E-News Update
Your Link to Long Term Care News in Massachusetts
September 10, 2025
Featured Article
2025-2026 Flu Vaccine Recommendations
Summary
The CDC has released the 2025-2026 influenza vaccine recommendations. |
MassHealth Updates New Owner Medicare Certification ‘Tie-In’ Requirement to Enable More Timely Billing for Newly Enrolling Nursing Facilities
Summary
Mass Senior Care is pleased to report that after months of advocacy, MassHealth today updated its nursing facility program regulations to streamline the Medicaid enrollment process and allow newly enrolling nursing facilities to begin billing and receiving payment for MassHealth services earlier than previously permitted. |
CMS Issues Memo on Implementing the Transforming Episode Accountability Model: Skilled Nursing Facility 3-Day Rule Waiver – MSCA Webinar on September 23rd
Summary
CMS’ Medicare Learning Network (MLN) Matters has issued a memorandum on Implementing the Transforming Episode Accountability Model (TEAM) payment model which starts on January 1, 2026 – just months away. |
CMS Releases Finalized MDS Item Sets and Matrix for Nursing Homes Effective October 1, 2025
Summary
CMS has posted the final Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Item Sets version 1.20.1v3 and Item Matrix v1.20.1v3 in the Downloads section of their Minimum Data Set (MDS) 3.0 Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) Manual page. The MDS Item Sets will be effective beginning October 1, 2025. |
Standing Order for COVID-19 Vaccination for Massachusetts Pharmacies
Summary
In anticipation of respiratory illness season, the Department of Public Health (DPH) has issued a standing order allowing for all qualified pharmacy personnel at Massachusetts pharmacies to dispense and administer COVID-19 vaccine in Massachusetts to all eligible persons. |
Stay Ahead of CMS Changes with the Updated Edition of the Long Term Care Survey Manual
Summary
With AHCA’s easy-to-follow table format, this manual is an essential resource for long term care facilities to quickly access Federal regulations and surveyor guidance. |
CMS Announces Temporary Pause in Nursing Home Care Compare Updates
Summary
On August 15, 2025, CMS announced it will temporarily pause monthly updates to the Nursing Home Care Compare Five Star Rating System, as of July 30, 2025, continuing through September. |
COVID-19 Cases and MWRA COVID-19 Wastewater Tracking - September 2025
Summary
COVID-19 activity is increasing in many areas of the country including Massachusetts. Nursing facilities are reminded to remain diligent in their infection control practices to limit the spread of COVID-19 to residents and staff. |
POLST Update
Summary
The Executive Office of Aging and Independence will host an update about the Massachusetts MOLST to POLST Transition on Thursday, October 16, 2025, at 3:00 pm. To register, please click here. |
Upcoming Education and Events - Fall 2025
Summary
Register now for upcoming education programs! |
Save the Date for Mass Senior Care's 2025 Annual Meeting & Trade Show!
Summary
Mass Senior Care's Annual Meeting and Trade Show will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at the DCU Center in Worcester, MA. Save the date and plan to join us for our annual Fall conference! |
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.
