September News Round Up: Key Updates in Long-Term Care and Pharmacy

As the healthcare landscape evolves, staying informed is critical for providers, patients, and caregivers alike. September brought a number of major developments that impact long-term care facilities, pharmacies, and the broader healthcare system. 

From policy changes to new vaccine approvals, here are the top stories in long term care news and pharmacy news this month.

CMS Plans to Repeal Nursing Home Staffing Rule

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) is moving forward with an interim final rule that would roll back the minimum staffing requirements for nursing homes first put in place in 2024. The repeal is currently under review by the White House Office of Management and Budget and could take effect immediately once finalized.

It is still unclear whether the repeal will eliminate the rule entirely or only specific provisions requiring nursing hours and round-the-clock registered nurse coverage. Those provisions have already been struck down in federal court, where judges ruled that CMS had exceeded its authority.

While the repeal may end the staffing mandate in its current form, workforce challenges remain a top priority for providers and advocacy groups alike. Both AHCA and LeadingAge have emphasized the need for supportive policies to strengthen the long-term care workforce while ensuring quality of care for residents.

FDA Approves Updated COVID-19 Vaccines

In major pharmacy news, McKnights Long-Term Care News shared that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved updated COVID-19 vaccines this September, granting full access to all Americans aged 65 and older but tightening eligibility for younger groups.

The updated shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are formulated to target the LP.8.1 strain. Unlike previous U.S. policy that recommended annual COVID-19 vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, the FDA has now limited access for younger adults and children. 

Adults under 65 and children now only qualify if they have at least one high-risk condition such as asthma or obesity. Pfizer’s authorization for children under 5 was revoked, while Moderna’s shot remains an option for those 6 months and older with serious medical needs.

Experts have raised concerns that the new limits may create barriers to access and confusion for patients, doctors, and pharmacists. Still, early data show the updated vaccines offer stronger protection against circulating variants, and shipments from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax are already headed to pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics. 

Best Practices for Shingles Education in Pharmacy Settings

In a recent article, Pharmacy Times emphasized the value of personalized education when discussing the shingles vaccine. Pharmacists are encouraged to begin by gauging a patient’s knowledge, addressing misconceptions, and using simple tools like photos or statistics to highlight the seriousness of the condition. Clear explanations of common, mild side effects and how to manage them can also ease concerns that often prevent patients from getting vaccinated.

Timing is key. Linking the conversation to a new diagnosis, prescription change, or routine visit can make education more meaningful. For higher-risk patients with chronic conditions, pharmacists may need to be more proactive in recommending vaccination. With their ongoing relationships and frequent touchpoints, community pharmacists are uniquely positioned to make these prevention-focused discussions both accessible and effective.

Watch the full Pharmacy Times video here to learn more.