E-News Updates

Following Governor Healey’s announcement last week on steps to make it easier and more affordable for Massachusetts residents to get the health care they need, the Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DoI) has issued proposed regulations to streamline prior authorization practices for fully insured commercial insurers, including eliminating prior authorization for many routine and essential services, including in-network post-acute care provided on weekends and holidays.

On January 16, 2026, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) posted online proposed revisions to 105 CMR 150: Standards for Long-Term Care Facilities and 105 CMR 153: Licensure Procedure and Suitability Requirements for Long-Term Care Facilities. The DPH has scheduled a public hearing on February 13th at 1pm for each of the proposed regulations. 

The SNF Provider Preview Reports have been updated and are now available for nursing facilities to review. These reports contain provider performance scores for quality measures, which will be published on Care Compare during the April 2026 refresh.

CMS recently posted the updated Design for Care Compare Nursing Home Five-Star Quality Rating System: Technical Users’ Guide. 

AHCA/NCAL’s Leadership Academy equips long term care and assisted living facility leaders with the skills needed to build and enhance trust with and between their staff which translates into a more effective team, better outcomes, and less staff turnover. The cost of the program is $975 for AHCA/NCAL members and $1,175 for non-members. Register by February 28, 2026 and save $100 with promo code Leader2026.

Register Now!

Mass Senior Care is pleased to announce our 2026 Spring Conference and Trade Show, taking place on Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the DCU Center in Worcester.