E-News Updates

In a continued effort to control state spending and manage mounting fiscal uncertainty, Governor Maura Healey’s administration is considering offering voluntary buyouts to state employees, according to a Boston Globe report.

MassHealth requires that nursing facilities and chronic disease and rehabilitation inpatient hospitals account for the balances of personal needs allowance (PNA) account funds. MassHealth has issued Long Term Care Bulletin 118 for the annual accounting of balances of personal needs allowances (PNA) for residents in LTC facilities.

As respiratory illness season begins to ramp up, nursing facilities are reminded to remain diligent in their infection control practices to limit the spread of COVID-19 to residents and staff.  Nursing facilities must comply with the DPH’s guidance on Organizational Policies and Procedures for Mitigating Respiratory Illness and continue to identify and monitor respiratory illness metrics to indicate when there are increased levels which may necessitate implementing these infection control measures.

As a reminder, PBJ data for July 1 – September 30, 2025, must be submitted by November 14, 2025, at 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time. Given the government shutdown, providers are encouraged to submit their data early so that they have ample time to resolve issues should they run into any challenges during data submission.

The 2025 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Award Intent to Apply (ITA) period is open! AHCA encourages applicants who plan to apply for a 2026 Quality Award to submit an ITA by logging into the Quality Award Portal before the deadline on November 13, 2025.

Due to the continued federal government shutdown, the November IDR/IIDR meeting has been canceled. All cases submitted for review for October and November will be discussed at the December meeting.

On October 29th, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced an interim final rule – effective, October 30th – that ends automatic extensions for employment authorization documents (EADs) for individuals filing renewal applications in most categories.

Through the Massachusetts Career Ladder Program (CLP), a state and employer sponsored initiative implemented by the MA Executive Office of Health and Human Services (EOHHS) with support from partners including Mass Senior Care Association (MSCA), employers can create a pipeline of nurses by helping valued employees advance their career. This unique opportunity allows employees to train as LPNs while working part-time and receiving a stipend to help sustain their cost of living during school.

The American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living’s Gero Nurse Prep course significantly increases RNs’ gerontological nursing competency test scores. Registrants can save $200 on Gero Nurse Prep through November 15, 2025 with promo code RN25 or LPN25 (all caps). 

Don't Wait! Reserve Your Spot Now for Important Webinars!