E-News Update
Your Link to Long Term Care News in Massachusetts
October 2, 2026
Featured Article
Inspiring Excellence Through Service and Leadership: 2026 Annual Foundation Breakfast Honors Tom Lavallee
Summary
The Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation’s annual fundraising event, Inspiring Excellence Through Service and Leadership, will be a breakfast celebration honoring Tom Lavallee, Board Chair of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association and Chief Operating Officer of Alliance Health Management Services. Tom has dedicated his career to advancing quality care, building strong organizations, and supporting the people who serve older adults and individuals with disabilities. We invite members to join us on Tuesday, November 17th from 8:00am – 9:00am to recognize Tom’s many contributions and lasting impact on long term care! |
The Massachusetts Center for Information and Analysis (CHIA) Issues 2025 Hospital Financial Performance Report
Summary
The Massachusetts Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) last week Issued its Massachusetts Hospital and Health System Annual Financial Performance Report for hospital fiscal year (HFY) 2025. |
Final Reminder: ePOLST Registry Onboarding – Complete by October 2nd
Summary
The Commonwealth released an important next step for healthcare organizations beginning the onboarding process for the ePOLST Registry. All organizations are requested to complete the ePOLST Registry Intake form by Friday, October 2, 2026. |
ALR Document Submission Deadline – October 15th
Summary
Assisted Living Residences (ALRs) are reminded that all documents updated pursuant to 651 CMR 12.04(14)(b)1. must be submitted to AGE by Thursday, October 15, 2026, in accordance with AGE's July 29, 2026 Implementation Guidance. |
CMS Releases Updated Technical Specifications for SNF Quality Measures
Summary
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released revised technical specifications for the Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAI) Requiring Hospitalization measure and the Discharge to Community-Post Acute Care (DTC-PAC) measure. |
CMS Delays Public Display of Risk-Based Survey Recognition Icon
Summary
On September 29, 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) revised the Nursing Home Risk-Based Survey National Implementation guidance. |
DOI Issues Guidance on Prior Authorization Changes
Summary
The Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) recently issued three guidance notices to clarify implementation of the amendments to 211 CMR 52.00, the regulation governing prospective review and prior authorization. |
Gero Nurse Prep Nets Nursing Facilities More Revenue, Higher Occupancy, Fewer Deficiencies, and Lower Staff Turnover
Summary
Specifically designed for nurses working in long term care, AHCA/NCAL’s Gero Nurse Prep course provides comprehensive online training that can also lead to board certification in gerontological nursing by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) for two-year RNs and BSNs who choose to pursue that credential. |
Upcoming Educational Programs & Events - Fall 2026
Summary
Join MSCA for these important educational programs! |
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.
