by Karl Steinberg, MD, CMD, HDMC

Over the years, a perennial favorite educational activity at CALTCM’s meetings has been medicolegal and risk management sessions—often presented in a mock trial format.  This year, by popular demand, CALTCM has created an evening half-day pre-conference summit focusing on medicolegal risk management, and the nexus connecting quality of care, communication and documentation with improved outcomes and reduced exposure to civil and regulatory actions, including elder abuse lawsuits.  It will also provide information about the importance of the expert witness, including physicians, to the legal process.

by Albert Lam, MD

Saturday mornings at our CALTCM Annual Meeting are geared to deliver high yield updates for the clinician on the go.  Our planning committee is excited to offer six superb high yield updates separated into two back to back sessions.

The first half of the morning spotlights neurologic and rehabilitation care in post acute and long term care.  Dr. Randall Espinosa, clinical professor of geriatric psychiatry at UCLA, will be reviewing the types of dementias seen in nursing homes and connect the diagnosis with options for management and guidance for advance care planning.  After that, UCLA neurorehabilitation specialist Dr. Michael Su will update us on the latest in acute stroke management and how we should respond in nursing homes. Rounding out the 3 early talks will be physiatrist Dr. Lawrence Miller.  Dr. Miller will be reviewing common reasons for rehab in nursing facilities and we’ll learn about how to set reasonable goals in these situations.

by Vanessa Mandal, MD

With the aging of our population, by 2035 the elderly population will outnumber children for the first time in U.S. history. This change in demographics, coupled with the accelerated changes in health care delivery, poses significant challenges for health care providers managing patients with complex chronic illnesses. The shift from fee-for-service to value-based care adds even more complexity. The Saturday May 20th afternoon session brings together a panel of speakers who will present a person-centered approach to providing quality of care near the end of life. End-of-life care entails conversations where providers have to address prognosis, and shared decision making.

by Timothy Gieseke MD, CMD

In about 2010, I was asked by my esteemed colleague, Dr. Denise Rettenmaier, to help with their implementation of the POLST Form.  The Yountville Veterans Home is located in Napa in a setting of exquisite natural beauty. Blended into this home are facilities and staffing similar to what you would find in small acute hospitals.

Like many of you, I was shocked to hear real time of the tragic act of violence in process there, but also glad to hear from our colleague who was safe having found shelter in her locked office.  Our hearts go out to Denise, her colleagues, and the Yountville community. While we wish situations like this were rare, they are becoming increasingly common. Our nursing home familles have seen various disasters in the last year, as such we will feature a talk on “Disaster Preparedness” by Jocelyn Montgomery, RN during our upcoming annual meeting.