E-News Updates

The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) has officially opened the 2027 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Portal. Organizations interested in applying for a Quality Award are encouraged to submit their Intent to Apply (ITA) by Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 8:00 pm Eastern.

MassHealth has released preliminary information on several federal Medicaid changes enacted through the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OB3). Changes include new eligibility requirements for certain immigrants beginning in October, as well as work and education requirements and more frequent eligibility renewals beginning in January.

We encourage members to join more than 3,200 health care organizations and enroll in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic CMS QIN-QIO. Hospitals, health systems, and affiliated outpatient clinical practices can access no-cost data and insights, technical assistance using evidence-based interventions, peer-learning opportunities, and recognition, with support across clinical quality, foundational quality infrastructure, and health care technology priorities.

The Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) has implemented a transition period through September 29, 2026, during which ALR Certification staff will take implementation efforts into account when conducting certification reviews and compliance activities related to the amended 651 CMR 12.00 regulations. Effective September 30, 2026, compliance reviews will assess for full compliance with the amended regulations. Findings will be issued for noncompliance with both newly amended and existing regulatory requirements.

In June, Governor Maura Healey announced that the Massachusetts Division of Insurance (DOI) finalized revisions to 211 CMR 52, Managed Care Consumer Protections and Accreditation of Carriers. A key component of the revised regulation is the elimination of certain prior authorization for fully insured commercial insurers. These include eliminating prior authorization for many routine and essential services, including in-network post-acute care provided on weekends and holidays. These changes are intended to reduce administrative burden and improve access to care.

Applications are now open for Certified Medication Aide (CMA) Training, marking an exciting milestone for nursing facilities as they prepare for implementation. This important step follows years of advocacy by Mass Senior Care (MSCA) and our members to advance the CMA role in Massachusetts.

Register Now!