E-News Update
Your Link to Long Term Care News in Massachusetts
June 12, 2026
Featured Article
Happy National CNA Week!
Summary
Yesterday officially kicked off National Certified Nursing Assistants Week, observed June 11-17, 2026, and Mass Senior Care Association (MSCA) is pleased to recognize the Commonwealth's CNAs for their dedication and commitment to enhancing the quality of care and quality of life for older adults and people with disabilities. Please join us in thanking all CNAs for going above and beyond every day! |
Critical Action Alert: Please Email your State Representative and Senator to Urge Them to Contact the FY 2027 Conferees in Support of Quality Nursing Facility Funding
Summary
Please contact your State Representative and State Senator today to urge them to ask the FY 2027 Budget Conference Committee to support an $82 million earmark for quality nursing facility funding in Medicaid line item 4000-0641. This new investment is critically necessary to earmark the July 1st increase in the nursing home assessment for the purpose of increasing wages for our deserving staff, hire additional direct care workers to further alleviate staffing shortages, and fund care for our more medically complex patients. |
Multilingual Health Care Proxy and Personal Directive Available
Summary
Healthcare providers play a critical role in educating and encouraging patients and residents to complete a Health Care Proxy. To support these conversations, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is partnering with Honoring Choices Massachusetts to offer a free multilingual Health Care Proxy and Personal Directive (Living Will) Who is Your Health Care Agent? consumer handout. |
CMS Clarifies Requirements for OBRA Discharge Assessments
Summary
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released a new fact sheet to help skilled nursing facilities determine when an OBRA Discharge assessment is required. The resource reinforces guidance in the MDS 3.0 RAI User’s Manual and serves as a quick reference for MDS teams. |
MassPOLST Quarterly Updates and Support Sessions Registration
Summary
The next MOLST to POLST quarterly update is scheduled for June 23, 2026 from 2:00pm – 3:00pm. |
Apply for a 2026 Foundation Scholarship: Deadline for Submission is July 17th
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. The Foundation is accepting applications for its 2026 awards. Please note that the application and all required components must be submitted online and received by Massachusetts Senior Care Foundation no later than 4:00 pm on Friday, July 17, 2026. |
Upcoming Education and Events - Summer 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.
