OWINGS MILLS, Md. (July 19, 2022)—The Board of Certification/Accreditation (BOC) is seeking nominations for the Jim Newberry Award for Extraordinary Service. The award recognizes outstanding individuals who demonstrate extraordinary service to BOC. BOC created the award in honor and remembrance of longtime practitioner, BOC board member and leader James "Jim" Newberry, Jr., BOCP, BOCO, BOCPD, who passed away in 2016.

PITTSFORD, N.Y. (July 19, 2022)—CareSmartz360 has announced the launch of all-new custom forms after months of behind-the-scenes development and beta testing.

Custom forms enable users to collect client-specific data and automate processes in minutes without the need for engineering or IT assistance. Users can use the built-in form or create their own client-specific forms using the form builder and advanced features.

WATERLOO, Iowa (July 19, 2022)—VGM & Associates has released the third playbook of the year, “VGM Playbook: Emerging Opportunities in DMEPOS.”

This publication contains articles from industry experts on the trends seen as becoming prominent in the near future for durable medical equipment (DME) providers. Opportunities in DME highlighted in this playbook include e-commerce, care in the home, home accessibility, bariatrics and more.

ATLANTA (July 15, 2022)—Brightree has launched the Brightree Digital Experience, new software tools that enable providers to streamline and improve the patient experience through automated and orchestrated text/email patient outreach to keep them updated, electronic documentation and signature capabilities, and video chat allowing for virtual patient support.

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (July 14, 2022)—Last week, Alabama Medicaid announced that CPAP and BiPAP devices will be billed as a “straight purchase,” ending the rental period payment process for this equipment. The agency also announced the waiver of the compliance requirement for CPAP and BIPAP devices and updated allowable quantities for PAP supplies. The new measures go into effect Aug. 1, 2022.

FORT WORTH, Texas (July 14, 2022)—VERTESS, a leading health care mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory firm, is pleased to announce the addition of three new partners. Managing Directors Rachel Boynton, Anna Elliott and Robert Villalobos are the newest additions to the leadership team. All three bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team and will help shape the growing enterprise with their guidance and expertise.

BLOOMFIELD HILLS, Mich. (July 14, 2022) – Boost Home Healthcare, a home health company which provides in-home nursing, therapy and homecare services, has recently opened its first location in Culver City, California. With years of experience owning a ComForCare franchise, a provider of in-home caregiving services, Harry and Maggie Artsvelian expands their services with the addition of Boost, offering clients complete well-rounded care.

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (July 12, 2022)—National Seating & Mobility (NSM), a provider of comprehensive mobility solutions, is expanding services in Canada with the opening of a new branch in Barrie, Ontario. Harry Hignett has joined NSM as branch manager for this new location.

Hignett has been involved in the Complex Rehab (CRT) industry for more than 20 years, serving as a regional manager for national CRT companies.  

TAMPA, Fla. (July 12, 2022)—To improve the quality of homecare for its patients, Tampa General Hospital (TGH) is partnering with home health agency, the Visiting Nurse Association, (VNA) to form TGH Home Care powered by VNA of Florida. The new entity will provide a full range of homecare services for Tampa General patients, as well as those in the community needing homecare.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 8, 2022)—The National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) and a group of likeminded organizations have written to Brian Slater, director of the Division of Home Health and Hospice in the Center for Medicare Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reiterate strong support for the authority of nurse practitioners (NPs) and clinical nurse specialists (CNSs) to order and certify home health services for Medicare beneficiaries.