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art D of the Medicare Modernization Act (MMA) is under way, and the early results are in. According to Department of Health and Human Services Administrator Mike Leavitt (whose 1-month progress report is detailed in the “News and Trends” section, starting on page 6), the new prescription drug benefit is working for the vast majority of the participants. But that’s not to say there haven’t been a few hiccups, from frustrating first trips to the pharmacy to “unacceptable” call wait times for customers and pharmacists.
       The first in a series of articles in ECPN on Part D and the MMA, preparing long-term care facilities for the changes and identifying potential pitfalls, ran in our November/December 2005 issue. Part 2, focusing on the impact on assisted living, begins on page 26. In it, ECPN Editorial Advisory Board Member Joseph Gruber, RPH, CGP, FASCP, explains why residents in assisted living facilities are taking a “wait-and-see” approach to Part D. Mr. Gruber discusses pertinent topics, such as eligibility and enrollment, plan formularies, and benefits, related to Part D. He urges facilities and residents to analyze current prescription needs and conduct detailed reviews of available plans to make informed choices. We will continue to cover the impact of Part D on your residents and facilities and welcome your feedback.
       Shifting gears, this month’s cover feature comes from Steven E. Chies, the immediate-past chair of the American Health Care Association and current Vice President for Long-Term Care Operations for Benedictine Health Systems. In “Getting Real About Quality,” starting on page 18, Mr. Chies explains how a concerted, team effort by leadership and staff of long-term care facilities can do what government oversight alone cannot in improving quality of care. He highlights themes, such as the role of leadership, strategic planning, and management of knowledge, integral to maximizing efficiency and resident outcomes.
       Also included in this issue are articles on reducing the use of restraints in long-term care, monitoring residents’ weights, and implementing effective communication strategies. On behalf of the staff of ECPN, I hope you enjoy this issue. As always, thank you for reading.