HOUSTON—Memorial Hermann Health System and DASCO Home Medical Equipment have formed a joint venture to operate and expand Memorial Hermann's existing home medical equipment business. The new company, DASCO | Memorial Hermann Home Medical Equipment, combines Memorial Hermann's clinical leadership and focus on personalized care with DASCO's operational experience in durable medical equipment (DME).

NEW YORK—The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has launched a national research study examining the impact caring for a spouse or partner with dementia has on physical and mental health, stress levels, brain function, social relationships and overall quality of life. 

BROOKLYN, New York—Renat Abramov, a man from Brooklyn, New York, was sentenced to 18 months in prison for conspiring to launder more than $8 million in healthcare fraud proceeds for durable medical equipment (DME) through a United States bank on behalf of a transnational criminal organization (TCO).

TEMPLE TERRACE, Florida—Chapters Health System, a not-for-profit health organization focused on advanced illness and hospice care, announced the definitive agreement for Housecall Providers to become part of Chapters Health has been finalized. 

LANSDOWNE, Virginia—Assisting Hands Home Care Loudoun announced it is expanding its senior homecare services in Lansdowne, Virginia.

The agency provides companion care, personal care, Alzheimer’s and dementia care, hospital-to-home support, respite care, overnight care and 24-hour homecare throughout Lansdowne and surrounding Loudoun County communities.

WASHINGTON—The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) released additional guidance on Round 2028 of the competitive bid program for durable medical equipment, and also announced the expected number of contract awards for the first tie, according to the American Association for Homecare. They are: 

NORTHFIELD, Illinois—Medline has entered into a new supplier agreement with Caremax Medical Equipment & Supplies, a family-owned and operated provider based in Las Vegas serving locals and visitors for more than 15 years.  

COLUMBIA, South Carolina—Herbert Leon Kimble, 60, has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to defraud the United States and failure to appear.

BRYN MAWR, Pennsylvania—Visiting Angels announced 39 franchise owners and team members from across the country completed the Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Seminar, the required training for individuals seeking certification as a certified dementia practitioner (CDP) through the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners (NCCDP).

WASHINGTON—Newly introduced bicameral legislation aims to establish long-term care services benefits as part of the Medicare program. The Medicare At Home Act (HR 10020/S 5270) would help older adults and people with disabilities remain safely in their homes and communities by expanding homecare coverage under Medicare Part B.