news for nurses

by Diane K. Newman, RNC, MSN, CRNP, FAAN

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Diane K. Newman and Verathon™ Partner to Provide Information to Help Extended Care Facilities with FTag 315 Regulation

Bothell, Wash., December 31, 2006—Verathon Inc. is pleased to introduce the new, revised edition of the Program of Excellence in Extended Care by world-renowned continence expert Diane K. Newman, RNC MSN, CRNP FAAN, Co-Director of the Penn Center for Continence and Pelvic Health, Division of Urology, University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, in Philadelphia (and Director of the Incontinence Center at SeekWellness.com.)

Based on MDS (Minimum Data Set) and CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) FTag 315 regulations for the assessment of residents with bladder dysfunction, the Program of Excellence was written to assist Extended Care facilities implement an effective bladder assessment and management program that minimizes incontinence among residents.

It is estimated that 50% of residents in Long Term Care facilities are incontinent.[CMS, Tag 315] In fact, it is commonly assumed that incontinence is an inevitable result of aging. According to Newman, this is not the case. “By implementing an effective bladder assessment and management program, healthcare providers can help many residents to regain control of their bladder function, said Newman.

With the June 2005 revisions to the FTag legislation that regulates treatment of incontinence in the nursing home, the CMS recognized the importance of proper assessment and care for residents with incontinence. To maintain compliance and to avoid fines, facilities must ensure that bladder conditions are appropriately addressed.

The Program of Excellence can help Extended Care facilities achieve and maintain compliance with the revised FTag regulations. The Program of Excellence is an continuing education program that teaches Extended Care staff how to provide the best care for residents with bladder conditions, including urinary incontinence, urinary retention, and urinary tract infection (UTI). The program covers toileting assistance programs, behavior modification strategies, bladder rehabilitation techniques, environmental accommodation, and device and product management. By studying the program and completing a post-test, Extended Care staff can receive 5.0 CE credits from SUNA (Society of Urologic Nurses and Associates).

Noninvasive bladder volume measurement using ultrasound is an integral part of the Program of Excellence. The BladderScanä bladder volume instrument from Verathonä (formerly Diagnostic Ultrasound) is considered the gold standard for bladder volume measurement;. Its many applications in Extended Care include helping staff to assess residents for urinary retention, evaluate the need for catheterization, and implement volume-based toileting programs.

To request a copy of the newly revised Program of Excellence in Extended Care, please contact Verathon™ at 800.331.2313 or download a copy at http://www.verathon.com/ECManual.htm.
About Verathon Inc.

Verathon™, formerly Diagnostic Ultrasound Corp., designs and manufactures reliable, state-of-the-art medical devices and services that offer a meaningful improvement in patient care to the health care community. The company’s noninvasive BladderScanä instrument is the standard of care for bladder volume measurement. The brand is found in over 60 countries in Urology and Primary Care practices, as well as Acute and Extended Care facilities. With the January 2006 acquisition of Saturn Biomedical Systems in Vancouver, Canada, Verathon™ entered Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Emergency markets with the GlideScope™ Video Laryngoscope brand. Recently experiencing double-digit growth, Verathon™ was ranked among the fastest growing technology companies in Washington State in Deloitte’s prestigious “Technology Fast 50” program for both 2005 and 2006. Verathon™ is headquartered in Bothell, Washington and has approximately 230 employees worldwide. For more information, please visit www.verathon.com.

Media Contact: Jessica McMorrow, PR Specialist, Verathon Medical Inc., (425) 867-1348, Ext. 6062. Alternate Contacts: Jane Mueller, VP of Marketing of Verathon Medical Inc., (425) 867-1348, Ext. 6060; Jessica McNerney, Executive Assistant to Gerald McMorrow, Verathon Inc., (425) 867-1348, Ext. 1448.

Copyright ©2006, Verathon Inc. BladderScan™ , Verathon,™ and Verathon Medical™ are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Verathon Inc. in the United States and/or other countries. All rights reserved.