Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines

Sex therapist and social worker Stefani Goerlich struggles when clients move away from Michigan due to restrictions on providing telehealth services across state lines. In response to America’s mental health crisis, an increasing number of states are empowering social workers to practice across state lines. The Social Work Licensure Compact is facilitating this, benefiting practitioners and patients alike. Continue reading Amid mental health crisis, new compact allows social workers to practice across state lines

Board: Pharmacy error led to overdose, possible death

Several Iowa pharmacies, including Hamilton Drive Hy-Vee Pharmacy, have been fined and ordered to undergo training for dispensing incorrect medications. These errors have led to serious consequences for patients, such as potential overdoses and seizures. The Iowa Board of Pharmacy has taken disciplinary actions against the pharmacies involved, imposing civil penalties and ordering educational training on medication errors and patient safety. Continue reading Board: Pharmacy error led to overdose, possible death

Iowa care facilities cited for resident abuse, lack of safe environment

Summary:
Multiple Iowa nursing homes are facing fines for resident abuse and safety violations. The Happy Siesta Health Care Center in Remsen was fined for a serious safety violation, while other facilities were cited for neglect and abuse. The state is taking enforcement action to ensure the safety and well-being of nursing home residents. Continue reading Iowa care facilities cited for resident abuse, lack of safe environment

DOH unveils WOW Mobile Clinics to improve healthcare access to underserved communities in South Dakota

The South Dakota Department of Health is launching Wellness on Wheels (WOW) mobile clinics to provide essential healthcare services to underserved communities. The initiative aims to address healthcare barriers, improve health outcomes, and promote wellness. The mobile clinics will offer a range of services including WIC, immunizations, oral health, and STD testing, among others. Continue reading DOH unveils WOW Mobile Clinics to improve healthcare access to underserved communities in South Dakota

State-certified caregiver charged with sexual exploitation of a minor

A state-certified caregiver has been arrested and charged with sexually exploiting a minor while employed by an Iowa nursing home.

The most recent case, and the only one in which criminal charges have been filed, involves Guider’s employment at the Pleasantview Home in Kalona.

Over the past 12 months, Martell Guider, a 36-year-old male certified nursing assistant, has been the subject of complaints regarding a series of alleged incidents involving sexual impropriety at three Iowa nursing homes located in Audubon, Correctionville and Kalona. Continue reading State-certified caregiver charged with sexual exploitation of a minor

Nurse criminally charged in death of care facility resident

A nurse who allegedly failed to suction the airway of a U.S. Army veteran in an Iowa nursing home has been criminally charged in the man’s death.

Becky Sue Manning, 69, of Lake View, is charged with felony wanton neglect of a healthcare facility resident. According to prosecutors, Manning, a licensed practical nurse, refused repeated requests to provide physician-ordered care for a resident of the Fonda Specialty Care nursing home while working there in 2023 as an employee of the GrapeTree Medical Staffing temp agency.

In its written response to DIA’s findings, the facility’s owners, Care Initiatives of West Des Moines, said it does not admit to any statements, findings or conclusions by the state inspectors Continue reading Nurse criminally charged in death of care facility resident