E-News Update
Your Link to Long Term Care News in Massachusetts
February 26, 2026
Featured Article
REMINDER: EOHHS Calendar Year 2025 DCC-Q FINAL Filing: Portal Open for March 1, 2026 Webform Filing
Summary
Nursing facilities are required to file a Final Calendar Year 2025 DCC-Q form by March 1, 2026 through the UMASS online portal which is open for data entry on the electronic webform. |
UMASS Study Documents Savings Under MassHealth 2017–2022 Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver
Summary
A study by researchers at UMass Chan Medical School finds that MassHealth’s 2017–2022 Section 1115 Demonstration Waiver generated significant cost savings and improved health outcomes for members. With approval from CMS, Section 1115 Demonstration Waivers allow states the flexibility to design and improve their Medicaid and CHIP programs through experimental, pilot, or demonstration projects. EOHHS’ 2017-2022 Demonstration Waiver shifted delivery system from fee-for-service to Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) for Medicaid residents. |
Public Hearing - Proposed Amendments to 651 CMR 12.00: Certification Procedures and Standards for ALRs
Summary
A public hearing will be held on Thursday, February 26, 2026, at 10:00 AM, relative to the adoption of proposed amendments to 651 CMR 12.00: Certification Procedures and Standards for Assisted Living Residences. The proposed amendments implement the provision of Basic Health Services in Assisted Living Residences as established in Chapter 197 of the Acts of 2024. |
Quarterly POLST Update
Summary
Executive Office of Aging & Independence (AGE) will hold the quarterly MOLST to POLST update on Wednesday, March 25, 2026 at 3:00 pm. |
MSCA/MHA Collaborative Calls
Summary
Mass Senior Care is committed to helping our members and hospital partners place patients needing short- or long-term care. To strengthen collaboration with the Massachusetts Hospital Association, nursing facilities, and hospital case managers, we invite you to join our monthly collaborative calls. |
REMINDER: Dementia Special Care Unit Disclosure (DSCU) is due March 1, 2026
Summary
Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 111, section 71C and 105 CMR 150.028 Dementia Special Care Units require that all nursing facilities that advertise or hold themselves out to the public as a provider of specialized care to persons with dementia must file a disclosure statement with the Department of Public Health by March 1st each year. |
REMINDER: CLIA Program Going Paperless by March 2026
Summary
CMS has announced that the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) program will fully transition to a paperless system by March 1, 2026. |
Upcoming Education & Events - March 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.
