from Marvin Jacobs’ suffocation, may be dismissed due to an arbitration agreement signed by his family. The nurse involved, Becky Sue Manning, faced criminal charges for neglect. State inspections revealed failure to clear Jacobs’ airway prior to his death in February 2023. Continue reading Company seeks to block lawsuit over death, citing arbitration agreement

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Bird flu detected in Iowa flock for fourth time in less than a week

Highly pathogenic avian influenza has been detected in a commercial turkey flock in Sac County, Iowa. Four cases were confirmed recently, prompting a disaster proclamation from Governor Reynolds. The risk to humans remains low as officials encourage monitoring and biosecurity measures. Continue reading Bird flu detected in Iowa flock for fourth time in less than a week

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‘This man is literally dying’: Photos of nursing home residents trigger $1,000 fine

A nursing home in Algona, Iowa, was fined $1,000 for unauthorized sharing of videos and photos of residents, including a derogatory caption. State inspectors found multiple violations related to resident privacy and care quality. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about privacy violations affecting vulnerable nursing home residents, particularly those with cognitive impairments. Continue reading ‘This man is literally dying’: Photos of nursing home residents trigger $1,000 fine

State revokes license of imprisoned Sioux City EMT with history of drug arrests

Iowa has revoked the emergency medical technician license of Adam Doty, a convicted felon, following his off-duty methamphetamine use and subsequent incarceration. Doty, previously licensed in April 2024 despite a criminal history involving drug offenses, had been fired from Sioux City Fire and Rescue after violating EMS regulations. Continue reading State revokes license of imprisoned Sioux City EMT with history of drug arrests

More than 50 Iowa nursing homes have agreed to repay taxpayers $13.9 million

More than 50 Iowa nursing homes owe nearly $14 million in unpaid fees related to Medicaid. Payment plans have been established for most, with debts expected to be cleared by September 2025. Major debtors include Accura Healthcare and Pacifica Health Services, both under scrutiny for financial violations affecting operations. Continue reading More than 50 Iowa nursing homes have agreed to repay taxpayers $13.9 million

Iowa revokes license of nurse imprisoned for massive insurance-fraud scheme

The Iowa Board of Nursing revoked Elizabeth Hernandez’s nursing license after her indictment for a Medicare fraud scheme that cost insurers $192 million. Convicted of multiple federal charges, she collected $1.6 million through fraudulent telemedicine practices. Another nurse, Ashley Brown, settled allegations involving unnecessary prescriptions and kickbacks. Continue reading Iowa revokes license of nurse imprisoned for massive insurance-fraud scheme

‘Scared to Death’: Nurses and residents confront rampant violence in dementia care facilities

Violent altercations between residents in long-term care facilities are alarmingly common. Across the country, residents in nursing homes or assisted living centers have been killed by other residents who weaponized a bedrail, shoved pillow stuffing into a person’s mouth, or removed an oxygen mask. Clashes can be spontaneous and too unpredictable to prevent. But the chance of an altercation increases when memory care homes admit and retain residents they can’t manage, according to a KFF Health News examination of inspection and court records and interviews with researchers. Continue reading ‘Scared to Death’: Nurses and residents confront rampant violence in dementia care facilities