E-News Update
Your Link to Long Term Care News in Massachusetts
July 16, 2026
Featured Article
2026 Foundation Scholarship Application Deadline Extended to July 31st!
Summary
The Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation’s annual Scholarship Program assists long term care staff in meeting their personal and professional goals through furthering their education. DEADLINE EXTENDED: the Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 awards until July 31st. |
Save the Date for Mass Senior Care's 2026 Annual Meeting and Trade Show: Tuesday, November 17
Summary
We look forward to seeing you at our November 17th Annual Meeting and Trade Show at the DCU Center in Worcester! |
MassHealth Issues FAQ for Nursing Facility Ownership Disclosure Form: Deadline Extended to August 16, 2026
Summary
MassHealth issued an FAQ to address questions that have been submitted by facilities in regard to completing the Nursing Facility Ownership Disclosure Form. In addition, MassHealth is also further extending the filing deadline to August 16, 2026 to allow facilities more time to complete the filing. |
CMS Proposes Calendar Year (CY) 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule
Summary
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has issued its Calendar Year (CY) 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule, which includes a proposal that could improve physician reimbursement for services furnished to Medicare beneficiaries in skilled nursing facilities. |
Updated ALR Regulations
Summary
Under Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024, the Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) was required to revise and amend the assisted living regulations. On July 10, 2026, AGE adopted revisions to 651 CMR 12:00 Certification Procedures and Standards for Assisted Living Residences (ALRs). |
CMS Oversight of Accrediting Organizations
Summary
CMS issued QSO-26-10- Publication of the Strengthening Oversight of Accrediting Organizations (AOs) (CMS-3367-FC) Final Rule with Comment Period which describes a new Accrediting Organization (AO) oversight rule published on June 16, 2026, with regulations effective one year after publication. CMS is finalizing provisions to strengthen oversight of Accreditation Organizations (AOs) and promote greater consistency between AO and state survey agency processes. |
CMS Update to Five-Star Quality Rating System – July 2026 Refresh
Summary
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released an update to the Five-Star Quality Rating System Technical User’s Guide, effective with the July 2026 refresh. |
MA Office for Refugees and Immigrants Launches Help Desk to Assist TPS Holders
Summary
The Massachusetts Office for Refugees and Immigrants (ORI) has launched a “HelpDesk” to assist current and former TPS holders, and those who previously applied for TPS, with access to immigration counsel. |
DPH Guidance on Interactions with ICE Agents in Healthcare Organizations
Summary
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is resharing statewide guidance released in May by the Healey-Driscoll Administration regarding interactions with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in health care organizations. |
Upcoming Education and Events - Summer & Fall 2026
Summary
Register Now! |
The Massachusetts Senior Care Association represents a diverse set of organizations that deliver a broad spectrum of services to meet the needs of older adults and people with disabilities.
